Wrong Tracks

LoveReading4Kids Says

February 2025 Book of the Month

Inspired by the real-life Rainhill Trials, Susan Brownrigg’s Wrong Tracks is a rip-roaring ride of historic fiction. A thrilling, characterful, well-plotted adventure story that reels with subterfuge and sabotage, it also brilliantly evokes the energy and sweeping changes engendered by the industrial era through the lens of its endearing — and daring — protagonist, Edward Entwhistle.

In 1829, a chance encounter sees working-class Edward offered a job at the Stephensons' Steam Locomotive Manufactory miles. Being an ambitious lad, he jumps at the chance, thoroughly determined to make his mark on the Stephenson father and son who are preparing to enter their locomotive to The Rainhill Trials, the winner of which will win the coveted contract to run the new Liverpool & Manchester Rail Way. 

While working as a night guard for the precious locomotive, Edward befriends local girl Prudence, and both their suspicions are aroused when a series of accidents take place, seemingly designed to sabotage construction.  

While Edward is somewhat prone to flight of fancy, Prudence is more of a practical problem- solver with an astute engineering brain, and together they make a mighty fine team. With a swelling list of suspects, the duo face a race against time to figure out who’s trying to ruin the Stephensons’ chance of winning the high-stakes race… Also revealing seismic social shifts of the age — “The coming of the rail ways is going to shake things up, that’s for sure.

The working man won’t be stuck in his village any more. The future is ours!” — Wrong Tracks is a thrilling story of daring and detection.

Reviewed by Joanne Owen
Joanne Owen is a writer, reviewer and workshop presenter whose lifelong love of books began when she was growing up in Pembrokeshire, Wales.
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