The Treasure of Plunderell Manor

Orphaned Laurel Bybank is on her way to take up her post as maidservant to Alice Plunderell, heiress of the Plunderell fortune. When Laurel nears the manor, she is stopped on the road by young John Frame, a former steward to the estate. John warns Laurel that Lord and Lady Stayne, Alice's greedy guardians, plan to kill their ward for the sake of her fortune. But the most valuable part of Alice's inheritance is her grandfather's treasure chest, which lies hidden somewhere on the Plunderell lands. The Staynes are convinced that Alice knows where the treasure is locatedand they hope to use Laurel to coax this information from her. This lively adventure tale, with its cast of eccentric characters, will keep young readers enthralled. The Victorian setting brings to mind Joan Aiken's The Wolves of Willoughby Chase. Ages 12-up. (December)