Synopsis:
In the quiet cul-de-sac where Keith and Stephen live there is very little evidence of the Second World War. But the two friends suspect that the inhabitants of the Close are not what they seem. As Keith authoritatively informs the trusting Stephen, the whole district is riddled with secret passages and underground laboratories. Then one day Keith announces an even more disconcerting discovery: the Germans have infiltrated his own family, and the children find themselves engulfed in mysteries far deeper and more painful than they had bargained for.

My review:
I so enjoyed this book, and read it in about five days which is super quick for me! The description and detail is fantastic and I especially loved the story from the child's perspective. I could just picture Stephen with his shoe laces undone, one sock slipped down, snotty nose and just generally a bit grubby looking, together with his rather priviledged and much smarter friend Keith, living in a house where nothing was out of place, a world away from Stephen's untidy home. I found all of the characters intriguing, especially Keith's parents. What a creepy Dad, calling his son 'Old Bean' and then when Keith started calling Stephen that.. *shudder*

I was eager to find out more about Auntie Dee and Uncle Peter, and what connection Auntie Dee or Keith's mother had with the person/tramp/German Spy who appeared to be living rough nearby.

There's so much more I'd like to say but I can't because it would spoil the read for future readers! One revelation towards the end of the book was totally unexpected, but I suspected the other one quite early on. I give this book 10 stars and I'm glad it won Whitbread Novel of the Year 2002.

WILD RELEASE NOTES:

This is my entry for the first book swap game :-)

I intended to read this...honestly i did, but better books took my attention...sorry.

WILD RELEASE NOTES:

I haven't read this book. I am waiting to be punished for my poor time management.

Picked up at last night's meet, thanks!

Sending to my cousin as she told me she will be studying it for A-Level English.