Kate Temple, The Dangerous Business of Being Trilby Moffat (Trilby Moffat #1), Hachette Australia, September 2022, 224 pp., RRP $16.99 (pbk), ISBN 9780734420909
Trilby Moffat is a reasonably nice girl who finds herself in extraordinary circumstances. Her mother has succumbed to Dream Sickness leaving her with her 300-year-old aunt Thumbelina at Lost in Time Antiques, Nowhere Else Pier. When her aunt dies unexpectedly, Trilby inherits the role of Time Keeper, is briefed by a talking thylacine and is whisked away by conniving Mr Colin. She must venture across a secret inland sea to an island in between time in search of a shapeshifting treasure that, being lost, has disrupted the passage of time. It is most fortunate that Trilby has just the right measure of resourcefulness and defiance to grapple with challenges, unravel the mystery and escape the clutches of the evil Mr Colin and his mind-numbing association.
This fantastical adventure is narrated by a droll thylacine who often speaks directly to the reader. It is jam packed with curious creatures and unpredictable occurrences. The story is cleverly written with rich, descriptive language, riddled with pithy sayings, funny word play, and unique metaphors. Trilby loves crosswords, which is reflected throughout the text. Temple often offers synonyms when using unusual words and each chapter name is also a crossword clue, with the answers at the back of the book. The inside back cover contains a QR code which links to a special message from the author and a downloadable Trilby Moffat crossword puzzle. The map on the inside front cover offers a useful visual of the Sea of Time, the setting for Trilby’s journey. This is an action packed, funny, intriguing read which engages readers right up to the cliff and leaves them hanging, waiting for the inevitable sequel.
Recommended for readers middle grades and above, lovers of mystery and fantasy.
Reviewed by Sharon Seymour
