Jamie desperately wants to make the swimming team at school but against his two closest rivals the prospects don’t look good. In the meantime he must accompany his mother and her new husband on their honeymoon-not Jamie’s idea of the perfect holiday. The family go to Castlecliff, an old house inherited by Jamie’s stepfather, to prepare it for selling. This imposing building, perched high on a cliff overlooking the ocean, harbours many mysteries, which gradually unravel for Jamie and his new friend Lani, the Fossil Princess. What unfolds is a gripping story of danger, family intrigue and secrets. And dealing with the secret about Lani herself is a challenge that Jamie finds almost unbearable. Told in a very readable style from a 12-year-old boy’s point of view, this story has many elements that will appeal to young readers, with just a smattering of colloquial language to draw them into Jamie’s world. Jamie is a resourceful, thoughtful boy, determined to reach his goals, and the characters around him are warmly portrayed, including the big friendly dog Baskerville who provides gentle comfort and light touches of humour. The book is well designed, with an atmospheric cover inviting readers in. 

Margaret Hamilton is a former librarian, bookseller and children’s publisher and now provides freelance publishing services and reviews

This review from Australian Bookseller & Publisher magazine is reproduced by kind permission of Thorpe-Bowker, a division of R R Bowker LLC. © Copyright 2008, Thorpe-Bowker

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