The Train of Dark Wonders

Jump aboard for a journey to strange and spectacular lands...

The magical must-read middle-grade novel from the bestselling author of THE POLAR BEAR EXPLORERS’ CLUB and FROZEN CHARLOTTE.

Bess has always loved her grandfather’s collection of curiosities. So she’s delighted when she’s handed the keys to his Odditorium. But unless she finds a way to draw in the crowds, she’ll have to close its doors for good.

When a mysterious train pulls into town, bound for The Land of Halloween Sweets, Bess hatches a plan and sneaks onboard. She is soon discovered by Beau the puppeteer, Louie the violinist and Maria the fire witch. Eager to join their adventure, Bess sets out to search for the rarest sweet of all - the ghostly gobstopper.

But the land is ruled by the fearsome Candymaker. And beneath the sugary surface, things are more dangerous than they first appear...

Alex Bell has written multiple books for both adults and young people, including Frozen Charlotte, a Zoella Book Club pick, and The Polar Bear Explorers’ Club, which was a Waterstones Book of the Month. After studying to be a lawyer, she now works at the Citizens Advice Bureau. Alex lives in Hampshire with her husband, sons and demanding cats.