
The Incredible Talking Machine (Paperback)
Jenni Spangler (author), Chris Mould (illustrator)Published: 24/06/2021

The author of former Waterstones Children’s Book of the Month The Vanishing Trick returns with another deliciously gothic tale, full of fantastical inventions and sinister figures in a grand theatrical setting.
Pull back the curtain and enter a world where mystery and magic take centre stage . . .
Twelve-year-old Tig works at the Theatre Royale, cleaning, selling tickets and doing anything else that is asked of her by her tyrannical boss, Mr Snell. But Tig will do whatever it takes to get closer to her dream - to become a Stage Manager and spend her days inventing new ways to imagine and build the intricate machinery and props that bring the exciting productions to life!
But when a strange new act - a talking machine - arrives at the Theatre Royale, it moves and behaves in a way that Tig just can't work out. It's as though it's alive somehow . . . And when the machine appears to be hiding a dangerous secret, Tig must race against time to solve the mystery, before everything and everyone she cares about is lost forever.
A gloriously gothic adventure from an original new voice in middle-grade.
A gloriously gothic adventure with a magical twist from an original new voice in middle-grade. Perfect for fans of Michelle Harrison, Sophie Anderson and Emma Carroll.
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Ltd
ISBN: 9781471190391
Number of pages: 288
Dimensions: 198 x 130 mm
MEDIA REVIEWS
Praise for Jenni Spangler's debut novel, The Vanishing Trick:
'A thrilling, original, evocative and eerie tale - I adored it!' - Michelle Harrison, author of A Pinch of Magic
'A thrilling page-turner. Madame Pinchbeck is a gloriously Dickensian villain.' - Abi Elphinstone, author of Sky Song
'Ghosts, gadgets, likeable villains and unlikely heroes: The Vanishing Trick is a dark and dazzling adventure.' - Emma Carroll, author of Letters from the Lighthouse
'A completely enthralling tale, oozing with atmosphere and originality.' - Catherine Doyle, author of The Storm Keeper's Island
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“Ghostly mystery to transport you back in time.”
Evocative and mysterious, so descriptively composed, I could smell the musty costumes and gas lights as I followed Tig through the depths of the old theatre. Tig will be applauded by readers for her bravery, loyalty... More
“Do androids dream of electric sheep?”
Another brilliant book by Jenni Spangler! This story is full of peril, excitement and superb historical detail, just like her other book The Vanishing Trick.
Personally I found it slower at the beginning than TVT,...
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“Eerie Mystery”
Fabulous mystery full of ghostly twists and turns through a haunted theatre and the streets of industrial Victorian Manchester.
Jenni is brilliant at invoking a truly Dickensian feel, which makes for a gritty period...
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