Trouble at the Scriptorium

by Anne E. Johnson

Harley, the jester’s son, lives in a castle in medieval England. He admires the Lady Margaret, with whom he was raised. But now the difference in their birth and rank means she hardly speaks to him—until they find a common purpose in deciphering a coded message in an illustrated chantbook. Then they find out the truth behind the appointment of the strange new head of the scriptorium.
Jewels have been stolen. Harley is attacked. With a plot that thickens on every page, the story takes us right into the life of the castle and the nearby monastery. It is a world of feasts and festivals, but also of greed and misdoings, and the dangers that lurk outside the castle walls. A unique aspect of this enthralling book is the thread of Gregorian chant that is at the heart of the secret message.

131 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2012

About the author

As the author of dozens of published short stories, Anne E. Johnson has won writing prizes for both children's and adults' short fiction.

Her book-length fiction includes:

SPACE SURFERS, adventure novel for teens.

THINGS FROM OTHER WORLDS: 15 Alien and Fantasy Stories for Kids.

GREEN LIGHT DELIVERY and BLUE DIAMOND DELIVERY, humorous science fiction novels.

EBENEZER'S LOCKER, paranormal mystery for kids.

TROUBLE AT THE SCRIPTORIUM, medieval mystery for kids.

Anne lives in Brooklyn with her husband, playwright Ken Munch.