The Sciontree - The First Corner: Bogglehole

by Glenn Duffield

The suspicious disappearance of a scientist, his son and two bodyguards in the vicinity of the forbidding Wormwood Mount triggers a police investigation in The Four Corners, a remote area of East Yorkshire where strange events are a common occurrence. At first, it appears that the scientist may have been kidnapped but the investigation takes a dramatic turn for the worse when his body and those of his two bodyguards are found on the mount. 'The Sciontree' follows the adventures of four young misfits living in the village of Bogglehole who decide to investigate the crime while on their summer holiday. The teenagers quickly find themselves embroiled in a deadly game of cat and mouse between unknown adversaries in a mystery that deepens with every chilling discovery they make.

'The Sciontree' has a complex structure that mixes elements of fantasy and science fiction with mythology and classic detective literature. It is a novel suitable for teenagers but is equally apt for adults of all ages. The story pits magic and superstition against science and logic; but above all, its themes are friendship, loss and sacrifice, which are explored with pathos and humour. The Four Corners is a unique and original world that the four protagonists discover alongside the reader. The idyllic village of Bogglehole is the setting for 'The Sciontree' and the idiosyncratic portrayal of village life is the backdrop for the greater events taking place.

Genres: Fantasy

510 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 20, 2013

Reviews

[Areland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very good read indeed! Looking forward to the next book; "Little Lostwithin: The Second Corner"

[Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this book! Can't wait for the next one! I can see it turning into a film one day!!

[Emmaa22 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I struggled a little at first, as it seemed aimed at quite a young audience, but once the story got going, I really got into it and thoroughly enjoyed it. There was lots going on, with otherworldly happenings in the balmy Yorkshire village, no-one can find, not even the local bus driver. The characters were heart-warming and reminded me of enjoying famous five adventures as a kid.
I've looked for the next in the series, but it isn´t out yet, but found out the author lives up the road from me!

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful tale, I enjoyed every moment of it.