The Dangerous Business of Being Trilby Moffat

Trilby Moffat #1

by Kate Temple

This is the dangerous story of Trilby Moffat, who took on one of the most treacherous jobs of all time. Well . . . outside of time, to be precise. For fans of Nevermoor and Lemony Snicket.

This is NOT just any old book. THIS is a legal document. It contains a truthful record of how Trilby Moffat was accidentally promoted to the most important job that ever existed. The job of Time Keeper.

A mystery illness is making people bake ancient cakes, speak dead languages and then fall asleep and never wake up. When Trilby Moffat's mother catches this strange sickness, Trilby must find her only other surviving relative, a 300-year-old aunt who lives in a secret antique shop on the edge of time.

Ahead of Trilby lies an unusual inheritance, an opportunity that will never be repeated and a man in a top hat who will try to kill her . . . more than once.

This is the story of how one ordinary girl finds herself on a deliciously fast-paced adventure, fleeing to an island where time doesn't exist, cats are particularly rude and cake is always on the menu. Here she will take on the most treacherous job of all time. Well . . . outside of time, to be precise.

Genres: Middle Grade, Fantasy, Adventure, Childrens, Science Fiction, Fiction

216 pages, Paperback

First published September 28, 2022

About the author

Hello to you! We are Kate and Jol Temple and we write silly books for kids! Some of them love to rhyme and others do not at all but all of them have pictures, because pictures are cool and anyone who says they're not is a two headed yeti. We live in Sydney with our human sons and a dog that thinks it's a raccoon.

We love to visit schools. We talk about and read picture books to little kids preschool through to junior primary. We also love to talk to bigger kids about our chapter books and what it's like being a writer. For more info about our school visits contact us and we'll be in touch.

Reviews

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Dream Sickness had struck the land and a lot of people, including twelve year old Trilby Moffat's mother, were spending a lot of their time sleeping. Trilby took her mother far away, journeying by train until they arrived at Trilby's glorious-aunt's antique shop, located on the edge of time. With her mother sleeping, Trilby suddenly inherited the job of Time Keeper and it was her job to discover the treasure which would reverse the Dream Sickness. But she was in danger and although she had some friends, there was one person who wanted Trilby gone so he could have the Time Keeper's key...

The Dangerous Business of being Trilby Moffat by Kate Temple is a middle grade story, full of fun, entertainment, fantasy and time - the time that wasn't moving at all confused Trilby, but she would find the answer. Recommended for the small fans in our lives.

With thanks to Hachette AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

[Mái Medina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute Cute Cute Cute!!!!

For all Nevermoore lovers out there.. this new series is perfect for you! Ohhh it is funny, charming and cute... with a little bit of "magic"! I really enjoyed the writing style and the fact that from time to time the narrator addresses the reader in a very entertaining way.

Thank you so much Hachette Australia for my advanced copy! Reading this book made me happy and
brought many smiles to my face.

I think there are two references to shows: one to Friends and one to "Winners & Losers" with the "Shut up Brian" hahahah

[Melinda Szymanik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of humour, cleverness and pace in this junior novel about Trilby Moffat, living in a world much like ours but with some fantastical, whimsical and downright dangerous elements. Trilby must seek the help of a distant relative in a remote and unusual location after her mother succumbs to a dreadful kind of sleeping sickness sweeping through the world. And there at the oddest Antique shop on the edge of everything, the worst happens and Trilby is swept into a wild adventure, the outcome of which will change everything. A fun read with plenty of engaging ideas, language and action.

[☽｡⋆ Naidah ₊˚ෆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s a great book! A fun read with mystery, adventure and comedy.

You’ve got a strong minded and a little sassy 12-year-old who is only trying to save her mother, a crew of different time walkers (the time guild), the perfectly annoying antagonist duo Mr Colin and Carole and then a Brian (shut up Brian).

Had a few laughs and the author kept it very entertaining and interesting. Left on a good cliffhanger.

Rating it 4/5 stars cause at first I didn’t understand what was going on because the story was being told by a narrator, which I don’t think it mentioned it until later 🤔

Overall great read.

[Jayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

A fun ride through time. How can I not love a book that is narrated by a thylacine? The take off of the self-importance of some middle managers and the monotony and pointlessness of much office work is hilarious. The advertisement for the job in the mailroom is so good.
The ending was quite abrupt and definitely leaves the reader waiting for the next instalment in Trilby's adventures (coming out in July).

[Jessica Lynch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the quirky side of it and the plots the happened all around the book. You get stuck into it pretty easily and the cliff hangers at the end of ever chapter kept you interested and thinking about what was going to happen next. I liked how you had to guess the crossword clue bit, and overall a fun fiction book to read.

[Maree Silver · Rating 3 out of 5]

A new look at time and how it is managed or not. Fast paced, lots if action, interesting characters and setting.

[Archibald Haddock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was lucky enough to score an advance copy recently and really enjoyed it. Loads of interesting ideas here that kids will want to explore - like what would happen if time didn't exist? How did a thylacine get a law degree? And how did all these ancient kids manage to escape Vesuvius, the wreck of the Titanic, and the bombing of Hiroshima? Loved the fresh take on what a pandemic could look like - no coughs or sneezes here, instead Temple serves up babbling dead languages, baking Roman cakes and falling into an endless slumber. Refreshingly nasty baddies too, these ones right out of some nightmare HR department! Fantasy with a great sense of humour, highly recommend for fans of Neil Gaiman or Lemony Snicket. 5 stars.

[Annaleise Byrd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate Temple has written more than twenty books with her writing partner Jol Temple, including the Bin Chicken picture books, Room on Our Rock and The Underdogs junior fiction series. The Business of Being Trilby Moffat is Kate’s first solo book. The prologue begins with the sentence ‘Every situation is worse when your room is on fire’, which sets the scene nicely for the action-packed, humour-filled and fantastical adventure that follows!

Trilby Moffat is a brave, crossword-loving girl whose mother has succumbed to a mysterious illness that sees its sufferers inexplicably start practising ancient arts and crafts before falling into a never-ending sleep. Shortly after Trilby arrives at her great-aunt’s fascinating antique shop at the edge of time, hoping to find a new guardian, she is whisked off to a world outside of time by a deliciously odious official who attempts to drown her on the way. She then meets a band of children who never grow older – since they live outside of time – and learns that a missing ‘time treasure’ has been stolen. Trilby agrees to help find the treasure to stop more things going wrong in both worlds.

The story is fast-paced and extremely well-written, full of quirky humour, inventive similes, sarcastic cats, constant cake-eating and jabs at the boring bureaucratic world of adults. It has a delightfully offbeat and fourth-wall-breaking narrator (not Trilby, but I won’t spoil the surprise, as it’s a few chapters in before the reader finds out who is telling the story). Each chapter title is a crossword clue the reader can solve – for example, Chapter 1 is titled ‘Rain Gently (7)’, i.e. Drizzle. There is a list of answers in the back matter.

This book was one of my favourite reads of the year. It is frequently compared to A Series of Unfortunate Events by other reviewers, and I can see why. With the story well set up for a sequel, I am excited to see what Kate Temple writes next.

This review was first shared on StoryLinks Australia.

[Helen Farch · Rating 4 out of 5]

When her mum comes down with a mystery illness that is sweeping the world, causing them to speak dead languages, bake ancient cakes and then fall asleep and never wake up, Trilby Moffat finds herself travelling with her sleeping mother to the remote Nowhere Else Pier to be looked after by her Great Aunt.

Great Aunt Thumbelina lives in a secret antique shop that is only open 2 minutes a week, claims to be 300 years old and, unfortunately, mysteriously drops dead just after they arrive.

Then things really start to get strange....

You see, Great Aunt Thumbelina was the Time Keeper and with her gone, the job of Time Keeper passes to Trilby.

The problem is, not everyone is happy about that and they are taking every opportunity to try and kill her too.

After being dropped overboard in a freezing lake, Trilby is rescued by 2 boys in their boat who are out looking for treasures. They take her back to their island - an island where time doesn't exist.

Now Trilby has to escape the clutches of the evil man in the black top hat and retrieve a mysterious missing treasure to cure the disease that is affecting the world - and her mum.

This is a zany, fast-paced adventure for anyone who likes rude cats, lots of cake, evil Administrators who love paperwork and ordinary girls who find themselves in extraordinary circumstances.

I have to say, this book totally appealed to my sense of humour and I think it will be a hit with older middle grade and young YA readers.

It will also be a perfect read about because so much of the humour will have the adults reading it in hysterics along with the young people they are reading it to.

Can't wait for book 2.

Thanks to Hachette Australia for the review copy of this book.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a gorgeous book to read with the kids. Clever and funny and interesting, with a mysterious sleep illness, an actual Passage of time, crossword clue chapter titles, a thylacine and lots of cake. A delightful, fantastical romp for the whole family and ever so much fun!

[Schizanthus Nerd · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Excuse me, but are you going to try and murder me, again?’

A Dream Sickness is sweeping the land. Those afflicted suddenly speak in ancient languages and bake strange cakes. This all sounds very fascinating and delicious until someone hands you a flamingo-tongue pie.

As the illness progresses, the time for showing off their new old skills diminishes as they begin to sleep. And then sleep some more.

Trilby’s mother now has the ability to recreate ancient Egyptian hairstyles. When she’s not sleeping, that is.

Trilby’s quest for a way to help her mother leads her to Lost in Time Antiques at Nowhere Else Pier. Before long Trilby becomes the Time Keeper, travels to the Island Between Time, finds the Passage of Time and experiences both lots of time and no time at all. It’s actually all very timely.

During her quirky, unusual, unconventional, out of the ordinary travels, “reasonably nice” Trilby meets the Time Guild and bureaucrats from the Office of the Ministry of the Board of the Department of the Appropriate Division for the Committee of the Commission for the Corporation of the Agency of Association for Managers Administering Time. I’m pretty sure the pencil-pusher responsible for the unpronounceable acronym that allegedly shortens this title also named the departments at my previous workplace.

I really liked Thumbelina and the narrator, but my favourite character was shut up Brian. I definitely want to spend more outside of time with him.

Trilby’s love of crosswords is reflected in the chapter headings and I loved playing along. Handy hint: If you’re stuck, you may find the answer as you read the chapter. Although sometimes you won’t because … reasons. No, I’m not going to tell you. You can figure it out for yourself. My apologies; I must have been spending too much time around the rude cats.

There’s only one niggle my brain is still trying to work out: if time doesn’t pass on the Island Between Time, how does day become night?

When you finish reading this book please feel free to join me at the edge of the cliff I’m currently hanging onto. The first in a series, this book introduces the characters and the world, explains how time does and doesn’t work here and answers some of the questions it raises.

There’s still plenty of fun, entertainment, enjoyment, delight to look forward to. I’ll definitely be accepting my invitation to join Trilby and her new friends when they continue their adventure.

You are never as trapped as a man in a top hat would have you believe.

And there’s always time for cake.

Thank you so much to Hachette Australia for the opportunity to read this book. I’m rounding up from 4.5 stars.

Blog - https://schizanthusnerd.com

[Jill Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first, I thought, this book was a bit silly. Then I started giggling.

Trilby Moffat is almost killed several times by Mr Colin the Administrator of O.M.B.D.A.D.C.C.C.A.A.M.A.T. Mr Colin wanted all the treasures of time. Trilby Moffat, through no fault of her own, had become the new Time Keeper. Her glorious old Aunt Thumbelina had died and she had taken over holding the golden key.

Of course, Trilby didn't know what any of this meant at the time. She only knew her mother was ill and with the sleeping sickness. Because the Antique shop was where time kept going. The island where she was taken was not a place where time existed. The children were the Time Guild and they explained the problem of losing the Treasure to Trilby. The narrator, a legally minded thylacine called Benjamin, told most of the story.

What was the 'Treasure?' How could Trilby escape being drowned in a boat on the sea of time? Or being brainwashed by an extremely boring film? Or being burned alive in her bedroom? Would she and her friends find the Treasure and return it to the Passage of Time?

I enjoyed this book and can understand why Kate Temple needed a clever lot of friends to help her make the story complete. It is complete, almost. Her mother woke up when they were returning to the antique shop to save her. Where was she now? Would Trilby find her in 'The Passage of Time.'

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an easy to read, fast paced and very fun, quirky book.
I read it together with my 10 year old son.

In the story, there is an outbreak of a mysterious illness called "dream sickness" which causes people to start speaking ancient languages and act in other long forgotten ways. When Trilby's mother catches the illness, they travel to an extraordinarily old Aunt who lives on mysterious pier.
Trilby travels to a place where time does not exists and must help the "time guild" find a stolen treasure whose absence has caused the passage of time to be disrupted. The time guild are reminiscent of the lost boys from Neverland. They are a band of children from different time periods.
The enemy is Mr Colin, a tall skinny grey man with a toothy grin and a top hat who is described as walking like a spider. There are so many well described and unique characters.
The whole group of islands where time does not exist reminds me of Alice in Wonderland. There is a barge which ferries people between the islands operated by "the rude cats" who talk back and are rude to their passengers.

It is very well written and was a fantastic read.
However, I found the ending a bit inadequate.

This book could be a blockbuster movie.
Tim Burton needs to read it.

[Bianca · Rating 4 out of 5]

✍️This is the dangerous story of Trilby Moffat. A mystery illness is making people bake cakes, speak dead languages and then fall asleep to never wake up. When Trilby's mother catches this sickness, Trilby goes on a fantastical journey to an island where time doesn't exist and where she will take on the most treacherous job there is.

What an ADVENTURE! I ADORED this MG novel! An extremely clever and creative story which captured my imagination from start to finish. The synopsis was entirely distinctive and innovative to what I have read before and was teeming with wacky, quirky, fascinating and distinguishing contrivances. I was engrossed from the beginning. The characters were well developed and the backdrop incredibly inventive and fun.

I enjoyed the dialogue between characters and the narrator communicating with the reader on many occasions. Highly recommend!

This beautiful book comes out September 28th.

[Atlanta Bushnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Dangerous Business of Being Trilby Moffat by Kate Temple is a super fun and exciting middle grade adventure.

First of all the story is narrated by a Tasmanian Tiger named Benjamin, which I absolutely loved, and I know MG readers will love too. It completely sets the tone for the wild and entertaining ride this story is. It follows Trilby Moffat, who is thrown headfirst into a time bending adventure when she and her mother go to live with her Glorious-Aunt Thumbelina.

Trilby is resourceful and brave and I loved her as a main character. She doesn’t let anything or anyone stop her from getting to the bottom of the mysteries and strange circumstances that she suddenly finds herself in the middle of.

I would recommend it to fans of the World Between Blinks series, The Ship of Clouds and Stars by Amy Raphael and other MG time travelling adventures.


Thank you Hachette Australia for the #gifted review copy.

[Torin’s Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an enjoyable read, written by Kate Temple, who clearly has an advanced sense of humour and an appreciation for the ridiculous. I love the whole concept of the islands between time and how they are being run like a large, faceless corporation. Mr Colin is just like the caped and moustache-twirling bad guy who ties the innocent damsel to the train tracks - extremely unlikeable and unbelievably uncaring in his actions. He insults every person he speaks to including his own helpers (poor Brian!!). There is lots of action and a few tense moments and I laughed my way through the whole story and was vastly entertained. I would highly recommend this book - and not just for middle grade which it is aimed at - I think adults will find it tickles their funny-bones too.

[Blue · Rating 3 out of 5]

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Thank you Hachette for this book in exchange for an honest review

This little middle grade gem gave me Nevermoore vibes mixed with a little bit of HP. There was always a funny or cute moment happening and Tribly was a unique and fun character! The magic was well immersed into the world and the overall story was entertaining! I dare say that there was a lot of elements about this book that felt familiar as though I’ve read them before, regardless it was an entertaining read.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny, fast paced urban fantasy. I adored this book. It reminded me of Lemon Snicket but more quirky. It's mostly set on this island outside of time and I love the whole world that's been created there with these ancient kids from disasters in history. Also what I loved is the tone of the book. It's narrated by an extinct thylacine (Tasmanian tiger) with a law degree and he is like a mentor to the main character. The head honcho bad guy is also very funny. This is a must must read. It's not that long. but I knocked it over in a weekend!

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is a very well written book by Kate and it is very creative. I really liked the cats that mock whatever anybody says and how everybody on the island eats cake all day every day because there is no time for teeth to rot in the island between time. There is lots of great ideas in the book like when Trilby woke up and realise there was fire in her room but she got confused because you can’t start fire on an island where there is no time because you need time to start a fire. This is a great book overall and I would recommend it to a friend

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story however at one point it does delve into what I would call 'office humour' and I wonder whether children will connect with that.

An extra star for the chapter headings which are crossword clues (answers at the back of the book) and for the funny, imaginative sentences. Here's my favourite one: "Trilby watched the water intently, the way a lost rabbit watches a game of beach volleyball - bewildered and in need of a snack".

[Cate45 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I adored this book. I loved Lemony Sincket so this was a perfect fit. The humour is very good but I really loved the world and the island outside of time and also the rude cats. They were my favourite.

[H.M. Waugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved loved loved this book! Quirky, funny, fabulous voice, gripping plot. Rude cats and a man in top hat. Enjoyed this so much.

[Cate · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5*

[Kristin Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is rather silly and enjoyably wonderful.

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ Fun to read aloud, this book was crazy and hilariously strange!

[Yvonne Hall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Funny and ridiculous in a good way! The language is a delight. This book is worth reading for its similes alone. Can’t wait to catch up with Trilby in the next instalment.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Such a clever book with an fascinating storyline. Very different from any book that I have read. Plenty of suspense, adventure and mystery. A must read for Year 4-6

[Jordan Haakma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Needs to be turned into a movie

[Smitchy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Dangerous Business of being Trilby Moffat promises to be an excellent new series for young readers to get lost in!
Something very strange is happening in the world: People are getting confused as to era in which they are living. Ordinary people are suddenly speaking ancient languages and baking strange cakes or building pyramids. It seems to be an illness that has the experts stumped. As the illness progresses the victims get more and more sleepy until one day they just stop waking up and sleep on and on. Trilby's mother came down with it a few days ago and decided that she had to take Trilby somewhere safe before she fell asleep. So Trilby finds herself on a train headed for a mysterious relative, a surprise inheritance, and island where time doesn't exist, a talking Thylacine, and a businessman in a top hat who will try to kill her.

The humour and unexpectedness of this story kept me hooked all the way through! Rude talking cats, chapter titles that are crossword clues and the business of time management all combine to make this a memorable and exciting world that is sure to intrigue young readers. Will be recommending this one to middle grade readers 7-12 and to fans of A Series of Unfortunate Events.