'Mollie Hunter has a sure hand ... The story has an indefinable atmosphere of Buchan in one of his more swashbuckling moods.' -- Times Literary Supplement 'Quite outstanding.' -- The Press and Journal 'This thrilling tale of espionage set in Edinburgh in the year 1589 is as exciting as any modern spy story.' -- Western Evening Herald 'This story is carefully researched and historical facts are effortlessly conveyed. Above all it is a very exciting and gripping tale with its searches and chases through the wynds of 16th century Edinburgh. Especially exciting is the secret tunnel from the shore of Loch Nor which takes Jamie into the old Guise Palace.' -- Treasure Island: A guide to Scottish fiction for young readers aged 10-14, Summer 2003

Mollie Hunter has written more than 25 novels for children since 1953, incorporating a life-long exploration of Scotland's folklore and history into her stories. She has received numerous awards and honours for her books, including the New York Times Outstanding Book of the Year Award, the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award and the Carnegie Medal.