It's the harshest winter anyone can remember, and the vast waterways of the Fens are frozen solid, transformed into an Ice Road. Ideal conditions for a surprise invasion by young King Arnald's banished uncle! Even Wickit Monastery is under threat - a bitter illness has struck down almost all the Brothers and a ghost walks across the snow.

How can the orphan Pip, and Perfect, the stone gargoyle, save the Brothers, their friend the King and their country?

absolutely delightful . . . written with humour, clarity and sympathy -- Amanda Craig * The Times *
Expect ingenious plotting with a terrific cast of characters. -- Kathryn Ross * The Scotsman *
An original and accessible story for 7 to 9-year old readers. * School Librarian *

Joan Lennon lives in the Kingdom of Fife, on the River Tay. The Kingdom is said to be shaped like a dog's head. If this is so, her flat is somewhere on the tip of the ear, which explains a lot. She has a husband, four tall sons and one short cat, and plans to go on writing forever.