To be honest, I was extremely skeptical about this book. I can do vampires and werewolves but fairies seemed a step too far! How wrong I was, I think Michelle Harrison's book will be enjoyed by children and adults for many years to come. Although it is set in the present day, it has an almost timeless feel to it; the reader is completely focused on the events and mysteries that Tanya becomes entangled in a Elvesden Manor.While visiting her grandmother's house, Tanya discovers an unsolved mystery. Fifty years ago, a girl vanished in the woods nearby- a girl Tanya's grandmother will not speak of. Fabian, the caretaker's son, is tormented by the girl's disappearance. His grandfather was the last person to see her alive, and has lived under suspicion ever since. Together, Tanya and Fabian decide to find the truth. But Tanya has her own secret: the ability to see fairies. Can it help them to unravel the mystery? Soon they are facing terrible danger- could the manor's sinister history be about to repeat itself?
I particularly liked the character of Tanya; you really feel for her due to her ability to see fairies which causes her no end of troubles. Regardless of what others think, she is an extremely brave and loyal person who is simply trying to do the right thing by those around her.
Tanya's grandmother's house, Elvesden Manor is almost a character itself. It is the house that reveals the unsolved mystery to Tanya and she becomes very aware of it withholding many more secrets. I loved the chapters where Tanya and Fabian explore some of the house's hidden rooms and passages as you have no idea of what they may find.
I really enjoy young adult fiction that isn't afraid to be a little dark. Michelle Harrison includes some very sinister characters in this book and their descriptions are wonderful. I'm so glad that I read The Thirteen Treasures, I will definitely be picking up the other two in the series.
Many thanks to Simon and Schuster for sending me a copy to review.
