When Eddie's parents are struck down by a strange disease that turns them a rather peculiar shade of yellow, it is decided that he should go and stay with Mad Uncle Jack and Even-Madder Aunt Maud at Awful End.

Philip Ardagh's supremely daft and extremely funny novel is set in a terribly smelly 19th century world that children will love. Ardagh captures the stench and stealth of the times, turning what could have been a straightforward adventure story into a delightfully pungent, utterly ridiculous but unbelievably gripping adventure story.--Susan Harrison

2006-01-13 Spectacular Start.

True, it's only 130ish pages long, and I read it in one sitting - but it's the kind of explosion of wit that demands re-reading. The characters are all completely mad and you accept it going in, and Ardagh's narrative voice, slightly reminiscent of Lemony Snicket, is weirdly informative but never patronising (which is where he differs from Snicket; he's better!).

It's a work of genius or a mess of lunacy, depending on your disposition, but it's undeniably hilarious either way. VERY highly recommended.