Capturing superbly the hustle and bustle, flair and extravagance of late Eighteenth Century times in England?s renowned capital, The Diamond of Drury Lane introduces its feisty heroine with an undeniably exciting first adventure. This is historical fiction for young readers at its best--authentic, exciting and fast-moving.

Cat Royal is a veritable institution at Mr Sheridan?s famous Drury Lane theatre of ye olde London Town, circa 1790. Adopted by the owner after being mysteriously abandoned as a baby on the steps of his infamous establishment, Cat has grown up backstage amidst the glamour of the bright lights, the exotic artistes, hammy actors, melodious musicians and riotous viewing public. The performers are her family, the stagehands her closest friends.

However, Cat is growing up and she is beginning to think about what she wants to do with her life. Those thoughts take an unexpected turn when she overhears a conversation about a diamond hidden somewhere in the theatre. Her adventures begin when she tries to find the treasure. Pedro, a gifted musician who is new to the company orchestra, ably assists her. Ever present too are the political ramifications of a mischievous satirical cartoonist called Captain Sparkler, who some suspect is a very important person nearby in disguise.

The narrative traverses London and takes in the rival street gangs of Covent Garden, boxing matches, theatre riots, spectacular stage productions and several moments of drama and intrigue. Cat is so likeable as a central character, that readers will soon be caught up in her journey. That journey may only be short geographically, but she learns lots about who she is and who her real friends are. It?s great stuff. Look out for the sequel, Cat Among the Pigeons.

(Age 9 and over)--John McLay

"'These books will keep readers hooked until the end' Bookseller; 'Pacy...A most engaging read' Books for Keeps; 'An eminently satisfying and delightful read' Sunday Tribune; 'Hugely enjoyable romp of a tale' School Librarian; 'A colourful, action-packed story' Publishing News 'A highly enjoyable story full of adventure, likeable character and sharp, witty dialogue' Anti-slavery magazine. 'Rip-roaring saga...thoroughly entertaining...lively and absorbing' The Times Educational Supplement; 'This is rollicking historical fiction at its best, a great read' Sunday Express"

The multi award-winning, "The Diamond of Drury Lane" returns - this time in paperback! Set in 1790's Covent Garden this book whisks you back to a bygone era and into the magic of the theatre. Cat Royal's colourful slang and confident I'll-tell-you-how-it-really-is, makes the story sparkle off the page. Cat Royal is an orphan who lives at the back of the Theatre Royal in Drury Lane. She mingles with the high and low of society, from the actors on stage to the lords and ladies in the stalls to the barrow boys in the grimy marketplace. The tale is packed with local colour and authentic detail. And of course there is a gripping diamond mystery.

The multi award-winning, "The Diamond of Drury Lane" returns - this time in paperback! Set in 1790's Covent Garden this book whisks you back to a bygone era and into the magic of the theatre. Cat Royal's colourful slang and confident I'll-tell-you-how-it-really-is, makes the story sparkle off the page. Cat Royal is an orphan who lives at the back of the Theatre Royal in Drury Lane. She mingles with the high and low of society, from the actors on stage to the lords and ladies in the stalls to the barrow boys in the grimy marketplace. The tale is packed with local colour and authentic detail. And of course there is a gripping diamond mystery.

Julia Golding read English at Cambridge then joined the Foreign Office and served in Poland. Her work as a diplomat took her from the high point of town twinning in the Tatra Mountains to the low of inspecting the bottom of a Silesian coal mine. On leaving Poland, she exchanged diplomacy for academia and took a doctorate in the literature of the English Romantic Period at Oxford. She then joined Oxfam as a lobbyist on conflict issues, campaigning at the UN and with governments to lessen the impact of conflict on civilians living in war zones. Married with three children, Julia now lives in Oxford. The Diamond of Drury Lane won the Nestle Children's Book Prize 2006 and the Waterstone's Children's Book Prize 2006.

2008-08-26 Couldn't read past the first couple of pages!

It was sooo awful i couldn't read past the first couple of pages. Not my type of book at all. Obviously reading the other reviews people do like it but not me!