Heir of mystery, or, four legs good - David Roberts

Book Two in Philip Ardagh's darkly hilarious new trilogy, 'Unlikely Exploits', charting the extraordinary change in fortunes of the downtrodden McNally family.The setting is an unidentified country suffering from an unexpected outbreak of very large holes. In Book One we saw the unfortunate young Fergal's demise, and Le Fay's triumph in the Tap 'n' Type typing competition.In this second unlikely exploit, full of surprising twists and turns, the remaining McNally children - Jackie, Le Fay and the twins Josh and Albie - are mysteriously drawn to Fishbone Forest and the forgotten crumbling mansion which lies at its heart. Here they meet the terrifying teddy-bear-clutching Mr Maggs who is planning to make sweeping changes to the world . . . which is all rather unlikely, isn't it? Packed with humour, excitement and sadness, this is another sure-fire winner.