Mary Arrigan: 8 books

Nobody ever passed the old Garvan house alone; gossip and suspicion surrounded it. But when an eerie cry draws Meg, Pete and Harvey into its grounds, little do they expect to be swept up into a love story that spans the century. What part do the dilapidated house, a mysterious old man and a strange bird play in this story and how can Meg, Pete and Harvey right the wrongs of history?

“Imagine digging a hole in the ground and finding enough wealth to live in comfort for ever!” Esty’s childhood world is shattered when her father is killed defending starving Irish peasants. Suddenly forced to leave home and work as a maid, it is only the dream of gold and a better life...

On the Bring-Something-Old-to-School day, Milo’s best friend Shane brings part of a carved ancient stone from his granny’s wild garden. When it is presented in class, Willie Jones’s lizard goes crazy and leaps from its glass container in terror. Milo realises this is no ordinary old stone. Afraid...

BEYOND THE PORTAL Milo’s ghostly buddy, Mister Lewis, appears in the town’s ancient castle, but he’s not alone. He’s in trouble and needs Milo’s help. Things get very complicated when Milo’s teacher, Miss Lee, accidentally wakes some raging chieftains from long ago. And then...

Esty Maher's family is uprooted and torn apart during the Irish potato famine - 'the Hunger'. Esty is sent into service, but dreams of going to Australia to find gold, and manages to get assisted passage for her family and friends. However, when they reach Ballarat, her dream and hard work nearly...

When ghostly Mr Lewis has to leave his cosy home in the castle, Milo and Shane help set him up in a local ruined mill. However, the mill is haunted by two ‘lady ghosts’, daughters of Granuaile’s pirate cousin. Little do the boys realise the danger this puts them in, and the trouble it will cause...

Note on Beatrix Potter Beatrix Potter was born in 1866 to well-to-do parents in London. As was the fashion of the time, her mother had little to do with the baby, entrusting her to the care of a strict nurse. For the rest of her life, Mrs Potter was a distant and unaffectionate mother. As a...

What is the secret of Mallie's picture? The mystery unfolds as evacuees Tony and Alice escape the terrors of London's Blitz for the Lake District, where they befriend a fascinating and fearless old lady. Many years later, an after-school job in a pet shop enables well-meaning Mallie to buy...