Hi! I'm Susan Brownrigg. I write historical Middle Grade (8-12 years) children's books.
I am the author of Gracie Fairshaw and the Mysterious Guest, a mystery adventure set in Blackpool, 1935.
Cover design and illustration by Jenny Czerwonka
"A delightfully engaging mystery, with a wonderful setting in 1930s Blackpool."
Katherine Woodfine, author of Sinclair Mysteries, and Taylor & Rose series.
Strange things are afoot at The Majestic... Check yourself in for a mystery beside the seaside.
Gracie Fairshaw and her family have moved into The Majestic, a Blackpool boarding house, when her Ma mysteriously vanishes.
Gracie teams up with her younger brother George, siblings Violet and Tom, and maid Phyllis. They must work out why one of the guests - a conman conjurer - has made Ma disappear.
Can they get her safely home as the clock ticks down to the 1935 Illuminations Switch-On?
Gracie will be published by Uclan Publishing on July 2nd 2020 and is now available for pre-order from local independent booksellers, Hive, Waterstones, Blackwells, Foyles and Amazon.
Reviews for Gracie Fairshaw and the Mysterious Guest
“I found Gracie a really inspirational character showing bravery, independence and strength; she doesn't let her disability hold her back. I also loved the historical setting of 1930's Blackpool - the pier, the Town Hall, the beach and Pleasure Beach all act as windows on the past. The descriptions were immersive and sensory with great links to real people, events and items from historic Blackpool. The plot centres around the switch on event of Blackpool Illuminations and adds a fantastic backdrop of suspense and drama.”
Meg R, Bookseller, Netgalley UK
“What a fabulous story. A lot of my childhood holidays were spent in Blackpool, and I have very fond memories of it, and of course the illuminations...always in the rain of course. It’s a short book at around 2 hours, but it packs a lot in and I just loved all of the characters. I found the story just absolutely wonderful and fun to read. A strong recommendation from me!” Elaine N, Reviewer, NetGalley UK
"I really enjoyed this fast-paced 'Emil and the Detectives'-style mystery adventure. The lively cast of young characters carry the story brilliantly and the 1930s Blackpool setting is beautifully realised. I hope it's the first of many."
Jenny M, NetGalley UK
"Social and historical details combine to paint an affectionate picture of Blackpool in 1935, where Gracie's mum has just taken on a new guesthouse, with a few end of season guests remaining for the switching on of the illuminations. When Ma mysteriously goes missing, Gracie, along with her younger brother and some new friends, desperately tries to find her. The only clue is Ma's reaction on seeing one of the guests - but which one? The story is an intriguing and swift moving adventure, but the main draw of the book is the cast of warm, accepting and good-natured characters who work together to find Ma and foil the plot of the one ill-intentioned villain. It's a great insight into 1930's Lancashire life and a celebration of the generous heart of a community."
Rosie B, Librarian, Net Galley UK
“I enjoyed this, it's a cute middle grade book set in Blackpool in the 1930s and has a cute mystery at its core. I would read another in the series.”
Rebecca M, reviewer, NetGalley UK
“This was a fun and exciting little mystery. The two main children were interesting and the drama and action was done well. I liked the mystery element and thought that it was believable and well thought out.”
Bethany Y, reviewer, NetGalley UK
“When Gracie and her family move to Blackpool to run a guest house, she knows that she's going to get lots of looks and comments on her arm. It's one reason why she isn't looking forward to it. The people in Milltown all know her, she has friends at school who know the real Gracie, but now she'll have to start again. Not only that but within a couple of days her Ma disappears - why, how? And can Gracie and her little brother George find her?
A lovely book. I enjoyed it.”
Aileen G, reviewer, Net Galley UK
"With great characters, a super mystery and a gang of kids in a club willing to protect each other, there is plenty of action and adventure. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Blackpool and never having actually been there, the descriptions were wonderful and I could feel the atmosphere and excitement surrounding the switch on. Brilliant and perfect for mystery fans!"
Erin H, Librarian, Net Galley UK
"I absolutely loved this new mystery with its excellent heroine Gracie. Set in the mid 1930s it gives a real flavour of life at the time and you get a true feel for the buzz around the switching on of the illuminations. Definitely a book to recommend and I look forward to more adventures for Gracie in the future."
Margaret P, Librarian, Net Galley UK
"Fun read full of mystery, intriguing characters which makes you yearn to visit Blackpool. Extremely engaging read that will captivate readers old and young."
Kelly M, Media, Net Galley UK
"A fast-paced adventure, crammed with mystery... Perfect for fans of Katherine Woodfine."
Anna Mainwaring, author of Tulip Taylor and Rebel with a Cupcake.
"Rip-roaring action with conjurors, conmen and a secret society. If you like Robin Steven's Murder Most Unladylike, make way for Gracie Fairshaw."
Sara Grant, author of Chasing Danger and Mystery at the Ice Hotel.
"Meticulously researched and sprinkled with just the right amount of nostalgia, Brownrigg conjures up the perfect setting for this traditional crime story that will appeal to fans of classic mystery and adventure stories."
Marie Basting, author of Princess BMX.
"A book sure to switch on and illuminate every child’s love of reading."
Barbara Henderson, author of Fir for Luck, Punch & The Siege of Caerlaverock.
susanbrownriggwriter@outlook.com
@suebmuseum
Reach UK - advice for families of children with upper limb differences like Gracie.
Disability is Ability - Manchester-based project run by Harry Williams to spread awareness and appreciation for the limbdifference community.
Cover illustration by Jenny Czerwonka
