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A BRAVE GIRL LOOKS FOR ADVENTURE IN A DOWNTON ABBEY-STYLE MYSTERY

1911, Belle Époque. The new century offers wonderful opportunities. Too bad that Zelda – twelve years old, restless, and intolerant of good manners – is confined in a sort of prison! Her house is a damp, gloomy fortress, perched like a raven on top of a Tuscan hill. And then there’s her ball and chain – her family… She is almost resigned to suffering the Anonymous Fate of Minors and ending up in the horrible Forgotten Place, where drab little girls without courage disappear, when she finds a secret diary in the library… There’s nothing for it but to take on the role of detective and embark on an amazing adventure! * Atmospheric and introspective with unforgettable, finely drawn characters.

* Discoveries, emotions and dreams, that all readers on the brink of adolescence can relate to.
*A perfect blend of action and mystery in a fresh and immediate style, with the history of Italy in the background.


Elisa was born in Milan and spent several years in London, which she considers as her literary homeland. She studied Medieval History, but just when she was sure she wanted to become a librarian, she discovered children’s literature in 1988 and has never looked back. An insatiable reader with a huge passion for theatre, she has worked for years as an editor, translator and writer. She has published several novels featuring bright red-haired girls in whom we can all find something of ourselves.

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