Books with author John Carswell

Joanna Bannerman, capricious, selfish, and warm-hearted, passionately seeks life and "loveliness". The bustling streets of Glasgow at the turn of the century promise much greater excitement than the solid evangelical background she has known hitherto. First published in 1920, this novel powerfully evokes the image of a young woman ensnared yet ultimately released by her capacity for emotion. It contains a strong autobiographical element and is also a powerful evocation of the life and industry of the Second City of the Empire.

What starts off as a normal summer holiday turns out to be the adventure of a life time. EJ and CJ are off with their Mum and Dad, and pet dog Calvin, to Rocky Shores. They are excited about their holiday by the sea. However, they soon become intrigued by the mysterious island and its towering castle. Both the island and the castle are said to be uninhabited and have been abandoned for hundreds of years. But why is it that EJ and CJ can see lights flickering in the castle after midnight? And not only that, why are burglaries taking place in the local village? And why do the robbers paint a mysterious skull and crossbones on the doors of the houses they rob? EJ and CJ are determined to solve the mystery. Whatever is going on at Rocky Shores, the boys are sure it has something to do with Castle Island and its sinister secrets.