Once upon a time there was a boy & they called him Mouse.. . That is how the story began when I told it to myself in the long darkness. Of course it wasnt the whole story but back then I knew nothing almost nothing at all.. . Mouse is unaware of his privileged background: of Epton Towers the luxurious home in which he was born & its magnificent surrounding grounds. Instead he lives a happy & carefree life with Hanny & Isaac on Roseberry Farm
- until one day when the evil Mr Button threatens Hanny & Isaac & takes Mouse away. Mr Button installs Mouse at grim Murkstone Hall a school that lives & breathes terror. Can Mouse escape & find his way to his true family again? A brilliantly evoked tale full of memorable characters including Nick Tick the tiny but clever clockmaker Aunt Indigo & Aunt violet two strong-minded seamstresses & washerwomen & Charlie Punch & his amazing dog Toby. These warm-hearted & generous characters see the plight of Mouse & each in their own way help him towards his destiny. But will they be enough to upset the continual scheming of the villainous Mr Button?