If you lost your mum on bonfire night…
…how far would you go to find the truth?
If your mum vanished on Bonfire Night how far would you go to find the truth? Timothy Shaw travels 300 years into the past, battling DECEIVERS — creatures that shift between human and bird form — in a supernatural race against time to unravel his mum’s disappearance and unlock a dark secret. A secret that holds the key to the survival of mankind itself…
The Secret on the Second Shelf is a fantasy adventure novel likely to appeal to fans of Philip Pullman, and those who enjoy a rich blend of mystery, frightening creatures and time travel. Targeting readers aged 8 and above.
It features an ancient race called the Deceivers — shapeshifting beings that transform into terrifying bird-like creatures when you least expect it. Set in Cambridge, the protagonist Tim must confront these dark forces to uncover the truth about his mother’s disappearance on bonfire night — and ultimately learn the truth about himself.
Gemma Bowen, who runs the after-school art club, helps Tim unravel the mystery as they find themselves transported back in time. Gemma is a strong, feisty character with a passion for art and her quirky cat, Einstein.
Watch the official trailers for The Secret on the Second Shelf — a supernatural adventure blending time travel, mystery and unforgettable monsters. Click the thumbnails below to play.
Available in hardcover, paperback, Kindle and audiobook. See the Buy the Book page for purchase links.
“No Such Thing As Monsters” is a short film in the fantasy adventure genre, adapted from the novel, produced in 2017. It was made following the author’s completion of a practical filmmaking course at the Met Film School in Ealing, London.
Running approximately 10 minutes, the film draws on key scenes from chapters 2 and 4 — introducing Tim, Tim’s Dad and Daniel — and explores what unfolds after Tim receives a mysterious parcel in the morning mail.
Shot in Ealing and North Acton, with the confrontation scene filmed at Ealing Studios, the production features special effects and an original score by Alun Taylor.
Cast: Henry George Lewis as Tim, Michael Good as Daniel, Tim Larkfield as Tim’s Dad. Crew: Jamie Touche (Director of Photography), Sebastien Blanc (1st AD / Editor / Sound Design & Special Effects), Joe Conneely (Sound).
The film premiered at the Everyman cinema in Esher, Surrey on 11th June 2017, with further private screenings at schools across the UK.
If your mum vanished on Bonfire Night how far would you go to find the truth? Timothy Shaw travels 300 years into the past, battling DECEIVERS in a supernatural race against time to unlock a dark secret…
The Secret on the Second Shelf is now available in three formats: hardcover, paperback and Kindle.