Wrong Tracks

By Author / Illustrator

Susan Brownrigg

Genre

Historical Fiction

Age range(s)

Publisher

UCLan Publishing

ISBN

9781916747340

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

09-01-2025

Synopsis

Who is sabotaging the Rainhill Trials? It is 1829. Everyone is talking about the exciting new railways and young Edward Entwistle cannot believe his good fortune: a chance encounter sees him offered a job at the Stephensons' Steam Locomotive Manufactory.

The Stephensons are preparing for an important competition - The Rainhill Trials. A race of innovation and daring which will award the winner a contract to run the new Liverpool & Manchester Rail Way. Edward must protect the father and son inventors' latest creation - their precious Premium Engine - but strange and dangerous accidents keep stalling construction.

Edward and his new loco-mad friend Prudence soon realise someone is trying to scupper the Stephensons' chances. It is up to the friends to spot sabotage and chase down spies in a thrilling race against the clock.

Inspired by the Rainhill Trials.

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Reviews

Sara

I read Wrong Tracks with my 10-year-old son and boy did we both love it! For us it had the perfect mix of trains, history and adventure!

Wrong Tracks follows the story of young Edward Entwhistle as his paths cross with the Stephenson family as they are preparing their new locomotive for the Rainhill Trials in 1829. Edward teams up with his new landlady's daughter, Prudence, to solve the mystery of the train saboteur, whilst their beloved Premium Engine, later to be christened 'The Rocket', prepares for the race of it's life!

The author incorporates the true story of the Rocket, The Rainhill Trials and Edward Entwhistle, in a perfectly balanced adventure! Highly recommended for fans of history, engineering and adventure.

288 pages / Reviewed by Sara Sumner