Mollie Hunter has already written successful junior novels set in the Orkneys and Shetlands. This latest one [A Stranger Came Ashore] is a product of her study of the Shetland lore and legend concerning the Selkie Folk, who are the seals that live in the waters round the islands….

The author adapts her style in a remarkably effective way to convey the tension of the story and the impact of its climax. The language is direct, commanding and evocative, and she has a quite outstanding gift for conveying atmosphere. The book will certainly be voted a winner.