Forbidden Island - Softcover

'Fast-moving and highly readable' - Books for Keeps; 'Listed as 10+ but I'd say it would be equally appropriate for older children. One of the few titles to address environmental issues, a short text packing in a hell of a plot - good for girls too this one' - The Bookseller; 'A page-turning story...a splendid and very accessible blend of science, history and mystery - cross curricular fiction. Look out for, read and recommend to students' - SecEd; 'Malcolm Rose's fiction is an intriguing adventure story that would make an interesting addition to topics on the Second World War or islands. With its serious but uncomplicated plot and language it is an easy and fast paced read' - Write Away; 'Science, history and mystery collide in breathtaking fashion in this chilling and spine-tingling conspiracy thriller where cover-ups abound. Inspired by a real island in Scotland used for anthrax testing, this eerie and contemporary thriller will keep readers on the very edge of their seat, in the style of Malcolm Rose's acclaimed "Kiss of Death"' - Lovereading4kids; 'Starts like a modern take on the Famous Five when a group of youngsters sail happy and unsupervised around the Scottish Islands. Then they find an island with warning signs that they ignore. This, like the real-life Gruinard until 1986, is a place contaminated with anthrax. But, unknowing, they land - with foreseeable results and some sinister attempts to stop them' - Independent on Sunday; 'What starts as a traditional adventure story - four wealthy kids go out on their boat and discover an island unmarked on their maps - soon develops into a much more complex and chilling thriller. Based on the true story of Gruinard island off Scotland, this pacy read asks uncomfortable questions' - The Daily Mail; 'This fine book is set in Scotland and the children, Mike, Hugh, Daniel and Lauren have a great adventure. This is the "boy's own" idea brought bang up to date and a great introduction to the thriller genre for a younger generation of avid readers' - Shetland Times; 'This book will not disappoint. It is a fast-moving thriller, eminently readable, while it also presents a thoughtful look at our world today. Malcolm Rose has a gift of making history, science and mystery accessible to secondary school readers, while at the same time keeping them totally enthralled' - School Library Association

When Mike and his friends decide to go for a day's cruising around the coast of Scotland, they are surprised to come across a mysterious barren island that doesn't show up on any map or satellite image. Determined to explore it, they make some chilling discoveries: piles of bones, evidence of explosives, and a strange old abandoned building full of scientific equipment - including gas masks. But still none of them quite realizes the trouble they're in until a helicopter flies in and blows up their boat, leaving them stranded...and falling desperately ill. Inspired by a real island in Scotland used for anthrax testing, this eerie and contemporary thriller will keep readers on the very edge of their seat, in the style of Malcolm Rose's acclaimed "Kiss of Death".