Hell and High Water

The heart-stopping tale of a young man's attempt to clear his father's name, from the Carnegie Medal-winning author of Buffalo Soldier.

From the author of the Carnegie Medal-winning Buffalo Soldier comes the heart-stopping tale of a young man's attempt to clear his father's name. When his father is arrested and transported to the Colonies, Caleb is left alone. After a desperate journey in search of an aunt he’s never met he receives a strange, cold welcome. Then a body washes up on the nearby beach and Caleb is caught up in a terrifying net of lies and intrigue. Soon he and his new family are in mortal danger. This powerful story holds the reader in suspense as it charts the growth of a frightened boy into a brave young man. Shortlisted for the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize.

Short-listed for Guardian Children's Fiction Prize 2016

Exploring prejudice and the corruption of the ruling classes, this absolutely gripping stuff. It can only be good news that more readers will find Landman’s books thanks to her Carnegie success. The Bookseller
A gripping historical novel for older children from a prize-winning author Western Morning News
Rich, exciting, intelligent historical fiction from a Carnegie-winning author. Metro
Heart-stoppingly good, romantic, passionate storytelling for a 12-plus audience. New Statesman
Landman won the Carnegie Medal for her previous book Buffalo Soldier and this year’s historical novel is just as gripping. […] Landman’s research is impeccable. Perfect for fans of Poldark. The Times
“…I was reminded of another novel set in this part of the world, Jamaica Inn, as the young hero has to learn who can be trusted and who cannot. Not everyone is hostile, of course, and the darkness and danger are leavened by genuine good heartedness and true affection. And humour. Caleb’s beloved father was a Punch and Judy man, and the Show tops and tails the novel, giving it a satisfying symmetry. That’s the way to do it! Armadillo Magazine
The pace is terrific, the plot having more twists and turns than your average five-season box set. The chapters are short and each one ends with a cliffhanger, and there are several major revelations that I didn’t see coming. It is clearly based on detailed research, and there’s a great sense of a particular time and place being brought to life in all its grit and gruesomeness. With its combinations of strong characters, important themes and terrific writing, Hell and High Water is an excellent example of the very high standard of current YA fiction. The Guardian
From Carnegie Medal-winning Tanya Landman, a heart-stopping tale of a boy clearing his father’s name. The Bookseller
This is a beautifully written, fast-paced novel. […]It is brilliant in the portrayal of the period and the corruption and inequality that controlled everyday existence for many. In Caleb and Letty I discovered two engaging characters with whom I empathized and I was delighted with the ending of their story. I would definitely recommend the novel. Historical Novel Society Review

Tanya Landman has written numerous books for children and young people, including Buffalo Soldier, winner of the Carnegie Medal, Apache, shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal and the Booktrust Teenage Prize, The Goldsmith's Daughter, longlisted for the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize, the Sam Swann and Poppy Fields mystery series and the beautiful picture book Mary's Penny. Tanya lives in Bideford, Devon, with her husband and their two sons. Visit Tanya at

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