Linda Newbery

What the judges said of Set in Stone:  'As beautifully crafted as one of the statues adorning the house in the story, this emotionallly charged narrative will thrill all lovers of intelligent fiction.'

Reviewing the book for Write Away, Dani Compton wrote: 'Linda Newbery has very successfully recreated the nineteenth century voice reminiscent of the Bronte’s and Austen, and the element of mystery to be solved evokes the style of Wilkie Collins. Indeed, the alternating narrators, interspersed with letters and the sole voice of Charlotte, are akin to the style of The Woman in White and Set in Stone would be an ideal introduction to such a novel.'

Write Away will be featuring Linda's books in the online reading group.

The other shortlisted authors and books for the Children's Book Award were:

• David Almond Clay
• Julia Golding The Diamond of Drury Lane
• Meg Rosoff Just In Case

The overall Costa Book of the Year is selected from the five category Award winners.

The overall winner will be announced at the awards ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London on 7th February 2007.