The first story in the gripping Deptford Histories trilogy. It is the winter of 1664 and young Will Godwin, an alchymist's assistant, chances upon a mother cat and her three new-born kittens in a London churchyard. Taking pity on the freezing family, Will carries them back to his master's apothecary shop. And there, among the bubbling bottles and evil-smelling jars in Dr. Spittle's laboratory, unfolds an extraordinary tale of sorcery, disease, villainy and murder.

Author Biography

Robin Jarvis studied graphic design in Newcastle and then worked in television and advertising making model monsters and puppets. He has been a full-time writer and illustrator for some time, and has a large following among children and adults. Robin,s books are consistent best-sellers and he has won several awards for his work. The Dark Portal was runner-up for the Smarties Prize in 1989.