An enchanting, suspenseful story of a curious girl, a family curse and impossible alchemy from the acclaimed author of School for Nobodies Mim grew up surrounded by secrets. On the day she was born, her mother died and a strange curse was cast on her family. Ever since, she's been isolated in a dismal castle behind high walls, forbidden from venturing to the Outside. But Mim has never been able to stop asking questions. And when her father hires a bogus governess, Madame Marionette – who brings along an entourage of thugs and a secret, caged ‘pet’ - Mim sets her enquiring mind to work on unravelling the mysteries all around her. Longing for a taste of freedom, she is willing to break all the rules to set out on an epic quest for the truth. But will it be enough to bring happiness back to the lonely castle?