The Secret of the Scarlet Ribbon: SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2018 TIMES CHILDREN'S FICTION AWARD 1819: Nine year old Lamin Jatta longs to be a warrior, like his father and his older brother. He yearns for adventure and excitement. But Lamin has no idea of the danger that awaits him. 1832: Portsmouth is a hotbed of crime and villainy. Kitty Hawkins and her friend, Charlie Miller, are led by a mysterious stranger, Samuel Peabody, into a murky web of intrigue.As Lamin and Kitty's worlds collide, they are drawn into a murderous conspiracy that will change their lives forever.'The Secret of the Scarlet Ribbon' is a fast-paced, middle-grade historical adventure story, full of secrets and mystery. It colourfully brings to life 19th Century England, while dealing sensitively with controversial historical issues.