Welcome to The Lost and Drowned
the home of author Stuart Fryd (he actually lives in Billericay - it's just a turn-of-phrase!)
Published work available in shops or online in print or digital
The Village at the Edge of the World - What waits at the centre of the village? What is hiding in the fog?
Death on the Empress - A priceless jewel is stolen, a passenger plummets to his death and an ancient curse strikes the airship!
Scarlett in Knoware - When Scartlett falls asleep on the train, she wakes up somewhere very strange. Can she befriend the strange inhabitants, obvercome an evil foe and find her way out?
Buy here!
The Lost and Drowned is now available on Audible read by the amazing Gill Mills.
Listen to Chapter 1 here!
Every winter, girls are going missing. Lydia, and her carefree sister, Sophie, must stay alive long enough to uncover the terrible, supernatural force that stalks the children of Rottenhall Orphanage. With the help of some strange, magical gifts, can Lydia defy the odds and survive the dangers of Regency London and overcome her nightmarish adversary that hides beneath the frozen Thames?
Watch the first chapter of The Lost and Drowned and The Village at the Edge of the World below!
My favourite part of being a writer is receiving letters from children telling me what they thought. so thank you to Maxine and her brother Dylan who wrote: "I really enjoyed The Village at the Edge of the World and thought that it appeals in particular to children and young adults."
thanks also to Alexa (aged 10ish) who wrote this after reading all three books: "I really liked them and they are my new favourite books."
Star review from Readers' Favorite
The Lost and Drowned by Stuart Fryd brings to mind the atmosphere of a Dickens novel and sprinkles in magic and humor. The story is well written with vivid descriptions, dynamic characters, and realistic dialogue. I love the way Fryd creates a tale of hope with just a touch of creepiness to keep the spine tingling. The characters of Lydia and Sophie and their friends are so appealing that they bring a charm and freshness to what otherwise could fall into a typical story. This tale is filled with mystery, suspense, danger, and unexpected heroes. I can easily recommend this story to anyone who likes books from Dickens to Goosebumps, especially for Halloween. A great read.
Latest News
Thank you to Toby at the Echo for the article on Scarlett in Knoware - you can read it here:
LOVEREADING VIEW ON SCARLETT IN KNOWARE
A beguiling “be careful what you wish for” alternate world fantasy From the author of the mysterious The Village at the Edge of the World comes this allegorical adventure that melds timeless terrors and Alice in Wonderland absurdity with an engaging modern world heroine.
After texting friends to say she wished she didn’t have to spend another weekend in her father’s sleepy village, Scarlett gets more than she bargained for when her wish comes true. In a terrifying turn of events, her train takes her to a peculiar place called Knoware where Scarlett encounters a creepy crone called Crimsin who steals Scarlett’s shadow, without which she can’t leave Knoware.
Armed only with a crudely drawn map and a magic mirror, Scarlett embarks on a perilous Wizard of Oz-esque quest to Crimsin’s castle to reclaim her shadow, encountering all manner of troublesome beings and fairy tale figures along the way. There’s much menace, atmosphere and a tense sense of time running out as Scarlett strives for her very own “there’s no place like home” moment. Recommended for fans of Neil Gaiman’s Coraline.
find the full Lovereading4kids review here
Some great reviews from children who read the book:
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Jessica Cobbin, Age 11 - 'It's very scary and it makes you want to keep reading!'
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Emily Dickson, Age 14 - 'The Village At The End Of The World is a gripping read, perfect for those who love scary books, but aren’t old enough for adult thrillers. Ideal for 10-12 yrs.'