The Book Soul by Rachel Mann

When octogenarian librarian, Kerrigan Sheriwinkle, realises that death is an inevitable part of growing old, he begins to panic that he has no heir to inherit his beloved library. 

Lurking in the background is technological machismo, Mr Sparkles, who is desperate for the old man to die so that the library will come up for sale. His motives: he is building an empire and needs more storage space. Or so he claims. In truth his motives are much more sinister. 

To find his heir, Kerrigan enlists the help of bored housewife, Elsie Shufflebottom, handing her his most prized possession: the book of Providence. He implores Elsie to search its pages and find the only person who can take on the great responsibility of keeping the library safe. 

The only problem is the book is completely blank. 

This novel is a satirical look at the technology revolution that is sweeping across our communities, told in a fairytale style with plenty of magic and adventure thrown in. The Book Soul is a fast-moving fantasy with super sleuth, Elsie, at the heart of the action. It is a story of discovery; of finding what is important in life; a tale that combines old and new worlds, appealing to both young and old alike.