An enthralling adventure set in turn-of-the-century Vienna. From the award-winning author of the bestselling Journey to the River Sea. New cover look leads into publishing programme celebrating the 100th anniversary of Eva's birth in 2025.

Award-winner Eva Ibbotson's hugely entertaining The Star of Kazan is a timeless classic for readers of any age. Perfect for fans of Journey to the River Sea. With a gorgeous updated cover by Katie Hickey.

'Packed with wit and adventure' – The Times

Ever since she was found abandoned as a baby in 1896, Annika has lived in the servants' quarters at a grand house in Vienna. She loves the other servants as if they were family, and she adores the magnificent, glittering city. There is only one thing that Annika longs for: the day her real mother comes to find her.

So when a beautiful aristocrat arrives to claim her, it is as if Annika has walked into her own dream. Whisked off to her true home – a remote estate far, far from Vienna – her new life begins. But the dark and crumbling castle echoes with secrets and lies, and as Annika unravels the truth she finds herself in terrible danger . . .

"...elegantly written, witty and well-observed if (after a few) formulaic fables of emigrées with beautiful burnished hair fallen on hard times." - The Sunday Times

"A fabulously satisfying read" - Sunday Telegraph

"Every bit as compelling as Journey to the River Sea . . . An ingeniously plotted story, with a compelling sense of character and place" - The Times

"This is a great big fat engrossing read. It draws you in and won't let you go until the last page is turned and the last sigh is sighed." - Books for Keeps