Book cover of Black Hearts in Battersea

Book description

'Wait, wait! Save us! What'll we do?'

Simon is determined to become a painter when he grows up so he sets off to London to make his fortune. But the city is plagued by wolves and mysterious disappearances. The Twite household, where Simon is lodging, seems particularly shifty. Before he…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked Black Hearts in Battersea as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

No airships here, but there is a hot-air balloon, as well as a dark conspiracy afoot. This classic children's book, first published in 1964, introduces Dido Twite, a character so vivid that she took over the series this is part of. Back in the Cretaceous period, when I read this book for the very first time, I didn't notice this nineteenth-century London is not the one Dickens wrote of. Now I revel in the sly details that Aiken gives us.

From Caroline's list on historical fantasy for armchair travel.

If you love Black Hearts in Battersea...

Ad

Book cover of Cinderelliot: A Scrumptious Fairytale

Cinderelliot by Mark Ceilley,

A gay retelling of the classic fairy tale--a scrumptious love story featuring ungrateful stepsiblings, a bake-off, and a fairy godfather.

Cinderelliot is stuck at home taking care of his ungrateful stepsister and stepbrother. When Prince Samuel announces a kingdom-wide competition to join the royal staff as his baker, the stepsiblings…

Want books like Black Hearts in Battersea?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 66 books like Black Hearts in Battersea.

Browse books like Black Hearts in Battersea

Book cover of The Angel of the Crows
Book cover of A Master of Djinn
Book cover of Redwood and Wildfire

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,278

readers submitted
so far, will you?

Ad

📚 If you like Black Hearts in Battersea, you might also like...

Book cover of In the Dragon's Fiery Lair

In the Dragon's Fiery Lair by Ada Konewki,

A hidden curse. A thoughtful daredevil. Is this youngster’s accidental plunge into the fantastical about to unlock a wonderful surprise?

Amy is eager for excitement. On the brink of turning twelve and discovering if she’s inherited her late dad’s magic, the hard-working girl can barely wait to take a trip…

Book cover of Believing In Horses

Believing In Horses by Valerie Ormond,

First the move to Maryland. Then Dad's deployment to Afghanistan. Sadie is in trouble.

Then she gets Lucky, a new, young horse who proves to be a handful. But that's just the beginning.

Together they encounter horse thieves, Maryland storms, and unwanted horses destined for auction and uncertain futures. Sadie…

5 book lists we think you will like!