The New Policeman

'If you buy nothing else for your children (or yourself) this summer, buy Kate Thompson's The New Policeman...witty, entrancingly romantic and rooted in an ancient Celtic myth, this is a parable about not having enough time which hits hard - and perfectly suits our hectic age.'

Christina Hardyment, Independent

`A storyteller of genius'

Irish Times

'A story full of surprises, magic and a delicately balanced internal logic.'

Julia Eccleshare, Guardian

'A beautifully original book...an impressive novel.'

Independent

`Daring and accomplished'

Books for Keeps

If there is one thing we all need more of it's time and The New Policeman by Kate Thompson explores just where our time goes.

Children's Bookseller Supplement

'Kate Thompson's work always surprises with its inventiveness and sheer quality of her writing...at times dark, daring and subversive, at times sheer fun...this book breaks new ground and should become a classic.'

Inis

'A wonderfully enjoyable and enlightening read...not only a superb detective novel and work of fiction for young and old alike, but a vessel for the nature of Irish heritage, its rich music and myths, legends and magic.'

School Librarian

Article about Guardian Children's Fiction Prize longlist

The Bookseller

'Whilst numerous children's novelists have drawn on the richness of Irish myth, legend and folklore...few have managed to do so with the skill, wit and mischief which characterise Kate Thompson's The New Policeman...elegantly paced and cleverly structured.'

Irish Times

'A distinctive and beautifully written book...an enthralling tale, both whimsical and deep, told with a dry, laconic wit.'

Books for Keeps

'There is something hallucinatory, if not delirious about this stylish, magical book.'

Jan Mark, Guardian

'A masterful fantsay of the old school: long on story, short on whizzy gimmicks....beautifully told and the characters draw you in.'

Carousel

'A lively blend of James Stephens-type faery fantasy and realism set to music makes this a thoroughly enjoyable read.'

Sunday Tribune

'Here depicted is the Eire of the Irish Tourist Board: music and myth, magic and whimsy, leprechauns and fairy folk. All this is done with the lightest of touches and the gentlest of humour: this book will charm many readers...54 tunes and a rollicking good story: what could be better?'

Writeaway!

One of the most original, captivating novels of 2005.

The Roar (Lion & Unicorn)

`Kate Thompson writes with marvellous and magical ease'

Janni Howker, TES

An inventive and imaginative read for older readers that is captivating from the first page.

tBk mag

A beautifully constructed book... a magical story, with musical refrains that children can play as well as read.

The Good Book Guide

A wonderful feel-good tale about music, life and how to live it.

Books for Keeps

Concise in style and elegant in its plotting, this deft book manages to be at once entertaining and profound.

Dublin Evening Herald

Stylish Irish fantasy... a story packed with surprises and magic, but it seems real and plausible. Thompson expertly mixes folklore, music and reality in this wonderfully intriguing story.

South China Sunday Post/ Hong Kong Young Post

This is a magical, musical book...It deserves to have won all the awards it has.

Jonathan Lydon, Newcastle Upon Tyne Journal

A stylish, entertaining and very original story

Aldershot Mail

A winning blend of fantasy, magic, and music.

Young Post

...A total delight...utterly charming...The writing is quite literary spellbinding as it entwines the reader.

The School Librarian

This is a highly unusual and original book, full of mystery, magic and music, and stunning plot surprises.

With Kids

Short review

SEN Magazine