The Lightning Catcher

Clare Weze

Alfie has noticed a few things since his family moved to Folding Ford.

He really misses life in the city. He and his sister don’t exactly fit in here. But the most interesting one is that the weather is BONKERS. One frost-covered branch on one tree in the middle of June? A tiny whirlwind in a bucket in the garden? Only in Folding Ford. Armed with his bike, a notepad and his new best mate Sam, Alfie is going to investigate.

His best clue is Nathaniel Clemm … the only thing in town weirder than the weather. When Alfie ‘investigates’ Mr Clemm’s garden, only SLIGHTLY illegally, he finds a strange box that freezes his trainers and makes his teeth tingle. And when he opens it, only SLIGHTLY deliberately, SOMETHING gets out. Something fast, fizzing and sparking with electricity and very, very much alive.

But the creature from the box brings trouble of its own, and as barometers and tempers go haywire in Folding Ford, Alfie finds himself at the centre of a perfect storm.

Skellig meets Stranger Things in this funny, heartfelt adventure story perfect for fans of Ross Welford, Christopher Edge and Frank Cottrell Boyce.

Media Reviews

This exciting, science-packed novel is a cracking read and bursts with action, warmth and humour – BookTrust Great Books Guide 2021

A fun, fast-paced fusion of science and imagination … an electrifying adventure! – Sophie Anderson

I loved this story of intrigue, danger and complicated friendship. Clare Weze is an amazing new voice – Nizrana Farook

A really original debut novel that fizzes with fun, warmth and adventure – Sophie Kirtley

Highly original, extremely exciting, and a brilliant adventure – Katya Balen

This book is so much fun, it’s exhilarating – Stephanie Burgis

An intelligent, highly charged, imaginative novel where science and fiction mesh and fizz extraordinarily to create a weird and wonderful adventure – Candid Cocoa

This is great fun; an energetic middle-grade debut with a fresh contemporary feel and a good dash of Stranger Things – Bookseller

You should read this book as soon as it comes out if you like books about science, made up creatures and adventures! – Euan’s Book Reviews

More from this author

Menu