Back to familiar gothic territory for Marcus. Vampire myth and legend always popular. Original take on well-known horror story with wide commercial appeal to attract a bigger audience. Same distinctive writing style. His books have sold over 225,000 copies in the UK and are published in 13 languages. 'one of our finest contemporary children's authors' The Bookseller.

Winner of Booktrust Teenage Prize 2007. Shortlisted for Carnegie Medal 2007.

'the direct simplicity of the writing make for high readability.' -- Jennifer Taylor THE BOOKSELLER 'Sedwick has taken early vampire legends and masterfully crafted them into this dark tale. His story is like a journey into a beautiful gothic painting...It is possible to read My Swordhand is Singing bravely, only hiding under the duvet a little, knowing it is all make-believe. Yet part of you closes this book wondering, as you reach for the garlic, if Sedgwick's haunting world of vampires could be real. I can't wait for my 11-year-old to get her teeth into it.' -- Vivien Hamilton DAILY TELEGRAPH 'The tension is good, so are the vivid descriptions and the sense that it is today, when in fact it happened in the 1600s.' -- Laura Findlay, Aged 10 UNDERCOVER 'A truly chilling gothic tale, set in 17th century eastern Europe which expertly reinterprets the vampire myth... Expertly reseached and beautifully written, this is a heart-stopping story, which had me mesmerised from beginning to end.' -- Becky Stradwick THE BOOKSELLER 'The pace of the story seeps us through the fear and superstition of the frozen village and out and away with the travelling people as Peter starts his new life.' -- Pat Thomson CAROUSEL 'Dark, well-researched and with emotional punch, this is one of the books of the year.' FUNDAY TIMES 'chilling' -- Amanda Craig THE TIMES 'a gem of a spooky tale that will chill event the warmest blood... the 7th novel by Marcus Sedgwick and it is his best yet. Vampire stories have been told for centuries and My Swordhand is Singing can confidently take its place amongst the finest. It is a simple, macabre tale that is as fresh and alarming as a drop of blood on a bank of white snow.' -- John Millen SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST 'The undead are at the centre of this atmospheric tale, but Sedgwick wisely avoids calling them vampires, a term which too readily conjures the capes and pointed teeth of cartoon graphics. The threat - not spoken of by the village people, but all too evident in the fears, the closed doors, the garlic and buckthron stakes - is all the more powerful for being understated.' -- Linda Newbery TES 'an interesting read which focuses on the original myth of vampires. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good story with interesting characters.' -- Scott Shanks, age 14 SUNDAY HERALD 'In a bitter winter in the 17th century, Peter and his father settle in an unfriendly community. It is when the captivating gypsies arrive, and reveal themselves as vampire slayers that the truth is finally and shockingly revealed.' BOOKTIME 'Remarkable for its sense of atmosphere, fear, menace and foreboding Sedgwick's new novel gives insight into the lefend and lore surrounding modern interpretations of the Vampire.' -- Jake Hope BOOKS FOR KEEPS 'a beautifully written, atmospheric, gothic fantasy. By cleverly delving into vampire myth and Eastern European superstitions, Sedgwick maintains tension, pace and mystery throughout the book.' -- Sine Quinn INIS (Ireland) "A boy and girl fight a terrifying plague of the undead in this well-paced, chilling tale." -- Becca Pennicott FOCUS (Kent) 'Marcus Sedgwick's classy vampire story will transport reader to the frozen landscapes of Transylvania.' -- Nikki Gamble THE BOOKSELLER 'Sedgwick's elegant, concise prose crates just the right slightly menacing atmosphere for this moving story... Perfectly pace, with every element spot on. Highly recommended.' -- Marla Arbach YABOOKSCENTRAL.COM 'Marcus Sedgwick writes with concise precision. He doesn't waste a word. And with broad and elegant strokes he paints a chilling and irresistibly Gothic picture of the fight of good against evil...This isn't a genre book. It is a novel of quality.' -- Jill Murphy THEBOOKBAG.CO.UK 'A great story with all the brooding atmosphere you'd need and expect from the subject matter. Sedgwick manages to bring something quite fresh to the vampire theme - should appeal to a broad range of readers, including many adults.' READINGZONE.COM 'a traditional vampire story... exciting from start to finish.' -- Felix Taylor (Age 14) INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY 'highly readable and will entertain teenage readers with a taste for gothic horrors.' -- Peter Hollindale THE SCHOOL LIBRARIAN 'I thoroughly enjoyed this book from the well-researched vampire folklore to the effective and dramatic setting. This novel is sure to be loved by all.' -- Rebecca Dickson, Castlebrae Community High TEEN TITLES 'very scary and mysterious... a thought-provoking book with a gripping climax.' -- Laura Gordon, Craigmount High TEEN TITLES

Marcus Sedgwick has worked in children's publishing for ten years and before that he was a bookseller. He is also a stone carver and wood engraver and illustrates all his novels. Marcus lives in Sussex and has a young daughter, Alice.