A deadly plot stirs deep in the jungles of 19th century India in this gripping new adventure from Waterstones Children’s Book Prize shortlisted author Piu DasGupta.

A lost monkey. A cursed jewel. A race through the jungle…

When Roma stumbles upon a rare golden monkey, she vows to return it to its hidden home in the Himalayas. But the path is riddled with peril: ruthless bandits, prowling beasts, and the sinister power of the Snakestone – a jewel that stalks her dreams.

To make matters worse, Roma is forced to travel with Max and Arabella, two pampered children who seem more trouble than help. Only a mysterious map offers a chance of success – but with every step, pursuers of the Snakestone draw closer.

Can Roma unlock the map’s secret before the jungle swallows them whole?

From moonlit temples to bandit’s lairs, an ancient curse and hidden colonial histories intertwine in this spellbinding mystery. Set a generation before Secrets of the Snakestone, every page is imbued with a magic that will captivate 9+ readers.