The plot is pure young adult fantasy, but it's immensely entertaining fun, with a compelling narrative and lovingly drawn characters.

Hannah Rose Brown is fuelled by an adventurous spirit. She’s not quite 13 years old when she discovers her family is cursed.

The arrival of a mysterious letter, addressed to the Viscountess of Fairknowe, changes her life forever. The letter forces Roz to confess to her daughter that Hannah is actually the great-granddaughter of a countess, and heir to Wintersloe Castle in Scotland. When Hannah arrives at her ancestral home, she learns that her family is cursed by dark magic which caused the disappearance of her father shortly after she was born.

But a prophecy foretells of a Red Rose who will solve the magical puzzle ring. Hannah is determined to travel back in time to the days of Mary, Queen of Scots, break the curse and rescue the father she’s never met.

The Puzzle Ring is, arguably, Forsyth’s best book yet; it’s simply a treat for those who like good fantasy fiction.

Despite genre constraints and possibly readers’ expectations, she has succeeded in writing a fast-paced, personal novel infused with fairy-lore and extraordinary inventiveness. Few who penetrate the book will be able to put it down it down before its beguiling tale ends. Easily recommendable. – Pan Macmillan, RRP $16.99