The Hunt for the Cursed Unicorn

All aboard for The Train of Dark Wonders! The second book in the magical must-read middle-grade series.

Bess can’t wait to see her friends from the Train of Dark Wonders and head off on another adventure together. But she has her duties as owner of the Odditorium to think about. Most importantly, the gateway to other worlds needs a new animal guard and it’s her job to find one.

When the train stops by on route to The Land of Cursed Creatures, Bess hops on board. Here, she encounters zombie ducks, haunted lobsters and poisonous swans. She also hears tales of the most mysterious and secretive creature of all – the cursed unicorn.

As creatures begin to go missing, Bess and the gang set out on a daring rescue mission, venturing deep into a land of living nightmares…

Alex Bell has written multiple books for both adults and young people, including Frozen Charlotte, a Zoella Book Club pick, and The Polar Bear Explorers’ Club, which was a Waterstones Book of the Month. After studying to be a lawyer, she now works at the Citizens Advice Bureau. Alex lives in Hampshire with her husband, sons and demanding cats.

ISBN: 9780861546022
Format: Paperback
Pages: 320
Publisher: Oneworld Publications
Published: August 07, 2025

Praise for The Train of Dark Wonders:

‘A magical and thrilling story.’ One of National Book Tokens' 23 new children’s books to read in 2023

'A story to be savoured as much as any Halloween treat... sharp and fizzing, with a warm, sweet centre.' Jodie Garnish, author of The Spectaculars