Rereading: DEVIL’S NOB by Philip Turner

The sixth book in Turner’s Darnley Mills series returns to the Victorian era of the fourth book, “Steam on the Line” to continue the story of teenagers Taffy and Sarah. Taffy is now working as a carpenter for the railway that links the slate mine in the hilltop with the town’s port on the river, as well as carrying passengers. Sarah’s mother has died, leaving her in charge of four younger children and their ailing father. The two friends live in adjoining cottages near the rail line, and their story includes the beginnings of the romance that will eventually lead to marriage. Taffy is assigned work in the slate mine itself as part of his apprenticeship, and makes a new friend, young miner Georgie, and they have some harrowing adventures in the dangerous mine.

Meanwhile, Sir Henry Bridgebolton has agreed to a race with his friend Sir Josiah and his horse Black Prince. It will pit one of the railroad’s steam locomotives against the horse in a race from the moor-top station to the Darnley Mills port, with Sir Henry shoveling coal for the engine, and Taffy along to help. The race is full of thrills, but Taffy is disappointed not to see Sarah on the course to cheer him on. What could have happened to her? Did she have an accident?

Somehow these past times stories are more serious, emotional, and well-rounded than the present-day ones, but the entire series is excellent and recommended.

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