'[Gervase Phinn is] a worthy successor to James Herriott, and every bit as endearing.' - Bestselling author Alan Titchmarsh

Summer has arrived in Barton-in-the-Dale and as a new term begins at the little primary school, it's not just the warm weather that's getting people hot under the collar.

Meetings with the teachers from Urebank School to discuss the merger are producing more than a few fireworks, a disruptive new pupil arrives, set to cause trouble, and a surprising staff love affair is exposed. There's also a big school production of The Wizard of Oz to organise as well as an impending visit from the Minister of Education. Headteacher Elisabeth Devine certainly has her work cut out for her.

And that's just some of the drama set to shake-up the village. Throw in a sprinkling of secrets, shocking revelations, old flames, new liaisons, psychics, weddings and misfortune . . .

There's plenty to gossip about this term.

Readers are loving THE SCHOOL INSPECTOR CALLS!:

'Any Gervase Phinn book should give you hours of pleasure.' - 5 STARS

'Compulsive reading as ever.' - 5 STARS

'I can't wait to read more.' - 5 STARS

'I would recommend this book.' - 5 STARS

'Wonderful descriptions of village and school life' - 5 STARS

The third brilliantly funny and warm-hearted novel in the Little Village School series from bestselling author Gervase Phinn.

About the Author
Dr Gervase Phinn is a teacher, freelance lecturer, author, poet, educational consultant and visiting professor of education. For fourteen years he taught in a range of schools, then acted as General Adviser for Language Development in Rotherham before moving on to North Yorkshire, where he spent ten years as a school inspector - time that has provided much source material for his books. He has four grown up children and four grandchildren and lives near Doncaster. Visit Gervase's website, www.gervase-phinn.com.

Reviews
PRAISE FOR GERVASE PHINN:
Packed with delightful and authentic characters, juicy gossip, precarious romance and good old-fashioned village drama, this is a warm-hearted and hilarious account of a struggling school in a small community * The Good Book Guide *
This heartwarming tale makes ideal holiday reading * News of the World *
As Yorkshire's favourite school inspector turns to fiction you can enjoy memorable characters and turns of phrase. * Choice *
Written with all the humour and warmth one has come to expect from this master storyteller. * Countryman *
There's gossip in the village shop, and the new curate is raising eyebrows. It's all classic Gervase Phinn * Choice magazine *
A worthy successor to James Herriott, and every bit as endearing. * bestselling author Alan Titchmarsh *
When Gervase Phinn receives his peerage for services to good-heartedness, this will be the motto on his coat of arms: "Ex silvis sed non supra montem." . . . This entertaining and moving homework earns a good few merit marks. Gervase Phinn is not going downhill yet, by a long chalk on a blackboard. * Independent *



Book Information
ISBN 9781444706079
Author Gervase Phinn
Format Paperback
Page Count 416
Imprint Hodder Paperback
Publisher Hodder & Stoughton
Weight(grams) 330g
Dimensions(mm) 196mm * 128mm * 28mm