FARNHAM author Hilary Lee-Corbin has officially launched’ Conkers and Grenades’, a thrilling tale of two boys’ wartime mission.

Set in Bristol in 1916, in a world plunged into war, Hilary’s debut children’s book follows Mar and Appy, two boys who discover a spy ring and a plot to assassinate the king and queen.

While trying to ‘do their bit’ for the war effort. Mar and Appy unwittingly become entangled in a web of secret agents, codes and danger. People are not quite what they seem – they find friendship but also betrayal.

Dragged into the world of spies and intrigue by the most unlikely person, they risk their lives but think that like their dads, who are fighting in France, they should do their best to help.

“The First World War is a fascinating time in history and my parents lived through this, so the research was very personal. I feel that through this book, my parents live on,” said Hilary.

“I also lived in Bristol until I was in my early 20s and it was exciting to find to just what it was like at the beginning of the 20th century.”

Hilary taught English and drama at a university for a number of years. As well as writing, she now acts in, and directs, plays.

She worked through many drafts and has loved and laboured over the work to make it lean and exciting.

Characters have also been adjusted to make them believable and stronger, and language has been adapted to make the text open and inviting for the target age group.

According to Jonathan Rooke, who taught alongside Hilary at Winchester University, the book speaks of Hilary’s persistence and determination and professionalism.

“Hilary has poured so much of herself into this book. It is an adventure. It is a portrait of her home town. It’s a tribute to her family. It is a finely crafted children’s story and you can discern Hilary’s fine dramatic instincts. It is a work of art and a jolly good adventure story.

“One of the characters, Mar, is loosely based on her father - bright, brave and resourceful.”

Following the event Elizabeth Royall, who attended the launch, said to Hilary: “Once I had adjusted to reading a book for children, I became quickly involved and the story was a real page-turner.

“I really hope you manage to get the book out to a decent readership.”

Copies are available now from Waterstones or online at tinyurl.com/y7z975hg.