• Age: 9 to 12
• Grade: 4 to 7

Book nerd Krish hates the outdoors, and camping. But especially germs. When Krish and his father, Kabir, take a camping trip to Ladakh, he convinces himself that they will bond, despite their differences.

When they’re lost in a bamboo forest, teeming with black rats, and germs, Krish is at an all-time low. His GF (gut feel) and a couple of rats lead them to a hidden village, Imdur, unmarked on any map.

Krish and his father are allowed to stay, only if they follow rules. But Krish soon realizes the village has an odd custom of worshipping rats. They also have a secret. And so does his dad. Turns out, Krish has a secret too.

When all the secrets explode into the open, Krish and Kabir are in grave danger. Can Krish overcome his fears and phobias to take the chance offered to him? Or are he and his dad doomed to spend the rest of their lives among rats?

Mahtab Narsimhan is the author of several critically acclaimed books, including Silver Birch Award winner The Third Eye. Her novel, The Tiffin (Dancing Cat Books, 2011), was nominated for numerous awards in Canada and was recently published in the United Kingdom and Taiwan. Mission Mumbai is her publishing debut in the United States. Mahtab is a native of Mumbai, India, and lives in Toronto, Canada. Visit her online at www.mahtabnarsimhan.com.

Mahtab Narsimhan's profile page

• Nominated, Chocolate Lily Award

“I have so many ‘F’ words to describe Valley of the Rats: ‘funny,’ ‘fantastic,’ ‘fabulous,’ and ‘flawless.’ But the one you should use is ‘first book on your to-read list.’”

Marty Chan, author of <i>Fire and Glass</i> and <i>Haunted Hospital</i>

“I couldn’t put it down as it felt like I was living the story and needed to know how it would end!”

Eric Walters, author of <i>The King of Jam Sandwiches</i> and <i>The Rule of Three</i>

“A page turner … this book will appeal to middle-grade readers who enjoy suspense, adventure and a little magic realism.”

Canadian Children's Book News

“This story, with the main character's insecurities and favourite F-words, will amuse young readers. The information about rats will both horrify and fascinate readers as they watch how the relationship between Krish and his father changes when Krish learns to trust himself.” Highly Recommended. 5/5 Stars

CM Magazine

“Brimming with tension from the first page to the last, Valley of the Rats is filled mystery, heart, and horror. If you're looking for a book to make your skin crawl, look no further!”

Joel A. Sutherland, bestselling author of <i>Summer's End</i>, <i>Screamers</i>, and numerous volumes of Haunted Canada

“A good deal of action, a likable protagonist, and an ever growing sense of doom … A satisfying fantasy full of mystery.”

Kirkus Reviews