Candy Jar Books is pleased to announce that the latest The Lucy Wilson Mysteries novel, The Bandril Invasion, is now up for pre-order, exclusively from the Candy Jar and Lethbridge-Stewart websites.

The latest instalment is penned by Wink Taylor, one of the writers behind Sooty, the beloved children’s TV character, as well as the acerbic kid’s favourite Basil Brush. Wink is also behind the successful Theo the Mouse Show which tours the country and is a real family favourite.

This background informs The Bandril Invasion, in which a maverick children’s TV character becomes an overnight sensation. Unlike Sooty and Basil, however, Billy Bandril’s antics are not all in good fun. 

Wink Taylor explains:

“I spent a lot of happy years writing for children’s television and theatre, the bond that kids form with the characters is one of the most rewarding aspects. I was always determined to honour that bond, and make certain that the magic was never broken. It was a privilege to write for such household names and it always fascinated me that the puppeteers at all times remained firmly hidden. This got me thinking: what if the motivations behind this were not benign and were in fact … thoroughly evil!!”

Sooty and Basil Brush are not the only children’s entertainment icons that influence The Bandril Invasion. Popular Beano artist Steve Beckett continues at the helm of the series’ artwork, providing a front cover both classic and fresh in style. 

In Steve’s words:

“This bold, bright cover was a blast to do. Developing a Doctor Who monster, a Bandril, into children’s TV’s hottest new star was great fun. It still has a slight air of menace about it though – poor Hobo!”  

Then, of course, there is the series’ relation to Doctor Who. Lucy Wilson is the granddaughter of the beloved Doctor Who character Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart, who features in Candy Jar Books’ fully licensed Lethbridge-Stewart series. Now in its fifth year, this series explores the further adventures of multiple characters from the classic era of Doctor Who, including the iconic baddie The Great Intelligence.

Fans of the classic series of Doctor Who may remember that the Bandrils made a brief appearance in the Colin Baker story Timelash. Range Editor of The Lucy Wilson Mysteries, Shaun Russell, says:

“Timelash is probably one of the most Marmite Doctor Who stories ever made, either you love or hate it! In my opinion it does have some of best and worst monsters ever featured in the series. The Borad, for example, is wonderful. Others are not so good. The Bandrils, however, are quite puppet-like, and this was my inspiration for this Lucy Wilson story. And that’s when we thought of Wink Taylor. His television and theatre background really helped in creating this slightly oddball Bandril story, which draws upon Doctor Who’s past in many exciting ways.”

A chip off the old block, Lucy picks up the Lethbridge-Stewart mantle in the modern day. Lucy and her family have already featured in three recent Lethbridge-Stewart short stories – Lucy Wilson by Sue Hampton (The HAVOC Files 3), The Two Brigadiers by Jonathan Macho (The HAVOC Files 4), and The Arcade of Doom by Chris Lynch (Lineage) – and in classic Doctor Who fashion, soon the timelines will overlap with the crossover title Lethbridge-Stewart: Lucy Wilson and the Bledoe Cadets. 

At the crossroads of old Who and new, with the heart of Jacqueline Wilson, the comedy of David Walliams and drawing on the creativity behind some of children’s entertainment’s most enduring hits, there’s something for readers of all ages in The Lucy Wilson Mysteries: The Bandril Invasion.

Blurb for The Bandril Invasion: 

Billy Bandril is the TV sensation sweeping the nation! The hilarious antics of this anarchic puppet have kids and their parents waiting all week for another episode of mayhem.

Fresh from her latest adventure, Lucy Wilson could use some time relaxing in front of the box. But Hobo isn’t too sure… There’s something sinister about Billy and his influence over the viewing public. 

When Lucy finds herself live on air with Billy, it’s up to Hobo to interrupt the broadcast, before the curtains close… forever. 

The Bandril Invasion by Wink Taylor is available from: