I have always been greatly inspired by the works of William Shakespeare, but Cold Iron marked the first time I directly used the plays as inspiration. It was such a great experience I did it several times--and plan to continue!

Cold Iron(Hodder Australia 1999, republished 2001 in omnibus volume with Clemetine and Carabas)

When the penniless, orphaned Tattercoats, grand-daughter of a Baron who neglects her, is included in an invitation to the Earl of Malmsey's grand ball, the servant-girl Malkin and the gooseherd Pug are determined that she will attend and claim the inheritance denied her since birth. Together they set off for the court, collecting a ragtag assortment of allies along the way. But their journey proves increasingly difficult as events overtake them and they become enveloped in a disturbing and powerful magic..

Cold Iron is inspired by Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, as well as the English fairytale Tattercoats.

'A true alchemist, Sophie Masson has transmuted cold iron into pure gold.''(Lloyd Alexander, author of the Chronicles of Prydain.)