Life in Ancient Crete
Join author Jennifer Claessen on a magical journey to the Greek island of Crete in her new book, Netta Becker and the Timeline Crime. This book follows siblings Neta and Remy as they embark on an unforgettable holiday filled with adventure and mystery.
Jennifer’s research delves deep into the fascinating world of ancient Greek mythology, particularly the myths surrounding the hero Theseus. She explores the complex characters of three women tied to his story: Ariadne, Antigone, and Helen of Troy. Netta Becker and the Timeline Crime focuses on the tale of Ariadne, incorporating elements of the Minotaur, the Labyrinth, and the myth of Daedalus and Icarus.
The author reveals some of her favorite historical facts discovered during her research. She highlights the ancient Minoans’ love for the color purple, which they created by crushing snails, as well as their practice of drinking diluted wine for safety due to potentially unsafe water. Jennifer also notes the significance of frescoes, beautiful mosaics that decorated palace walls and depicted daily life.
This book creatively weaves together historical facts with mythological tales, inviting readers to explore the rich history of ancient Crete. It’s a perfect read for young adventurers and history buffs alike.
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About the book
Being stuck in a crumbling old villa in Crete with her annoying, history-obsessed little brother Remy isn’t exactly Netta’s idea of a fun summer holiday. But before she can even get bored, Netta starts having very real dreams where she is dragged back thousands of years to Ancient Greece. Here, King Minos is preparing for the opening of his precious labyrinth, and there are rumours that a monster lurks inside.
As Netta becomes more drawn to the past, her present-day self starts slipping away. Netta and Remy must figure out what is pulling her back before they run out of time – and if they don’t solve the puzzle soon, Netta might just become history herself!
About Jennifer Claessen
Jennifer Claessen is an author and theatre-maker. She was born in Reading so, of course, grew up a book worm.
Her debut novel, The October Witches, was released by UCLan Publishing in the UK in 2022, Simon Kids US in 2023 and is the first book of the ‘A Month of Magic’ trilogy, contemporary retellings of Arthurian legend. The ‘Netta Becker’ trilogy is forthcoming in 2025.
Jennifer is Writer in Residence at Mayfair Library and Human in Residence at Ministry of Stories where she works with 8–12 year-olds to tell their own stories. She also teaches creative writing to slightly more grown-up writers at City Lit and artsdepot theatre.
Jennifer studied literature and theatre at a few universities and most recently programmed ‘Write for Joy’, an inclusive literary festival for Waltham Forest and was shortlisted in the Polka Playwriting Prize. She currently lives in Walthamstow with her partner, two young daughters, thousands of books and a very rusty yellow bike.
Find out more about Jennifer at https://www.jenniferclaessen.com/
Time Tunnellers 