Falconer's Lure was the first one I read when I was about nine or so and I must have read and re-read the first few ones from the library because I didn't own any until I was in my twenties. I remember starting to collect them as an adult and it not being easy even in the 70s.

Shameful memory - I could not get hold of a copy of Ready Made Family so I borrowed a copy from the local library and then pretended to lose it. Worst of all they would not take more than a nominal fine although I pleaded with them to let me pay the full cost of the book.

Until I went on the web and found other fans I really did think I was one of a tiny minority of readers. I've never met anyone who's ever heard of Antonia Forest let alone read her books. I could never understand why they weren't more critically acclaimed and popular.