Rafferty is an orphan, raised by monks. Misfortune strikes and he is outcast, and must fend for himself. He uses his cunning and charm to develop a trade for himself as the town's ratcatcher... and rat liberator.

Sherryl Jordan is a New Zealand writer of junior and young adult fiction. Her books are published widely overseas and have either won or been shortlisted for numerous awards in NZ, Belgium and Germany. She is the recipient of the Gaelyn Gordon Award and in 2001 she was awarded the Margaret Mahy medal for her contribution to children's literature, publishing and literacy.