Soon, her games change from awkward and annoying to sadistic and often dangerous, such as tormenting strangers or endangering Natalie's younger brother Julius.

Meanwhile, Tulip's behaviour has grown more violent, stabbing bus seats and burning litter bins.

When Tulip is not invited to the big Christmas party at The Palace, she manages to burn down the hotel, endangering Natalie's family and their guests.

[2] The book was inspired by the highly publicised murder of James Bulger,[2][3] a two-year-old boy who was kidnapped, tortured and killed by a pair of ten-year-olds.

[3] Fine stated in a 1998 interview that "it was not just the murder itself" that inspired her, "but the ghastly British response to it: 'Lock 'em up and throw away the key'".