Hugo opens with Walter Tregorran, a cavalry officer on his way from Cornwall to fight at the Battle of Lansdown (1643). He is searching for somewhere to bury his savings and rides into the grounds of Chadwick Hall. Sadly, shortly after he finds a hiding place he is ambushed and killed by four Parliamentarians, and his horse is stolen. Walter's money remains buried and the murderers fail to notice a family keepsake falling from his pocket. It remains buried under the vegetation until it is found some 350 years later... In the present day, Hugo's principal character visits Chadwick Hall. He has heard that the four stone Masks that reside there are bored and quarrelsome and suggests a competition with a difference. There will be a prize, and he will return when the moon is full. King is clever but a great worrier. Knight is bad-tempered and finds this stranger's outrageous suggestion disgraceful. Jacob has a sunny disposition and is happy to join in. And little Flo? She is the newest Mask, and even though she's the smallest and the youngest, she is the bravest. Each Mask's story reflects their true personality and they are astonished when Hugo announces the winner. Who is this stranger and how does he know so much about all of them...? Hugo is a lively and diverse book that will appeal to 7-9-year-old fans of historical and fantasy fiction.