Rats have infested homes and alleys in Marie Perrin's provincialFrench town. Twelve-year-old Marie is set to become a maid,although she hungers for adventure. However, one mistake altersher fate and as punishment she is forced to apprentice for anintimidating rat-catcher.Away from her parents and twin brother, and handling gnarly rattraps under Gustave Renard's unusual mentorship, Marie mustovercome a new set of challenges which come after a plagueenters her town.Are rats responsible for the spread of the illness? Can Mariefind a way out of the bubbling danger around her?The Rat-Catcher's Apprentice depicts non-traditional families,belonging and female bravery in an atmospheric historical setting.