Murder in Midwinter

When Maya takes a photo from the top of a bus, she has no idea of the trouble it will bring.

Fleur Hitchcock wastes no time in this murder mystery. In the first six chapters, there is a murder and a kidnapping. From the outset, Maya is thrown into a world where people will stop at nothing to get their hands on what they want -and they want what she has.

Fearing for Maya’s safety in London, the police send her to her aunt’s farm in the Welsh Mountains where they believe she will be safe. Maya has been to her aunt’s before a long time ago, but is in no hurry to rush back there due to its remoteness and her vile cousin, Ollie, who used to put salt in her ice cream, and nothing has changed. Snow starts falling as soon as Maya arrives and it is not long before they get cut off. The police think Maya is safe on the mountain cut off by snow until news reaches them that the suspected murderer is in the area.

This book gallops a long at a real pace and Fleur uses the remoteness of the setting to really build up the tension. The characters in the book are well drawn as are their developing relationships. Lots of lovely observed detail is added about the characters, making it thoroughly enjoyable. This was a one-sitting read!

Murder in Midwinter

Fleur Hitchcock

Nosy Crow   ISBN: 978-0857636386

Waiting for Murder

It’s a long, hot summer, but instead of spending time with his mates, Dan’s been plucked from his ‘happy city summer’ to stay in a cottage beneath the dam of a reservoir with his mum whilst she and her archaeologist colleagues search for the bones of Edith the Fair. As the water levels of the reservoir drop, Dan notices a car emerging - containing what looks like a body. Next morning, however, there is no sign of a corpse, but sharp eyed Dan and his new friend, Florence, notice some clues which arose their suspicions. Something strange is going on and as they continue to investigate, it becomes clear that someone will stop at nothing to prevent them from uncovering the truth.

Full of tension and action, ‘Waiting for Murder’ is an excellent read, offering a compelling mystery with a satisfying conclusion. Written in the first person present tense, the reader see the action through Dan’s eyes, ensuring they see all the clues as he does and have the opportunity to piece the mystery together. Dan’s fascination with the case is completely believable as one fact leads him to another.

Dan’s relationship with his mother is wonderful. There is warmth and trust between them and her being a ‘bone expert’ certainly helps his investigation as her job gives her access to a library of skulls on her computer and leads him to the newspaper collections in the local museum. Florence is a great character-very different to Dan- and makes a very determined partner in crime detection.

There is so much here to enjoy and explore, making the book a great class story or guided reading text. The story offers an excellent model for building tension and using the immediacy of first person viewpoint, allowing children to explore these techniques and develop them in their own writing. The use of research- newspapers, gravestones, oral history- is also a great example of allowing the characters to find things out which is completely plausible and an integral part of the story.

Full of suspense and surprises, ‘Waiting for Murder’ is another Fleur Hitchcock classic.

Waiting for Murder

Fleur Hitchcock

Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1788008648

Orion Lost

Thirteen-year-old, Beth McKay, is with her parents on the colony ship, ‘Orion’, setting off to start a new life millions of miles from Earth on Eos Five. Facing the potential dangers of Scrapers (space pirates) and the Videshi (an alien species), life on the Orion is very different, but Beth soon settles into a pattern of school work, Command Training and making Jumps where the ship covers great distances whilst its crew Sleeps to keep them safe, all constantly monitored by the ever-present Ship, an artificial intelligence. Then an Event occurs and Beth and her friends are the only ones awake on the Orion with Beth being given the role of Captain. Their ship is badly damaged and the children have to navigate encounters with both Scrapers and the Videshi, all made worse by tensions within the group and the feeling that Ship might not be telling them the truth…

This was a one sitting read; I could not put it down! My first book of 2020 and so enjoyable. From the beginning, each piece of the puzzle is being laid and the story is fast paced and thrilling. All the clues are there, but there are twists along the way to keep the reader guessing. Is Ship lying? Or is there a greater threat Beth and the others should be watching out for?

Beth is a great character; feisty and full of spark, she is also lacking in confidence, making her an interesting leader. When things come out in the open and the reader learns more about what has happened, you can really appreciate the strengths and weaknesses of each character- but I can’t say more without spoiling it for anyone who has not read it yet!

The Videshi story line is also an interesting one (again, I don’t want to say too much!), offering food for thought about how humans treat the world- or in this case, space- around them.

A fabulous read- with plenty of potential for more adventures from this crew- ‘Orion Lost’ is an unputdownable space adventure!

Orion Lost

Alastair Chisholm

Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1788005920

A Tangle of Spells

The Widdershins sisters are finally leaving the Poacher’s Pocket, the home on Crowstone Island they  had believed they were cursed to stay in forever, and are setting off for Pendlewick, a village on the mainland. But as well as being neglected, Blackbird Cottage, their new home, is full of unexplained mysteries – trails of salt across each entrance and silver coins at the corner of each room. And although it looks picturesque, Pendlewick also has its peculiarities with stories of witches, the sinister Hungry Tree and Tick Tock Forest.

When Fliss, Granny and their father start to behave strangely, Betty and Charlie know they must uncover the village’s dark secrets and use all their cunning to save them.

‘A Tangle of Spells’ is the third book about Betty, Fliss and Charlie and the Widdershins girls are as fabulous as ever. The story is completely engrossing and brilliantly plotted with hints and clues throughout, which all come together for a very satisfying conclusion. Although I fail to see why anyone wouldn’t have read the two previous books, it is still possible to enjoy this story as a stand alone.  

Betty Widdershins is a force to be reckoned with. Intelligent and brave, she is determined to solve the mysteries of her new home and to save her family as things get darker.  Although things are changing for the girls, their sibling bond is second to none and once again they show how each brings their own strengths to protect and support the family. Charlie remains as mischievous and animal loving as ever, bringing touches of humour to the story with her wicked smile and mispronounced words.

There is a darker tone to this story as the girls face a more ominous threat than in the previous books, facing very sinister opponents and eerie locations. The story is full of vividly imagined places, creating a wonderful sense of atmosphere.

The choice of names used in this story is as wonderful as ever. ‘Pendlewick’ is surely a reference to the Pendle witch trials of 1612 and ‘pilliwinks’ were an instrument used for torture. The Splintered Broomstick, Peckahen Farm, Scally and Wags are just a few examples of the carefully chosen names which add to the whole.

Thoroughly enjoyable, ‘A Tangle of Spells’ is a brilliant read.

A Tangle of Spells

Michelle Harrison

Simon and Schuster ISBN: 978-1471183881

A Sprinkle of Sorcery

Having worked together to lift the ancient curse which tied their family to Crowstone, the Widdershins family are selling the Poacher's Pocket and leaving the island which has been their home. However, one night when the prison bell tolls announcing the escape of prisoners, a young girl called Willow accompanied by a wisp appears in the pub yard and the sisters are moved to help her free her father, imprisoned for a crime he did not commit. When Charlie is kidnapped in Willow's place, the sisters find themselves in the thick of a new adventure whose solution seems to be linked to an old legend, a map and a mysterious island.

'A Sprinkle of Sorcery' magically weaves together all the threads of an enchanting story and delivers more than a pinch of magic. As in the last book, the sisters glow with personality and new characters are added to the mix, including the ethereal Willow who will go to any lengths to see her father free from imprisonment and the loveable pirate, Spit, who is so much more than he first appears. Betty is forced to question what she would do in various situations, having to put herself in the shoes of others and realising that some choices are not as simple as they seem.

As the legend entwines with the girls' story, the excitement builds and once again, each sister plays her part as they piece together the puzzle. Once again, family is very much at the heart of this story and the warmth and love of their bond is a delight to see.

A Sprinkle of Sorcery

Michelle Harrison

Simon and Schuster ISBN: 978-1471183867

A Pinch of Magic

The Poacher’s Pocket is home to Betty Widdershins, her sisters, Fliss and Charlie and their grandmother. The pub is found on the dismal island of Crowstone, a place Betty dreams of escaping from as she longs for excitement. On her thirteenth birthday, whilst trying to leave the island on an adventure, Betty is stopped by her grandmother who explains that there is an ancient curse trapping the sisters on Crowstone; those who attempt to leave will die. Three magical objects have been passed down through the family - a magical bag which can transport the owner wherever they wish to go, a looking glass which shows the holder whatever they wish to see and a set of nesting dolls which offer invisibility.

Determined and resourceful, Betty will clutch at any chance to break the curse, but the bad luck of the Widdershins seems set against them…

A wonderfully magical and compelling tale, this story has all the elements needed for a thoroughly satisfying and riveting read.

The world Michelle Harrison has created is so lovingly constructed with plenty of detail, populated by memorable characters, that it stays with you long after you have closed the covers of the book. Betty and her sisters are very different, but each well defined and believable. Sibling rivalry and affection are captured perfectly as the bond between the sisters enables each to reach their potential and show the different ways to be brave in order to save each other. Charlie is particularly appealing - feisty and headstrong, but also vulnerable.

The threads of the story weave together perfectly to combine past and present, acts of love and betrayal. There are moments of humour and moments of peril as the darker side of human nature is contrasted with its finer points.

‘A Pinch of Magic’ is a pinch of reading magic- a rich, fascinating and special story with the added benefit of names that Dickens would have been proud of!

A Pinch of Magic

Michelle Harrison

Simon and Schuster ISBN: 978-1471124297

Real-Life Mysteries

'Everyone loves a good mystery...' and this book is full of them. From monsters of the deep to crop circles, plenty of unexplained, real-life cases are investigated, offering the evidence so the reader can make up their own mind.

Each 'case' is set out on a double page spread, with key vocabulary is explained in 'weird', 'spooky' or 'monster' word boxes. Some are well-known mysteries like the existence of Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster whereas some are lesser known- like the apparition at Versailles or cases of spontaneous human combustion.

The spread which follows each case considers the 'evidence', offering theories, witness statements and illustrations. The authors carefully offer no answers, just pose questions and challenge the reader to come to their own conclusions.

The harder concepts are carefully explained and there is a comprehensive glossary at the back to clarify unfamiliar terms. The History curriculum says 'Teaching should equip pupils to ask perceptive questions, think critically, weigh evidence, sift arguments, and develop perspective and judgement.' 'Real-Life Mysteries' certainly encourages the reader to do all of that and offers a great starting point for finding out more about any of these intriguing mysteries or others which are suggested. 

A great read for the curious or the lover of mysteries!

Real-Life Mysteries  

Investigated by Susan Martineau and Vicky Barker

b small publishing      ISBN: 978-1911509080

Emily Lime Librarian Detective: The Pencil Case

Emily Lime is back! St Rita’s School for Spirited Girls has a new headmistress, Miss Woolley, whose previous school, Wolfridge Manor, has a a reputation for extreme discipline. However, the changes she brings are not the ones expected and her decision to do away with library systems and assistant librarians does not go down well with Emily Lime, Daphne or George! Determined to keep an eye on their new head, the trio sign up for a trip to the art gallery which throws them headlong into their new mystery- who stole one of the paintings and how are they going to prove that the school handyman, Mr Thanet, is innocent?

Every bit as enjoyable as the first mystery, ‘Emily Lime Librarian Detective: The Pencil Case’ is a cracker! Nothing is as it seems and no one can be trusted in as the Assistant (and Assistant Assistant) librarians pick their way through clues and red herrings to solve the case.

Dave’s dry sense of humour captures the ‘St Trinian’s’-style chaos and romps of the St Rita’s girls perfectly, although the scenes in the library made me feel quite weak! The story is full of larger than life characters - George , Daphne and Emily are of course centre stage and as unique as ever. Emily Lime remains one of my favourite book characters- completely obsessed with books and reading, oblivious to social niceties, impatient with anyone or anything that comes between her and a book!

Perfect for those looking for something a little different, ‘Emily Lime Librarian Detective: The Pencil Case’ is a brilliant read.

Emily Lime Librarian Detective: The Pencil Case

Dave Shelton

David Fickling ISBN: 978-1788451031

The Book Case: An Emily Lime Mystery

After an 'unfortunate incident' at her old school, Daphne is on her way to St Rita's, a girls' boarding school. Being a bookworm, she is delighted to be offered a post in the library which is where she meets the unique, quirky Emily Lime, the librarian's assistant, who just happens to be a crime solving genius. Daphne also meets George- the only boy in the school. With strange things happening around them, the three find themselves teaming up to solve the mystery.

Full of fabulous characters, 'The Book Case' is a brilliant read. The school could be compared to St Trinian's in its cast of larger than life pupils and staff. Evidence of failed chemistry experiments, chaos in lessons and midnight feast raids on the kitchens create a fantastic impression of what this school for 'Spirited Girls' is all about! The irascible Emily Lime is just brilliant- her wonky glasses and beret, her 'sour expression', her complete lack of comprehension that anyone might not like books, her outrage when one is damaged- all build a very quirky, individual and unlikely 'Holmes' figure for the story. George- the only boy at an all girls' school- is an unexplained mystery in himself who explains much of the craziness to Daphne (and the reader). 

The story romps along at a pleasing pace, littering the path of the reader with clues about the mysterious goings on until it reaches its conclusion. It is very well written with lots of wonderful description. George, for example, is described as having 'an odd smell about him, of something faintly exotic but distinctly unpleasant; his hair was enthusiastically berserk.' 

Feeling at times like a tongue in cheek Malory Towers, set at some time like the 1930's, 'The Book Case' is a rompingly good read, with lots of black and white illustrations throughout. Spiffing really!

The Book Case - An Emily Lime Mystery     

Dave Shelton

David Fickling Books       ISBN: 978-1910200544

Malamander

Proud of his job of ‘Lost and Fouder’ at the Grand Nautilus Hotel in Eerie-on-Sea, Herbert Lemon does his best to reunite lost belongings with their rightful owners. However, when a girl - Violet Parma- appears declaring he is the only one who can help her, Herbert finds himself drawn into solving the mystery of Violet’s missing parents. The trail seems to lead them to the legendary Malamader, a monster supposed to lurk on the shores of their town. Is the monster real and is it responsible for the disappearance of Violet’s parents?

With vivid descriptions and plenty of action, this is a brilliant fun-filled adventure. Herbert and Violet are wonderful characters. Herbert is loyal and conscientious and find plenty of courage when it’s most needed. Violet is impulsive and keen on action and together they make a dynamic pair as they set about solving the mystery.

Eerie-on-Sea is created with such imagination! I love The Book Dispensary and all the colourful characters who inhabit the town, like Jenny Hanniver and the wonderful Erwin, the dispensary cat. The eccentricity of the town’s inhabitants and locations adds greatly to the charm of the story, absorbing you into its world.

With wonderfully wicked villains and the mysterious Malamander, this is a brilliant story. Read it now!

Malamander Thomas Taylor

Walker Books ISBN: 978-1406386288

The Eye of the North

Emmeline is convinced her life is in danger. Clutching her satchel full of things to keep her alive, she makes her way through life, ready for anything! One breakfast time, she receives a letter from her parents which changes everything.

Put on a ship to sail to Paris where she would find safety, Emmeline meets a young boy called Thing, a scruffy stowaway, and an unlikely friendship develops between them. Chased by the criminals who kidnapped her parents, Emmeline is caught and taken to a villainous scientist, who is determined to summon an ancient creature from the icy depths of the north...

Desperate to save his new friend, Thing seeks help from a secret organisation and sets off in pursuit. 

What follows is an amazing story, combining the adventures of Emmeline and Thing as the one races to save the other. Fast paced and exciting, the book is peppered with fantastic characters and magical creatures, making this an enchanting read. 

Thing is a wonderful character. Haunted by his past, he is loyal and resourceful- a perfect companion for Emmeline, whose upbringing and experiences have made her more reserved and cautious. Rich, atmospheric language describes the settings beautifully and Emmeline's world comes vividly to life. With dangers at every turn, this will appeal to those who love fantasy and adventure.

The Eye of the North       Sinead O'Hart

Stripes Publishing      ISBN: 978-1847159410

A Recipe for Trouble

Alice Éclair might only be thirteen, but she is also an expert pâtissière and France's youngest, keenest spy. For the past year, she has been receiving cryptic messages and puzzles to solve and, although she does not know who they are from, she has her suspicions - which are realised when a final code leads her to a secret meeting.

Alice learns that all the puzzles have been to train her in espionage in the hope that she will undertake a mission to uncover a cunning enemy agent.  Alice sets off on this dangerous assignment aboard France's most glamourous train, posing as a pastry chef. But soon everyone on the train is under suspicion and Alice must use all her baking skills and her cunning to crack the case.

There is much to enjoy in this adventure, Alice Éclair, Spy Extraordinaire! Alice is a wonderful heroine; resourceful and intelligent, yet fallible, she launches herself into her investigation with enviable energy and enthusiasm. There are twists and turns a-plenty and scatterings of red herrings as Alice engineers opportunities to investigate her fellow passengers.  The reader learns to crack codes and can test their own sleuthing skills as the mystery develops - only to be surprised by a sudden shock! There are some tense moments along the way as Alice finds herself facing peril as well as baking pastries.

The story offers plenty to discuss with its Parisian opening, attitudes to women and 'serving' classes and, of course, its many cake references. With a new adventure, A Spoonful of Spying, on its way, Alice is sure to become a firm favourite.

Alice Éclair Spy Extraordinaire: A Recipe for Trouble

Sarah Todd Taylor

Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1839940958

The House of One Hundred Clocks

When Helena’s father gets a new job, it takes them away from London and the life she knows. Taking Orbit the parrot, her constant reminder of her deceased mother, with her, Helena prepares for a new life in Cambridge. However, her father’s new job is not as simple as it seems and the house they are now living in is not only full of clocks, but full of mystery too. In their bid for a new life, will they end up losing everything?

I loved A M Howell’s first book, ‘The Garden of Lost Secrets’ and ‘The House of One Hundred Clocks’ was no disappointment. Inspired by the clock collection of Frederic Gershom Parkington, it is a fascinating story full of description, detail and colour. The atmosphere in the house is decidedly eerie with family mystery and heartache threatening to take everything from Helena and her father should the clocks falter.

Grief at the loss of a loved one permeates the story yet the girls find solace and strength in their new friendship and work together to make things better. The villain of the piece comes as a surprise, but encourages the reader to think about questions of inequality and how people are treated can make them act in certain ways. Orbit is a delight- a little flash of mischief and humour!

‘The House of One Hundred Clocks’ is an atmospheric, enchanting read, perfect for sharing and reading aloud. Can’t wait to read it to a class!

The House of One Hundred Clocks

A M Howell

Usborne ISBN: 978-1474959568

Adventures on Trains

Here are my reviews for books 1-4 of the Adventures on Trains series!

Hal is delighted when his Uncle Nat appears at the start of the Easter holidays. Having received a mysterious letter from an old friend asking for their help, the two train detectives set off to investigate a suspicious death and a family curse. Going undercover as members of the family, they take the Eurostar to Paris and then set off for the family home at the foot of the Harz mountains. Together, they must solve the mystery of Dead Man’s Pass, but is Uncle Nat also keeping secrets?

Once again, the unstoppable team of Leonard, Sedgman and Paganelli have delivered a first class mystery, brimming with action and adventure. In this story, Hal suspects Uncle Nat is keeping things from him and discovers more about his past, bringing many new possibilities for these adventures. I love the relationship between these two and how it has developed over their adventures together.

The story has a wonderful cast of characters, who in true detective story style, all have the finger of suspicion pointing at them at some point as clues and red herrings are skilfully layered. As usual, Elisa’s wonderful pictures allow the reader to see the sketches Hal makes on his journey, although he has to be careful not to reveal himself as ‘the Drawing Detective’.

Like the previous train adventures, ‘Dead Man’s Pass’ is full of description and detail, making the reader want to travel and see the places Hal does. The love of trains is a strong, appealing to ferroequinologists, but not overwhelming the story. Each one of these stories would be wonderful for using with a class, offering plenty to explore and investigate as well as enjoy. I cannot wait to join Hal on his next adventure- and I know many young readers who agree!

Danger at Dead Man’s Pass

Hal and his Uncle Nat are off on another train journey- this time on aboard the Safari Star, a luxury steam train which will take them across Southern Africa. The stunning scenery and amazing wildlife give Hal plenty of opportunities to practise his drawing, but having already solved a kidnapping and captured a jewel thief, he can’t help hoping there will be a mystery on this trip. When a very unpleasant passenger is found dead in a locked compartment, Hal is determined to discover the truth- was it an accident or was it murder on the Safari Star?

We adore this series here at Bookshelf HQ. Each book offers a compelling mystery with plenty of red herrings and surprises along the way to a classic Poirot-style denouement where everything comes to light. ‘Murder on the Safari Star’ is no exception.

A cast of compelling characters occupy the train as it travels from Pretoria to the awe-inspiring beauty of the Victoria Falls in Zambia. There are plenty of drawings throughout the story of these characters, the wildlife and the scenery as Hal (Elisa Paganelli!) sketches all he sees, bringing key moments to life. This really helps children (and adults!) visualise the crime scene and how things are laid out on the trip so they can attempt to solve the crime alongside Hal.

By focusing on the wildlife of the region as Hal and the others enjoy safari trips when the train pauses on its journey, the authors highlight the plight of many of these incredible creatures and the dangers that face them from poachers and big game hunters. There are also sensitive descriptions of these animals in their natural habitat.

Trains are once again at the heart of the story and plenty of detail about the locomotive and its rolling stock as the Safari Star makes its journey. The notes at the end of the book clarify where fiction differs from fact and suggesting places to visit for those who want to find out more about the wonderful world of trains.

These books are perfect for guided reading sessions, offering plenty to discuss and explore as well as great writing full of description and action. Although this is the third book in the series, ‘Murder on the Safari Star’ could easily be read as a stand alone novel- although once you have read one, you absolutely will want to read them all! Can’t wait for book four- ‘Danger at Dead Man’s Pass’.

Murder on the Safari Star

Hal’s off again with Uncle Nat, this time aboard the California Comet for a trip across America from Chicago to San Francisco. Uncle Nat has been asked to report on a special announcement being made by August Reza, millionaire and train enthusiast, whilst Hal is looking forward to enjoying the trains, the scenery and some sketching. Everything changes, however, when Hal finds himself in the middle of a kidnapping involving Reza’s daughter, Marianne.

Once again, M G Leonard and Sam Sedgman whisk us away on a proper adventure! Clues and red herrings abound as Hal and his new train mates, Mason and Hadley, work together to solve the kidnapping and free Marianne. “Sherlock Davinci” (as they dub Hal) uses his sketchbook and his amazing powers of observation to track down the culprits and solve the case. Elisa Paganelli’s illustrations throughout add much to the story.

The book is full of information about trains- this one being based on the California Zephyr- which is seamlessly woven into the story, making it enjoyable for the ferroequinologist and lay person alike. Additional information is offered at the end of the story, explaining more about some elements of the story and pointing the way to finding out more.

There is much to recommend this book for using with a class as the story raises questions about advances in technology and conservation, amongst other things (I can’t give too much away!) Following Hal’s journey could be an engaging way of tackling some of the KS2 geography!

Great fun, ‘Kidnap on the California Comet’ is as engaging as ‘The Highland Falcon Thief’. I’m already looking forward to Hal’s next trip- ‘Murder on the Safari Star’.

Kidnap on the California Comet

When Harrison (Hal) Beck is told that he will be accompanying his train-obsessed, journalist uncle on the final trip of the Highland Falcon as she makes her last journey ever, he is less than impressed. However, when a priceless diamond brooch goes missing just a few hours into the trip, Hal begins to investigate with Lenny, the driver’s daughter. As accusations fly and the suspects list grows, will they unravel the mystery before the Highland Falcon reaches the end of the line?

Agatha Christie- eat your heart out! What a wonderful read this is! From the enticing characters, to the splendour of the train, to the Poirot-style denouement, there is so much to enjoy here.

Writing team, M G Leonard and Sam Sedgman have created an intriguing mystery with a trail of clues and misinformation, leading the reader to suspect each suspect in turn, all wrapped up in fantastic descriptions of this majestic train. Details about the wonders of these magnificent machines are woven seamlessly into the story adding to the excitement of the adventure.

The book is illustrated throughout by Elisa Paganelli, who captures the atmosphere and energy of the story perfectly. There is a wonderful picture of Hal revealing who committed the crime, surrounded by all the characters, for example and another looking down on Hal as he makes his way from the carriage to the tender.

The language is rich and evocative, offering plenty of description. ‘The Highland Falcon Thief’ would make an excellent read aloud (a treat in store for my class soon!), as a guided reader or as a key text to inspire and explore further. Having just had a sneak peek at book two- Kidnap on the California Comet- I can’t wait to read more about Hal and his adventures!

Get on-board ‘The Highland Falcon Express’ as soon as possible!

The Highland Falcon Thief

The Mask of Aribella

Aribella lives in Burano, one of Venice’s islands, with her father, a lacemaker, who has never recovered from the passing of her mother. On the eve of her birthday, Aribella is horrified that when angered by a local lad, fire erupts from her fingertips, causing the locals to call her a witch. When her name is put into the Lion’s Mouth, a carving on the wall of the Doge’s palace whose mouth is open per denontie segrete (for secret accusations) along with that of her father, Aribella is forced to flee, only to be rescued by a secret organisation of masked strangers. These are the Cannovacci, each with a special power and each devoted to protecting Venice. But evil is rising in Venice and Aribella soon finds that she and her new friends must fight to defend the city and the people that they love.

What a fabulous book! Venice is vividly portrayed in all its magical wonder, with beautiful descriptions of its canals, bridges and buildings forming a backdrop to the story. The colourful cottages of Burano are also featured, adding to the realism of the setting. Each Cannovacci has a mask which draws on the history of Venice where mask wearing is a tradition reaching back to the 12th century and whose streets are lined with shops and stalls selling row upon row of these colourful creations. Venice is brought to life for the reader…

The characters are convincing and appealing. Aribella is lacking on confidence and desperate to fit in, but rises to the challenge when needed, showing herself to be brave and loyal. Seffie is impulsive and mischievous, Fin earnest and book-loving and Theo steadfast and courageous. Qualities of friendship and compassion come shining through.

The plot is fast paced and compelling, full of magic and excitement, and reaches a satisfying conclusion. It also offers the interested reader a way in to discovering more about Venice and its customs and traditions. This would be a fabulous novel to use for exploring ‘a region in a European country’ to contrast with the others prescribed in the KS2 Geography programme of study as well as other elements of this curriculum. It also offers abundant writing and art opportunities and would make a perfect book for a book discussion group to enjoy.

Reading is magic. It can transport us into other worlds or allow us to understand our own better.

‘The Mask of Aribella’ is a wonderful read, full of magic and wonder. It was the winner of the North Somerset Teachers’ Book Awards Quality Fiction Category in 2020.

The Mask of Aribella Anna Hoghton

Chicken House ISBN: 978-1912626106

The Secret Deep

After the death of their mother, Aster and her little sister, Poppy, leave England to go and live with their Aunt Iona in New Zealand. On the plane, they meet Sam, a native New Zealander... Due to her work, they find themselves living in an eco-village with a group of teenagers, cut off from the rest of the world with no technology. The girls soon realise that strange things are happening and life in the camp is not as idyllic as it first appeared. 

Then Aster wakes up on a tropical island, alone, with no idea of how she came to be there or where her sister is. The more she searches for Poppy, the more mysteries she encounters and the more secrets she uncovers. 

This is a richly written, compelling story which offers something very different. A mixture of science, thriller and mystery with hints of sea-lore, it is told from the alternating viewpoints of Aster and Sam. Relationships in the story are very well developed- Sam and his grandfather, Aster and Poppy- and that between the girls and their mother. The pain of loss and grief, the helplessness of watching loved ones suffering from illness and the lengths we might go to to help them are also explored.

The beauties and wonders of the deep are sensitively and carefully described, resulting in evocative, atmospheric passages. Descriptions of the nest of the puffer fish, the delicate sea horses, the beautiful, but deadly jelly fish bring the underwater scenes vividly to life, developing the tropical paradise setting which contrasts so strongly with the danger lurking in the background. 

Gripping from the first page, 'The Secret Deep' is an original, thought-provoking read which is beautifully written. A must read!

The Secret Deep    Lindsay Galvin

Chicken House    ISBN: 978-1911490029

Agent Zaiba Investigates: The Missing Diamonds

Zaiba is enjoying her cousin, Samirah’s Mehndi party at The Royal Star Hotel with her family and friends around her. She is also enjoying the opportunity to hone her detecting skills with the help of her little brother, Ali and her best friend, Poppy. Things get even more exciting when a mystery celebrity arrives at the hotel and the trio decide to use their sleuthing skills to uncover their identity. When the celebrity’s dog and diamonds go missing, there is real detecting to be done…

Set against the background of the traditions of the Mehndi party, this is an excellent detective story with plenty of colour and mystery. The children are a wonderful bunch, each bringing their strengths to the detecting team. Zaiba is a brave, determined and kind child whose ambition is to be like Eden Lockett, her favourite fictional detective, and live up to the memory of her Ammi- her mother- whose handwritten annotations to the stories make Zaiba feel connected to her. Ali is bright and full of life and Poppy bubbles with fun and enthusiasm.

The story is littered with clues to follow, making it fun to read and perfect those who love a mystery. A secret staircase, a labyrinth, overheard conversations… all lead to our detectives solving the mystery- and still being able to enjoy the party! It’s a fabulous read with plenty of lovely illustrations throughout.

‘Agent Zaiba Investigates: The Missing Diamonds’ is a vibrant, fun read, full of family love and friendship as well as offering a good mystery to solve. Can’t wait to read her next adventure!

Agent Zaiba Investigates: The Missing Diamonds

Annabelle Sami, illustrated by Daniela Sosa

Stripes ISBN: 978-1788952064