For those of you who think back wistfully to your own childhood days of devouring book-upon-book of The Secret Seven or The Famous Five but are perhaps looking for alternatives more in line with contemporary views, then the new Cliff Toppers series by Fleur Hitchcock could be just the thing you’re after.

For cousins Aiden, Chloe, Ava and Josh, school holidays mean adventure, freedom and giant packed lunches as when they stay with their grandparents on the Dragon Peninsula.

However, their plans to  enjoy a delicious picnic at a stately home take a somewhat unexpected turn involving a speeding red sports-car, several rather suspicious characters and a haul of stolen diamonds. Naturally, the cousins can’t help but get involved and set about trying to scupper the thieves’ plans.  But armed only with their bikes and their wits, how can they possibly hope to outwit a gang of professional criminals?

I myself was a massive fan of Enid Blyton when I was younger but recognise that some of the language and opinions which were considered acceptable at the time is a little outdated for modern times. Cliff Toppers read as a fresh modern take on this classic genre. No gadgets or tech to help our plucky children out.  Just pushbikes and an ordinance survey map, plus a large dollop of luck.

I would throughly recommend this for any adventure-lovers embarking on the journey into longer chapter books, 7+.

Library Girl.

*Many thanks to Nosy Crow for sending me this copy to review*