You may have already read Libby’s first adventure, ‘Libby and the Parisian Puzzle,’ or perhaps you’re searching for a new middle grade mystery series to get your brain whirring. Either way, you are going to love the second instalment in Jo Clarke’s ‘The Travelling School Mysteries’ series!

‘After a tumultuous term in Paris, Libby and Connie are looking forward to a quiet holiday at Connie’s family home. But before long they find themselves caught up in another mystery, this time set against the dramatic backdrop of the Highlands and Edinburgh.’

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This snowy mystery was the perfect choice to pull me out of my post-Christmas reading slump. I thoroughly enjoyed being whisked away to the Scottish highlands, visiting art galleries, and dancing The Gay Gordons at a cèilidhs.

But all is not as it seems: priceless heirlooms are mysteriously disappearing from Connie’s family home; her father is distant and tense; and her mother is worrying about money. When Libby discovers secret passageways in and out of the building, she starts to suspect there might be something suspicious afoot…

Libby herself is struggling with not seeing her mother, particularly over the festive period. Despite evidence to the contrary, she can’t help but hope that her mum will visit her as promised. It’s good to see more grown-up issues being explored which some readers will certainly relate to.

That said, this title is a whole lot of fun and taps into my childhood love of boarding school adventures. There’s a certain freedom that comes with not having parents hovering too closely in the background! Libby and her friends certainly take advantage of this as they tear around Edinburgh getting themselves into all sorts of scrapes.

In summary: secret passageways, priceless portraits, and family secrets. I can’t wait for the next adventure.

Jo.

*Many thanks to Firefly Press for sending me this title to review*