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 … Continue reading ‘Libby and the Highland Heist,’ by Jo Clarke, illustrated by Becka Moor.
Tag: Mystery
Blog Tour: ‘My Friend the Octopus,’ by Lindsay Galvin, cover by Gordy Wright.
Having previously read ‘Darwin’s Dragons’ (also by Galvin), I was eagerly awaiting the publication of her next book, hoping for more fast-paced historical action with heart and humour. That is exactly what I got! Twelve-year-old Vinnie Fyfe works in the tea-shop at Brighton aquarium, and waits for her milliner mother to return from Paris. The … Continue reading Blog Tour: ‘My Friend the Octopus,’ by Lindsay Galvin, cover by Gordy Wright.
Blog tour: ‘Libby and the Parisian Puzzle,’ by Jo Clarke, illustrated by Becka Moor.
Today I have the absolute pleasure of kicking off the blog tour for author, librarian, and superstar blogger, Jo Clarke. I have known Jo for a long time and she has exquisite taste in books so I knew before I’d even read it that her debut was going to be a corker. And I wasn’t … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Libby and the Parisian Puzzle,’ by Jo Clarke, illustrated by Becka Moor.
Blog tour: ‘Carnival of the Lost,’ by Kieran Larwood, illustrated by Sam Usher.
I am a huge fan of Kieran’s writing (if you haven’t read his award-winning Legend of Podkin One-Ear series, you need to immediately!) so I was very happy to hear that he had embarked on an entirely new endeavour - Carnival of the Lost. ‘Sheba the wolf girl joins an unusual troupe of performers that … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Carnival of the Lost,’ by Kieran Larwood, illustrated by Sam Usher.
Blog tour: ‘Nisha’s War,’ by Dan Smith.
Oh my goodness, if you’re looking for a new title to fit with a WW2 topic, or for an atmospheric ghostly class read, then this is absolutely the book for you! Make sure you scroll down to read Dan’s Q&A about the inspiration and process behind writing Nisha’s War. Malaya, 1942. Nisha’s home is destroyed by … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Nisha’s War,’ by Dan Smith.
Blog tour: ‘The Ash House,’ by Angharad Walker.
If you are looking for a dark, mysterious, brooding read for young teen readers, then this is what you need to get hold of. It is very rare that I am so enthralled by a book that I am compelled to read it in one sitting. But that is exactly what happened with ‘The Ash … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Ash House,’ by Angharad Walker.
Blog tour: ‘The Lost Child’s Quest,’ by James Haddell.
I am always in awe of anyone who can juggle writing a cracking MG adventure alongside a busy job and family life, but James Haddell has done it! Introducing ‘The Lost Child’s Quest’ - full of history, mystery and magic. Tia is an orphan. She has lived in an orphanage, looked after by the kindly … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Lost Child’s Quest,’ by James Haddell.
Stories with Environmental themes from Barrington Stoke
Today I’m sharing two books with strong environmental themes from the fabulous dyslexia-friendly publisher, Barrington Stoke. ‘The Invasion of Crooked Oak,’ by Dan Smith, illustrated by Chris King. The local community are very unhappy about the fracking site on Carpenter’s Field. The local children used to play there - catching fish and building dens. When … Continue reading Stories with Environmental themes from Barrington Stoke
Blog tour: ‘Mina Mistry Instigates: The Case of the Disgusting School Dinners,’ by Angie Lake, illustrated by Ellie O’Shea.
Today I have the first title in a new series of detective stories for readers aged 7+ Introducing ‘Mina Mistry Investigates.’ I also have a fascinating blog piece from author, Angie Lake, about how her writing process has changed and developed over the years. Mina Mistry (real name: Mina Snotbridge) has it all figured out. … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Mina Mistry Instigates: The Case of the Disgusting School Dinners,’ by Angie Lake, illustrated by Ellie O’Shea.
Blog Tour: ‘The Key to Finding Jack,’ by Ewa Jozefkowicz, cover by Katy Riddell.
Today I get to share a brilliant new middle grade novel which would be perfect for budding detectives: ‘The Key to Finding Jack.’ I also have a special piece from the author about what inspired her to choose Peru as the centre of Jack’s adventure. Flick’s elder brother, Jack, is heading off on a gap … Continue reading Blog Tour: ‘The Key to Finding Jack,’ by Ewa Jozefkowicz, cover by Katy Riddell.
Blog tour: ‘The Inkberg Enigma,’ by Jonathan King.
We’re always on the lookout for new graphic novels in this household as Book Boy is a big fan. He also loves a good mystery adventure so ‘The Inkberg Enigma’ was perfect for him. Miro and Zia both live in the same tiny fishing village nestled at the foot of an ancient castle. When the … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Inkberg Enigma,’ by Jonathan King.
‘The Pear Affair,’ by Judith Eagle, cover by Kim Geyer.
Prepare yourself to be whisked away to the streets of Paris in this wonderful patisserie-filled mystery. Nell Magnificent is feeling anything but. Her two beastly parents are planning to leave on a business trip to Paris. Usually, she would spend the holidays at school, but on this occasion it was being redecorated and had sent … Continue reading ‘The Pear Affair,’ by Judith Eagle, cover by Kim Geyer.
‘Where the Wilderness Lives,’ by Jess Butterworth, cover by Rob Biddulph.
Jess’s writing is fantastic so I was delighted to be sent a copy of her newest title which is firmly rooted in the great outdoors. Cara, her siblings and their Irish wolfhound live on a boat in the countryside. They love their beautiful boat and the fact they can step off the boat and into … Continue reading ‘Where the Wilderness Lives,’ by Jess Butterworth, cover by Rob Biddulph.
Further Fabulous First Chapter Books
It would seems that people are always looking for new first chapter books for readers who are looking for some that’s still highly-illustrated and engaging, but also a little wordier. Fear not, I have a brand new selection of titles which might just fit the bill! If you still more suggestions, click here. These would … Continue reading Further Fabulous First Chapter Books
Blog tour: ‘The Thirteenth Home of Noah Bradley,’ by Amber Lee Dodd,
Ooh readers, you are in for a treat. I read this brilliant curse-filled tale over the course of the day and thoroughly loved it! When Noah Bradley and his family arrive at their newest house in the middle of the night, he can’t help but wonder how long he will be able to call it … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Thirteenth Home of Noah Bradley,’ by Amber Lee Dodd,
#TuesdayReviewsDay ‘Mark Anchovy: Pizza Detective,’ by William Goldsmith.
As part of our new schedule, #BookBoy and #BookBoyJr will be posting new reviews every Tuesday (#TuesdayReviewsDay.) This weekend, Book Boy has been reading the first in a new series of pun-filled mysteries from Piccadilly Press. Mark Anchovy (aka Colin Kingsley) is a pizza delivery boy and aspiring private detective - he is desperate for … Continue reading #TuesdayReviewsDay ‘Mark Anchovy: Pizza Detective,’ by William Goldsmith.
Blog Tour: ‘The House on Hoarder Hill,’ by Mikki Lish & Kelly Ngai, cover by Maxine Lee-Mackie.
Today I am sharing the creepy, magical tale of a pair of siblings and a house full of secrets: ‘The House on Hoarder Hill.’ I also have a Q&A with the two authors, Mikki Lish and Kelly Ngai, about the pros and cons of writing as a duo and where their inspiration cane from. Hedy … Continue reading Blog Tour: ‘The House on Hoarder Hill,’ by Mikki Lish & Kelly Ngai, cover by Maxine Lee-Mackie.
‘Crater Lake,’ by Jennifer Killick.
Jennifer Killick is one of the most amazing authors of funny books (see her Alex Sparrow series or Mo, Lottie and the Junkers) so I was more than a little intrigued when I heard that her next book was going to be scary. Maybe even - a horror! Would she keep her trademark humour or … Continue reading ‘Crater Lake,’ by Jennifer Killick.
‘A Super Weird Mystery: Danger at Donut Diner,’ by Jim Smith
Fans of funny and all things Barry Loser will be delighted to learn that creator of craziness, Jim Smith is back with a BRAND NEW series! The Pebble family (humans not stones) are moving to Donut Island and it would be fair to say that neither of the kids (Melvin and Violet) are looking forward … Continue reading ‘A Super Weird Mystery: Danger at Donut Diner,’ by Jim Smith
‘The Bigwoof Conspiracy,’ by Dashe Roberts, illustrations by Bill Bragg.
I’m starting wonder if the hit Netflix series, ‘Stranger Things,’ is partly responsible for the slowly growing trickle of spooky, kooky Sci-Fi novels with a good dollop of retro. ‘The Bigwoof Conspiracy’ would definitely fit into that category. Twelve-year-old Lucy Sladan is obsessed with the ‘unexplained.’ And there’s plenty of unexplained occurnaces in her home … Continue reading ‘The Bigwoof Conspiracy,’ by Dashe Roberts, illustrations by Bill Bragg.