The Whisperling

There’s no such thing as ghosts…unless you need their help.

Peggy Devona is a Whisperling. She can talk to those who have passed, should they wish it, during ‘the burn’, the moment when their spirit is at its most powerful. However, in the small English village where she lives, there are many who are afraid of such people so she hides her ability. However, when her best friend, Sally, is accused of murdering Lady Stanton, the rich lady she works for, Peggy knows she must use her gift to save Sally from the gallows.

I absolutely adored this story and found the note from the author at the end of the book really fascinating. Compelling from the outset, the story has a wonderful gothic feel as it explores Victorian attitudes to death and the afterlife as well as the harsh realities of punishments and labour conditions at this time.

Peggy is a wonderful character. Fiercely loyal, her friendship with Sally means the world to her and she shows great courage, determination and resilience as she works to solve the mystery surrounding Lady Stanton’s death. Sent from her home for her safety when the villagers discover that she is a Whisperling, she escapes to Bristol to live with her Uncle Bletchley, who runs seances at his Psychic Emporium. Here, she meets Cecily and Oti, the girls who work for her uncle, and learns to trust them as they help her in her quest to save Sally.

There is so much to love about this story…but I would hate to spoil it for anyone so am reluctant to say too much. The references to Bristol are fascinating and there are moments of great poignancy and love throughout. Highly recommended to one and all!

The Whisperling

Hayley Hoskins, illustrated by Kristina Kister

Puffin Books ISBN: 978-0241514504

Murder at Snowfall

On Tuesday evening, I had the great pleasure of joining the loveliest group of people to celebrate the launch of ‘Murder at Snowfall’, Fleur Hitchcock’s thrilling new murder mystery story. Damp and drizzly though the evening was, Bath looked as atmospheric and beautiful as ever- very appropriate as it is the backdrop to the novel with familiar places such as Mr Bs and Waterstones featuring in the story.

There was a lovely atmosphere at Waterstones as everyone gathered. There was even a surprise acting element to Fleur’s reading and plenty of snow flake shaped snacks and mulled wine. Time flew by and a wonderful time was had by all to celebrate a wonderful book! Here’s my review!

Ruby’s mum is preoccupied. There has been a fire at the surgery where she works, her boss, Dr Price, has gone missing and she is convinced someone has been following her. As the snow falls and odd things keep happening, everyone is jumpy. So when Ruby’s ‘Step’, Lucas, dares her to open an abandoned cabinet they walk past on their way home from school, she soon wishes she hadn’t as a gruesome discovery sets off a chilling chain of events and a mystery which they must solve.

Fleur Hitchcock is an incredible writer. No matter what she tackles, the result is an absorbing, exciting story. With her ‘Murder’ stories, she achieves the perfect balance of thrills and chills for anyone looking for a compelling mystery with enough bodies, clues and red herrings to please Poirot yet keeping the story appropriate to the target audience. ‘Murder at Snowfall’ is her most sinister yet- and makes an excellent read!

Full of action, the story has plenty of tension, offering frissons of fear as the children tackle the mystery surrounding the events at Ruby’s mother’s work. There are twists and turns aplenty with some real surprises and miscues to take the reader down the wrong path, but everything comes together brilliantly in the end. Snow gives Bath an eerie feeling as the weather adds much to the atmosphere of the story, but readers who know the city will still recognise it in the story.

As well as the murder mystery, the story shows the development in the relationship between Ruby and her ‘Step’. When her mother married Paolo, Ruby hadn’t really understood that this would mean the addition of a strange, extremely intelligent boy who she views with suspicion and who seems to barely acknowledge her existence. However, as the novel develops, she comes to appreciate him, showing the importance of getting to know someone, being there for them and becoming family.

Brilliant!

Murder at Snowfall Fleur Hitchcock

Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1839945908

You can read my review of ‘Mouse Heart’ here.

The Arctic Railway Assassin

Hal is flying off to Sweden to meet his Uncle Nat. Together, they are going to make a special Christmas trip to the Aurora Sky Station to see the Northern Lights. Uncle Nat’s friend, Mortimer, has just won a Nobel Prize, and has been scared by a series of inexplicable events since the announcements. Although she is supposed to be accompanying them on the Narvik train, Morti has a sudden change of plans, leaving Hal and Nat to board alone.

But as they leave Stockholm, Hal and his uncle realise that they are being followed and things take a sinister turn as Uncle Nat’s past returns to haunt him, putting them both in danger.

This is definitely the most tense and fast paced trains adventure yet- and my new favourite! In this story, we learn more about Uncle Nat’s mysterious past and it seems that danger is catching up with him. There are moments of real peril and suspense as the action builds, raising serious concerns for the safety of all involved.

As readers have come to expect, ‘The Arctic Railway Assassin’ is full of wonderful descriptions of the trains and railways- a gift for any railfan. This attention to detail really makes you want to visit the locations involved- Kungsträdgården Station and the metro, Stockholm, the journey north to the Arctic Circle- leaving you with a strong sense of wanderlust, a longing to see the Northern lights and stay in the Ice Hotel! A section of notes at the end of the book offers more information about these places if the reader is interested.

Hal’s art work continues to be central to each story, but in this one, I feel there is a real sense of the development of his talent. The reader is told that he has been practising drawing at speed and is now ‘able to get down all the important lines at a breakneck pace’, loosely sketching in ‘a series of eggs for heads’ and other marks to guide his drawing. The addition of these details really adds to the story as it is through Hal’s considerable skill that the crimes are solved. Elisa Paganelli’s wonderful illustrations continue to give life to his sketches, allowing the reader to see each scene Hal captures and glean the same clues- if they can!

I love the face that the Sámi people have been included in this story. Katarina, who Hal meets on this trip, is a great character with observational skills and courageous spirit to match Hal’s. Details about the fascinating culture of her people, including clothing, food and their reindeer, add great interest to the story. I have been lucky enough to visit Sápmi and am ashamed to say that I did not know the Sámi people find ‘Lapland’ offensive. You really do learn - and should learn- something new every day.

The success of this series is not at all surprising as every book not only introduces the reader to a new location- and a new train- but also a brilliant new mystery to solve. I can’t wait to see what Hal gets up to next!

The Arctic Railway Assassin

M G Leonard and Sam Sedgman, illustrated by Elisa Paganelli

Macmillan ISBN: 978-1529072761

Published 13th October 2022

You can read my review of ‘Sabotage on the Solar Express’ here and ‘Epic Adventures: Explore the World in 12 Amazing Train Journeys’ here.

You can read a multi- review of each of the other four books here.

Festergrimm

When evil villain, Sebastian Eels, returns to Eerie-on-Sea, Herbie and Vi are convinced that he has some sinister purpose. He claims he is going to re-open Festergrimm’s Waxworks which will bring more tourists to the town, but as the children investigate, they discover another Eerie tale, full of family secrets and mechanical monsters, leading them into dark and dangerous places as they try to foil another of Eel’s dastardly schemes.

This is my favourite trip to Eerie-on-Sea so far! Full of all the familiar faces fans of the series have come to know and love, ‘Festergrimm’ is told with all the humour and charm of the previous books- and yet has a slightly different edge to it somehow.

Threads from the previous stories are drawn together in this one and it feels as if we are tantalisingly close to discovering more about the mysterious past of both Herbert Lemon and Violet Parma. These two make an incredible pair- brave and impetuous Vi often taking the lead, but Herbie (although starting with the intention of doing NOPE-vember and saying ‘nope’ to everything remotely adventurous!) rising to every challenge in his determination to defeat Eels.

I love the way Thomas Taylor refers to stories like the Gollum of Prague and Frankenstein as the children learn of the legend of Festergrimm’s metal giant, opening doors for children to discover new stories should they wish to as he builds on these to create his own. There are some quite chilling and tense moments in the book, but these are well balanced by the strength of the children’s friendship and the strong bonds they have with Jenny Hanniver, Dr Thalassi and Mrs Fossil as well as some more poignant events.

 ‘Mermedusa’ is, I believe, to be the fifth and final book in this series. Whilst I shall be sorry to make just one final visit to Eerie-on-Sea, Thomas Taylor has done such an excellent job of setting things up for an incredible conclusion to Herbie and Vi’s adventures that I can’t wait to read it!

Festergrimm Thomas Taylor

Walker Books ISBN: 978- 1529502121

Originally reviewed for Reading Zone.

Looking for Emily

Lily is not impressed by Edge, her new home town. Tiny and scruffy, the seaside town has little to offer and less to excite until she discovers a hidden museum- The Museum of Emily- which leads her into a mystery. Determined to find out who Emily was, what has happened to her and why she has a museum, Lily enlists the help of new friends, Sam and Jay, to solve this intriguing puzzle.

Alternating between Lily in the present and Emily in the past, ‘Looking for Emily’ is a well paced, enticing mystery with plenty of twists along the way. Although Lily is not impressed by Edge initially, its winding streets, shadowy caves and ruined lighthouse offer the perfect backdrop to the mystery and Fiona Longmuir effortlessly captures the setting and atmosphere of a seaside town.

Initially friendless, the bond Lily forms with Sam and Jay is delightful. Each is a strong individual with very different personalities, yet they come together to form the perfect team, working through problems and supporting one another. Sam’s chaotic family is a complete delight and no adventuring group of children is complete without a faithful canine companion- in this case, Sam’s dog, Costello.

For me, this was a one-sitting read as I felt compelled to find out more about Emily, uncover the identity of the sinister stranger and know whether the lost treasure existed. With its themes of friendship and family, there is so much here for KS2 children to enjoy as they solve the mystery alongside Lily and her friends. I really enjoyed it!

Looking for Emily Fiona Longmuir

Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1839942754

Mouse Heart

In the reign of Queen Anne II, in an alternate Bristol, a foundling called Mouse lives in the Moth Theatre with the people who took her in. Loving and loyal, Mouse adores her theatre family and so when Walter, the troupe’s leading man, is wrongly arrested for murder, she is determined to identify the real culprit and free Walter from prison. But Mouse’s investigation becomes increasingly fraught with peril as she realises that someone she trusts may be hiding a deadly secret, leading danger to those she loves the most.

What an adventure! Packed with action and mystery, sinister villains and theatricals, ‘Mouse Heart’ is a completely captivating and thrilling read that is impossible to put down.

Mouse is a fabulous heroine, brimming with courage and determination. Her affection for those around her and her resolve to keep them safe at all costs is heart warming as she launches herself into her investigations. Using her acting skills, Mouse transforms her appearance as she makes her way around the Bristol-that-isn’t-the-real-Bristol, piecing together the events surrounding the crime and the story is full of references to locations which can be found in ‘real’ Bristol- St Michael’s Hill, for example, where executions were held until 1816 and Newgate Prison with its disgusting, insanitary conditions, so vividly described in the novel.

Rich in historical details as the story is, ‘Mouse Heart’ is set in an imaginary time hole in the early 1700s when the fictious Queen Anne II is on the throne. Edward Teach- Bristol’s infamous Blackbeard- also makes an appearance, further mingling reality with fantasy to create the perfect backdrop to Mouse’s adventures. Added to this is an array of wonderful characters who surround Mouse in her daily life which is full of the rivalries, affections and irritations experienced by those living in close contact.

The story romps along to its satisfying and dramatic climax, but although everything is brilliantly concluded, it would be wonderful to think that Mouse might have another adventure in the near future. There seems to be so much potential for adventure in her world!

Put this to the top of your to be read pile- you won’t regret it!

Mouse Heart Fleur Hitchcock

Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1788009485

The Lizzie and Belle Mysteries: Drama and Danger

Lizzie Sancho lives with her family at their Westminster grocery shop which doubles as a tea shop and what her father likes to call ‘literary salon’ in Georgian London, but she is definitely not your typical eighteenth-century girl. With no interest in the latest fashions or society gossip, Lizzie is very observant and intelligent. Her father has been given the role of Othello, making him the first Black man to play this role on the British stage. A trip to the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane for his opening night ends in disaster after an accident; however, it also leads to Lizzie meeting Dido Belle, an heiress being brought up by her aunt and uncle at Kenwood House, a magnificent residence on Hampstead Heath. The two girls are sure they saw something suspicious at the theatre and soon find themselves on the trail of a mystery…

There is so much to enjoy about this story. Vividly bringing Georgian London to life, it is a historical novel bursting with detail. Lizzie and Belle are based on the real people from Black British history, Elizabeth Sancho and Dido Elizabeth Belle. With so little recorded about the lives of the poor, particularly women and still less Black lives in Britain at this time, the story opens children’s eyes to the presence of the Black community in London in Georgian England. It does not shy away from serious topics such as Black people of being kidnapped and sold to slavers or to work in bondage in country houses in England ‘dressed up and collared, like pets’, the awful existence of those in enslavement in the Caribbean or the work of the abolitionists whilst offering a story of real friendship, courage- and some excellent detection!

From very different backgrounds, the girls make fascinating heroines. Lizzie is surrounded by her large, loving family whilst Belle confesses that she had never been introduced to another Black girl before Lizzie or rarely meets anyone of her own age. She knows she is fortunate to live in such luxury, but has a lonely existence. Together, the girls make the perfect team as they piece together the mystery of what happened at the theatre.

The story moves at a pleasing pace, with scenes of the theatre, the girls’ home lives and plenty of action as they investigate. The ending suggests the possibility of a new case for the girls to solve which I will be very keen to read. In the meantime, I will be reading more about Ignatius Sancho (Lizzie’s father), Dido Elizabeth Belle and other Black British figures from this period.

‘Drama and Danger’ is an excellent read, brilliantly illustrated by Simone Douglas throughout- a must have for all book corners and libraries!

The Lizzie and Belle Mysteries: Drama and Danger

J. T. Williams

Farshore ISBN: 978-0008485252

A Storm of Sisters

When cousin Clarissa needs looking after, the Widdershins sisters and their Granny set off for the Wilderness to look after her. The girls are excited to find that there is not room for them all to stay ta cousin Clarissa’s house and they will be staying at Echo Hall-without Granny. With the mysterious legend of a highwayman, a winter market to explore and the possibility of masked ball to attend, there is much to enjoy, but the town has an eerie past and the girls find themselves caught up in the ghostly happenings at the Hall.

I have loved each of the books about the Widdershins sisters, but I think this is the best yet! Betty, keen to travel and adventurous as ever, is enthralled by the legend of the highwayman surrounding Echo Hall and delighted to find an unsolved mystery in the very place they are staying. Fliss is more concerned with the prospect of a masked ball, having her fortune told and perhaps falling in love whereas Charlie remains as Charlie-like as ever! Together, they make a formidable team, but all their determination and love for family might not be enough to keep them safe in the face of ghosts and devious goings on.

Wintery Wilderness is the perfect backdrop to this story. Atmospheric descriptions help build tension as eerie events develop and the girls find themselves entwined in the mystery of the highwayman. As ever, evocative place names are carefully chosen to enhance the atmosphere.    

Gripping from the outset, ‘A Storm of Sisters’ is an excellent, absorbing read, full of mystery and magic. Just brilliant!

A Storm of Sisters Michelle Harrison

Simon and Schuster ISBN: 978-1471197659

Originally reviewed for Reading Zone.

Christie and Agatha’s Detective Agency: Of Mountains and Motors

Twin sisters and detectives, Christie and Agatha, are delighted when they head off to Scotland to witness Mr Alexander Jr’s daring attempt to drive to the summit of Ben Nevis. However, not everyone is so thrilled by the prospect and it soon becomes clear that someone is trying to sabotage the expedition. Can the girls solve the mystery and save the day?

The second book in this series, ‘Of Mountains and Motors’ mixes historical detail and an entertaining story with some super sleuthing to create a fun, accessible read. Perfect for using as a guided reading text , there is much to enjoy in this slender volume.

Although twins, Christie and Agatha have very different personalities. Whilst Agatha enjoys reading and has dreams of becoming an author, her sister, Christie loves to climb trees and has a great interest in engineering. They make a lively combination, both bringing skills to the process of detection.

The stories full of references to the great Agatha Christie. From the children’s names to the fact they live in Torquay, location of Christie’s childhood home. I love the character of Auguste- Belgian and fastidious, he embodies Poirot and even makes mention of the ‘little grey cells’! It may well lead children to the world of Christie and her novels!

As well as offering an appealing mystery to solve, the story includes real people and real events. Arthur Conan Doyle makes an appearance and the attempt by Mr Alexander Jr to drive a Model T Ford to the top of Ben Nevis really happened. A note about these things is included at the back of the book, offering a starting point for those who would like to discover more!

Illustrated throughout by Roberta Tedeschi, ‘Of Mountains and Motors’ is an appealing and enjoyable story, perfect for newly independent readers! Can’t wait to read their next adventure.

Christie and Agatha’s Detective Agency:

Of Mountains and Motors

Pip Murphy, illustrated by Roberta Tedeschi

Sweet Cherry ISBN: 978-1782268154

Agent Zaiba Investigates: The Smuggler’s Secret

Zaiba and the other members of the UK branch of the Snow Leopard Detective Agency have joined the school History Club. When they learn there is to be an outing to Chisel Bay to see a shipwreck and a priceless artefact recovered from the wreckage. But, when the artefact goes missing, Zaiba’s investigative skills take over and she and her team are quickly on the case…

This is a fabulous series! Zaiba is everything you could want from a young detective- bright, methodical and determined, she closely observes the world around her as she makes her deductions. Through her relationships with others, the reader also knows her to be kind and loving. Although she and cousin Mariam have not always been close, Zaiba is prepared to build bridges and welcome her as a valuable member of the Snow Leopard team. Part of a very warm, loving and supportive family, each of whom plays a role in the stories, Zaiba still feels a close bond to her own mother, constantly consulting the annotated copies of the ‘Eden Lockett’ mysteries she inherited from her mother. Although this book is the fourth in the series, it could easily be read as a stand alone as Annabelle Sami does an excellent job of filling in the details as this story builds.

Through the children’s investigations and the History Club’s visit, the reader learns much about smugglers and the East India Trading Company. The story also raises questions about the rightful ownership of historical artefacts, challenging children to think whilst still enjoying the story. An additional note on this subject at the end of the story encourages readers to develop the historical skills of questioning sources and looking at a range of accounts and evidence.

This pacy adventure is an excellent read with plenty of suspects and red herrings to keep the reader guessing. Daniela Sosa’s illustrations add much to the enjoyment of this fresh mystery series. These stories would make brilliant read alouds for a class of budding sleuths and also engaging guided readers.

Agent Zaiba Investigates: The Smuggler’s Secret

Annabelle Sami, illustrated by Daniela Sosa

Make sure you read the other adventures in this series. My review of ‘The Missing Diamonds’ can be found in the ‘Reviews from Another Life’ section.