Review: The Disappearing Diamond

The Disappearing Diamond is Emmie and Jack’s third exciting adventure into the past to solve an intriguing mystery.  It can be read as a standalone, but I imagine that children who have not read the first two adventures will want to catch up on them.  I know I do!

Emmie and Jack are on a school trip to the Victoria & Albert Museum, dressed as Victorian children.  Like the other children in their class, they are fascinated by the Koh-i-Noor diamond which will be included in the upcoming new king’s coronation.  As Jack approaches the cabinet where the jewel is displayed, lights flicker and the alarm goes off … the diamond has disappeared, and a familiar looking man is beckoning them.  As in previous adventures, he needs their help, this time to recover the missing diamond in time for the upcoming coronation …

The two friends step through the museum door and find themselves in Victorian London just before the opening of the 1851 Great Exhibition in the Crystal Palace.  Will they be able to uncover what happened to the diamond in the past in order to save the coronation? 

This is a wonderfully exciting adventure which gives a fascinating insight into the sights, smells and sounds of Victorian London, and especially the spectacle of the Great Exhibition of 1851.  I loved following Emmie and Jack as they race to solve the mystery of the disappearing diamond, finding help from some new friends, and the rather mysterious time architect, Mr Briggs when they need him most.  There is plenty of danger, deception, twists and revelations which kept me turning the pages to discover the culprit. 

This is the first book in this series that I have read so really enjoyed getting to know Emmie and Jack who are vey likeable characters. They have a genuine friendship and make a great team as they work together to solve the mystery and overcome problems that are thrown their way.  They show great courage in facing their fears in difficult situations, and are there to offer each other support.  I also really liked the inclusion of historical figures in the story including Queen Victoria and her protégé, Sarah. 

I love timeslip adventures and think young readers will enjoy travelling back in time into an intriguing mystery which gives them an insight into a historical period whilst chasing an exciting adventure.

This is a wonderfully engaging timeslip mystery that is sure to captivate readers of 8+. 

Thank you to the author, Glen Blackwell, for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.