Review: Cinnamon Crumb, Baking Detective: The Great Cake Caper written and illustrated by Harry Woodgate

Cinnamon Crumb Baking Detective: The Great Cake Caper is the first book in a delightfully cosy mystery series – and what an absolute treat this proved to be! Baked to perfection, this kept me completely captivated throughout.

Cinnamon Crumb intends to spend her winter school holiday with best friend, Rafi as they enjoy the delicious delights of The Great Cake Carnival. The ultimate accolade for the bakers during the ten-day Carnival is to win the coveted Twelve-Tiered Crown. When two rival bakers ask her to investigate a sticky situation, involving cheating and sabotage linked to the Crown, Cinnamon finds herself acting as a double agent in a secret mission – and accidentally becoming a baking detective.

And so begins THE most wonderfully charming, cosy crime caper as Cinnamon, best friend Rafi and new friend, Amber, set out to investigate the two rival bakers, but what secrets will they discover during their search for the perfect proof of a crime?

I absolutely loved spending time with this terrific trio as they use their sleuthing skills to follow a tantalising trail of clues, leading them into danger and chaos, and towards a clever plan to catch a culprit. I adored the humour, the baking puns, the red herrings, the fast-paced action and the diverse and inclusive cast of characters.

Cinnamon, Rafi and Amber are incredibly likeable children who trust and support each other as they team up to solve the mystery. Whilst Rafi is outgoing and full of energy, Cinnamon is more observant, qualities that complement each other as they both bring strengths to the investigation. New friend Amber’s Tourette’s syndrome is captured sensitively and encourages empathy and understanding in readers. I also loved the strong, positive message of being true to yourself, not conforming to others assumptions: incredibly empowering for young readers.

The many full-and-partial-page illustrations throughout are absolutely gorgeous, and capture the charm, cosiness and joy of this mystery perfectly. They are energetic, expressive and humorous and really immerse the reader in the town of Marzipan and its baking-loving inhabitants. And there’s a map – the best baking map!

A wonderful reading treat, generously sprinkled with mystery, humour and charm, perfect to snuggle up with on a cold evening with your choice of baked goods. Readers of 8+ will absolutely gobble up this deliciously delightful whodunnit.

Thank you to Usborne Publishing for sending me a copy of this book. It was my decision to read and review, and my review is my honest opinion.

Review: Dracula & Daughters: School for Slayers

*Written by Emma Carroll*
Cover illustration by Alice Giudi
*Interior illustrations by Marta Bertello*
*Published by Faber & Faber Ltd*

Dracula & Daughters: School for Slayers is the second gripping gothic mystery for this trio of intrepid vampire hunters.

Sisters Mina and Buffy, and their cousin, Bella, are open for business: the business of healing vampires. The girls are perfectly suited to this enterprise as they are part of an ancient Dracula dynasty which has given them a unique ability to heal vampires, aided by The Vampire Healer’s Handbook. But, there’s a pain in the neck for the fledgling business, and it’s not of vampire origin. The new Guildmaster, Mr Seward, is convinced that Temstown is no longer at risk from vampires and demands that they close their business – or else! The girls are certain that the town is still at risk. Can they prove the Guildmaster wrong and remain open for business?

When Dracula & Daughters get a message requesting help, they find themselves infiltrating Poisonwood School for Boys as undertakers but, instead of a body to bury, they discover that a vampire is attacking the students. Can they stop the attacks before the school is overrun by vampires, bringing danger to the town? Could someone be so intent on revenge that they have returned from their grave?

So begins another dark, thrilling adventure for this tenacious and courageous trio as they seek to discover the identity of the source vampire feeding on the students, as they attempt to re-educate the boys intent on slaying vampires, and as they find themselves in terrible danger. This is an absolutely riveting read that I finished in one sitting. I was held enthralled by the high-stakes action, the ever-increasing sense of peril, and the revelations that kept me on the edge of my seat, eagerly turning pages with bated breath.

This is such a clever twist on the vampire story with the boys at Poisonwood intent on the tradition of vampire slaying whilst the girls seek to heal those who have been infected. I loved learning about the different types of vampires and their treatments and really enjoyed the inclusion of The Vampire Healer’s Handbook at the end of the book. You never know when it might come in handy as spooky season approaches!

As in the first book, it is apparent that the girls live in a society where they are not welcomed everywhere. No girls are allowed at Poisonwood, yet it is a trio of strong, determined and courageous girls who come to the students aid. What an empowering message! I also loved that characters were named after the Romantic poets and Victorian female writers who wrote gothic works, not to mention the wonderful raven, Poe.

Brimming with supernatural danger and daring, this atmospheric, spooky read is perfect for readers of 9+.

Thank you to Faber Children’s Books for sending me a proof copy. It was my decision to read and review this book, and my review is my honest opinion.

Review: Will Shakespeare Mysteries: The Pearly Pants

*Written by Kaz Penney*
*Illustrated by Sammy Elgie*
*Published by Andersen Press*

Young Will Shakespeare, the greatest-person-who-solves-crimes, is back for another hilarious caper in The Pearly Pants, the second in the Will Shakespeare Mysteries series which opened with The Stinky Stolen Toenails. Oh my goodness – what an absolute gigglesome treat this is – for young readers and adults!

Will and best friend, Tybalt, find themselves accidentally volunteering to help out on the school archery trip to Scotland. After two weeks aboard the inaptly named The Friendly, they take a coach to Dunsinane Castle where they meet Lord and Lady MacDeath and their other guests. Banquet, who is charged with looking after them, takes Will and Tybalt to see the present that one of the guests, Lord Dunkin, is delivering to King James VI: the Pearl Encrusted Pants of Peter the Pained (The Pearly Pants). That night, they are woken by screams only to discover that, not only have The Pearly Pants been stolen, but Lord Dunkin has been murdered. OK – there is the small matter of no body, but that doesn’t stop the archery team being accused of murder. If they are found guilty, they face the possibility of a very prickly death – by thistle! Can Will and Tybalt (but mostly Will) solve the mystery and prove the team’s innocence?

So begins an uproariously brilliant mystery adventure that I couldn’t put down – except when I was giggling too much to continue – or had to share parts with my husband! I loved joining Will and Tybalt as they investigate both the missing Lord Dunkin and his Pearly Pants, following a trail of clues and finding themselves in the most chaotic, and hilarious, situations. Can this chaotic, but brilliant, pair of sleuths piece together the evidence to discover who the culprit is, and what motive they could possibly have? What could three witches know about the crime? And, could Lord Dunkin have possibly been eaten by a were-squirrel? I know – you’ll just have to read this fantastically madcap story to find out … and I really do urge people to read this. I think it would make a wonderful class story or a shared story at home.

Whilst knowledge of the works of Shakespeare isn’t needed to enjoy this story, as an adult who loves the Bard’s works, I really relished the playfulness of the references to Macbeth. I know lots of primary schools do study Shakespeare, including Macbeth, and I think this would complement such a study perfectly. I’ll certainly be recommending it to our Year 5 teachers.

This is written in an incredibly engaging diary-style format from Will’s viewpoint, but includes interjections by Tybalt as well as chapter headings that gives readers a quick insight into the action. There are lots of expressive and hilarious illustrations throughout (including those with captions and labels) which really complement the madcap energy of the story.

Hold on to your pants: get ready for an exuberantly exciting, fantastically funny and mischievous mystery, perfect for readers of 7+.

Thank you to Andersen Press for sending me a copy of this book. It was my decision to review the book and my review is my honest opinion.

Review: Impossible Creatures: The Neverfear

The Neverfear sees a breath-taking and utterly magical return to the Archipelago in the third book in the Impossible Creatures pentalogy – and, wow, was it worth the wait!

Christopher and his friend, Anya, have been living on the Islet of Glimt for three months helping to take care of a myriad of mythical creatures. Christopher makes use of his connection with magical creatures to help them. This bond is deepened even further when he is summoned into the forest to help save a baby unicorn. This triggers an intensely metaphysical bond, a bond that manifests itself as a green-gold light, enabling him to communicate, connect and empathise, with the magical creatures of the Glimouria Archipelago.

But, the idyll of life on the Islet is ripped apart during the Midsummer Feast when news of terrible evil being unleashed in Glimouria is revealed by an old acquaintance of Fidens Nighthand with whom Christopher and Anya now live. Together with a small group of friends, Christopher and Anya make the journey to the City of Scholars for a meeting about the bandits terrorising the Archipelago but, en route, they are ambushed and someone the children love dearly is kidnapped. A ransom note is left which issues them with a seemingly impossible mission and a dire threat: they must complete three tasks and tell no-one of their mission, or the one they love will die.

And so begins the most incredible, breath-taking adventureas Christopher, Anya and their loyal, and utterly brilliant, companions Ratwin, the ratatoska, and Jacques, the Jaculus dragon, board The Neverfear to find three mythical treasures before time runs out for their loved one. This courageous, loyal and daring quartet are prepared take huge risks, make heart-breaking sacrifices, and place themselves in terrible danger, in order to save someone who means the world to them. Can they overcome fierce giants, outwit a pirate lord, and win a race against thieves to collect the treasures they have been tasked with finding? Can Christopher use his new-found deeper connection with magical creatures to help him when all else fails? Can they save the life of someone they love before time runs out? And, what if the kidnap is only the beginning of a horrifying plan?

This adventure completely, utterly and absolutely hooked me from the opening page and took me on an unforgettable, magical journey with a quartet of friends who have found their way into my heart. I was left gasping at the danger they find themselves in, tearful at the sacrifices and difficult decisions made, but smiling, and somewhat in awe of, the overwhelming strength of their bonds of friendship and love for others, their sheer tenacity and ingenuity, and their ability to retain a glimmer of hope, even when their world is becoming ever darker.

A breath-taking return to the Archipelago to embark on an unforgettable, perilous adventure with two courageous children and their magical and mighty creatures as they fight against someone determined to destroy all they hold dear.

Thank you to the publisher, Bloomsbury, and to NetGalley for approving me to read an e-ARC of this title. My review is my honest opinion of the book.

Review: Jekyll vs Hyde: The Potion of Doom

***Published by Farshore Books on 24th September***

Ever since The Beast & the Bethany was unleashed on an unsuspecting reading world, I have waited ever so impatiently to discover what mischief and mayhem Jack Meggitt-Phillips would create next … and, oh my goodness, it has been worth the wait! Jekyll vs Hyde: The Potion of Doom is a deliciously dark tale of doom, dastardly deeds and destruction. Oh, and it’s hilarious and utterly brilliant!

I’m sorry to say that when we meet Henrik Hyde, he is a spoiled and horrid child who is adept at the art of manipulation and deceit, a self-centred and selfish young boy who always gets what he wants. And what he wants is his inheritance! Jekyll Manor, complete with its own laboratory, comes with the added allure of re-creating a rather intriguing potion originally created by his ancestor, Dr Henry Jekyll.

Despite being warned by self-appointed new pal Gabby NEVER to meddle with the potion, Henrik’s curiosity, and desire to meet the ultimate version of himself, sees him not only making the Hyde Potion, but drinking it … and meeting alter ego Eddie Hyde. For the first time in his life, Henrik is not in complete control, and Eddie is determined to cause chaos and take control … Has Henrik unleashed a mischievous monster on the local town of Gothville? Is he in danger of losing himself to this reckless creation, or will he learn the value of friendship and taking responsibility?

What a terrific twist on R L Stevenson’s classic tale, perfect for a younger audience, but I have no doubt that adults will enjoy this wickedly witty story too, making it a wonderful choice for either a class read or shared read at home. I loved Jekyll Manor, left to run to ruin, but with an almost-life of its own, hiding its dark secrets, and a certain amount of petulance! I also really enjoyed the unexpected twists, the dark humour and the brilliant revelations that kept me eagerly turning pages – and giggling and gasping in ghastly delight! I have no idea what’s coming next from Henrik and Eddie but I can’t wait to find out!

My proof copy does not have any illustrations but I’m looking forward to getting a final copy when it’s published in September as I know they’ll be brilliant – and this is definitely a book I want to share with my new class.

A fantastically funny read, brimming with mayhem and mischief, perfect for readers of 9+ albeit I fear many will want to follow in Henrik’s footsteps … now I can only hope that Mr Meggitt-Phillips hasn’t been involved in re-creating any untested potions which could get into the hands of curious children.

Thank you to Toppsta and the Publishers, Farshore Books, for providing me with a proof copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Monsieur Mustard: The Disappearance of Fabio Fangtooth

*Written and illustrated by Charley Rabbit*
*Published* *by Andersen Press*

Oh là là! Monsieur Mustard: The Disappearance of Fabio Fangtooth is an absolutely stunning visual, and reading, delight: a blend of illustrated chapter book and graphic novel, perfect for young readers of 7+.

After closing up for the night, restaurant owner, Fabio Fangtooth, is enjoying his alphabet soup when he disappearsss … Luckily, famous Parisian mouse detective, Monsieur Mustard, has moved to Bath, and is looking for a mystery to investigate.

When reading the local newspaper, Monsieur Mustard learns about the mysterious disappearance of Fabio but, on his way to investigate, he is himself robbed of his detective bag. This also proves fortuitous as he meets Mobbsy Slewfoot, rodent of mystery and master of disguise (otherwise known as cutting holes in items), who offers to take him to the restaurant – after accidentally damaging Monsieur Mustard’s map. And what famous detective doesn’t need a Watson to help solve a crime?

And so begins a fantastically fun-filled, action-packed adventure as the super-sleuthing duo team up with P.I Podge, a pigeon detective, to solve this puzzling crime. Can they follow the trail of clues, and capture the culprit, before someone else goes missing? Can they stay one step ahead of a villain who is intent on outwitting the famous detective and his tingling whiskers?

This is a perfect introduction to detective mystery adventures for younger readers with just enough peril, and intriguing clues, to keep them eagerly turning pages whilst giggling their way through the chaos and mayhem the sleuthing team find themselves in as they follow a trail of clues … and red herrings. I also think the animal cast of quirky characters will appeal to readers, not to mention the Beantinley! This will make such a fun read aloud book, and is one I can just imagine children enjoying sharing with each other again and again.

I absolutely loved the format of this book which I have no doubt will appeal to both younger, and more reluctant, readers. The blend of colour-illustrated chapter book, with graphic novel layout for the detective scenes, is incredibly engaging. The illustrations throughout are absolutely gorgeous, capturing the humour, excitement and energy of this book perfectly.

Monsieur Mustard is the most loveable detective with his dapper suit, monocle and tingling whiskers. He is clever and determined, and shows courage when facing his fear and helping a friend. I also adored Mobbsy who proves a loyal and encouraging friend to Monsieur Mustard. I am really looking forward to their next adventure.

Et voilà! What a treat of a mystery adventure: a generous dollop of humour, mixed with a heap of excitement and a dash of peril. Fantastic fun for readers of 7+.

Thank you top Jade at Anderson Press for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Help! Aliens Stole my Grandad written by Hannah Moffatt and illustrated by Rory Walker

*Published by* ***Everything With Words***

Help! Aliens Stole my Grandad is a fantastically funny and wonderfully warm-hearted story that sees a young boy launched into the adventure of a lifetime.

Ten-year-old Harrison’s Grandad had always dreamt of being an astronaut, so his family are gathering to honour his final wish: to launch his ashes into space on a firework rocket. But his send-off doesn’t go exactly as planned …

Waking to the sound of voices outside his window, Harrison’s curiosity outweighs his fear, and he opens the window to discover a ship, with a crew of alien pirates, who are demanding to be taken to the Earthling Prime Minister. Desperate to get his grandad’s ashes back, Harrison tells a smallish fib, and finds himself launched into the hugest out-of-this-world adventure!

As Earthling’s Prime Minister, he is taken to Cheddar Moon aboard the Jolly Ricotta for what he hopes is a friendly visit, and an opportunity to find his Grandad’s ashes. But, when he arrives, it is to discover that the pirates are far from friendly! They accuse him of firing a cannonball that has frightened away their lucky pink-feathered parrot, cursing their ship. And he has until bedtime to find their parrot, or be forced to walk the plank … into a black hole.

I absolutely loved this madcap, action-packed adventure, brimming with humour and heart, as Harrison, and Red (Daughter of Leicester, the Cook), begin a perilous quest to find the missing parrot. Be prepared for space cows, ghost pirates, cheese puns galore, and oodles of giggles and gasps.

Funny stories, told with humour and heart, are a wonderful way to help younger children cope with some difficult times in their own lives, and I think this is a story that does this in a sensitive, and age-appropriate, manner. Whilst this is a funny story, there are hidden layers, that will allow adults to explore big emotions with children.

I adored both Harrison and Red who form a wonderful friendship as they work together to break the curse, and avoid walking the plank. Both children are courageous, quick-thinking and learn to face their fears. I’d love to see them go on another adventure!

The full-and-partial-page illustrations throughout are absolutely brilliant and perfectly complement the zaniness and humour of this adventure.

An out-of-this-world, madcap adventure to the moon and back, brimming with heart and humour, and perfect for young readers of 7+.

Thank you to Mikka at Everything with Words for sending me a copy of Help! Aliens Stole my Grandad. My review is my honest opinion of the book.

Review: Questers Academy: The Box of Locks

*Written by Sam Hay*
*Cover Illustration by Marina Vidal*
*Published by Firefly Press*

Questers Academy: The Box of Locks is a thrilling, action-packed adventure, brimming with mystery, myth and magic, as three daring young friends race across London in a dangerous quest to protect the city from disaster.

Tom Friday is visiting the Natural History Museum but, instead of meeting some old school friends, he encounters Curator’s niece, Leesha, who takes him into the museum so that he can visit the shark exhibition. Once inside, they overhear some guards who reveal that there has been a break-in. A recently hatched creature of myth, a firebird, has been stolen.

When Tom, a super-recogniser, glimpses the guards, he reveals that one of them is the thief. Impressed by his talent at remembering faces, Leesha shares that she is a student at the Questers Academy, a secret summer school which works to protect mythical objects. And she needs Tom’s help to find the firebird which means that they need to eavesdrop on the meeting her aunt is holding …

Hiding in a room above the meeting, the new friends discover that a villainous organisation now have possession of most of the keys needed to open the Box of Locks, an ancient artefact which holds a doom stone capable of great destruction. When the children witness the rest of the Questers being trapped in the museum, they find themselves in a race against time to find the final key needed to open the Box of Locks, and rescue the firebird, all whilst keeping one step ahead of a sinister stranger intent on stopping them at all costs …

And so begins an action-packed, riveting adventure as Tom, Leesha, and their new friend and apprentice locksmith, Finn find themselves in a quest across London to solve an intriguing mystery before time runs out. This is an adventure brimming with danger and tension, with puzzling clues to decipher and unravel, and with incredible twists and turns that kept me eagerly turning pages. The action in this adventure takes place over the course of a day and many chapter headings have a time and a location, when it is changed, both of which will make it easier for readers to follow the trio in their quest. The short chapters and many cliffhanger chapter endings will ensure that young readers will want to continue with ‘just one more chapter’. I also loved that the Questers Academy seeks children with recognisable talents, such as code-breakers, super-recognisers and fact checkers, rather than magical abilities. And, after that ending, I’m really hoping there’s another adventure for these three.

Tom, Leesha and Finn are all incredibly likeable, astute and courageous characters who form a strong friendship as they work together to piece together clues and ciphers to solve a mystery. Whilst Leesha is eager for adventure, taking risks and breaking rules, Tom is more cautious and careful but adventure still finds him.

An exciting, fast-paced mystery adventure, perfect for readers of 9+.

Thank you to Firefly Press for sending me a proof copy. It was my decision to read and review this book, and my review is my honest opinion.

Review: A Clock Strikes Murder

*Written by Michelle Harrison*
*Illustrated by Natalie Smillie*
Published by *Simon & Schuster*

A Clock Strikes Murder is the second riveting, mystery adventure for twins Spike and Merry: an intriguing whodunnit which kept me completely enthralled throughout.

Identical twins Spike and Merry are on holiday in Crete with their mum who has been employed by friend, and owner of the Museum of Cursed Objects, Yiannis, to complete some restoration work on an old painting. When the twins arrive, they discover that the other guests are there for the auctioning of Medusa’s Revenge, an antique painting rumoured to bring death to anyone looking directly into it. When one of the bidders is found dead, the twins are determined to investigate: could the curse be real, or does someone else have a motive for murder? Can they find the culprit before they strike again? And, can they uncover the family secrets behind the cursed painting?

And so begins a gripping, tense and thrilling mystery as Merry and Spike, alongside new friend, Nikos, begin their investigation into, not only the death of a guest, but a disappearance. Could these two events be linked? Can the twins use their abilities to manipulate time to help them solve the crime, and find the missing person before someone intent on revenge strikes again?

The isolated setting of the Museum, accessed through caves, at the top of a cliff is just perfect for this mystery. Tension builds inexorably as danger increases, tremors and thunderstorms strike, and the feeling of being trapped with someone dangerous, with no access to help, grows. The unexpected twists and turns, revelations and unravelling of clues kept me eagerly turning pages as I was just as keen as Merry and Spike to discover the culprit. As in Twice Upon a Time, the twins use their incredible ability to manipulate time to help them unravel the mystery and get out of sticky situations.

I loved being back with Merry and Spike as they venture to the beautiful island of Crete with their mum – and soon find another mystery to solve – and a new friend. Their different interests and strengths complement each other when piecing together clues and, despite some disagreements which are natural between siblings, their bond remains strong. Their curiosity, courage and tenacity help them to piece together clues to unravel a truly intriguing mystery.

The gorgeous chapter heading illustrations give a wonderful glimpse into each chapter alongside the chapter epigraphs.

Whilst this can be read as a standalone, I have no doubt that readers will want to spend time with the first book, Twice Upon a Time, after enjoying this gripping mystery.

A wonderful whodunnit, brimming with danger, conundrums and secrets, perfect for readers of 9+.

Review: The Unchosen One by Amy Sparkes

*Written by Amy Sparkes*
*Cover illustration by Ben Mantle*
*Published by Walker Books*

The Unchosen One is a fantastically funny, fantasy adventure brimming with heart and hope, with mayhem and magic, and with courage and camaraderie … a completely captivating story.

Twelve-year-old Tassie has a ~~slight~~ definite tendency to unwittingly cause chaos wherever she goes, and to follow her own path, despite it not being towards her lessons in Ancient Gnomeology, but rather towards an adventure …

And she hopes an adventure has come calling when she falls out of a tree into a stranger’s cart. This stranger, the Wisest of the Wise, brings Tassie to her guardian, the Chief Steward, who announces that Tassie is none other than The Chosen One, fated to fulfil an ancient prophecy to protect the Isles of Peryll from the sinister Shadow, banished a thousand years ago, but strange whispers in the breeze foretell of its vengeful return …

Not the best news for the people of Peryll, I know, but at least Tassie will have an opportunity to go on a quest outside of the Citadel walls. There is only one small problem: the prophesied child is meek and calm – not attributes that Tassie can claim so she can’t possibly be the Chosen One. Nonetheless, she is prepared to overlook this – until she learns that going on an adventure is the furthest thing expected of the Chosen One! And she’s having none of that! What if she can make a much better fate for herself? What if her true destiny is to find the real Chosen One? And, it’s not Tassie’s fault that it comes with the added bonus of an adventure …

And so begins a brilliantly exciting, action-packed adventure as Tassie teams up with her loyal, but cautious, best friend and inventor, Spin, a griffin, and Darley, an elf who is somewhat of an enigma. As they travel across the Isle of Peryll on the trail of the true Chosen One, they meet a myriad of magical creatures, some friendly and some not-so-friendly, leading to some magnificently chaotic situations which brings oodles of humour and laugh-out-loud moments.

Will Tassie find the true Chosen One before time runs out for the people of the Isles of Peryll? Can this courageous, kind-hearted and daring young girl bring hope in the face of an ancient power intent on darkness and despair?

I absolutely loved the vivid world-building, the inversion of fantasy tropes and the witty sense of humour in this adventure and found myself eagerly turning pages as I followed Tassie on her rather chaotic, but courageous, quest. And what a quest she finds herself on, from taking a death-defying ride on a dragon taxi to meeting fierce fairies and ornery orcs all whilst being hunted by three wraiths intent on death and destruction – but with the most polite manners. I know I probably shouldn’t, but I adored the wraiths – the most brilliant characters!

A heart-warming, whimsical and enchanting call to adventure – a perfect choice for young readers of 8+.

Thank you to Walker Books for providing me with a Book Proof in exchange for my honest opinion.