Review: A Sycamore Hill Mystery: The Vanished Girl by Natasha Mac a’Bháird

Written by Natasha Mac a’Bháird
Cover Illustration by Lauren O’Neill
Published by The O’Brien Press

The Vanished Girl is the second book in the A Sycamore Hill Mystery series, set in 1960s Donegal – and what a wonderfully exciting return to the Sycamore Hill Boarding School this proved to be as friends Clare, Rose and Molly find themselves immersed in another mystery, a mystery brimming with danger and intrigue that completely captured me from start to finish.

Following a long weekend away from Sycamore Hill to attend her aunt’s wedding, Clare returns eager to tell her friends all the details. However, her news is somewhat overshadowed by the announcement that a new girl is starting mid-term, and one of the girls from St Anne’s dormitory will need to move out to allow room for her. Clare is immediately curious as to why a new girl would be starting part way through the term: could this be a new mystery for the sleuthing trio to solve?

When the girls meet their new dorm mate, Amy, she shares that she has started to board as her dad has a new job and the family are in the process of moving house. Despite Clare having some doubts about the truth of this information, it is not long before the three friends are welcoming Amy into their group, especially as she appears just as keen as they are to take part in the upcoming school musical and to get a place on the hockey team alongside Clare.

After a brilliant audition by Amy, Clare can’t help but wonder if she’s a film star. So why then does the new nun, Sister Eva, who has come to help out with staging the musical, deny such a talent from taking part in the performance? Why do the teaching staff not allow Amy to leave the school grounds or take part in any activities that would bring attention to her presence at the school?

Clare and her friends decide to, once again, become a sleuthing trio to reveal the secrets that Amy is hiding from them. But could her secrets be more dangerous than they first suspected? Could Sister Eva be spying on Amy and, if so, are her intentions to keep her safe, or to harm her?

I absolutely loved being back at Sycamore Hill Boarding School with Clare and her friends as they work together to solve a mystery brimming with intrigue and danger. I was never quite sure who the girls could trust and really enjoyed following them as they determinedly uncovered clues. I couldn’t stop turning pages as the danger increased and the courageous sleuthing trio took more risks to help their new friend even when this put them in increasing peril.

The friendship between Clare, Rose and Molly is such a wonderful part of this story, feeling really genuine and supportive as they look out for each other and take Amy into their group.

I love that this story is set in an isolated boarding school which I think is a perfect setting for a mystery as there is such scope for the friends to go sneaking around to discover clues but also opening themselves to the possibility of getting caught which increases the tension.

An absolutely gripping and fantastically exciting return to Sycamore Hill for another mesmerising mystery brimming with secrets and danger, perfect for readers of 9+.

Thank you to The O’Brien Press for sending me a copy of this book. It was my decision to read and review the book any my review is my honest opinion of the book.

Review: Tomorrow’s Ghost by Tanya Landman

*Cover Illustration by Tom Clohosy Cole*

Tomorrow’s Ghost is a haunting time-slip historical adventure, a story of connection, of bravery and hope, that completely captivated me.

Twelve-year-old Anna wakes from an unsettling dream to hear her Aunt Maggie making arrangements to send her away for the summer. When her Aunt wakes her in the morning, she tells her that she has been invited to stay with her Auntie Em who has sprained her ankle and wants her to help out whilst she recuperates. Not wanting to cause any trouble and feeling that she is a burden on her Aunt Maggie, Anna agrees to stay with Aunt Em, someone she barely knows.

Not sure what to expect, Anna is pleasantly surprised to be welcomed off the train by a grateful Aunt Em who introduces her to Bob, a huge, excitable bundle of canine delight. Taking the bus to Pear Tree Cottage, Anna immediately feels comfortable in this isolated, picturesque cottage – although her dreams of a young girl, Etty, seem to have followed her from London.

Taking Bob for an early morning walk, he races off after a fox and Anna follows only to find herself on a road leading to locked wrought iron gates. Despite the warning to keep out, Anna needs to find Bob so climbs over the wall to discover a huge, ruined mansion from which sadness emanates. Could this be the house from her dreams, the house where Etty was taken following a tragedy?

As Anna learns more about Etty’s life through her vivid dreams, she realises that she is in terrible danger. Can Anna find a way to cross time to save Etty but, in doing so, will she put her own life at risk?

I absolutely loved this beautifully atmospheric story that brings together two young girls from different times in an intricate, poignant story with some wonderful and unexpected twists. I really enjoyed that the reader learns Etty’s story reflected through Anna’s dreams which gives an otherworldly quality which contrasts with the reality of Anna’s life as she supports her Aunt through her recovery.

Both Anna and Etty are incredibly sympathetic young girls who, despite living in different times, share a connection through the loss of parents at a young age. Anna feels that she is a burden to her hard-working Aunt Maggie who has taken care of her since her parents’ death so she always smiles and agrees to suggestions, regardless of how she is feeling. She is growing apart from her best friend and doesn’t really know how to start a new friendship with the boy she meets in the village shop. Etty has the weight of her cruel, uncaring Grandfather’s expectations upon her young shoulders but she is determined to fight against his demands and seek her freedom. I loved how these two young girls, in need of friendship and understanding, find each other but can they also find what they need in their own time?

A beautifully told, time-slip adventure that brings two young girls together in a poignant and heart-warming story, perfect for readers of 9+.

Thank you to Walker Books for sending me a copy of this book. My review is my honest opinion of the book.

Review: The Night House Files: The Wintermoor Lights written by Dan Smith and illustrated by Luke Brookes

The Wintermoor Lights is the second classified case in The Night House Files and what a chilling, thrilling and terrifying case it turns out to be. I was absolutely hooked from start to finish and cannot recommend this series highly enough to readers of 11+.

Tara Fisher’s best friend, Zoe, has suddenly changed. Rather than hanging out with Tara and their friend Dennis, she has become friends with arch-enemy Jackie. Could this have anything to do with the mysterious lights that Zoe witnesses over Wintermoor on her way home from an early morning swim?

It is not long before more and teenagers witness the lights, often appearing in a trance-like state, and sharing that they have been ‘chosen’. Whilst Tara has the unsettling feeling that something dangerous and strange is happening, and is determined to discover the truth as she becomes increasingly isolated, parents and teachers dismiss it as a teenage prank. If only they had listened, then the children might not have started to disappear …

This is an incredibly gripping read, made even more so as it feels like these events genuinely took place thanks to the use of newspaper articles, interview transcripts, diary excerpts and a reliable narrator. Now, I wonder where the real Wintermoor is?

The illustrations are absolutely stunning and really capture both the fear and tragedy engendered in this case as well as the chilling horror visited upon Wintermoor by something … but I’ll let the reader find out the truth for themselves.

Another unmissable and compelling case from The Night House Files. And now I’m eagerly awaiting the next case: The House of Horrors, released in May 2026.

Thank you to Barrington Stoke for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book is published by the wonderful Barrington Stoke who publish dyslexia-friendly, super-readable and accessible books for children of all ages. This is suitable for 11+.

Review: The Lucky House Detective Agency

*Written by Scarlett Li*
*Cover Design by Thy Bui*
*Illustrated by Sian James*
*Published by Knights Of*

The Lucky House Detective Agency is the first book in a delightful new mystery series for younger readers.

Detective-book loving Felix’s parents run the Lucky House Chinese Takeaway, somewhere that Felix spends a lot of time as he helps out taking and running orders along with his best friend, Isaac. Felix is always looking for a mystery to solve so, when he hears a loud crash and sees that Optimus, the family’s lucky jade plant, has been damaged, he is determined to find out what happened and save his family’s luck. Will the detective skills Felix has learned from reading Secret Detective Society books help him solve this real-life mystery?

I absolutely loved following the sleuthing trio of Felix, Isaac and ‘Nosy’ Nina as they follow a trail of clues to discover the identity of the plant destroyer. Could the discovery of an ancient coin in the money plant’s soil lead to hidden treasure – and another mystery? Could the culprit possibly be a regular at the Lucky House?

This is a really fun, clever and exciting mystery, with just the right amount of peril for younger readers, who I have no doubt will enjoy following the clues, and case notes, to solve the mystery. But they’ll need to look out for some red herrings!

I loved the interactions between Felix’s family and the regulars, the closeness, humour (especially in the way regulars are named after their orders) and care they show demonstrates a real sense of community – and the importance of places where different cultures can come together. British-Chinese culture is represented joyfully with readers getting an insight into traditions, values, food, stories and family life.

I really liked the friendship between Felix and Isaac who, alongside Felix’s cousin Nina, each bring different strengths to the sleuthing team. Felix is impulsive and more of a risk-taker whilst Isaac is more meticulous and wary, something that gets Felix into trouble and sometimes causes friction in their friendship.

The illustrations throughout are gorgeous and complement the energy, excitement and diversity of this story perfectly.

A scrumptious start to a new detective mystery series, perfect for younger readers of 7+.

Thank you to Knights Of for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Cruise Ship Kid: Thief at Sea

*Written by Emma Swan*
*Illustrated by Katie Saunders*
*Published by Usborne Books*

Cruise Ship Kid: Thief at Sea! is the first in a fantastically fun new mystery adventure series set aboard a ship where a crime has taken place, and a young definitely-not-a-detective is all aboard to solve the case – with a little help from the reader!

10 and a ¼ year old Silver lives aboard the Potentia cruise ship as her mum is the Deputy Cruise Director. She spends most of her time with The Gang – a group of elderly, but young-at-heart, cruise-o-philes, who enjoy back-to-back cruises around the world. They have taken Silver into their hearts, and she clearly adores them, but what she would really like is a BFF who is her own age. Could she possibly find one on the ship’s 2-week Mediterranean summer cruise – a time when more children come aboard?

Whilst on a Venice excursion to the famous Murano glass shop, she meets posh girl Yana, who had laughed at her during the Sail Away Party, but who now invites her to the pool the next day. When the other kids are rude to her and she falls into the pool, Silver finds herself, once again, being laughed at – and rescued by one of her Gang. Despite this disastrous start at her attempt to find a BFF, she immediately forgives Yana, and begins a mission to change herself so that Yana will like her. Will Yana want to spend more time with her if she changes her accent and wears the clothes she suggests? What is Silver prepared to do in order to please the girl who she is desperate to have as a BFF?

When two expensive watches, brought on board by Yana’s uncle and his girlfriend Paula-with-a-P, go missing, Silver sees an opportunity to spend more time with Yana. Although she definitely isn’t a detective, Silver invites Yana to help her solve the mystery of the missing watches – and perhaps she’ll also find a BFF. Will she discover some super sleuthing skills along the way and stop an injustice? Can Silver find the courage to listen to her ‘in-between-ears’ voice and be true to herself? I loved following the mystery as Silver uncovers clues, identifies and eliminates suspects, makes mistakes and fights to protect her friends.

This is a wonderfully action-packed, hilarious adventure with plenty of heart-warming moments, and some important messages about forming genuine friendships and remaining true to yourself. I really enjoyed learning more about entertainment and dining aboard the cruise ship, and the excursions available, especially as I’m hoping to go on my first ever cruise this summer – something my husband has been trying to persuade me to do for years!

I really enjoyed that this book is written in diary format with wonderful doodles and notes. Whilst this is a longer book, I have no doubt that the short chapters, gorgeous, expressive illustrations and chatty, funny, fast-paced style will appeal to younger readers as they break up for their summer holidays. It’s certainly one I’ll be recommending to my class. I also loved how interactive the story is with Silver’s kind and friendly nature shining through, showing friendship towards the reader as she encourages them to interact with her and her adventure – and even write their responses!

I absolutely adored Silver who, understandably, wants to have friends her own age, something that is tricky when she lives aboard a cruise ship where children who arrive do not stay for long. She is torn between her desperation to have a friend her own age and her loyalty to her mum, her ship family (the Gang) and the crew. This leads to Silver doubting herself and others, breaking rules she knows she shouldn’t, and putting herself in difficult situations to gain friendship. Silver’s honesty and genuineness with the reader makes her an incredibly likeable character, even more so because of her fallibility. And I just have to mention the Gang who play such an important, and active, part in Silver’s life – what an absolutely fantastic bunch of octogenarians+ who brought lots of smiles – and how wonderful to see such positive intergenerational relationships.

Embark on the adventure of the summer with the cruise ship kid, and help her solve an intriguing mystery … guaranteed summer fun for readers of 8+.

Thank you to Fritha Lindqvist and Usborne Books for providing me with a proof copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Clem Fatale has been Betrayed

*Written by Eve Wer*socki-Morris
*Illustrated by Honie Beam*
Published by *Little Tiger*

Clem Fatale has been Betrayed is a high-octane gangster heist set amidst the shady underbelly of 1950s London and, my goodness, what an utterly fantastic, fast-paced compelling adventure!

Twelve-year-old Clem Fatale is on a heist with her father and boss, jewel thief extraordinaire and leader of the notorious Spider Gang. Despite the gang planning the theft of Lord Weatherdale’s Fool’s Canary diamond to perfection, the robbery goes drastically wrong when Clem discovers that her father has disappeared, the diamond is missing and the police are on their way. Oh, and she has accidentally kidnapped Lord Weatherdale’s son.

Whilst Clem is reluctant to hide out at her socialite mum’s home in the countryside, the rest of the gang are eager to lie low away from the city. But Clem is determined to find her father and find out the identity of those who double-crossed him. When the other members of the gang refuse to help, she leaves with Lord Weatherdale’s son, Gilbert, and starts her mission to find her father …

And so begins the most incredible, fast-paced adventure as intrepid Clem and her prisoner (or is that sidekick?), Gilbert find themselves thrown into an intriguing mystery that involves daring, danger and dastardly villains. They find themselves hanging out in glamorous nightclubs, greasy spoon cafes, secret safehouses and involved in high-speed car chases as they follow a trail of clues which leads them into so much danger and discovery. Could someone have betrayed the Spider Gang? Can she work out who is friend and who foe, and find her father, before it is too late?

I absolutely loved the post-war 1950s London criminal underworld setting which shows both the darkness and glamour of this world with an added touch of noir. Oh, and did I mention the sea-themed socialite party – pure genius! The streets of London still show the damage caused by the Second World War yet also the resilience of people getting on with their lives in this post-war era where rationing is still in place. There is also reference to the racism and prejudice faced by immigrants from both Europe and the Caribbean. But there are also those who are prepared to stand up for those who need help, those who seek a new path to counter their disillusionment with a society which does not seem to have learned from their recent past. I think this story would make a brilliant class read aloud not only because it is completely compelling and would hold a class enraptured, but also because it would open up opportunities for rich discussion.

Clem and Gilbert are absolutely wonderful and make the most brilliant sleuthing team. Clem is strong-willed, determined and courageous, being prepared to take risks and stand up both to, and for, others. Gilbert is a very polite young boy who has led a sheltered life where he is lonely and mostly ignored by his rich father, but he is so open for adventure and I loved how excited he is to be solving the mystery with Clem, despite his fear. I loved the humour that develops between them as they bond of friendship and trust grows. I’m definitely looking forward to more adventures from this quick-thinking, clever and courageous duo!

The full-page illustrations are absolutely stunning and complement the 1950s gangster setting and excitement of the story perfectly.

An exhilarating, clever and action-packed mystery, brimming with heart and humour, perfect for readers of 9+.

Thank you to Little Tiger for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Hidden Treasure by Jessie Burton

Hidden Treasure is a stunning, historical mystery adventure set in London during the Great War, a story of loss, of family and friendship and the healing power of memories.

Searching for items to sell on the banks of the River Thames, young mudlark Bo hears the call of the river and finds a precious treasure which, when held, shows her a vision of the past. Bo is not the only one the river has spoken to on that day and she soon meets Billy, an orphan who the river has sent to meet her. Could these two children’s destinies be linked by the treasures the river has given to them?

When Bo’s older brother goes off to to war, she knows that selling the precious object would help her family but Bo cannot part with it and keeps its discovery a secret from her family. Only Billy and her best friend are aware of what Bo has found so she is shocked and frightened to be confronted by a man who demands that she return his treasure to him.

And so begins the most gripping mystery as Bo and Billy learn more about the magical power of the object, as they discover its other half and the ballad that tells a story of a past tragedy. But there are others intent on getting the treasure no matter the cost. Can Bo and Billy reveal the secrets of the river treasure and have one of the most precious things they have ever lost returned to them? Can they learn the real meaning of the treasure before others take it from them for their own gain?

I absolutely loved this intriguing, heartfelt mystery and loved the twists and turns, the unexpected revelations, the increasing danger and the discovery of the secrets of the river’s treasure which has waited many years to give up its poignant truths to the river girl. This is also a story of loss and grief and the importance of memories in keeping loved ones with us. I loved the lyrical, at times ethereal, quality of the writing which made this such an evocative, touching story.

Bo and Billy are incredibly sympathetic young children who have both lost parents. The river brings them together to help them find what they have both lost. The strong bond of friendship and trust that develops between them is gorgeous and I loved how they are there for each other when they both most need a friend.

This is an enthralling historical adventure flowing with magic, intrigue and friendship, perfect for readers of 9+.

Review: Shadowhall Academy: Ghost Story Society

*Written by Phil Hickes*
*Cover illustration by Keith Robinson*
*Published by Usborne*

Shadowhall Academy: Ghost Story Society is the second spooky adventure in the Shadowhall Academy series which opened with The Whispering Walls. This is such a welcome return to Shadowhall Academy where the ever-curious and determined Lilian finds herself immersed in another spine-tingling mystery … a creepy, chilling adventure that kept me utterly gripped from start to finish.

It’s midwinter and the start of a new term at Shadowhall Academy. Lilian and her friends, Serena, Marion and Angela are sneaking out of their room to attend a secret meeting in the library: the inaugural meeting of the Shadowhall Ghost Story Society. But what should have been deliciously, spooky fun turns into something much more menacing when an uninvited guest tells a truly terrifying tale … a dark tale from the academy’s past involving the manifestation of secrets entrusted to a sinister book.

Where there’s a mystery waiting to be solved, there’s Lilian determined to unravel it. Following a trail of clues soon leads Lilian and her friends to the drama room and the discovery of an ancient book: could this be the book which captures secrets in its whispering pages? What better way to prove if this is the book of secrets than to give it one? Despite her unease, Lily is determined to uncover the truth so she writes a secret and places it in the book …

And so begins a truly spine-tingling mystery as Lilian and her friends battle against an adversary intent on bringing their deepest secrets and nightmares to life. Could Lilian have unwittingly put her friends lives in danger? Can she find a way to outsmart an adversary that holds the knowledge of secrets and is prepared to use them against Lilian and her friends?

I absolutely loved the blend of eighties boarding school life with a chilling, creepy mystery which felt deliciously unsettling. This is an absolute page-turner that had me on the edge of my seat and gasping at some of the twists, cliffhangers and revelations as the danger intensified. There are some genuinely scary and jumpy moments, especially when secrets revealed relate to your own fears. I was absolutely gripped by the piecing together of the clues from the past to discover whether the book of secrets held real power. I loved the feeling of time running out as danger moved inexorably closer, wondering if the friends would be able to extricate themselves before it is too late … genuinely heart-pounding moments!

A firm friendship has developed between Lilian, Serena, Marian and Angela but will it be able to withstand Lilian’s determination to solve the mystery despite the increasing danger? Will they continue to support each other when their friendship is put to the test?

A superbly sinister mystery guaranteed to bring frissons of fear to those brave enough to open the pages and discover its secrets … perfect for readers of 9+.

Thank you to Jessica Feichtlbauer and Usborne for sending me a copy of Shadowhall Academy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Libby and the Egyptian Escapade

*Written by Jo Clarke*
*Illustrated by Becka Moor*
*Published by Firefly Press*

Libby and the Egyptian Escapade is the final adventure in the truly wonderful Travelling School Mysteries series. And what a perfect ending to this fantastic series: an exhilarating, action-packed and intriguing mystery in a wonderfully vivid setting that kept me completely enthralled.

Libby and her best friend Connie arrive in Cairo, ready to participate in another term of learning and exploration with her aunt, Miss Mousedale’s, Travelling School. Meeting up with twins, Sebastian and Noah, and new student Anastasia, it is not long before they are visiting a museum to see some of its ancient treasures, including Tutankhamun’s death mask. And, as in all good school excursions, it ends with a visit to the gift shop where Noah buys a replica canopic jar. But, just as they are about to leave, an alarm sounds and Noah bumps in to a rather rude stranger …

When the children discover that an ancient artefact has been stolen from the museum, they wonder if a mummy’s curse has been reawakened, a curse that brings great danger to those who have the treasure. But the children are not thieves, so why does it feel that danger is following them …

And so begins another intriguing, action-packed mystery as Libby and her friends find themselves in perilous situations as they visit the pyramids of Giza, take a night train to Luxor and even join a cruise on the Nile. Could the children have unleashed a mummy’s curse, or could there be a more logical explanation for the bad luck that seems to be following them on their Egyptian travels?

I absolutely loved following these determined sleuths as they work to unravel another conundrum. I adored the twists and turns, the sense of peril and the uncertainty as to what/who the culprit could be. This is another really clever mystery that kept me turning pages as I was as eager as Libby discover the truth.

I have really enjoyed following Libby and her friends on their adventures with the Travelling School. They have formed such a close bond which feels really authentic and have made a brilliant sleuthing team, always looking out for each other. Despite Libby being distracted by her mum’s search for her dad, she is still determined to get to the bottom of a mystery that puts her and her friends in danger.

The full-and-partial-page illustrations are wonderfully expressive and really capture the perils faced by the friends, and the stunning Egyptian locations they visit, as well as the closeness of the bonds between those who attend the Travelling School.

A fantastic finale to a brilliant adventure series: action-packed, exciting and fun – and perfect for young readers of 8+.

Thank you to Firefly Press for sending me a copy of Libby and the Egyptian Escapade in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: The Haunting of Fortune Farm by Sophie Kirtley

*Written by Sophie Kirtley*
*Cover Illustration by Ben Mantle*
*Published by Bloomsbury Children’s Books*

The Haunting of Fortune Farm is an eerie, evocative and poignant ghost tale of family secrets, remembrance and healing that completely entranced me as I was swept into the isolated Irish setting, enraptured by voices of the past and present connecting through memories …

Twelve-year-old Edie and her little brother Pip are spending their half-term with their grandmother, Lolly, on her isolated farm, Fortune Farm, high up in the rugged landscape of the Irish mountains, on the shores of Lough Ivarr. Whilst Edie used to enjoy visiting Lolly with her family, she hasn’t seen her in years – not since her father died – and she doesn’t want to be reminded of her Dad, and the farm he grew up on, as the memories are just too painful so she keeps them buried deep inside.

When Edie finds hidden items from the past – a piece of metal, her dad’s diary and a newspaper cutting – she finds herself thrown into an adventure to discover long-lost Viking treasure and to uncover family secrets …

Oh my goodness! I was completely gripped by this incredible adventure which sent shivers down my spine as I could really feel the sense of foreboding, the eerie atmosphere and the threat of imminent danger. This astounding adventure is shrouded in an intriguing air of mystery and otherworldliness. Whispers in the wind, unexpected friendships, a trail of clues and an ancient weapon leads to terrifying danger, breathtaking revelations and the release of buried memories. There is so much that happens in this haunting mystery that left me stunned, at times tearful, and always on the edge of my seat … but I don’t want to say anything else for fear of spoilers. Suffice to say that this is an unmissable, exceptional and emotional story that I absolutely couldn’t put down.

As always with Sophie’s books, I love the Northern Irish setting which always brings me back home. I’ve camped both in the Mourne and Sperrin Mountains and walked in many of Northern Ireland’s beautiful forests, including Lough Navar and Glenariff, so know well the wild beauty, isolation and majesty of the Irish landscape but also the sense of history and connection to the past that they engender as well as the sense of otherworldliness from standing still and appreciating these magical places. I think an isolated farm cottage nestled in a valley surrounded by high mountains is the perfect setting for a ghost story where the past haunts the present and family secrets are revealed.

Edie is an incredibly sympathetic young girl who I absolutely adored. She is grieving the loss of her father and burying her memories of him deep inside as they are too painful to bring to the surface. When faced with a mystery, she is determined to solve it, even when this means following her own path and breaking rules. She shows great courage when facing her fears and standing up to a terrifying presence as well as in finding the inner strength to connect with her memories, even when they are painful.

A moving, mesmerising adventure where the past haunts the present, where memories swirl and whisper and where a family comes together to remember and heal.

Thank you to Bloomsbury Children’s Books for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.