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: The Night House Files: The House of Horrors written by Dan Smith and illustrated by Luke Brookes

*Written by Dan Smith*
*Illustrated by Luke Brookes*
*Published by Barrington Stoke (an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers)*

The House of Horrors is the third classified case in The Night House Files and what a horrifying, heart-racing case awaits those who dare delve into its contents. I was absolutely gripped from start to finish by this tense spine-chiller, perfect for daring readers of 11+.

During the summer of 2019, a British family, the Slades, are on the trip of a lifetime, driving across the USA to visit relatives. As they drive through the night, an unfortunate accident occurs, in the middle of a dust storm, and the family are left stranded in the Texan desert. It is not long before they are rescued by trucker, Sam, who offers to tow them to the nearby town of Coyote Creek.

When they arrive, it is to discover an abandoned ghost town where they are invited to enter a large house, Dr Kilgore’s House of Horrors. But, once inside, Sam locks the door, trapping the family in a living nightmare …

Oh my goodness! I was completely gripped, and terrified, by this story – definitely the scariest one yet! My heart was racing as I followed the family through the house in their attempts to escape, feeling their increasing trepidation and sense of panic, as they encounter the life-like waxwork exhibits, each one increasingly more terrifying. Will they discover the blood-curdling secrets of the house? Can they escape, or will they become the latest victims of the horrors that lie in wait?

I really enjoyed how these events feel like they genuinely took place thanks to the use of online articles, newspaper reports, interview transcripts and phone records interspersed with the main account of events.

The illustrations are absolutely stunning and really capture both the horrifying events that occurred within the house, and the intense fear and desperation, but also bravery, which they invoked.

Another unmissable, unnerving and utterly riveting case from The Night House Files. And, of course, I’m now eagerly awaiting the next case: The Ghosts of Grey Towers, released in October 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: 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: Murder at Hotel Marvelo written by Ruth Lauren and illustrated by Federica Frenna

*Published by Piccadilly Press on 12th March*

Murder at Hotel Marvelo is a marvellously magical murder mystery that completely captured me from the intriguing opening to the I-need-the-next-book-now ending.

Twelve-year-old Finnian Marvelo opens the doors of his parents’ hotel to a griffin – yes, a griffin – who wants to book a room. She’s just one of the magical beings who come to the Hotel Marvelo to take a break from the magical arts, safe in the knowledge that it is protected by magical wards that prevent the use of magic whilst at the Hotel. That is – until a guest, the wizard Henry Gravelaxe, is found in the spa – murdered by magical means. And, when Detective Bianco arrives to investigate, she rather quickly deduces that the only possible culprits are the Marvelo siblings parents – but how could they possibly benefit from the death of a guest? Taken into custody and in danger of banishment, can the siblings prove their parents’ innocence and discover the identity, and motive, of the real culprit?

And so begins an exciting mystery adventure as siblings Finnian, Juniper and Teddy investigate how a magicide could have occurred in a place where the use of magic should be impossible. I absolutely loved following these three young sleuths as they follow a trail of clues to identify and eliminate suspects, a trail that leads them into tricky situations and danger, but which also allows them to find some new friends. As time runs out, the tension increases and the stakes become higher, making this an unputdownable story that I was completely invested in as the mystery deepened … and truths were slowly revealed.

As if investigating their very first murder wasn’t enough to contend with, the children also have to adjust to life with the guardian sent by Social Services to care for them after their parents have been taken away. And, Mrs Weatherley is definitely not in favour of children who would rather be sleuthing than studying.

The Hotel Marvelo is the most wonderful establishment that welcomes a diverse group of magical beings from griffins (Emily is absolutely brilliant!) and water sprites to alchemists and sorcerers. The children make use of its hidden passageways, and its incredible library, to help them with their investigation, but could it also have other hidden secrets?

I absolutely adored this clever, courageous and determined sleuthing trio. Their different strengths and qualities allow them to work successfully as a team and support each other during the investigation. Not only are there a diverse group of magical beings staying at the hotel, but there is also implied diversity within the Marvelo family, something that I think is so important to allow all children to see themselves represented in what they read, but also to allow children to develop empathy through the stories they read.

The captioned full-page illustrations, map and floor plans are absolutely stunning and complement the sense of mystery and magic within the story perfectly.

A marvellously magical whodunnit, with family and friendship at its heart, perfect for children of 9+.

Review: Cruise Ship Kid: Kidnap at Sea written by Emma Swan and illustrated by Katie Saunders

Cruise Ship Kid: Kidnap at Sea! is the second adventure in this hilarious, heart-warming mystery series where 10 ¼-year-old Silver, once again, invites the reader to help her solve a crime – and this time, there’s been a kidnapping!

Silver and her mum are on board a new ship, the Fabula, complete with Mega Slide, following her mum’s promotion. Silver has a new mission: to convince her mum to get her a mobile phone. She is soon distracted from her mission by the arrival of The Gang, her elderly friends who need help to get into their cabins as they need to access them via a phone app! It seems everyone has a phone except Silver – but she has a plan! Can she convince social media influencer, Kindness Kay, who has come on board to promote the cruise on her channel, to help her convince her mum to get her a phone?

But, when Kay is kidnapped, Silver finds herself on an entirely different mission. Getting out her detective notepad, Silver’s ready to solve the case of the missing influencer alongside The Clotted Cream Crime Investigation Team (a.k.a The Gang) … Can they discover the culprit and rescue Kay before they arrive in the next port?

I absolutely loved being back with Silver and The Gang in this action-packed, fun-filled adventure packed with oodles of heart-warming moments. I loved following the trail of clues as investigations led to suspicions and suspects, motives and alibis – and some fantastic red herrings along the way. I also loved that the team met in the most wonderful eateries and relaxed with activities on board which gives a great insight into time on board the cruise ship – and brought plenty of smiles and giggles!

As in the first book, I think that young readers will love the interactive, diary format of this book alongside the doodles and notes – and clues from future Silver! The short chapters, energetic and expressive illustrations, chatty and friendly style will definitely appeal to younger readers despite the longer length of the book. Children will really feel that they are part of the story as Silver invites them to help her solve the mystery – and even gives them places in the book to write their ideas and responses. Children in my class have really enjoyed reading Thief at Sea and I have no doubt they will enjoy this one just as much.

Whilst Silver’s first mission is to convince her mum to get her a mobile phone, I appreciated that the story shared some messages about the use of mobile phones, including the importance of taking breaks so as not to miss out on real life and that what is portrayed on social media is often not what real life is like.

Silver is such a positive role model for young readers – curious, determined and kind-hearted, but she’s also someone who sometimes has her confidence knocked and loses her voice – but works through this to feel proud of her achievements.

Set sail with the cruise ship kid for another fantastically fun adventure, perfect for readers of 8+.

Thank you to Usborne Books for providing me with a copy of this book. It is my decision to read and review this book and this review is my honest opinion of the book.

Review: Clem Fatale Has Been Upstaged

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

Clem Fatale Has Been Upstaged is the second sleuthing mystery in this series set in 1950s London – brimming with excitement, thrills and twists, it held me enthralled from start to finish.

Twelve-year-old Clem, the youngest gangster in London, is on her way to her dad’s with best friend, Gilbert, when they are seemingly kidnapped and taken to the London Palladium. When they arrive, they discover that one half of their favourite musical duo, the Wade Sisters, has disappeared alongside some jewellery. Betty’s brother, and manager, Eddy, wants them to find his missing sister before the upcoming Palladium performance. With a crime to solve and a show to save, Clem and Gilbert are eager to begin their investigations … but will they be able to find Betty, and discover the culprit behind her disappearance, before time runs out?

I absolutely loved being back with Clem and Gilbert as they follow a twisty trail of clues, and discover suspects, which takes them to some wonderfully atmospheric criminal hangouts, linked to the world of entertainment, which gives this mystery a deliciously darker edge – but diffused with sharp humour. I loved visiting hangouts such as The Corney Brothers’ Picture House, Mercutio’s Pickle Cafe and the Chicken Leg Jazz Club (what wonderful names!) where Clem and Gilbert unearth clues and discover new leads in their intriguing investigations.

This is a brilliantly action-packed, fast-paced adventure, with plenty of twists and turns, red herrings and danger which kept me eagerly turning pages. I also loved the sharp wit and humour, the quick interactions and the camaraderie between familiar characters. I have no doubt that this is a story that will hugely appeal to, and engage, young fans of whodunnit mysteries.

Clem’s determination, courage and feistiness, coupled with Gilbert’s enthusiasm, politeness and quick-thinking, make for a brilliant sleuthing team. They have a wonderfully warm and witty friendship, but will their friendship become threatened by Gilbert’s commitment to his new school and Clem’s worry that she will lose her sleuthing partner and best friend?

The full-page illustrations are absolutely stunning capturing the glamour, dark undertones and action-packed excitement of the 1950s theatre and gangster world. And I loved the newspaper at the end – I wonder if there’s a clue hidden in there for a next book – I hope so!

A thrilling, twisty mystery – perfect entertainment for young readers of 9+.

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

Review: Murder at the Ivy Hotel

Written by Emily Hourican
Illustrated by Paola Escobar
*Published by Scholasti*c *on 12th February 2026*

Murder at the Ivy Hotel is a cosy whodunnit, brimming with charm, intrigue and danger, that kept me utterly entranced throughout.

Meredith and her younger sister, Macy, live in an apartment in the grand Ivy Hotel in Dublin where their mother is the General Manager. Changes are afoot at the hotel as it faces a change of ownership, something that is causing their mum stress as the new owners are more interested in profit than retaining the cosy and friendly character of the beloved hotel where long-term residents and staff feel more like family than guests. When it seems that the new owners are keen to find reasons to dismiss their mum, there is a real possibility that Meredith and Macy may lose their home, something they are determined to fight against.

But then something happens that may well ruin the reputation of the hotel: the suspicious death of a guest. Could a murder have taken place and, if so, can the sisters discover the culprit and save the their home?

And so begins a terrifically twisty, intriguing mystery as the sisters and their new friend, Colin, work together to solve a puzzling crime. I loved the blend of cosy mystery, intrigue and danger that had me eagerly turning pages as I followed this sleuthing trio as they worked together to piece together the clues to discover the culprit behind this crime. I really enjoyed the sense of urgency as the mystery unfolds over the course of a week, the increasing level of peril and the red herrings all of which made this an exciting and fast-paced read which I have no doubt its young readers will adore – just as I did! I can also imagine many young readers wanting to keep their own notes – just as Colin does – as the mystery unfolds.

The tenacious trio of children in this whodunnit are incredibly likeable and together bring different qualities to form a perfect sleuthing team. Twelve-year-old Meredith has an intuitive and sensible nature whereas her ten-year-old sister Macy is more impulsive and practical. Their new friend Colin, who lives at the hotel, is meticulous and keeps notes as they investigate the crime. I also really enjoyed the feeling of family within the hotel as the children have close and trusting bonds with both employees and long-term guests who clearly care for them.

A delightfully charming and cosy mystery, with friendship and family at its heart, perfect for young sleuths of 9+.

Thank you to Scholastic for sending me a proof copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

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+.