Queen of Thieves by John Rundberg translated by Annie Prime

“They’re going to live in a place called the Apple Farm,” whispers Margit. “They call it that because the house is surrounded by apple trees. In May the trees are white with flowers, and by summer, they’re covered with apples as sweet as sugar. They’ll all live together in a big house. The ground floor is Henrietta’s. Rufus, Kristina, and Ossian each have a room upstairs. The sea is so close you can smell it, and it’s light blue and crystal clear, not gray like the water here. And no one will ever go hungry ’cause there are chickens on the farm and wild raspberries growing everywhere.”

First off, I suggest you go back and take a look at my post about the first book from this series - The Moonwind Mysteries. I think this second book (2024) can stand alone but your reading enjoyment will be made all the richer if you can meet the characters and setting in Stockholm in the first book. 

The Night Raven

Mika lives in an orphanage. She has been there so long that now she is given responsibility for care of the young children. The kids trust her and usually tell her everything but then she sees two of the young children sneaking away. She follows them into the city and sees them enter a building only to emerge some time later in finer clothes. Ossian is being sent away to work for a foster family but he has run away, Rufus has found an apprenticeship as a chimney sweep, Kristina is acting very strangely - she clearly has a secret, and baby Nora is not well. 

As a reader I was sure the woman who promised a kind of utopia (described above) to the orphans should not be trusted but I had no idea about the diabolical robbery she had planned and of course no reader will ever guess the amazing way Mika working with Constable Hoff will manage to thwart her.

Here are a few text quotes:

“As previously reported, the Vega expedition is on its way home and currently located near Copenhagen. The scientist Nordenskiöld was the first explorer to sail through the so-called Northeast Passage. In addition to many scientific discoveries, it is rumored that the expedition has collected spectacular gifts from the many nations it has visited.

“Sweetheart, all I have to do is look at you; you’re like an open book. I see you sitting at the edge of your seat, as if you have no right to be here. And I know you work night shifts for a pittance with a wicked drunkard. But that’s not why I’m curious about you. I want to know why Constable Hoff sought you out in the first place. And what happened when your little mission ended? Were you hoping it would lead to something more?” The hairs on the back of Mika’s neck stand on end. It feels like Henrietta is looking straight into her. Reading her thoughts, the ones she’s never dared speak aloud. “Such a pity that Constable Hoff wasn’t who you thought he was,” says Henrietta sympathetically. 

“I knew you’d come.” While they are hugging, Mika notices a familiar figure behind Kristina. A tall, thin boy with dark, curly hair is sitting at the table in the living room. It’s Ossian. He briefly raises a hand in greeting and then turns away in shame. Mika wants to tell him she’s not angry with him, but then she hears the clacking sound of high heels, and Henrietta appears. As always, she’s wearing one of her long-sleeved dresses with lace trim. When Henrietta sees Mika, she is suddenly on her guard. Collectedly, she leans forward and whispers something to Kristina, who disappears into the living room and closes the door. With one quick snap of her elbow, Henrietta conjures a knife out of her left dress sleeve and holds the handle in her palm. With her back against the wall, she leans forward and vigilantly scans the stairwell.

Valdemar listens intently all the while. When Mika is done, he sits quietly. “How can she steal the gem in a room full of guests?” he asks finally. “The House of Nobility is always guarded. There will be guards inside and outside the hall.” “I don’t actually know,” admits Mika. “The kids are helping Henrietta with the performance. My job is to pick the lock to the Great Hall and steal the coat of arms.” The kitchen chair wobbles under Valdemar’s weight as he leans back and pensively strokes his beard. “So, in summary: you have no evidence and no idea how the theft is actually going to take place.”

The Vega crew are sitting at the head table; she recognizes Nordenskiöld from the newspapers. The king and queen are sitting at the head of the table closest to Henrietta. Next to the royal couple is a lower table displaying some of the items from the expedition. Mika sees sculptures, parts of a suit of armor, a bow, bowls, and various kinds of tools. In the middle of the table is a velvet pillow, and on top of the pillow sits a magically shimmering gemstone—the Magatama. ... She sees Kristina’s hair standing up straight from the centrifugal force. The blue line of a bulging artery in her throat. The white tablecloth on the head table. A disturbance to distract the audience. In that moment, Mika realizes the extent of Henrietta’s diabolical plan. The distraction isn’t going to come from a spilled wineglass. But from a torrent of blood.

Here is a review with more plot details.

A captivating game of cat and mouse. Kirkus

Listen to an audio sample here. This book was previously published as Tjuvdrottningen.

Bookseller blurb: After a merciless winter, spring has sprung in 1880 Stockholm, and the city awaits the arrival of the SS Vega, the first ship to have sailed the Northeast Passage. Life is busy at the orphanage, but twelve-year-old Mika quickly notices that the older orphans are up to something—and it doesn’t look good. When Constable Hoff approaches her with information about thefts around the city, Mika becomes even more concerned about what the other kids are up to—and what they might be planning for the Vega celebration. The police will have no sympathy for orphans, and she’d hate to see her friends condemned to life in jail. But Mika soon finds herself in a bind she can’t get out of—one that could condemn her own life. Can Mika uncover who is really behind the thefts in the city and keep her friends safe, without getting caught?

Johan Rundberg is an award-winning author of children’s books who lives in Stockholm. He has written picture books, early readers, and middle grade, including Kärlekspizzan, Knockad Romeo, and the series Häxknuten. In 2021, he was awarded Sweden’s most prestigious literary prize, the August Prize, in the children’s and YA category for Nattkorpen, the original edition of The Night Raven, the first book in the Moonwind Mysteries series. Nattkorpen was also the winner of a Swedish Crimetime Award in the children’s and YA category. There are now four books in this series published in Sweden.

The Fire Star by AL Tait

A maid with a plan.

A squire with a secret.

A missing jewel.

A kingdom in turmoil.

Maven is a maid to Cassandra. Cassandra, daughter of a baron, niece of an airl, has been promised in marriage to Sir Garrick Sharp, Knight Protector of Rennart Castle. This is not a love match it is happening for political and power seeking reasons. Cassandra has not even met Garrick and the wedding is due to take place in just three days.

"Marriage to a young, vital man meant a long life of servitude and obedience. Neither of these were traits for which Cassandra was renowned."

Cassandra has bought with her a special jewel. This is like her dowry. Ownership of the Fire Star is complex. It must pass down the female line and so when Cassandra marries Garrick, the Fire Star will be passed to Lady Anice.  All of this manoeuvring is being orchestrated by the father of Anice, the Airl Buckthorn (When I read the word Airl I translated it as Earl). As a powerful male he knows giving the Fire Star to is daughter is equal to giving it to him. 

"The stone will technically remain in the hands of a woman - Anice ... but as his daughter, Anice and all her possessions belong to the Airl, bringing him ownership of the Fire Star in all but name."

Cassandra is a striking figure but Mavern is the focus of this story. She is so much more than a mere servant. She is ambitious for Cassandra but also ambitious for herself. She has a plan - a plan that must succeed.

Now onto the other person caught up in these events. Reeve has come to Rennart Castle after his service for many years to Lady Rhoswen, wife of the Airl. He is in fact a wedding present.  Reeve will now work for Sir Garrick as Squire of the table. 

You have already guessed the Fire Star is stolen but who has done this, why this has happened and the intriguing role of Mavern and Cassandra who have their own complex plans will be sure to surprise and delight you.

I really enjoyed The Fire Star. The under tone of women's rights, feminist beliefs and political intrigue added so much spice to the traditional story of lost treasure, heroes who find the jewels and characters, who in the process of their endeavours, find themselves. You can read an extract here. I think this is a book for readers aged 10+. The complexity comes from the alternating voices of Maven and Reeve which is done through first person (Maven) and third person (Reeve). Once a reader grasps this structure the plot just races along but you do need to read carefully watching all the time for hints about conspiracies, relationships and motives. The simple lifting of a eyebrow can convey so much. 

There are some tantalising words in this book: destrier, jongleur, moue, and recalcitrant. I do enjoy stories of knights with their "chivalry, courtesy, etiquette and valour." I am thinking of the book series by Tamora Pierce which begins with First Test.

This book also reminded me of The Quest for the Sun Gem by Belinda Murrell.

The Fire Star is the first book in a series (Maven & Reeve Mystery) but I am so happy to report that this first book has a very satisfying ending so readers are not left "panting" for the next instalment due out in 2021. In this extended video Alison Tait talks about The Fire Star. 

I previously talked about Race to the end of the World also by Alison.

The Fire Star has been selected by the CBCA as a 2021 Notable title.

One more thing. The cover?  It is appealing BUT I wish it had the symbol of the Beech Circle:

"Inside the circle of the locket, behind the expected miniature portrait of her parents, is a little painting of trees and a red bird. The Beech trees, a symbol of knowledge and wisdom; the robin, which makes its home in hidden places but can fly as it pleases. Roots and wings, all in a circle."

"One of the gowns was shrouded in a light muslin cloth, stamped on the outside with a simple drawing of a tree and a tiny red bird - Lady Cassandra's wedding finery, Reeve assumed, wondering which of the kingdom's finest seamstresses had stamped this mark, which he did not recognise, on the overlay."

Aside from reading ‘The Fire Star’ for pure enjoyment, there is also a whole other (quite beautiful) layer to this story to be discovered.  Megan Daley

The Detectives Guide to Ocean Travel by Nicki Greenberg

Patricia Stark, known as Pepper, is the daughter of Captain Stark commander of the RMS Aquitania. Pepper longs to travel with her father across the ocean from London to New York. It is the 1920s - the age of luxury ocean travel especially for those lucky enough to travel in the First Class where there are scrumptious fixtures and delicious gourmet meals. Quite unexpectedly Captain Stark presents Pepper with a ticket. This is a huge surprise because early on in the story she had tried to stow away on the Aquitania. She was caught and her father was so angry with her but the ship steward Rory Lyons talked him round and so now she can travel.

When Pepper boards the ship she marvels at the beautiful interiors and the glamorous passengers. One of these is the famous actress Perdita West. She is wearing or a better word might be flaunting, the priceless Saffron Diamond. Of course if you have read other "whodunit" stories or you are a fan of Agatha Christie, you will guess at once that this diamond is sure to be stolen.

Pepper has made some great friends onboard. A young boy called Toby who is travelling with his blind father; Sol another young boy who is travelling to New York in the hope of becoming a pastry chef; and a third class passenger an aspiring young singer called Norah.

You will find yourself racing all over the ship with this group of kids trying to locate the villain. Adding to the pressure, Pepper knows her father is in danger of losing his job as Captain of this Cunard Line ship if the diamond is not found before they arrive in New York.

The subtitle on the cover of my advance copy of The Detectives Guide to Ocean Travel says:

The thrilling new Middle Grade Novel

AND I totally agree.  This story is thrilling!  And it is a perfect book to put into the hands of young readers aged 10+. Add this book to your personal or library shopping list - it is due to be released on 23rd February, 2021. I am going to make an early prediction that this book will be added to the CBCA 2022 Notables and from that list onto the Younger Readers Short list. YES it is that good. Huge thanks to Beachside Bookshop for my Advance copy.

The other aspect of this book that I really appreciate is the rich vocabulary used by Nicki Greenberg. For example - indecorous; languishing; exclusive; tactful; viscous; quizzical; and apoplectic.

My copy of this book was an advance one so I am not supposed to do text quotes but I can't resist sharing the description of this scrumptious dessert served on the first night at sea especially since it involves a lighthouse:

"There were wonderful individual gateaux shaped like tugboats. Spun sugar blossomed from their chocolate funnels, and each was bobbing on a layered wave of raspberry mousse and pearly meringue. A sparkling croquembouche lighthouse was presented to each table, and bowls piled high with whipped cream and dishes of perfect strawberries were offered alongside."

Pepper's governess relies on a book called The Lady's guide to Ocean Travel. Nicki Greenberg used a real book called Ocean Notes and Foreign travel for Ladies by Kate Reid Ladoux published in 1878 as her inspiration.

Here are the pages from the Table of Contents from the original book:

One more thing. I have a personal connection with ocean travel albeit a little later in history and not as a first class passenger, my late mother (coincidentally named Nora) travelled by herself in 1948 just after WWII on an ocean liner to England. Reading The Detectives Guide to Ocean Travel I kept imagining her in the background of many scenes.

I would pair this book with The Mystery of the Clockwork Sparrow and Pearl in the Ice.

The girl who stole an elephant by Nizrana Farook

Chaya is a thief but she is a thief with a purpose and a good heart. She does not take things for herself she simply wants to help the people in her village - Serendib (Sri Lanka). Her friend Vijay has been attacked by a crocodile. Money is urgently needed so his leg can be saved so Chaya has taken valuable jewels from the Queen's bedside table and now she is on the run.

She tries to hide the jewels in a box made by her friend Neel. The box has a hidden compartment and this seems like the perfect plan but on that same day a young girl called Nour has convinced her wealthy father to purchase this box.  Now Chaya needs to steal it back. She takes the box but finds it is empty. Noor has kept the jewels.

Now the three children are thrown together as they are chased through the jungle riding on the back of the King's elephant which Chaya has also stolen. Near the end of their action packed and thrilling journey they make an amazing discovery about their tyrant King and discover a way the people in their village can enjoy a life with freedom and dignity.

This story has a great pace and strong sense of place and justice.

With themes of morality, friendship, teamwork and loyalty,this book will have wide appeal to middle grade readers as it incorporates tension and jeopardy in an exciting coming-of-age adventure. Book Trust

There are brushes with death, but great camaraderie too and it all ends with a much-needed righting of wrongs. Great stuff! LoveReading4Kids

I spent the entire book focused on the plot and the action,almost subliminally assimilating the smells, sights and sounds of each of the different settings. Madge Reviews

You can read the first 16 pages of this novel on the Nosy Crow page.  On this same link you can hear an audio extract.

I would pair The girl who stole an elephant with Tua and the Elephant for a younger audience or Lizard's Tale for an older audience.

Clifftoppers: The Arrowhead Moor Adventure by Fleur Hitchcock

One of my local independent bookstores was having a one day 20% off sale last weekend. Of course I raced (yes I did) inside and spent a happy hour browsing their children's book section. I spied the name Fleur Hitchcock on the cover of this book - I remembered I had read and enjoyed The Boy who Flew so I picked out this book and Cloud Boy by Marcia Williams (I am reading this one right now). Clifftoppers: The Arrowhead Moor Adventure is published by Nosy Crow and I am always assured of a good story from this UK publisher.

If you were a fan of Enid Blyton - either Secret Seven stories or Famous Five - you will enjoy this book and better yet you will want to share it with a young modern reader because while this story has all the elements of those older classics there is also a modern tone especially in the way these four children speak to one another. Of course their are also mobile phones and I loved the idea that the old phone box is now used as a street library. It was also refreshing to read that Grandpa is the family cook. His scones certainly sound delicious and you might enjoy the debate about where to place your jam and cream.

Cousins Ava and Josh from Birmingham, Aiden from London and only child Chloe have come to stay with their grandparents. Each day they set off on their bikes along with their dog Bella and of course, in the spirit of Enid Blyton, they take a delicious picnic lunch.

Cheese sandwiches
Tuna Mayonnaise sandwiches
Fried chicken
Scotch Eggs
Apples

The gang of four see some suspicious dealings between adults, they overhear an odd conversation by a women in ridiculous shoes and later they find twelve diamonds. These diamonds are from a much larger valuable piece that has been stolen and so our four heroes decide to find the whole set and capture the baddies.  It is all very improbable but the craziness of their scheme and their "daring do" are what make this book great fun.

Fleur takes a beloved concept of childhood adventures arisen out of freedom during holidays and brings it smack up to date and relevant to today’s children saying YOU can have adventures too. Lily and the Fae

The second book in the series was published this month.

The Good Thieves by Katherine Rundell

From the first pages I knew I was going to love this book. Vita travels to 1920s New York with her mother. Her beloved grandfather is alone in the world now because his wife, Vita's grandmother, has died. Vita bursts into her grandfathers tiny apartment and he greets her with her nick name - Rapscallion. I adore the ring of that word - here it is again Rapscallion. Vita has a talent and a handicap - perhaps these things balance each other out. Her talent is accurate throwing of small objects such as stones. She can be so precise that right at the start of this book she hits the head of a seagull in flight - not to kill it but to send it away from the young crow it is attacking. Later she throws stones at the mathematical centre of her wardrobe door. She seems to do all of this with ease and we learn she does this because it allows her to think and solve problems. Her disability comes from the polio she contracted as a young child.

"Her left calf was thinner than her right, and her left foot curved in on itself. ... She could run, though it made the muscles pull and burn ... she never breathed a word about that particular pain."

Vita has a very serious problem to solve. Her grandfather used to live in a castle on the Hudson River in New York city but recently a millionaire con man by the name of Victor Sorrotore has swindled Grandpa and he no longer has his castle home. But there is more. Grandpa explains there is an emerald pendant hidden in the castle. It is worth thousands. Vita now knows what to do. She must get inside the castle, find the emerald, present it to Grandpa and he can buy back his castle and his happiness will be restored.

Vita knows what has to be done but she needs help.  She spies two boys outside her window. They are both quite small and she watches in amazement as one jumps right out of a third storey window onto a thin mattress. These boys are circus performers. Vita, Arkday, Samuel and a girl from the streets called Silk form a gang with the purpose of 'stealing' back the emerald but first Vita must deal with Sorrotore.

You need to understand this man is thoroughly evil. He is a gangster. In his office Vita sees two tortoises. They have rubies and diamonds set into their shells spelling out the words Imperium (power) and Vita (life).

"Doesn't it hurt them?" asked Vita."
Sorrotore replies:
"Hurt them? Don't be crazy - they're animals."

I read this book compulsively on a long plane flight and then felt sad, as I do with all fabulous books, that the glorious experience of reading was over. For a few hours I was with Vita. I felt her heartache and her excruciating pain. I held my breath each time she encountered Sorrotore and I cheered at the wonderful team work and loyalty of her friends as they race to retrieve the emerald.

Something you need to know about Katherine Rundell. She likes to truly experience the activities and actions of her characters. She once ate a tarantula so she could accurately describe the taste for her book The Explorer. For this book, The Good Thieves, she wanted to know about tight-rope walking. At the Sydney Writers Festival this year she told her young audience how she has broken 'all' her toes trying to walk across a rope in her own living room. I remembered author Michelle Paver talked about this same idea at an event I attended in 2000. Michelle talked about her series The Chronicles of Ancient Darkness. For her books, Michelle swam with killer whales and she learned to skin and dismember elk and reindeer not wasting any part of the beast - a skill vital to the survival of the Inuit people. These stories, which show a true passion for authenticity by Katherine and Michelle, just captivate me.

I absolutely adore the writing of Katherine Rundell.  A few days ago our ABC Radio National included an interview with Katherine where she talked about why adults should be reading children's books. Of course she said all the things I believe but far more eloquently. Listen here from 43 minutes into the 57 minute program. I love that she mentions A Wizard of Earthsea.

Talking about Children's Literature here some of Katherine's words from this interview:

"A casket of wonders" "galvanic kick that can change your life" "precision of language" "distillation" "condense your writing into something sharp" "a bright bold way to think about the things that are most important to us"

Here is hardcover edition of The Good Thieves:

You can listen to an audio sample here from page 5 until the early in Chapter Two. In this video Katherine reads an extract which really demonstrates the way this story is so action packed. This book reminded me of The Magician's Elephant by Kate DiCamillo and The Billionaires Curse by Richard Newsome. You might also look for The Thief Lord by Cornelia Funke and an older Australian title The Remarkable Secret of Aurelie Bonhoffen by Deb Abela.

Click on each of these quotes for more plot details of The Good Thieves.

Narrow squeaks aplenty combine with bursts of lyrical prose for a satisfying adventure. Kirkus

There are twists and turns but not a page is wasted. Fabulous, interesting and genuine characters paired with a clever edge-of-your seat plot make this one a cracker!  Readings Melbourne

As always, Rundell’s writing is swift and breathless, propelling the reader through the text like a glider through air, swooping and diving in and out of the plot, with short paragraphs and snippy dialogue. She uses simile and metaphor with the precision of a knife thrower. She cuts through excess, landing each word with specificity and wisdom. Minerva Reads


Other books by Katherine Rundell I have mentioned in this blog:

• Rooftoppers
• Cartwheeling in Thunderstorms
• The Explorer
• The Wolf Wilder

The case of the missing Moonstone by Jordan Stratford illustrated by Kelly Murphy

Title : The Case of the Missing Moonstone

Cover : Which one do you like?

Characters :
Augusta Ada Byron later Ada Lovelace
Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin later Mary Shelley
Charles Dickens
Charles Babbage

Setting : London 1826

Crime : Theft of the Acorn of Ankara from Turkey made of moonstone (sodium potassium aluminium silicate) said to have the property of mesmerism

Words you need to know : mesmerism, clandestine, constabulary


Ada is eleven and living in a large house all alone except for some loyal servants.  Her absent mother - wife of the famous poet Lord Byron - has arranged for a tutor to take over from Ada's long time nanny or nurse Miss Coverlet.  The new tutor is named Percy Snagsby or Peebs (later revealed to actually be Percy Shelly long time friend of  the now dead Lord Byron) and he is also to tutor a young girl named Mary Godwin - daughter of the famous feminist writer Mary Wollstonecraft.  Ada is precocious and incredibly intelligent but not wise at all in the ways of the world.  Mary is a sensible older girl who is well versed in all the limits that society places on young girls in eighteenth century Britain.  The two girls decide to set up The Wollstonecraft Detective Agency.

There are some difficulties, however.  The girls cannot travel to The Times to place their advertisement or collect their letters.  "Riding a carriage without an escort is modern. But travelling out and about unescorted is unheard of."   This is where the girls enlist the help of a young man called Charles.  He travels each day in the same coach as Mary but he is not supposed to be there as he could never afford the fare. He has made a deal with the coachman and now Charles can happily read in peace on his way to the boot-polish factory each day.  He quickly becomes a friend to Mary.

Our two girls now hear of a crime involving the  Acorn of Ankara and a young lady called Rebecca Verdigris.  Rebecca is convinced her maid Rosie did not steal this jewel even though Rosie has readily confessed and is now in Newgate prison.

Read this review for more details of the plot or just pick up this book and enjoy an engrossing read. As for the hot air balloon you can see on the cover.  You need to read this book to discover where it is located, how it is used and what role it plays in the capture of the jewel thief.

Here is an interview with the author.   By coincidence I made friends with a lady who lives on Salt Spring Island in BC, Canada when I was travelling in Scotland!  Also this book series has a web page with extracts and puzzles.

Kirkus criticize this book series for 'bending the truth' putting famous characters together who in real life, while they may be connected, would not have actually met.  I don't think this is an issue for young readers.  The notes at the end of the book give an excellent explanation of all the famous people who feature in this story and in our school library we have these two picture book biographies which students can read following The Case of the Missing Moonstone.  These lines towards the end made me smile :

"Thank you Lady Ada for a bit of excitement.  It's back to the boot-polish factory for me.' Charles executed a small bow and headed to work.  ... 'Who the dickens was that boy?' asked Peebs."

I really like the illustrations in this book and in fact Kelly Murphy is the illustrator of other books I have reviewed here - The Miniature world of Marvin and James, Secrets at Sea, and Masterpiece.

Violet and the Pearl of the Orient by Harriet Whitehorn illustrated by Becka Moor

Well it has happened again.  I have found another fabulous book.  Violet and the Pearl of the Orient is perfect.  Firstly take a look at the cover.  The image here doesn't really show you but each window is edged with gold which makes the cover and spine sparkle.

Now turn inside.  One the first double spread you will see a map of Violet's neighbourhood.  Her house faces a courtyard garden which is shared by several houses and flats. "They live in a very stylish and incredibly tidy flat and there is a large garden at the back of Violet's flat that she shares with all the other children and grown-ups who live around it."

Now let's take a close look at the names of the characters in this book - they will give an astute reader an easy way to identify the 'badies' in this story :

Violet Remy-Robinson
Camille Remy - Violet's mum
Benedict Robinson - Violet's dad
Rose - Violet's best friend
Norma - their housekeeper
Dee Dee Derota - Neighbour and friend to Violet.  Dee Dee was once a Hollywood starlet.

The Count Du Plicitous - his first name is Renard and he has orangey-brown eyes
The Countess Du Plicitous - her first name is Coraline
Isabella - their daughter who is an excellent climber

Here are a few more references worth exploring.  Camille works as a jewellery designer for Smartier. The Countess, who wears a huge ruby necklace, declares she never wears fake jewels.  She gives Camille and Benedict the business card of her jeweller - Mr Frederick Orger, Master Costume Jeweller.

The Count and Countess Du Plicitous move into Violet's neighbourhood and at the same time a major crime is committed against Dee Dee Derota.  Her precious Pearl of the Orient which is "one of the most valuable pieces of jewellery in the world." is stolen.  On the night of the crime Violet sees "a small, dark figure climbing up the drainpipe at the back of the Count's house."  As you may have guessed it is Violet with the help of her friend Rose and a mysterious ally who solve this crime and save the day.

When you talk with class about this book (it would make a brilliant read-a-loud) you might look at this picture which shows the French word for fox - renard.  Then you might think about the qualities of a fox - sneaky and perhaps stalking.

Take a look at Becka Moor's web site where you can see more of the illustrations from this book.

Further good news.  I have just ordered the two sequels to Violet and the Pearl of the Orient.  You can see their covers below.

Loot by Jude Watson

Taut, engrossing and unstoppable

The words at the top of this post come from the starred Kirkus review as do the ones below.  

I am shocked to realize I first mentioned Loot back in April, 2015.  It has taken me nearly nine months to read this book - why did I wait - it is such a gripping crime thriller.  I started this book yesterday, read late into the night and left chores undone this morning in my race to reach the end.

When you begin reading this book (and yes I am going to say this again - please read this book NOW!) you must pay careful attention to all the details.  The story opens with three thieves pulling off a most daring jewelry crime.  They take "a priceless emerald brooch owned by Catherine the Great. The Crack in the Sky, the world's most famous turquoise. The sixty-carat Makepeace Diamond, said to be the most brilliant gem in the history of the world."    This could be the perfect crime but one thief is greedy.  He takes one more piece.  A pretty necklace for his girlfriend made with seven moonstones. In an act of defiance he twirls it in the air and the clasp breaks.  As the moonstones fall they form a circle in the moonlight and each thief has a vision.

The third thief will be captured and made to pay.
The second thief will die before the moon is set.
But...
It is the curse for the first thief that is the worst of all.  In thirteen years time the twins will die.

The twins are March and Jules.  Their father Alfie, the first thief, has kept them apart for almost thirteen years but now he has died, the twins are reunited and race is on.  Working with two other kids that they meet when they are placed into a corrupt and abusive care facility our young gang members must find and steal the 7 moonstones in order to lift the curse.  Luckily for March and Jules, Izzy is a computer whiz and Darius has brilliant criminal connections.   Alfie has left clues and instructions. Some moments in this book will leave you on the edge of your seat.

Here is a web site for the author and review with more plot details.  This audio sample will give you a good sense of the tension created by this twisting tale.  Here is a review by Rick Riordan.

Driven by thrilling, nonstop action and featuring very brief chapters that readily sustain interest, this twisting and turning but ever-so-clever thriller is akin to the best of roller-coaster rides.

Darius Bell and the Glitter Pool by Odo Hirsch

Odo Hirsch is such an amazing author I have just loved every one of his books starting with Hazel Green and her amazing cakes and so when we received our copy of Darius Bell and the glitter pool I knew it would be a winner.

Once again Hirsch gives us a lovely cast of characters, a strong sense of community, heroes and of course lovely cakes!

Darius Bell comes from a family that is now down on its luck. They must give their city a special gift every twenty five years in order to retain their home and land. Hector Bell has no money and no ideas. Darius discovers a fabulous pool in a cave with sparkling jewels on the roof above it. “The water lit up. It danced, it glinted, it gleamed. There were flashes of light everywhere, as if the expanse in front of him wasn’t water, but a carpet of jewels. … Then he glanced up. Darius’s mouth fell open. He stared at the roof of the cavern, utterly dazzled.”

This could be the answer to the family dilemma but of course that would be far too simple. I don’t want to spoil the clever ending but once again Odo Hirsch gives the reader such a satisfying plot with a happy but not too sentimental ending.

If you are new to Odo Hirsch please look for his books in your library you will not be disappointed. One day I will host a dinner party for all my favourite children’s writers and Odo Hirsch will be top of the list and I will of course serve cake for dessert!