#YA Review: A Million Tiny Missiles All At Once by Lucas Maxwell

Proof copy, to be published on 9 April 2026, Chicken House Books, ISBN: 978-1917171397

A Million Tiny Missiles All At Once is the debut novel written by award-winning school librarian Lucas Maxwell, it was the winner of the Times/Chicken House Children’s Fiction competition 2024, and is due for publication in spring 2026. For transparency, I should state that I have been in contact with the author via social media for the past 6 years because his generous sharing of school library ideas and resources provided inspiration to me in my previous library role. However, this prior contact has not biased my review for his extraordinary book.

Inspired by the author’s own childhood, growing up as a neurodivergent child in Nova Scotia, the fictional story of fourteen-year-old Elias is utterly heart-wrenching, completely compelling and ultimately hopeful. The immediacy of the writing transported me into a life which was so different to my own, providing real insight into the experience of a neurodivergent child living in an environment where everything is harsh; from the weather conditions to the attitudes and insults of the townsfolk. From the opening page, where Elias’s first person narrative tells you that his own father describes him as not being ‘all there in the head’, you realise that this boy is sadly misunderstood; his high intelligence is only recognised by those characters who care to take the time to get to know the unique way that his brain works.

Set during a winter when the snow and ice storms extend right through to April, Elias provides a unique perspective on a family which is being shattered like icicles hit with a baseball bat. Deep crevasses are being driven into the family unit by older brother Bo’s aggressive behaviour, caused by his descent into the local drug culture. Their parents are constantly arguing over how to deal with the wayward teenager, and Dad’s long hours at work and his profession as a policeman in a small town is not helpful to the family’s situation. Elias cannot fully grasp what is going on with the older brother that he adores, but knows that things need to be fixed and feels that it is his responsibility to bring his fractured family back together. His solution is to win the school talent contest with his repertoire of clever jokes, thinking that the free Pizza Hut meal, awarded to the winner, will glue his family back together.

In a short novel of just over 200 pages, Lucas Maxwell deftly explores human relationships, presenting his readers with a fascinating cast of characters each of whom are navigating their way through the missiles that life hurls at them. Elias is a character who will live long in my heart, with his single-minded determination to save his brother, regardless of the consequences for himself, and his ferocious and precise wit. Some of his snarky ripostes to those who belittled him made me laugh out loud, providing welcome relief during some of the tenser episodes of the story. I also loved the depiction of the extreme weather, which seemed to emphasise the ice-cold hearts of some of the unsavoury inhabitants of the town.

In my opinion, this YA novel is an essential for secondary school library collections and is also likely to appeal to many adult readers when it is published in April 2026.

I am very grateful to Lucas Maxwell and to Chicken House Books for sending me an uncorrected proof ahead of publication. It was my choice to write a review and all opinions are my own.

Blog Tour – Super Questers Mission: Rainforest Magic by Paul Ian Cross, illustrator Katarina Gasko

Front cover artwork by Katarina Gasko, published by QuestFriendz, 6 November 2025, ISBN: 978-9083294377

I am so thrilled to be invited to join the blog tour for the second SuperQuesters adventure, Mission: Rainforest Magic, written by Dr Paul Ian Cross and illustrated by Katarina Gasko. This book perfectly blends a fantasy adventure with a multiplicity of STEM content to excite primary school children about scientific learning.

The three friends, Bea, Leo and Lilli are pitching a tent in Auntie Bumble’s garden when they discover a distressed guinea pig, which seems to be suffering from an allergic reaction and possibly an infection. Before they have a chance to find out how their Aunt will treat the unwell animal, their SuperQuester amulets carry them away on a wave of magic, placing them in the exotic surroundings of Questland’s rainforest. Now in their superhero guises, Bea Bumble, Leo Zoom and Lillicorn meet Jamac, a magnificent jaguar, and take on a quest to find a cure for Puddle Waddle, a capybara who seems to be exhibiting the same symptoms as Popcorn the guinea pig. As their mission leads them through the rainforest, the SuperQuesters become aware of the healing properties of the diverse selection of plants, solve logic problems and learn to navigate like the jungle animals.

Like the earlier book in the series, Mission: Rainforest Magic has been very carefully researched and designed to be enjoyable, interactive and educational. It covers many STEM concepts which are taught in the primary school curriculum; I was very impressed this time, with a storyline that will make children think about how medicines can be developed from plants. Additionally, I was excited to find a page displaying a directional algorithm which all teachers or teaching assistants who deliver computing lessons using Bee-Bots will be familiar with. Reading this book adjacent to computing lessons would provide great consolidation of learning. Biological concepts are explained in child-friendly language, and the necessity of protecting the environment which might be capable of providing solutions to health challenges is made clear.

The illustrations throughout the book by Katarina Gasko, add greatly to its appeal and I am delighted that I have permission to share some of them with you in this post. A comprehensive glossary is provided, giving accessible explanations of scientific vocabulary. Finally, there are four activity suggestions at the end of the book, which could be performed at school or home to engage children in scientific experimentation. I highly recommend SuperQuesters Mission: Rainforest Magic to primary school librarians, teachers, parents and carers as a brilliant book to explore with young readers.

My thanks to the publishers, QuestFriendz, for sending me a review copy of this book. Do check out the other posts on the tour schedule.

#MGReview: Spy Fox and Agent Feathers by Dermot O’Leary, illustrated by Claire Powell

Cover art by Claire Powell, published by Hachette Children’s books,
12 September 2024, ISBN: 9781444976465

A wartime espionage thriller with a difference: join Charles Redfearn (master spy fox) and Gertrude Featherhorn (genius code-breaking chicken) on a secret rescue mission. Beware: with so many laugh-out-loud moments, you might not be able to read this middle grade novel without being detected by the enemy!

The action begins in June 1940, with Charles who has been working as a special agent for the British Special Animal Executive and his cousin Emmanuel (working as a saboteur for the French Animal Army) finding themselves on the beach at Dunkirk in the midst of the chaotic British military evacuation. After failing to get Emmanuel and his French animal colleagues away on board an evacuation ship, and disillusioned by the apparent might of the German army, Charles drops out of the war effort. However, three years later, he agrees to the animal prime minister’s request to take part in a highly dangerous mission in occupied France, which might give him the opportunity to rescue his cousin. But just how will he manage when his accomplice is a chicken? Is the greatest threat to a successful decoding of a top secret document going to be the fearsome German army, or a fox with a particular fondness for roast fowl with all the trimmings?

Young readers are likely to enjoy the thrilling exploits which combine peril with humour, while the animal characters enable some of the realities of war to be presented in an age-appropriate manner. The story is beautifully illustrated throughout with Claire Powell’s distinctive pen and ink style artwork, which captures the characters and the action perfectly. The illustrated format, alongside the short chapters, large font and overall length of under 150 pages, all combine to make this a book that children will be motivated to read independently. It will make an excellent addition to fictional reading choices to present to primary school children who are studying WWII topics; appealing to readers aged 7/8 and upwards. There are a few pages providing factual insights into some of the topics covered in the story including the Dunkirk evacuation and the wartime code-breaking activities at Bletchley Park.

Children who enjoy this anthropomorphic WWII spy adventure might also like The Umbrella Mouse by Anna Fargher (review here), or Mickey and the Animal Spies by Anne Miller (review here).

Disclaimer: I am grateful to publicist Lucy Clayton and Hachette Children’s Books for my review copy of Spy Fox and Agent Feathers. It was my decision to write a review and all opinions are my own.

#MGReview: Dragon Girl and the Awakened Flames by Jenny Moore

Cover image by David Dean, publisher – Maverick Books, 3 March 2026, ISBN: 978-1835110836

All the best stories and adventures start with a knock at the door…

So begins this witty, fantasy adventure which will sweep young readers away on a thrilling quest with Emba Oak and Odolf Bravebuckle when it is published in March 2026. It is a tale of dragons, magic and courage and I really enjoyed the authorial voice, which injected a playful humorous tone throughout the plot and occasionally dropped asides about story structure.

Emba and Odolf have both been taken under the wing of Winnifred (known as Fred), The Wise Hermit of Witchingford Wood and keeper of the Tome of Terrible Tomorrows an ancient book of prophecies. Their harmonious life is disrupted, first by a dragon which only Emba can see and then by the news that a dragon-obsessed villain, the hilariously named Necromalcolm, is hunting for a mysterious dragon girl. It would appear that Emba, with her scaled limbs and dragon-egg-beginnings, is his prey…and that Odolf, in trying to be helpful to a stranger in the woods, has given away her location! When Fred is kidnapped from their cave, the two young friends have no hesitation in setting off for the distant Gravethorn Castle on a rescue mission. Armed with a pointy stick, a scaring-off stone, a magical belt buckle and a talisman filled with revolting toenails, Emba will need all of her inner-fire and Odolf will need all of his hero-training, to face the perils ahead.

The adventure is hugely entertaining, written in short chapters with plentiful action and jokes; perfect for a readership aged 8 and above. According to the blurb on my proof copy, the story is in development as a live-action TV series; I hope this indicates that there will be further adventures in the series because I sense that this is a book that children will choose to read for pleasure.

Disclaimer: I am very grateful to publicist Dannie Price and Maverick Books for sending me a proof copy of Dragon Girl and the Awakened Flames ahead of publication in March 2026. It was my decision to write a review and all opinions are my own.

#MGReview: A Girl’s Guide to Spying by Holly Webb

Proof cover image, to be published by Rock the Boat on 12th February 2026, ISBN: 978-1836432128

I can offer no higher praise to a book than to say that once I started it, I just could not put it down! A Girl’s Guide to Spying has a thrilling plot, offers an insight into a fascinating aspect of WWI history, and is populated with characters that spring to life from the page. Author, Holly Webb, is already hugely popular with many young readers who enjoy her animal-themed stories, and I think that this middle-grade, spy novel will enthral her fans, young and old alike!

The novel is set in London during 1914, a time of enforced change and social upheaval for the population. Thirteen-year-old Phyllis Dean and her younger sister Annie are initially agape at the sight of a group of Girl Guides marching through their neighbourhood, with their shockingly short skirts and wide-brimmed hats. However, they are soon encouraged to join their local group where they become members of Rose Patrol, and are quickly engaged in games and activities which stretch their imaginations, intellects and team-working abilities. When the Guide Leader, Miss Lynley, recognises Phyl’s intellectual capabilities and recommends her for a messenger position at MO5, the new Military Operations department based at Watergate House, the young protagonist’s courage and problem-solving skills will be called into action!

The gripping plot which encompasses espionage, murder and a traitor at the heart of the British spy service, plays out against a backdrop of a working class family coping with everyday life during wartime. The portrayal of the Dean family is really authentic as they cope with running their grocer’s shop, dealing with the uncertainty of hearing that Phyl and Annie’s older brother has been injured in Belgium, and subsequently the shock of a son returning from war with physical and mental injuries. The contrasting personalities of Phyl and Annie are beautifully drawn, leading to some bickering and rivalry, but always coming back to close sisterly love and support. The strong undercurrent of different forms of sisterhood is skilfully woven throughout the novel. There is a subplot in which Mrs Dean shows her compassion for a fellow shop-keeper, courageously standing up to the anger of a mob to rescue a mother and child in distress. The mixing of different social classes adds another layer of interest to the historical context, Phyl and Annie find themselves interacting with titled individuals through Guides and Phyl’s work at MO5, and are surprised to find that their wealthy, upper class guide leader had been imprisoned for her suffragette activities before the war broke out.

Despite reading many books about the spy services during wartime, this is the first time I have encountered the recruitment of Girl Guides as messengers during WWI and I love the way that Holly Webb blended this historical fact into such a dramatic plot. I predict that A Girl’s Guide to Spying will be hugely popular when it is published in February 2026, and I certainly hope that there will be further Rose Patrol mysteries to enjoy. I can see it appealing to all fans of series where smart girls solve crimes such as Murder Most Unladylike, The Ministry of Unladylike Activities, The Taylor and Rose Mysteries and Ruby Redfort. If you are a primary or secondary school librarian, you need to add this to your pre-order list.

Disclaimer: I am very grateful to Rock the Boat and publicists Liz Scott and Dannie Price for sending me a proof copy of A Girl’s Guide to Spying ahead of publication. It was my decision to write a review and all opinions are my own.

Halloween Treats – Children’s Books for Spooky Season

Halloween is fast approaching, so I thought I would update my selection of books which I have read and reviewed, and which I think would either make excellent half-term presents or stories that teachers and school librarians might like to share with classes during the autumn term. If you are a parent or carer, looking for a free half-term activity for your children during half-term, maybe consider a visit to your local public library, where these and many other titles are available to borrow.

Starting with the youngest children, Trick or Treat? by Catherine Emmett and Laura Brenlla (click for review) is a colourful and fun picture book with a fabulous twist at the end. Colin’s Castle by Holly Swain (click for review) is another superbly humorous picture book featuring a vampire whose castle is invaded by a pesky duck!

Children who are beginning to read independently will enjoy two illustrated short chapter books by author and illustrator Harriet Muncaster: Mirabelle and the Baby Dragons (click for review) and Isadora Moon makes a Wish (click for review). Both of these books are published in small hardback, with silver sprayed edges and are fully illustrated throughout in a purple palette, they make super gifts.

There are some children who really do not enjoy spooky books, but still want to find something ‘Halloween adjacent’ to read while everyone around them is enjoying tales of ghosts, witches and vampires. I would suggest that the gorgeous picture book Amara and the Bats (read my review here) by Emma Reynolds is a great title to add to Halloween choices for these children. It’s a delightful book which merges inspiring eco-fiction with a wealth of facts about bats and wildlife preservation.

The Diary of an Accidental Witch series (read a review here) by Perdita and Honor Cargill, illustrated by Katie Saunders, is another excellent choice for primary school children who want humour, a witch theme but nothing too spooky. All of the stories in this series are bursting with charm, fun and warmth; they are beautifully illustrated and perfect for newly confident independent readers aged 7-11.

Bursting onto bookshelves in October 2024 from Martin Howard, Mallory Vayle and the Curse of Maggoty Skull (click for review), a story which is a perfect blend of horror and humour. It is illustrated throughout by Pete Williamson and is an enjoyably hair-raising read for children of 9 through to teens.

The sequel, Mallory Vayle and Maggoty Skull in the Beast from Beneath (click for review), was published in autumn 2025. The madcap, fast-talking humour of Maggoty Skull continues in a funny and spooky quest to uncover the deepest horror residing below Carrion Castle, and to cover Maggoty’s head with the most glorious wig to be found in the ‘Stabbings’ neighbourhood!

The final instalment of The Beast and the Bethany series by Jack Meggitt-Phillips – The Final Feast (click for review) was published just in time for spooky season 2024. This is another comedy-gothic story featuring found family and blood family themes and brings the anarchic series to a fine conclusion.

For zany, non-stop action and chaotic calamities caused by a mischievous fairy and an evil wizard, look no further than Fairy vs Wizard, written and illustrated by Jenny McLachlan (click for review). This book written in diary form with doodle artwork is a laugh-out-loud recommendation for those children who thoroughly enjoy a comedic read.

Taking terror to new heights, the Dreadwood series of comic-horror adventures by Jennifer Killick, reached its conclusion in Terror Tower (click for review). This story brings all the threads of the series to an enjoyable and satisfactory ending, the entire series is likely to provide pleasurable reading for anyone aged 9 though to teens.

For those who enjoyed the Dreadwood series and were sad to see it reach its conclusion, fear not, Jennifer Killick wasted no time in commencing the Serial Chillers series, with the first book The Witch in the Woods (click here for my review) appearing in April 2025. A town with secrets, four teenagers on a weekend adventure…what could possibly go wrong? Jump scares abound for readers of 9/10 years and above.

Gloam (click here for my review) is the spookily brilliant middle grade debut from Jack Mackay published in 2025. A tale featuring orphans, an ancient isolated house and a monstrous babysitter, this book is beautifully crafted and ramps up the tension towards a breath-taking conclusion. This one is genuinely scary, and I would say best for ages 10 years and above.

Kòkú Àkànbí and the Heart of Midnight (click here for my review) is a haunting adventure which weaves African mythology into a contemporary fantasy which transports the teen protagonist, Kòkú from London to the fictional land of his birth, Olórí. The author, Maria Motúnráyò Adébisi wanted to write a novel which would speak to children straddling British and African identities, and make them proud of both.

Midnight Treasure (click for review) written by Piers Torday is a beautifully written novel featuring vampirs and werwolves, with two youngsters on a quest to find a treasure more precious than gold. This is a complex adventure with sophisticated language, ideal for confident readers aged 9+ and would also be a lovely story for adults and children to share reading aloud.

I have been a fan of Emma Carroll’s middle grade historical fiction for more than 10 years now, and thus was delighted when she announced her first ever series would commence in 2025. Dracula & Daughters (click for review) is a gripping, gothic adventure with two sisters and their cousin at its core. It nods to all the elements of vampire lore and will leave readers of 10+ desperate for the next title in the series.

Black Gables (click for review) by Eibhlís Carcione is a creepily atmospheric gothic tale about the worst school in the world, where the teachers are so terrifying that they seem to hold the entire town under their spell! A truly spooky story for readers aged 9 and above.

Evenfall: The Golden Linnet (click for review) by Alexander Armstrong is the opening book in a contemporary-magical adventure series which has an epic feel. The atmosphere of ancient magic, the theme of the power of storytelling and the setting in the ancient buildings of Durham, make this a brilliant story to enjoy on a dark autumnal evening. Perfect for confident readers of 9 and above, or as a shared adult/child read.

Finally, a book which I bought from The Snug Bookshop in Langport, The Boy Who Cried Ghost (click for review) by Ian Eagleton is an inclusive, beautifully written and empathetic exploration of living with OCD. I would recommend for children aged 10 and above.

Happy Halloween and happy spooky reading!

Original post updated October 2025

Cover Reveal: Lianna and the Hombit by Valinora Troy

Publishing 29th January 2026

Today I am delighted to join the cover reveal for Lianna and the Hombit by Valinora Troy, due to be published on 29 January 2026.

A grieving girl in need of a friend. A magical creature with a secret task. Can they end the ancient curse threatening their new home?

13-year-old Lianna has lost everything: her home, her friends, and most devastatingly, her beloved Papa. Sent to live with her uncle, Lianna is certain he will be cruel and unkind, for why else would Papa have run away when he was young? Robbed on arrival of her precious keepsakes, Lianna receives a worse-than-expected welcome from her uncle. His servants are hostile and even her grandparents seem to glare at her from their portraits over the fire.

When a magical creature resembling a small glass bird bursts into her life in a mix of sparks and fire, Lianna is eager to assist the hombit with its secret mission if it helps her return home. Which leads to Lianna undertaking a risky dive near perilous sea stacks known as ‘living rocks’.

When her dive goes wrong, she awakens a creature that seeks to rob her of her humanity.

To survive, Lianna must uncover the dark secrets of her father’s past. Now she faces a stark decision: does she save herself or the town that rejects both her and her father?

A heart-warming story of the healing power of friendship when all seems lost.

For for information on pre-orders and/or ARCs, please follow this link: Lianna and the Hombit – Valinora Troy

Valinora Troy is a children’s fantasy writer from Ireland. She has a MA in Creative Writing Specialising in Writing for Children and Young Adults, and has served as a panellist for the CYBILS awards (elementary & middle grade speculative fiction category). Her short stories for adults have been in a number of publications. She is the author of ‘The Lucky Diamond’ trilogy, three middle grade children’s fantasy adventures. She has recently been shortlisted for the Staróg prize, and has served as a Reading Ambassador for Louth County Libraries.

Picture Book Review: Amara and the Bats by Emma Reynolds

Cover art by Emma Reynolds, published by Simon & Schuster, 2021, ISBN: 978-1665903271

Amara and the Bats is a charming and enabling story, written and illustrated by Emma Reynolds. The cover gives you an indication of Emma’s unique illustration style and the inclusivity demonstrated in this book. Commencing with the story of Amara, a primary school child who is obsessed with bats, the book also contains a wealth of bat facts, information about how to build bat-friendly environments, and details of the circumstances which endanger the survival of this fascinating species. This blend of fiction and facts presents an engaging and enjoyable way of embedding learning.

The story of young activist Amara, who misses her nocturnal visitors when she moves from the countryside into a town, is very engaging for youngsters aged 4-8 years-of-age. Amara’s supportive family and friends help her to raise awareness and subsequently participate in an environmental project to develop a bat-friendly sanctuary in the local park. I loved that she was inspired to take action after reading about other young eco-activists; something that I expect this book will also promote. I imagine that this book would be an excellent addition to primary school classroom and library collections, to support curriculum learning about habitats, nocturnal animals and forest school activities. I would also encourage teachers, librarians and parents/carers to perhaps add it to their Halloween displays, as a choice for those children who do not enjoy spooky stories but would perhaps appreciate the chance to learn more about a creature which has been adopted as one of the Halloween cliches.

This book was my own purchase (bought as a gift for a young relative) but I realised that I hadn’t written a review when I originally read it, so I am making up for that oversight now!

#SpookyMGFiction: Mallory Vayle and Maggoty Skull in The Beast from Beneath by Martin Howard, illustrated by Pete Williamson

Cover image by Pete Williamson, published by Nosy Crow, 25 September 2025, ISBN: 978-1805132261

The second adventure for necromancer-in-training, Mallory Vayle, and her wise-cracking skull Maggoty is every bit as spooky, intriguing and downright hilarious as the first book in the series. There is sufficient backstory provided that this book can be enjoyed as a standalone, something that I always think is important for children who rely on school or public libraries for their books and therefore cannot always read a series in the correct order. However, if you have read the first title in the series, Mallory Vayle and the Curse of Maggoty Skull (my review is here) then you are in for a (trick or) treat with this sequel!

Life at Carrion Castle for Mallory continues to be a weird experience. As if having a cursed skull for a best friend wasn’t enough, her days are punctuated with frequent encounters and conversations with ghostly apparitions. Meanwhile, her guardian, Aunt Lilith continues to pretend that she is also psychic and is somewhat envious of Mallory’s unwanted ‘talents’. Maggoty Skull maintains a constant, irreverent, commentary on everyone and everything, human and paranormal, that he and Mallory encounter, providing the comic relief to the spookier elements of the story. At first it seems that Mallory’s biggest challenge will be to raise the seventy-nine pounds, six shillings and sixpence required to purchase ‘The Eleganza’ a wig that has become Maggoty’s obsession, that is until Aunt Lilith releases a nightmare! In her desire to gain the power of necromancy, the elderly relative has conjured up a spell from Hellysh Spatz’s evil diary, and now her very existence is under threat.

Mallory is infuriated by her aunt’s stupidity, but determined to do whatever it takes to release her carer from the grip of the evil that is consuming her. She and Maggoty are pulled deeper and deeper into the depths of the castle by an inexplicable force which also seems to care about the future of a foolish old mortal. The darkness of the horrors encountered is dispelled by Maggoty’s rude jokes and sharp talking each time you think that Mallory will be overwhelmed by the dark side of necromancy; keeping the creepiness at the right level for middle grade readers who enjoy the horror genre. Being quite the scaredy-cat myself, I have to admit to only reading The Beast from Beneath during daylight hours! I really loved the way that Mallory fought back against the evil element of her powers, letting her love for Aunt, and her promise to release the trapped spirit from Maggoty’s skull, determine her actions. Her strength of character and her bond with Maggoty Skull drive the story to an epic and satisfyingly hilarious conclusion. Pete Williamson’s illustrations throughout the book add atmosphere and an added layer of interest for young readers.

Martin Howard has a fine talent for writing humour that will hugely appeal to middle grade readers. He cleverly blends the outrageous joking of Maggoty Skull, with genuinely spine tingling drama, and a touching tale of found-family love in this comic horror novel. It’s a book that is perfect for spooky season for those children, aged 10 to early teens, who like a scary but funny read. So instead of buying yet more of the Halloween merchandise that is taking over just about every retail space at present, consider buying a copy of Mallory Vayle and Maggoty Skull in The Beast from Beneath, and spending a few October hours being entertained and scared in equal measure. I think that all school librarians will want to add this book to their Halloween collections.

Disclaimer: I am grateful to Nosy Crow for sending me a copy of this book. It was my decision to write a review and all opinions are my own.

#MG Christmas Review: Murder at Christmas by Fleur Hitchcock

Cover art by Elisa Paganelli, published by Nosy Crow, 16 October 2025,
ISBN: 978-1805132240

Murder at Christmas ticked all of the boxes that make a book a thoroughly enjoyable reading experience for me:

Murder Mystery ✅

Empathetic characters ✅

Pacy writing ✅

The setting being integral to the story ✅

Fleur Hitchcock is a superb author of children’s books and this latest edition of her wintery, murder mystery titles is perhaps her finest yet (a hard choice in an absolutely top quality collection). Set in the beautiful city of Bath, made even more atmospheric during a snowy December, the story is told in the first person voice of Grace who is reunited with her family to celebrate Christmas after spending an unhappy term at boarding school. She joins her diplomat mother and younger brother Billy, who have just flown in from Australia, to stay at the elegant hotel owned by their mum’s identical twin sister Mollie. They plan to spend a happy family Christmas in this luxury accommodation once their Dad has completed his digital detox in Spain. (I love this last detail, which provides an excellent reason for lack of mobile phone communication at a crucial stage in the mystery). However, on their first morning, not only is the hotel manager found dead on the staircase, but mum fails to return from a visit to Granny’s nursing home!

Suddenly for Grace, her dream of a relaxed holiday basking in the warmth of her family, log fires and Christmas cheer has vanished, and she has to take on the mantle of looking after her little brother. She rises to the challenge magnificently, trying to hide her worst fears from Billy whilst investigating mum’s disappearance, trying to find an explanation for aunt Mollie’s strange behaviour, and befriending two local siblings, Olive and Doug. The four children rapidly find themselves wrapped up in an investigation which involves mistaken identity and organised crime, all played out against an increasingly frantic countdown to Christmas.

Fleur Hitchcock and Alex Cotter at their dual book launch in Waterstones Bath 8 Oct 2025

I am sure that this story will provide a thrillingly entertaining read for children aged 9 years and above. Fleur Hitchcock writes with a rhythm that just makes reading her stories effortless, and her familiarity with the city in which the story is based will pull young readers through the crowded streets alongside the young protagonists. As with the best cosy crime mysteries, there are plenty of red herrings alongside the trail of clues, so the little grey cells will need to be on top form to spot the criminals before the final denouement. Chapters are short and the book is printed in a larger than usual font size, which will help readers who are building their reading stamina, and I am convinced that this is a book that adults will enjoy as a shared read with their children or pupils. At the very Christmassy book launch, which I was fortunate to attend, Fleur spoke about the enduring appeal of cosy crime murder mysteries, and I am certain that she is contributing to the development of a new generation of fans of this genre. I would highly recommend Murder at Christmas to school librarians, upper KS2 teachers and to parents or carers as a great choice for their young readers.

Disclaimer: I was gifted a free copy of Murder at Christmas by Sîan at Nosy Crow ahead of publication day. It was my decision to write a review and all opinions are my own.