The Highland Falcon Thief: Adventures on Trains #1

My son who is 9yrs old loves all of M G Leonard’s books- he can’t wait for the next one to come out!

My train fanatic son enjoyed the book. He said it was exciting!

So, here's the thing. Most train-based mystery adventure books I've read, for kids or for adults, assume the reader likes trains or loves trains, and at least has some familiarity with trains. Maybe. Maybe not. This is the first kids train mystery I've read that starts out with a kid who is only mildly interested in trains, and who ends up in love with the adventure because authentic cool, interesting, and ripping things actually happen. The setup is that our hero Hal has been farmed out to his Uncle Nat to go on a ceremonial royal train ride because Mom is going into hospital with a problem pregnancy. Hal wants to be home and the whole train thing is a yawn and a distraction. Uncle Nat is a travel writer and a train nut, (train personnel call such people "foamers"), but instead of just foaming about trains he undertakes to teach Hal about trains and to gently introduce him to the magic and adventure of train travel. It's all pretty mellow and engaging, and lots of little details keep the interest level up. Hal meets up with Lenny Singh, (the engineer's daughter who sneaked on for the fancy final ride of her Dad's train). She is a 100 percent foamer, but in a "come and let me show you something cool" fashion. Her enthusiasm is contagious, and I was with her all the way. This could have just been a buddy, meet cute, travelogue, travel adventure, and I would have been pleased. Once you add on a swell, clever, jewel thief mystery, with detecting and lurking and sneaking and wrongful accusations, and an eclectic mix of Agatha Christie style suspects, well this made the Orient Express look like an HO train set. So, I was very pleased with and entertained by this excellent buddy adventure mystery. Either as an actioner or a mystery, this had a lot of honest appeal. Not just for trainiacs. (Please note that I received a free advance ecopy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)

Uncle Nat is a travel writer who loves trains and is thrilled to be a passenger on the Highland Falcon’s final journey. It’s the summer holiday and Hal is not looking forward to spending four whole days on board a train with his weird uncle. ‘I don’t like trains. They’re boring.’ Hal isn’t bored for long as it turns out there’s a jewel thief on board and he’s quickly caught up in the action. ‘Often the best place to hide something is in full view.’ On board the Highland Falcon and potential suspects are: 🚂 Harrison (Hal) Beck - 11, enjoys drawing 🚂 Nathaniel (Nat) Bradshaw - Hal’s mother’s older brother, a travel writer 🚂 Sierra Knight - a film star who is friends with the princess 🚂 Lucy Meadows - Sierra’s personal assistant 🚂 Countess of Arundel, Lady Elizabeth Lansbury - onboard with her dogs (Trafalgar, Viking, Shannon, Fitzroy and Bailey), her husband recently died 🚂 Rowan Buck - the Countess’ gentleman-in-waiting/dog handler 🚂 Ernest White - was the head steward on the royal train for 47 years, allergic to dogs 🚂 Baron Wolfgang Essenbach - friend of the prince 🚂 Milo Essenbach - the Baron’s youngest son 🚂 Steven Pickle - reality TV star, entrepreneur, runs a train company called Grailax 🚂 Lydia Pickle - Steven’s wife 🚂 Isaac Adebayo - the royal photographer 🚂 The prince and princess 🚂 Marlene (Lenny) Singh - 11, the train driver’s daughter 🚂 Mohanjit Singh - train driver, Lenny’s father 🚂 Gordon Goulde - head steward on the royal train 🚂 Graham - train guard 🚂 Amy - waitress 🚂 Joel Bray - fireman 🚂 Daniel and Kerry - the night shift. Lenny, with her enthusiasm and tool belt, was always going to be my favourite character, especially when she was described (with a smile) as “the most disobedient girl ever to be born”. The surprise stand out for me was Uncle Nat, who turned out to be a lot more fun than I expected him to be. From his six watches, because “It’s good to remember that there are other places on the planet, filled with wonderful people”, to his love for trains, Nat is the person I’m most looking forward to spending more time with as the series progresses. ‘This will be a journey you’ll remember for the rest of your life.’ With a mystery unfolding and a group of mostly rich people with various agendas onboard, this was a fun adventure. Train enthusiasts will enjoy the information about how steam trains operate and detectives in training will have their work cut out for them separating the red herrings from the clues, which are found in the text and in Elisa Paganelli’s illustrations. The details in the illustrations matched the text most of the time. I’ll definitely be on board for Hal and Uncle Nat’s next adventure. Thank you so much to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Books, an imprint of Pan Macmillan UK, for the opportunity to read this book.

Reading Format: Digital eBook (Library Loan) - $0 Reading Time: 1 Hour and 45 Minutes The Highland Falcon Thief was a unique, charming and wonderful read. I think that the absolute strongest aspect of this story was its setting. M.G. Leonard did an absolutely incredible job depicting the Highland Falcon both as a whole and down to its individually wonderful train cars like the library, the game room and the observatory to name a few. I could absolutely picture this royal, grand old timey steam train in my head and it made me wish I could have been on this train journey too. Unfortunately I was fairly disappointed when it came to the characters in this story. Other then a few exceptions, it was made very clear that adults in this story were either stupid, foolish or mean. You can see this from the passengers on the train to the police who investigate the thefts to even Hal's own Uncle who pretty much leaves him on his own for the majority of their time on the train. The prince and princess and the work staff seem to be the only decent adults to be found. The added illustrations from Hal's sketchbook littered throughout the book was one of my favorite parts of reading the story - I feel like they really enhanced the entire experience. Some were cute, some were funny, some helped the reader picture things they might be unfamiliar with. And it could all be tied back to the actual story itself because they represented what Hal himself was drawing. An excellent addition. The mystery of the jewel thefts was very well written. M.G. Leonard did a great job incorporating a strong red herring to deceive both the main characters Hal and Lenny as well as the readers and made sure to keep everyone guessing and uncertain of the truth the whole time. There were some plot twists I definitely did not see coming and I didn't put the whole thing together until right at the very end. Unfortunately, in my opinion the overall plot was a bit weak didn't really have much nuance to it. Only the strong mystery kept my attention. I am definitely interested in checking out the sequels and seeing what new antics and crimes Hal and his Uncle get entangled in!

Wow! I really loved this book! What a great story full of mystery, adventure, & an amazing train! It’s The Highland Falcon Thief’s last journey before becoming a museum. Hal’s mom is sending him to take its last journey w/his Uncle Nat who is a journalist, while she prepares to have his baby sister. Hal thought he was going to be bored to tears-boy was he wrong lol He makes friends w/a girl named Lenny who is a stowaway lol People are complaining about their jewelry going missing, so he & Lenny decide to investigate. Hal can draw amazingly, & his drawings help them along the way. He realizes how amazing trains are, & how amazing his uncle is. He becomes close to an uncle he barley knew before this, makes a lifelong friend, has a new world opened up to him, & finds his inner courage when it matters most. Such great story telling, amazing characters, a great mystery, & a grand adventure. I highly recommend this, & can’t wait to start the 2nd book. An absolutely beautiful cover w/beautiful illustrations all throughout the book as well!💜

A fun mystery for middle-grade readers.; the book is definitely a must-read for fans of mystery or trains! This book features strong characters and a clever mystery sure to keep you guessing. There's text and illustrations a la James Patterson's Treasure Hunters series (but this is better) I look forward to the next mystery by M.G. Leonard!

Readers join Hal, the nephew of a prominent travel writer, as he travels aboard the Highland Falcon train on its final journey and works to solve a crime along the way. Many characters in this book display vocal passion for trains, and their enthusiasm was contagious. Definitely a fun read!

I read this to my grandson and we both enjoyed it. A story along the lines of Hercule Poirot and the Orient Express, without the murder but with the usual Agatha Christie tradition of the detective finally gathering all the suspects in one compartment to eliminate each of them one by one until the surprise revealing of the culprit! Easy and fun to read. My only gripe is the frequent use of the 'sat' and 'stood' when 'sitting' and 'standing' would be the correct grammar, particularly in written English. Never mind - i'm probably just an old fogey!

Great story but very bad use of the English language. This is a very good story but what really spoiled it for me were the mistakes 'a man was stood' well actually he wasn't he was standing and ' a man in a uniform was sat' well no he wasn't he was sitting. I hope I don't come across more of these, it might be the sloppy way the author speaks English but please don't encourage young ones to do it as well by putting in your books.

My son who is 9yrs old loves all of M G Leonard’s books- he can’t wait for the next one to come out!

My train fanatic son enjoyed the book. He said it was exciting!

So, here's the thing. Most train-based mystery adventure books I've read, for kids or for adults, assume the reader likes trains or loves trains, and at least has some familiarity with trains. Maybe. Maybe not. This is the first kids train mystery I've read that starts out with a kid who is only mildly interested in trains, and who ends up in love with the adventure because authentic cool, interesting, and ripping things actually happen. The setup is that our hero Hal has been farmed out to his Uncle Nat to go on a ceremonial royal train ride because Mom is going into hospital with a problem pregnancy. Hal wants to be home and the whole train thing is a yawn and a distraction. Uncle Nat is a travel writer and a train nut, (train personnel call such people "foamers"), but instead of just foaming about trains he undertakes to teach Hal about trains and to gently introduce him to the magic and adventure of train travel. It's all pretty mellow and engaging, and lots of little details keep the interest level up. Hal meets up with Lenny Singh, (the engineer's daughter who sneaked on for the fancy final ride of her Dad's train). She is a 100 percent foamer, but in a "come and let me show you something cool" fashion. Her enthusiasm is contagious, and I was with her all the way. This could have just been a buddy, meet cute, travelogue, travel adventure, and I would have been pleased. Once you add on a swell, clever, jewel thief mystery, with detecting and lurking and sneaking and wrongful accusations, and an eclectic mix of Agatha Christie style suspects, well this made the Orient Express look like an HO train set. So, I was very pleased with and entertained by this excellent buddy adventure mystery. Either as an actioner or a mystery, this had a lot of honest appeal. Not just for trainiacs. (Please note that I received a free advance ecopy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)

Uncle Nat is a travel writer who loves trains and is thrilled to be a passenger on the Highland Falcon’s final journey. It’s the summer holiday and Hal is not looking forward to spending four whole days on board a train with his weird uncle. ‘I don’t like trains. They’re boring.’ Hal isn’t bored for long as it turns out there’s a jewel thief on board and he’s quickly caught up in the action. ‘Often the best place to hide something is in full view.’ On board the Highland Falcon and potential suspects are: 🚂 Harrison (Hal) Beck - 11, enjoys drawing 🚂 Nathaniel (Nat) Bradshaw - Hal’s mother’s older brother, a travel writer 🚂 Sierra Knight - a film star who is friends with the princess 🚂 Lucy Meadows - Sierra’s personal assistant 🚂 Countess of Arundel, Lady Elizabeth Lansbury - onboard with her dogs (Trafalgar, Viking, Shannon, Fitzroy and Bailey), her husband recently died 🚂 Rowan Buck - the Countess’ gentleman-in-waiting/dog handler 🚂 Ernest White - was the head steward on the royal train for 47 years, allergic to dogs 🚂 Baron Wolfgang Essenbach - friend of the prince 🚂 Milo Essenbach - the Baron’s youngest son 🚂 Steven Pickle - reality TV star, entrepreneur, runs a train company called Grailax 🚂 Lydia Pickle - Steven’s wife 🚂 Isaac Adebayo - the royal photographer 🚂 The prince and princess 🚂 Marlene (Lenny) Singh - 11, the train driver’s daughter 🚂 Mohanjit Singh - train driver, Lenny’s father 🚂 Gordon Goulde - head steward on the royal train 🚂 Graham - train guard 🚂 Amy - waitress 🚂 Joel Bray - fireman 🚂 Daniel and Kerry - the night shift. Lenny, with her enthusiasm and tool belt, was always going to be my favourite character, especially when she was described (with a smile) as “the most disobedient girl ever to be born”. The surprise stand out for me was Uncle Nat, who turned out to be a lot more fun than I expected him to be. From his six watches, because “It’s good to remember that there are other places on the planet, filled with wonderful people”, to his love for trains, Nat is the person I’m most looking forward to spending more time with as the series progresses. ‘This will be a journey you’ll remember for the rest of your life.’ With a mystery unfolding and a group of mostly rich people with various agendas onboard, this was a fun adventure. Train enthusiasts will enjoy the information about how steam trains operate and detectives in training will have their work cut out for them separating the red herrings from the clues, which are found in the text and in Elisa Paganelli’s illustrations. The details in the illustrations matched the text most of the time. I’ll definitely be on board for Hal and Uncle Nat’s next adventure. Thank you so much to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Books, an imprint of Pan Macmillan UK, for the opportunity to read this book.

Reading Format: Digital eBook (Library Loan) - $0 Reading Time: 1 Hour and 45 Minutes The Highland Falcon Thief was a unique, charming and wonderful read. I think that the absolute strongest aspect of this story was its setting. M.G. Leonard did an absolutely incredible job depicting the Highland Falcon both as a whole and down to its individually wonderful train cars like the library, the game room and the observatory to name a few. I could absolutely picture this royal, grand old timey steam train in my head and it made me wish I could have been on this train journey too. Unfortunately I was fairly disappointed when it came to the characters in this story. Other then a few exceptions, it was made very clear that adults in this story were either stupid, foolish or mean. You can see this from the passengers on the train to the police who investigate the thefts to even Hal's own Uncle who pretty much leaves him on his own for the majority of their time on the train. The prince and princess and the work staff seem to be the only decent adults to be found. The added illustrations from Hal's sketchbook littered throughout the book was one of my favorite parts of reading the story - I feel like they really enhanced the entire experience. Some were cute, some were funny, some helped the reader picture things they might be unfamiliar with. And it could all be tied back to the actual story itself because they represented what Hal himself was drawing. An excellent addition. The mystery of the jewel thefts was very well written. M.G. Leonard did a great job incorporating a strong red herring to deceive both the main characters Hal and Lenny as well as the readers and made sure to keep everyone guessing and uncertain of the truth the whole time. There were some plot twists I definitely did not see coming and I didn't put the whole thing together until right at the very end. Unfortunately, in my opinion the overall plot was a bit weak didn't really have much nuance to it. Only the strong mystery kept my attention. I am definitely interested in checking out the sequels and seeing what new antics and crimes Hal and his Uncle get entangled in!

Wow! I really loved this book! What a great story full of mystery, adventure, & an amazing train! It’s The Highland Falcon Thief’s last journey before becoming a museum. Hal’s mom is sending him to take its last journey w/his Uncle Nat who is a journalist, while she prepares to have his baby sister. Hal thought he was going to be bored to tears-boy was he wrong lol He makes friends w/a girl named Lenny who is a stowaway lol People are complaining about their jewelry going missing, so he & Lenny decide to investigate. Hal can draw amazingly, & his drawings help them along the way. He realizes how amazing trains are, & how amazing his uncle is. He becomes close to an uncle he barley knew before this, makes a lifelong friend, has a new world opened up to him, & finds his inner courage when it matters most. Such great story telling, amazing characters, a great mystery, & a grand adventure. I highly recommend this, & can’t wait to start the 2nd book. An absolutely beautiful cover w/beautiful illustrations all throughout the book as well!💜

A fun mystery for middle-grade readers.; the book is definitely a must-read for fans of mystery or trains! This book features strong characters and a clever mystery sure to keep you guessing. There's text and illustrations a la James Patterson's Treasure Hunters series (but this is better) I look forward to the next mystery by M.G. Leonard!

Readers join Hal, the nephew of a prominent travel writer, as he travels aboard the Highland Falcon train on its final journey and works to solve a crime along the way. Many characters in this book display vocal passion for trains, and their enthusiasm was contagious. Definitely a fun read!

I read this to my grandson and we both enjoyed it. A story along the lines of Hercule Poirot and the Orient Express, without the murder but with the usual Agatha Christie tradition of the detective finally gathering all the suspects in one compartment to eliminate each of them one by one until the surprise revealing of the culprit! Easy and fun to read. My only gripe is the frequent use of the 'sat' and 'stood' when 'sitting' and 'standing' would be the correct grammar, particularly in written English. Never mind - i'm probably just an old fogey!

Great story but very bad use of the English language. This is a very good story but what really spoiled it for me were the mistakes 'a man was stood' well actually he wasn't he was standing and ' a man in a uniform was sat' well no he wasn't he was sitting. I hope I don't come across more of these, it might be the sloppy way the author speaks English but please don't encourage young ones to do it as well by putting in your books.

I loved it! Despite being told by the review that it can be enjoyed by all ages I wondered whether 64 might be off the top end of the scale. I was absolutely wrong. It is either the child in me or it is indeed a book for all….. or both. Despite not being a devotee of crime fiction or necessarily the workings of steam trains (I do love the beautiful visuals, wonderful sounds and smells etc) I was sucked fully into both. I was very interested in the recondite train details such as the water trough. In the last quarter of the story I could not put the book down due to the unfolding excitement – just one more page, then just another page etc. I loved the caricature characters and the denouement. The resolution of the mystery was fiendishly clever – I was beginning to think that the authors were painting themselves into a corner. Finally, having been a dog lover all my life I enjoyed the warmth, tenderness and understanding of Nat’s approach to the dogs.

An absolutely splendid read, which will be enjoyed by children and adults alike. Wonderully atmospheric setting descriptions transport you aboard the Highland Falcon. The characters are quirky and fun; the mystery rattles along at a great pace with just enough time to enjoy the views as the train speeds on through the countryside. Love a story that begins with a map and this story is full of super illustrations that add so much to the plot.

I have recently bought a stack of young fiction books with the intention of reading them to my 7 year old daughter. I decided I’d read them first as she’s young she loses interest if them now if they grip you from the start. The Highland Falcon Thief is a fantastic read I couldn’t put it down. It reminds me of Agatha Christie’s whodunnits with out the murder. The illustrations are beautifully drawn. I was worried by the fact it is written by two people thought it might feel disjointed but honestly you can’t tell. I’m looking forward to reading this to my daughter but I’ll probably wait until the next book is due out then we can read them back to back.

This book had me gripped. A thief is aboard The Highland Falcon and Hal is determined to find out who it is! However, there is a large cast of potential villains. There are many twists and turns along the beautifully described journey. It has given me a love for trains when I didn't have any interest at all before! This is a well written, beautifully illustrated book which I would recommend for anyone aged 7 and above. Possibly more suited to 9/10 year olds reading independently. I can't wait to go on my next train adventure with these authors!

We loved this adventure book. The first we have read from either author. I have one son who LOVES trains and one who seems to enjoy a good mystery. This was perfect bedtime reading, although both would have been capable of reading to themselves we chose to snuggle up together. I'm certain they will re read at some point and the youngest will enjoy one day too. Meanwhile we have read the second which we equally loved. Boys are looking forward to the third but I have a feeling the 4th May be my favourite. We also have Beetle Boy on the shelf as it is an 'essential read' for year 6 at school. I recommend to anyone train lover or not.

Introducing Harrison Beck: while his mum is away giving birth, he is entrusted into the care of his uncle – travel writer Nathaniel Bradshaw – who takes him on an exhibition train journey around Britain with the royal family and a whole host of other famous characters. It’s not long until a robbery takes place and Harrison is hurtled into the middle of the investigation as he endeavours to solve the mystery of the theft. Can he do it alone or will he need the help of the owner of a mysterious pair of eyes that he keeps noticing hiding in the shadows?

Excellent book. We read aloud to both kids as a family. There was just enough correct factual detail about A4 Pacific’s and the UK rail network to satisfy my little train enthusiast, and enough intrigue to keep my elder child keen to keep listening. It is well paced take that we would very much recommend.

Proper fun this! What happens aboard a famous train making its final voyage when things start going missing? Well it’s down to the kids to solve the mystery! With gorgeous descriptions, brilliant characters and an interesting plot, this book was a lot of fun. It was a perfect length too! I can’t wait for the rest of the books in this series!

A totally delightful story of a journey on the final journey of the 'Highland falcon' ; a train in the style of the Orient Express, with a few additions. It is full of mystery and adventure and the heroine becomes totally in love with the train and the places it visits. Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for access to this in return for an honest review. I loved it so much I bought myself a hard copy to keep and re-read.

We absolutely love this book! It’s hard to put into words the way it has engaged and captured the attention of my children. There is so much to love, it’s exciting and the story keeps moving. It has quickly become a family favourite. My children are so excited to read the next in the series!

Having read and enjoyed M.G. Leonard's The Beetle Boy's saga, I was very curious to read this story set on a famous steam train en route around Britain. It was not disappointed! It follows the fast-paced investigations of two young, gutsy and clever children into mysterious jewel thief. A varied cast of characters adds to the cracking plot, which has reminded of an Agatha Christie mystery. Highly recommended!

My 7 year old lad absolutely adored this book. He kept asking me to read chapters of it throughout the day (currently in lockdown) as he couldn't wait until bedtime. Beautifully written, fast paced, thrilling and intriguing, fantastic language used and the illustrations add so much to the story. We have preordered the next book and literally cannot wait to read it.

I was unsure about my choice of book at first…But I was gripped from the start right to end.The plot is devious and thievery is dangerously lurking in the air.Time is running out.Hal and Lenny MUST act quickly before the Highland falcon reaches the end of the line.A fast paced mystery on a set of rails.Enjoyable for 9-12 year olds.Culprits,jewellery and samoyeds…

My lockdown bubble was mixed ages and ability from Year 3 to 6 and this book was suitable for all of them. The more able could question and predict whilst the younger ability could enjoy the characters (there are pictures of all the characters at the front which we copied for colouring and annotation to help them understand who was who) and the story. They could all identify with Lenny and Hal and we all learnt something about steam trains too!

A well written children’s story. Enough of a plot to hold children’s interest and good characterisation to keep you guessing as to ‘who done it’! My 8 year old Grandson and I read alternate chapters over Alexa during this lockdown. Brilliant. Look forward to reading others in this series.

Great story. I bought this for one of the grandsons, and read the kindle version first, to check it would be ok for his reading ability. I thoroughly enjoyed the story, and I’m sure he will too. It’ll be going to him at Easter, I recommend!

Bought for 7yr girl who is a good reader & she was entranced by the story. So much so they have bought several copies to give to all the school friends who will behaving 8 yr old birthdays soon

Stunning use of the English language to create the reality of steam train travel tied into a great childrens' adventure. Great for children to read and even better for grandparents to read to their grandchildren ;-)

This is a amazing book about when Harrison Beck goes on the Highland Falcon and finds out that there is a thief on board the train, can he catch the thief. I would recommend this book for ages 8 and up.

I love this book so much! It is full of mystery and adventure. The descriptions of the highland Falcon and the journey it takes are brilliant. The plot keeps you on your toes and you are guessing throughout who the thief is. I am currently reading it to my year 4 class online and they’re enjoying it too. I have already preordered the next one out in September. Such a good read!

M G Leonard has done it again. She has this amazing capacity to create characters that children could relate to and to devise situations that readers would want to experience for themselves. What would any child give to be wrapped up in an adventure such as this? But, from the comfort of the page, that is just where every reader can be....chugging along the length and breadth of the U.K. aboard the Highland Falcon, solving mysterious thefts and dangerous puzzles. Great fun!

I really enjoyed this book and it was fun to work out with harrison who the theif was. I felt like i was in the book and i didnt get confused with all the different people and clues like i usually do with detective books. It would have been five stars except i did not really like the ending as i wanted more info about what happened to the theif and Hal. Other than that this book was amazing and i would definitely recommend.

bought as part of the prize giving in school good value for age 9/10 year old

Lovely easy to digest story for a seven year old boy interested in mysteries. Not too many characters and plot not too complex. The focus on the journey on an old steam train and relationship with his uncle was a nice touch. I read it at bedtime but a 7/8 year old could read this themselves.

A great read! I loved the main character and Lenny too! The pace was also great and kept me gripped from the start. You won't be disappointed!

As an adult, I love to watch Agatha Christie films and the mystery of those was replicated in this book. As a teacher, I am often faced with quality books set in fantasy worlds. This was a refreshing change and suitable for any KS2 class ☺️

Bought to read to my 6 year old as he loves trains and head got into mystery novels. Thought I would read it first to make sure the content is appropriate (it is!) and I've enjoyed it as much as I would an adult's book!

My daughter (10) loves this book and says it might be the best book she has ever read!

What a FANTASTIC book. My 7 year old, train obsessed nephew absolutely devoured this book and cannot wait for the next installment.

Bought this book for my 4yo even though I knew he wasn't ready for this sort of reading , I read him a chapter every night and he really like it. Personal shout out for the incredible illustration of Elisa Paganelli

A must buy. I loved this book that much I have bought the following 2 straight away. This is a great train adventure that keeps you guessing who the thief is until the very end.

Fantastic

The Highland Flacon Thief is a great book. It is a mystery and you learn about trains whilst you are reading the book. I really recommend it. AP Year 5.

I absolutely loved this book! It would be impossible to pick one or two reasons why as there are so many to say. As a Year 4 teacher, my pupils also loved it and it will definitely be next year’s class novel with my new students. Can’t wait for the sequel which I have preordered already! Massive thumbs up from me!

Exciting adventure story! My son loved it.

What a fantastic mystery story incorporating stolen jewels, dogs, royalty and the brilliance of British trains. We loved this book and have since bought it for friends and family who love great stories and trains. We can’t wait for the next in the series!

I borrowed this book from the library for my eight year old. They loved it so much we bought for another child's birthday.

cannot comment as this was a present

A memorable cast of suspects, a crafty thief and a pleasingly revolting resolution make for a great children's mystery in themselves, but it's the core of enthusiasm for rail travel and the age of steam that makes this novel really distinctive.

Great plot, great illustrations, a proper traditional whodunnit with quirky characters! Quite simply a fab read for all ages (10-42 in this house!)! 10 yo son looking forward to the next book (as are his parents)!

Most welcome gift for an avid reader.

Son really enjoying these books- bought all 3 now (age 10)

This book is such a great read! Couldn’t put it down! Loved the combination of travel through the country and crime drama. I’m now researching sleeper trains! Can’t wait for the next one!

I chose this rating because I love the setting and the use of words.... I can't wait for reading your next book!

Review by Jake aged 7: nothing is disliked about this book!!! I absolutely loved it. It was the best book I’ve read.

Couldn't put it down; finished reading it in under a day. Intruiging, colourful, and fun. Pre-ordered the next in the series!

My 12 year old son loved this book, even made it a feature of some school homework he had about favourite books

As a secret train lover myself, I really enjoyed this book. A real Agatha Christie read where the children solve the mystery!

This book was a turning point for my child living reading. Child’s favorite author fir two whole years = MG Leonard 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩

Cracking story. Kept my 8 year old rapt and begging for one more chapter..