Sam Sedgman

I'm giving this one 5 stars not because it's the new War and Peace, but because I think it succeeds very well in what it is trying to do.

This is a middle grade detective story in the style of Golden Age mysteries (think Agatha Christie). The main character here is Hal, an 11-year-old who is sent with his uncle on the last trip of a famous steam engine, while his mom is in hospital about to give birth to Hal's little sister.

Hal is not enthusiastic about this trip. He is not that interested in trains and he wants to be with his mom and dad. However, he soon catches the enthusiam from his uncle, who is a huge train nerd, and from a girl his age who is the daughter of the engine driver.

Then it turns out that there's a clever jewel thief in the train. Hal and his friend, with the help of his uncle, will investigate the closed circle of suspects.

The mystery was well-done, with the traditional red herrings and clues. I guessed the culprit, but I'm sure it won't be easy for readers in the target audience, less experienced in the ways of the classic detective novel. And I also enjoyed the steam-train setting.… (plus d'informations)

I love this series and this is one of my favourites so far. The pace, the characters, the mystery are all excellent. Each one of the Adventures on Trains books is based on a real train journey undertaken by Maya and Sam (the authors) and this book in particular is based on a train trip I've been wanting to do for a while now, to explore some of the places in the arctic circle in the winter time. The story, as always, is enchanced by Elisa Paganelli's brilliant illustrations. Highly recommended middle grade read (but for adults too!).… (plus d'informations)