Piu DasGupta - The Golden Monkey Mystery - Book Review - Nosy Crow Books 2026

Are you ready for an exotic jungle adventure? Well, it's time to inhale this riveting adventure that promises to captivate readers from the very first page. With exquisitely woven narrative threads and a vivid setting, this book takes us on a journey through the enchanting jungles of India, perfectly blending themes of bravery, discovery, and the fight against adversity.

In this imaginative tale, we meet the indomitable Roma Moreau, who aspires to break barriers and become the first woman to study at the Bengal Medical College. Her unwavering determination leads her to uncover the elusive golden monkey, a creature shrouded in mystery and myth. The stakes rise as Roma embarks on a dangerous quest to return the monkey to its home in the majestic Himalayas, armed only with a mysterious map and her fierce courage.

The characters are richly developed, with Roma’s journey reflecting not only her personal ambition but also the broader struggles faced by women in a patriarchal society. The supporting characters add depth and dimension to the story, including bandits, a talking cat, and mystical elements that transform them into a shimmering golden quest that you will absolutely love.  

The author’s descriptive prose invites readers to visualise every scene: from the lush greenery of the forest to the suspenseful moments that keep readers on the edge of their monkey pants. The interplay of reality and magical realism in the narrative invites young readers to dream, ponder, and engage with the world around them.

Beyond entertainment, the book also imparts valuable lessons about female history, conservation, resilience, and the importance of following one’s dreams, making it not just a story but an educational tool for young minds.  

In this outstanding second book, Piu Dasgupta skillfully crafts a personal tale that resonates with readers of all ages. *The Golden Monkey Mystery* is not just a book; it is an invitation to explore, learn, and believe in the magic of adventure. Mark your calendars—this literary treasure is one you won’t want to miss!

**BOOK Release:** Coming January 15, 2026, *The Golden Monkey Mystery* is highly anticipated and certain to leave a lasting impression on all who embark on this journey.

For more information and to preorder, visit [Nosy Crow]

Christopher Edge - ESCAPE ROOM: Game Zero - Book Review - Mr Ripley’s Enchanted Books

Get ready to enter the Escape Room: Game Zero! This thrilling new vibrant middle-grade novel by Christopher Edge, author of the bestselling Escape Room series, is an absolute must-read for young adventurers and lovers of virtual reality games. 

When a swirling flock of birds plunges the sky into darkness, Eden finds herself transported to The Escape, a virtual world unlike anything she's ever imagined.  This is no ordinary game; it's a place where the impossible becomes possible and nothing is as it seems.  Teaming up with the enigmatic Ted, Eden must navigate treacherous landscapes, solve mind-bending puzzles, and overcome escalating challenges to unlock the secrets of this captivating and absorbing digital realm. Edge wonderfully crafts a world brimming with suspense, intrigue, and heart-pounding excitement.  The fast-paced plot keeps readers on the edge of their seats, while the richly detailed virtual landscapes pop and spark the imagination.  Eden and Ted's burgeoning friendship adds a touching layer of camaraderie to their perilous quest.

"Escape Room: Game Zero" is more than just an adventure; it's a celebration of the power of games to transport us to new worlds and unlock the hidden potential within ourselves.  A true testament to Edge's talent as a storyteller, this book is sure to be a massive hit with young readers and leave them craving more.  Don't miss out on this extraordinary escape room experience – it's a game-changer!

Published by Nosy Crow Books 5.Jun 2025. Book Cover Illustration by David Dean. Book Series Escape Room. 

Check out these other brilliant books from Christopher Edge:

• Black Hole Cinema Club - Book Review HERE
• Escape Room - Book Review -Book Review HERE
• The Many Worlds of Albie Bright - Book Review HERE
• The Jamie Drake Equation - Book Review HERE

Fiona Longmuir - Freya's Gold - Book Review - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

This is a captivating tale of mystery and adventure. Set in the picturesque and quaint seaside town of Edge, the story follows young Freya and her best friend, Lin. Together, they uncover the secrets hidden within the cliffs and caves of their beloved town. With the wind and rain crashing down on your senses and the biting salty sea captivating your imagination, you really are in for an ice cream treat of a story. 

The author weaves together really well a tale of mystery, buried treasure, smugglers' tunnels, and a race against time to save Edge from an unknown threat. The graphic descriptions of the coastal landscape and the eerie atmosphere of the tunnels create a sense of suspense as Freya has to fight her fears to save her beloved home and town from the devious stranger, Ms Oleander.

With relatable characters, unexpected twists, and a lovely bright and breezy narrative, 'Freya's Gold' is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a thrilling adventure. The amazing storytelling really shines in this contemporary tale of courage, friendship, and the power of facing your fears. 

Published by Nosy Crow Books in June 2024, 'Freya's Gold' is a shining example of quality children's literature that will leave readers eagerly awaiting the next book. Don't miss out on this brilliant adventure that is sure to capture the hearts of readers everywhere."

Piu DasGupta - Secrets of the Snakestone - Book Review - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

What do we have here: A mysterious locket? A Missing Father? A Dangerous secret society? Well, you can expect all of these when you pick up the debut book by Piu DasGupta. The Secrets of the Snakestone is due to be published by Nosy Crow on the 14th of March 2024. It's a sinister and captivating debut that whisks readers away on a dramatic adventure through the winding streets and mysterious sewers of Paris. The narrative is so captivating that you'll find yourself eagerly turning each page, much like a sewer rat on the hunt for its next meal! You'll be gobbling up the elements of magic, mystery and danger in a world that is as alluring as it is perilous.

The protagonist, Zélie, is a compelling character who is thrust into a world of intrigue and enchantment when she is given a golden locket that once housed the powerful Snakestone. As she sets out to find the stone and her missing father, she becomes entangled in a perilous race against a treacherous secret society. The narrative is bold and adventurous with twists and turns. It takes readers on a journey filled with riddles to a captivating circus and through a labyrinthine of tunnels that lie beneath the bustling city of Paris.

If this is not already enough to entice you then the connection, through the author's Indian culture and heritage, with the Jungles of Calcutta and a family crime at the center of the mystery will surely compel you to read this bundle of narrative joy. It has all the flavours of curry and a wonderous amount of lively and colourful characters that will leave every reader with a taste for a gothic and dark adventure. 

Piu DasGupta's storytelling is nothing short of brilliant, as it pulls readers into a world where danger and wonder coexist. "Secrets of the Snakestone" is a fantastic and immersive book that will keep you spellbound from the first page to the last. With its blend of mystery, magic and culture, this book is a perfect fit for anyone seeking an enthralling and immersive read. 

Christopher Edge (Author), David Dean (Illustrator) - Black Hole Cinema Club Book Review - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

  

Christopher Edge's "Black Hole Cinema Club" takes readers on a whirlwind adventure that combines the magic of cinema with heart-pounding action. In this immersive tale, Lucas and his friends find themselves thrust into a world beyond their wildest imagination when they step into their local cinema, aptly named, 'The Black Hole'.

From the moment the movie marathon begins, Edge's storytelling grips readers with its non-stop excitement. As the friends watch in disbelief, a black tidal wave bursts out of the screen, plunging them into an epic and dangerous journey. What follows is a rollercoaster of secret hideouts, prehistoric monsters, lost cities, and impossible missions, all woven together to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Lucas and his friends face increasing peril with each cliffhanger scene they encounter, raising doubts about the line between fiction and reality. The author cleverly explores the power of imagination and the responsibility that comes with being the hero of your own story. As the plot reaches its climax, the stakes are raised, and readers will find themselves racing alongside Lucas and his friends to save the day.

This book is an epic page-turner that will captivate readers of all ages. The author skillfully blends elements of adventure, mystery, and friendship, creating a story in his own unique style that is not only thrilling but also heartfelt.

Black Hole Cinema Club is due to be released by Nosy Crow Books on March 14th, 2024. It is set to become a must-read for fans of adventure and cinema. Therefore, it's time to get the snacks and drinks ready as Christopher Edge once again delivers an exhilarating and thought-provoking tale that will leave readers longing for their own cinematic adventures. BUY HERE!

Helen Peters - Friends and Traitors - Book Review - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

 

This is one of our summer reading picks for 2023. It’s by Helen Peters and is entitled Friends and Traitors and is due to be published on the 6th July 2023 by Nosy Crow Books. The best way to describe this book is that it’s a vintage cozy crime detective book that has an historical edge. The book cover has been illustrated by David Dean and really pulls you into the story before you’ve even turned the very first page!

The plot of this book was so intriguing that I really looked forward to finding out more. I have really struggled recently to enjoy and finish some of the books I've started to read. This is very unusual for me and I’m not sure why this is happening. Afterall, we are having a golden moment featuring some amazing children's books. However some of the plots just appear to be too drawn out and uninteresting. Reading this book was a breath of fresh air - it came just at the right time for me to really enjoy.

Are you ready to solve the secrets and mystery of Stanbrook Hall? What will you discover and can the characters in the book change the course of history? The story is set in the summer of 1940 as Britain prepares for a German invasion. In the middle of this, Sidney Dashworth and her classmates start a new term at the newly relocated boarding school - an enormous mansion in the picturesque countryside. Unsurprisingly the new term starts off in chaos. The unlikely villains of this story have a sinister plan. It takes an unlikely friendship and some improvisation to lead the readers into a memorable journey that will have you engrossed from the very first page.

I loved the plot as it brought a great amount of suspense and tension including classmate rivalry and some midnight creepiness. The house staff and other residents each give another dimension delivering some quirkiness and plot richness. The book is easygoing and gripping with a very strong narrative - there’s just the right amount of detail and dialogue to suck you into the mystery. I'm not sure if this is the start of a series as all the loose ends appeared to be tied with a very climactic finish. 

This is a great family adventure that has some low moments as well as marvellously high moments to leave all readers satisfied and wanting more. A great holiday read for everyone.

Alice M. Ross - The Nowhere Thief - Book Review - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

 

This is the debut book by journalist Alice M. Ross. The Nowhere Thief is due to be published by Nosy Crow books on 2nd March 2023. However, if you are lucky it has actually been spotted for sale in some good bookshops earlier than the publication date so get searching and hunting for an early copy! 

My first feeling after reading this book was: what next? The story is a multiverse adventure full of secrets and a little theft here and there! Twelve-year old Elsbeth takes trinkets from one place in the verse to bring back home to sell in the family's strangely quaint but failing antique store. She has discovered an extraordinary power where she can travel to parallel worlds by opening a rift. Hearing a familiar hum in the air, as the opening materialises, she can step into NOWHERE. 

The story feels like a cinematic cult movie. The feel of the story has a timeless science-fiction edge as you travel between the parallel worlds. If Doctor Who was a thief then he would sit right at home in this story. However, you don't need a tardis to travel just a rare talent! The story is a fantastic concoction of elements that fit together like a fantasy glove; hurtling along in a kaleidoscope of adventure, mystery, and a fantastic backdrop of different worlds. 

The two main characters (Elsbeth and Idris) start an unlikely friendship as they explore the dangers and their hearts by travelling together as part of this bizarre adventure. The story is very well-written - it is creatively compelling with a futuristic vision that is well-explored with enough detail to keep you on your fantasy Sci-Fi toes. I think a lot of readers will connect with the characters and be swept away into their own private fantasy world. 

Everybody needs to step inside a portal to NOWHERE and unlock their imagination. This is a great book to do that in my opinion. It is full of many possibilities, an unpredictable story, strange flying creatures, and worlds that are full of colour and life that you might want to linger in one place longer than another. In the meantime, you'll find me hiding in the dusty antique shop looking for treasure and a further story. This is an excellent debut book which is part of an exciting series to look forward to. 

Sarah Todd Taylor - Alice Éclair, Spy Extraordinaire! A Spoonful of Spying - BOOK REVIEW - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

 

Are we ready for a sweet adventure? Then it's time to be whisked away by the second book featuring Alice Éclair Spy Extraordinaire. A Spoonful of Spying will be thrown into the mixing bowl (early January 2023) by Nosy Crow Books. 

The story has moved on from the first adventure where we were on board France's most glamorous train, The Sapphire Express. In book 2, the setting is the exciting and wonderful Paris World Fair. It's a new world full of invention, discovery, and arts. This really drives the narrative to a fabulous, fantastical world of mystery, and espionage that the amateur sleuth will love to read and be immersed in. 

Alice Éclair leads an exciting double life - a baker by day and a spy by night! From fashion to aviation we rush into a whirlwind of baked goods to a waltz down Paris surrounded by enemy spies. Alice needs to choose her friends wisely as some of the inventors she encounters are in terrible danger.  As we plunge into the book (and the river Seine!) we are treated to an immersive story that is really uplifting to read whilst keeping the readers on their sugar-coated toes. 

This is a rapid read which is spiked with danger; Alice must save her friends and foil the enemy's plot to save the ever-changing world. It's part of a brilliant series in an ever-expanding popular genre. Real events and great character-driven plots fuel this story. It's a really comfy armchair read for anyone and everyone. Does anyone fancy some cake? 

David Solomons - Author Interview (Q&A) - A Beginner's Guide to Ruling the Galaxy - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books #27

 

It's time to explore another interview with you today; an epic interview with funny man author David Solomons. His new book, A Beginner's Guide to Ruling the Galaxy, is just about to be launched into orbit on the 7th July 2022 with Nosy Crow Books. It's all about handing in your homework on time or maybe NOT?  

I have really enjoyed reading the responses to the questions posed. I particularly agree with the last part of question seven and would like to know your thoughts after reading this interview. You can share on Twitter with us @Enchantedbooks and with David Solomons @DavidSolomons2 if you have anything to say on this topic. Look forward to hearing from you and enjoy the post. 

1. A Beginner's Guide to Ruling the Galaxy is your new book, please could you sum up this book in the craziest way possible? 

Space opera in the suburbs. It’s that old story of boy meets girl next door. Girl turns out to be heir to the galactic throne who’s on the run and hiding out on earth from… ah. No spoilers.

2. After writing five fantastic books in My Brother is a Superhero series, what challenges did you have starting with this new book? Did fresh ideas flow from the very first page? 

Thank-you for the compliment! I find that ideas flow in much the same way that blood does from an open wound. There’s a lot of them, but it’s a painful process. On the first question, enough time had passed since I’d closed the final chapter on the My Brother series that I didn’t feel those books hovering at my shoulder and peering at what I was doing now. Although, as I write this, I realise that everything I’ve ever written is shelved three feet behind me and could be said to be looming over me judgementally. 

3. Are laughter and humour always going to be David Solomons's key writing ingredients? Do you feel it is important that readers engage through laughter when reading your books? 

I don’t set out to write funny books, it’s just the way they come out. I’m an inveterate noodler when it comes to funny scenes – I find myself going over and over them like some mad scientist – word choice, sentence rhythm, electrodes – in an effort to draw out the maximum lols. I can’t envisage writing a book that doesn’t contain humour; to do so would require a level of self-restraint that I have thus far failed to demonstrate in my life. Though I would say that, in my own mind anyway, I pay as much attention to the other elements. I challenge myself to make the stories funny and exciting, funny and poignant. It’s a tricky balance. For example, putting a snarky line into a character’s mouth at the wrong time can undercut what could and should be a dramatic moment. After years working together my editor, Kirsty Stansfield at Nosy Crow, is very good at reigning in my overenthusiastic tendencies!

4. Most of the characters you write about have a superpower, what is your superpower? 

I can bend time so that deadlines just bounce off me.

5. Everybody loves an evil villain, which villain would you love to have a real-life conversation with and how do you think it would go?

First one that comes to mind is Darth Vader, but it would be Eddie Izzard’s version of him from the legendary Death Star canteen routine. In which case our conversation would probably end with him killing me. With a tray.  

6. Which of your books would you like to see being turned into a film and why? 

Any of them! And as for the reason, are you hoping for something more meaningful than fame, glory and a thumping great first day principal photography fee? I’ve been endeavouring to get my books into development/production for years, with a modicum of success. Steve Coogan’s company optioned My Brother is a Superhero, and I wrote a script for a proposed TV series, but that went away. I continue, Charlie Brown-like, to put my work in front of producers. In my other career as a screenwriter, I’ve written the screenplays for three films, including a version of Five Children and It, which I’m pleased to say continues to enjoy a life long after its debut.

These days I write screenplays mostly with my wife, Natasha. And they’re mostly adaptations of her books (for grown-ups). So, the other answer to your question is I’d like to have a film made purely to justify all the hard work we’ve put into the process.

7. How important do you think it is to get children to read for enjoyment? 

I have a nine-year-old and a six-year-old. For them there isn’t any other kind of reading. By which I mean they’ll only read if the experience is enjoyable. Our eldest is going through an interesting reading phase. I’m in the fortunate position that I’m aware of what’s brand new in the world of children’s fiction. It used to be I could put anything in front of him and he’d read it, but from hoovering up every kind of book, reading three or four a week, he’s slowing down. Still reading and enjoying, but I get the sense that he’s starting to form his own likes and dislikes. He’s happy to reject dad’s suggestions! The six-year-old is just finding her reading feet, but she already has strong opinions, especially when it comes to line readings. At bedtime, when Natasha or I are reading to her, she’ll make us stop if she thinks we’ve flubbed a line. Then she’ll read it the way it ought to be performed. 

To go back to the original question, it makes my heart ache. Our whole industry ultimately relies on enough of these little people wanting to pick up a book. It’s why I get so angry when some publishers foist substandard fiction on them. Kid reads average book with huge marketing budget and shrugs: I’ll go back to YouTube thanks. Yes, publisher gets immediate sale, but what about the long-term? Is that kid going to turn into a lifelong reader if her early exposure to books is so flawed? I know it’s not as simple as that, but it doesn’t help.

 8. What question were you hoping to be asked in this Q&A and why? 

Is the author who appears in ‘My Cousin is a Time Traveller’ based on you? 

So, in the last of the Superhero series our heroes get an author visit at school, a dismal presentation from a sweating, under-rehearsed children’s writer. I was quite emotional, writing the last of this series, and I knew I was saying goodbye to characters who’d had transformative effect on my life. So I wrote myself into the story in order to say goodbye to them ‘in person’. However, since I pantsed much of that novel (i.e. made it up as I went along) my character turned out to have a bigger role than I’d intended. Thanks for asking. You can buy HERE. 

Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books - Jason Rohan - S.T.E.A.L.T.H.: Access Denied (BK1) - Book Review

 

Are you ready for a new series from Jason Rohan? Are you looking for a good book that plunges you into a world of gadgets, espionage, and the world's deadliest weapon? If so, then you might have just come to the right place. Let me introduce you to S.T.E.A.L.T.H - Access Denied - which is due to be published by Nosy Crow on 7th April, 2022. It's time for an unlikely set of kids to save the WORLD again. This is the kind of story you can really escape into as you travel down a spider's web of intrigue encountering some rather bizarre moments.

IT'S JUST ANOTHER DAY, that is until Arun arrives home from school. His house is full of armed police and his dad's just disappeared. This all leads to a brilliant start featuring a secret AI project called MANDROID. The narrative is a really slick-tight performance from a group of kids all with interesting backstories. Arun is smart and reserved, Sam is the geeky one who loves tech and Donna is the action, athletic tough-talking member of the group. The characters really pull the story together like magic glue which sticks to the reader in many fantastic and vivid ways. Their ability to problem-solve is a particular strength of the narrative that makes it particularly enjoyable. 

There are plenty of scrapes including the attempted theft of the deadliest weapon on Earth by a group of organised villains - never mind the car chase smashes and run-ins with the police. The plot is a race to save the day; it's ingenious, clever, and at times produces some deeply amusing situations. I absolutely loved the characters as they were warm, genuine, and relatable. I also enjoyed the depth and detail of information given when introducing the weapons and gadgets.  

This is a perfect book for everybody; a great mash-up of a story, influenced by comics, in a heart-stopping mission that will be sure to be your next favourite read. It has a great climactic ending surely leading up to another book. In the meantime, seek out a copy of S.T.E.A.L.T.H in the near future.  Access is only denied if you do not BUY a copy and read it. What are you waiting for? 

You can read an exclusive extract HERE

Christopher Edge - ESCAPE ROOM - Book Review - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

 

Are you ready to ESCAPE to the Escape Room? This is the latest book by Christopher Edge which is due to be published by Nosy Crow Ltd on the 3rd Feb 2022. The book cover is brilliantly produced by the talented illustrator, David Dean. We arrive at the start of the book with a buzz of excitement as the main character arrives at The Escape; a reward for working so hard. We are led slowly into a fantasy adventure with the trademark qualities that you associate with this author. There's a plot full of puzzles and a deadly sting in the tale as a group of children (unknown to each other) have a race against time to battle the rooms and actually save the world. 

It's only Fantasy? 

However, the Host has other ideas as you skip and dive through this fantastic narrative escaping danger and sometimes death. The author drags you through different creative and eventful moments that will have readers gripped in a vortex of magic fantasy realism. Find the answer and you'll find the key to escape. Although, along the way, you'll visit an amazing library and battle a strange chess automaton that was built 250 years ago. If you need even more madness you'll also hurtle across an unknown galaxy in a spaceship and encounter extinct species of animals that just might eat you alive. 

The author has a great way of putting an important message into his books. There's a quirky twist whilst still managing to weave a web of epic ingredients together to create an exhilarating ending. He does this in a very imaginative way that only natural storytellers can do. This is a story that is so much more; great entertainment with a  massive thought-provoking moment that leaves you reflecting. Have you got the Answer? Find out by reading the book - enjoy!

 Other recommended books published by the author: 

The Many Worlds of Albie Bright

• The Jamie Drake Equation
• The Infinite Lives of Maisie Day
• The Longest Night of Charlie Noon
• Space Oddity 
• Twelve Minutes to Midnight 

Alastair Chisholm - ADAM-2 - Book Review - Mr. Ripley's Enchanted Books

The puzzler from Edinburgh is back with his second exciting novel entitled Adam-2. The book is a summer delight published by Nosy Crow Books on 5th August 2021. The fantastically vibrant and brilliant orange book cover has been illustrated by Dan Munford - it's an absolute beauty brimming with anticipated adventure. 

I've been in a bit of a reading slump for some months now as I've been trying to find not only the time to read but also books that I will really enjoy. I think every prolific reader finds themselves in this situation from time to time. I have read a few books recently that did not hold my attention or were too reality-based when what I really wanted was a book to escape into. Fortunately, Alastair Chisholm hit the nail on the head with this book by providing everything I needed. It's a real fantasy-based book that throws up challenging questions in a world so distant from our very own. The author has set his stall out with a great imaginary world that is so absorbing you will certainly not want to leave it. 

The book starts with a dark tale where we find Adam-2 locked in a basement. Even worst, we find out he's been there for over two hundred years. I never read the synopsis for this book so, at the start, I had no idea what was going on. I think that really kept me engaged and eager to read on and find out more.  For this reason, I'm not going to mention any of the plot or synopsis in this review so you can enjoy it as much as I did. All I will say is that it is a fast-paced Sci-Fi futuristic read set in Edinburgh, Scotland. Some of the famous landmarks are used to great effect in telling the story. 

The book's characters are fantastically written and develop through the story process with great heart as they uncover what it really means to be human. It really made me think about the choices the characters were making along their journeys. The plot ending was a great climatic roller-coaster that left me both satisfied but very sad to finish. This book is full of explosive action with some epic twists and turns that create a truly stunning cinematic read. 

It's a new world... how can we save it? There's a War between HUMANS and advanced INTELLIGENCE, what more could you want? Make sure you find the time to read this book as it is surely the best book to be published this month. It will really give you a Middle-Grade fantasy boost that will make your pulse rate beat faster with every page turned. 

Ella Risbridger - The Secret Detectives - Book Review - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

A gripping, beautifully written historical mystery, from an incredible new voice in children's fiction.

Ella Risbridger is a writer and editor. She is found mostly in her pink kitchen in South London. This is her first children's book which was published in June 2021 by Nosy Crow Books. The book has a fantastically eye-catching cover that showers you with a golden shimmer. The cover has been illustrated by the brilliant Ray Tierney and will certainly stand out in the bookshops this summer. Are you ready to ride the waves and enjoy a spectacular adventure? We hope you are as this one is going to develop the amateur detective skills in YOU! So it's time to roll up your sleeves and turn the pages of this book. 

The body seemed to fall for a long time. There was no splash, or if there was it was lost in the waves. Isobel was frozen to the spot for a moment before her common sense caught up with her and she stepped back quickly into the shadows. This book is a gripping whodunnit thriller that has a rhythm to the plot which is led by the characters. The group of multi-racial children each bring their different backgrounds to the story - their individual strengths and weaknesses make this detective adventure really enjoyable to read. 

The story takes place on board the S. S. Mariana which is a small boat that has set sail from Calcutta to England. One of the children witnesses something being thrown overboard in the middle of the night which leads to the start of an amazing crime to solve. Like all Agatha Christie-type stories, there are a number of great individuals who might have been involved in this despicable act. Intriguingly, what has or who has been thrown overboard the ship and why? The ship's captain insists that NOBODY is missing which provides a great opportunity for the children to solve the mystery in a funny and heartfelt way.

This is a brilliant historical mystery that I enjoyed immensely. It had a real quirkiness about it that I loved. This genre is packed with so many mystery stories but this one stands out for me. I loved the backstory and the colourful characters that we share the journey with. The author has done a remarkable job of bringing this adventure to life. It's full of historical accuracy with some detailed research of the time and period. This is a fast-paced race for time to solve the crime before the ship reaches England.  Are you ready to don your dear stalker and take notes and use your brain? If so, this is the adventure for you. Can you work it out before the children do? All you need to do is follow the clues to the bookshop to pick this one up and give it a READ.  

Alex Cotter - The House on the Edge - (Nosy Crow) - Book Review - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

 

This is a debut book to look forward to by Alex Cotter. As a former bookseller, her dream has come to fruition as she publishes The House on the Edge. It is due to be published this summer (beginning of July 2021) by Nosy Crow Books. I am a massive fan of the book cover which I believe is illustrated by Indonesian illustrator Kathrin Honesta. It's very reflective of the story and really eye-catching on the bookshelf. In my opinion, the colour palette works really well. 

What can you expect from this brilliant book? It's a story of sadness and new beginnings as Faith's dad has gone missing. We are not sure of the circumstances as we are lead down the mysterious garden path. Why has he left his family living in an old house perched on a crumbling clifftop? A crack has suddenly appeared in the cliff and, just like the story, the adventure turns into a thrilling and splitting adventure. The setting is idyllic but the family side of the narrative is anything but. There are many mysteries to uncover in this book. The plotline will keep the readers on their little tiny toes. 

The book turns into a dark and spine-tingling ghost story. Faith's brother brings an element of surprise to the plot when he claims sea ghosts are living in the basement of the house. He then disappears and we start to feel the fractures of family life splinter into dust. You need to watch out for her greedy Uncle Art as the VILLIAN. However, the story is really a race for time to find her brother and father and save the family house from falling into the sea. 

There are a lot of really great elements to this book: a dramatic setting, a moody atmosphere, and a great depiction of a coastal town. The loveable but rather quirky characters are well-written. The history is like a layer of antique dust as it is uncovered to weave the different story threads. It's a creative jaunt that will leave you with a creepy feeling. Chuck in some pirate treasure, smuggler's caves, and a sour teacher and you just about have the lot going on here. It's both thrilling and exciting - just about the best type of book you want to wake up to and have on the reading pile. 

Kirsty Applebaum - The Life and Time of Lonny Quicke - Book Review - Mr.Ripley's Enchanted Book

 

I'm delighted to be able to introduce another new title published on 6th May 2021 by Nosy Crow. This is the third middle-grade book by Kirsty Applebaum and for me the best one so far. The brilliant book cover has been illustrated by Matt Saunders and makes it very appealing. This for me has an intriguing premise and from the very start asks a lot of questions. What if you could save animals or human lives with the touch of your hand but every time you healed someone you got older? What if you got older more quickly if you saved a larger life, would you still do it?  I thought this was a really interesting concept.

Of course, the quicker you got older would mean you had less time for yourself. How would you feel and what would you think as an older person looking at yourself in the mirror? I wonder how many people would actually forfeit some of their life if this was a possibility in the real world? Is it a gift or a curse? You have to decide as you walk the tight rope of tension and daily life. 

Lonny, the main character, is a lifeling that is passed down from generation to generation. He has the power to heal any living creatures, but he has to be VERY careful and stay hidden with his family in the forest. Midge is his smaller brother but the relationship between them is rather sad and slightly bitter. Life has taken its toll on the family. Lonny dreams of travelling to amazing places and meeting new people. At this point, the buzzing starts again as his jaw vibrates which tells him something is dying nearby. How is he ever going to get the chance to visit these places when this keeps happening? Lonny is a very endearing and well-written character.

What can you expect from the story? The first thing is that it's a very earthy story that belongs to nature and human emotions. In my opinion, it is also a modern-day fairytale told with thought and emotion in a folkloric way. You'll find yourself investing your emotions in each of the characters as they make you think about yourself as a reader in the real world. Grandad made me particularly smile as he never leaves his bedroom and is always looking out of his bedroom with his binoculars. 

The author has done a fantastic job of teasing the fantasy strands out of her head and applying them onto paper. She has a very creative and unique way of telling the narrative which is full of mystery, family secrets, and a yearning to have a normal life. It takes a philosophical look at how stories can shape us as readers and takes us on journeys without even leaving our home. I would have loved to have seen the story expanded upon in some areas. However, by keeping it trim, readers can fill in the gaps and develop their own opinions. It would be a really fantastic book to discuss as a group with so much to ponder over. I had no idea how the story would pan out - it kept me guessing throughout!

This is a chocolate delight of a book that will make waves in the literary world. It's a great seed for thought so grab a copy, read it and talk about it. Let the story fully blossom into a profound place in your heart. 

Mr. Ripley's Enchanted Books - Carlie Sorosiak - My Life as a Cat - (Nosy Crow) Book Review

 

This is a late book review for My Life as a Cat by Carlie Sorosiak as it was published in September 2020 by Nosy Crow. When I received this book through the post, I made a quick and snappy judgment not to read it. However, reflecting on my decision a few months later, I decided to have another look at it and give the book a chance. I started reading and felt it was quite slow going for me. However, the more I read, the more my own world started to slow down. In fact, the WORLD STOPPED as I became fully immersed in the characters; and what characters they are. Amazingly written, they lifted off the pages with such magical colour. I was absolutely hooked and loving this book so unexpectedly - that makes me really smile and feel delighted.

Let me introduce you to Leonard who has never had a name ... or a body. Or in fact a best friend but he is excited to try being a human. However, unfortunately, something has gone terribly, terribly wrong. On their three-hundredth birthday, every alien from Leonard's home galaxy gets to spend a month in the body of an Earth Creature. Leonard was supposed to become a Forest Ranger in Yellowstone National Park but there was a mix-up and now he finds himself stuck as a stray cat. What is he going to do?

At the start of the plot, he is rescued in a storm by a young girl called Olive. The journey they both go on is beautiful and so heartfelt - it really is wonderful to read. Olive is brilliantly portrayed in a wise and thoughtful way which makes this narrative very, very special. She has the biggest heart and is loyal, loving, and might be seen very differently as she is judged by other people. The concept is brilliant and depicts an amazing and poignant friendship which is both moving and eye-opening at the same time. 

The storyline shows us the simplest of things like enjoying the sunset, sunrises, the beauty in the natural landscape, and spending precious time with family and friends. For me, I can certainly relate to that as this year has not been a great year for me and many others. However, one of my particular highlights was seeing the Cinnabar Moth and the rare Tansy Beetle for the first time. It was really amazing and helped to pull me through a tough patch - just like the characters in this book. There are some hilarious moments that cut through the seriousness of some of the topics. However, the brilliant ending is really up-lifting just like a good old movie. I give five huge paw prints for this book so please give it a chance and settle down to read it. 

Chris Naylor-Ballesteros - Interview Q&A (Author & Illustrator)

Hello Everybody! I'm delighted to be posting another brilliant interview today. Chris Naylor-Ballesteros is a children's picture book writer and illustrator. He's had books published by Bloomsbury and Nosy Crow.  One particularly great book (published last year by Nosy Crow Books) is The Suitcase. This is about a strange-looking animal who arrives pulling a big suitcase. He meets other animals who are curious about what is inside. What on earth could be in that suitcase? A teacup? Maybe. A table and chair? That is for you to find out in this interview. Why not take a journey with us and see what you would put in your SUITCASE?

The Suitcase was published by Nosy Crow Books. It's a picture book about people who are forcibly displaced around the world. What gave you the idea to write about this as a picture book?
My previous books were more light-hearted and were about animal characters that seemed to confuse reality and fantasy. I was trying to retain that element in the next story and, seen as the first two were about food and then companionship, I was looking at the theme of home or shelter - another very basic, universal need. I'd also been thinking of a story idea about a wall that divided two populations and the misconceptions about what was on the other side. This was roughly around the time of the US presidential election campaign and the Brexit referendum in which the politics of division and denial of others were (and still are) gaining a lot of ground.

But the wall idea was a bit stuck and I was doodling and drew a little animal figure with a ruck-sack at the bottom of the wall, looking confused and lost. I started to think about this character and wondered where it was from, where it was going and what might be in its bag. The wall was put to one side and the animal became the centre of a new story that thankfully came together quite quickly.

If you could only put five objects in the suitcase, what would you choose and why?
Strangely, though I've asked this question a lot visiting schools and libraries, I've never yet been asked it. Well, a phone, a torch, a pencil, and some paper, a cuddly toy, a fridge, a million pounds. These were some of the suggestions I was given by school children - all pretty useful items, especially the cash. It's probably impossible to answer without having the urgent, instinctive thinking that must come when living through such a situation in real life. If I discount practical objects, I'm sure I'd take a family photograph just like in the book. But which one? Oh heck...

How do you start the process of writing and illustrating a book?
Usually, it starts with a spontaneous premise or idea that feels interesting. I have quite a lot of those but ultimately most aren't strong enough to carry a good story. So a lot of work is in trying to develop them all as far as they'll go by asking hundreds of 'what if...?' questions, and then recognising when something is worth pushing onwards or should be abandoned. Most fall by the wayside and those left standing I keep niggling away at until they feel like they might work. Sometimes (like for The Suitcase) a doodle or sketch helps things develop but often it's just a lot of thinking time without even putting pencil to paper that much. The hardest thing to do is to develop a natural story that feels credible, rather than just some characters and an interesting premise, followed by a series of occurrences that don't have any fundamental meaning.
It rarely feels like creative work, it more often feels like you're trying to repair something that looked interesting at first but you took the back off and messed about with the workings and all the springs and sprockets flew out. Then you have to put it all back together in a way that no one notices you'd tinkered with it and also that you'd had to throw a load of redundant nuts and bolts in the bin.

Another picture book you've produced was I'm Going To Eat This Ant which is very humorous. Where did the humour come from and how is this important to the story? 
That was my first published book and in effect, I set myself a brief before writing it: I wanted a funny story with two characters that were obviously in some sort of conflict from the outset - like a cat/mouse situation that needed no backstory or explanation but something less often seen - eg. an ant and an anteater. I then wanted it to be short and quite repetitive in structure with a punchline or surprise at the end. Then I just thought it through. I think a lot of the humour came from the cartoon brutality in the story. The ant is imagined to be squished, smoked, sliced, sizzled and sautéed but seems to take it all fairly stoically, without reacting or even seeming to notice. Of course, none of it is actually happening in reality - just in the mind of a deluded anteater but one publisher did reject it on the grounds that it was too cruel. They mustn't have seen Tom & Jerry or Roadrunner.

What do you think makes a really good picture book?
The stories that really work for me are those that are so well put together and uncontrived that they feel like they weren't written at all but unfurl themselves like a rolled-up rug that's been given a little shove.
Even some really successful, enjoyable picture books can have a little moment where you feel the author having to slightly bend or push things in a certain way for it to work out how they needed.
I like books that divide the storytelling between the words and the pictures so that sometimes the text leads the way and the pictures play catch-up and then vice-versa.

What golden rules do you follow when writing and illustrating a picture book?
I really don't have any - I could probably do with some though. I just feel very happy when I think I might have a good story that works, often before anything is even written or drawn.

Could you tell us a bit about any of your upcoming projects?
I have three more books to come with Nosy Crow and I feel really lucky that they've shown me such commitment. I also have two books to come elsewhere, details of which are mostly under wraps for now. The first of the three Nosy Crow books is finished and is called Out Of Nowhere. It looks quite different to 'The Suitcase' and it was nice to have a visual change of direction.
It was due out this May but the Coronavirus crisis has put it on hold for now. Most distribution channels are barely operating and all the independent bookshops (many of whom really supported 'The Suitcase') are of course closed for the moment. I can't wait to see them all re-open their doors again and I really hope they make it through the current crisis and can flourish afterwards. 

Do you have a Portfolio? If so, what is your favourite piece of work?
Before starting my first book a few years ago I tried - unsuccessfully - to find freelance work as an editorial illustrator and I did a lot of personal projects based on newspaper or magazine articles to build an online portfolio. At the time we lived in a small apartment so, out of necessity, all my work was digital. It looks a lot different from the books I've made since then. Some of them I still like but I wouldn't go back to that style now.

Which illustrators have inspired you over the years? 
I was a relative late-comer to this world and only got inspired when I started buying books for my children, and realising how varied and graphically interesting and beautiful and odd they could be. Some of these were Tyranosaurus Drip by Julia Donaldson and David Roberts, Cockatoos by Quentin Blake, the 'hat' books by Jon Klassen, The Way Back Home by Oliver Jeffers, The Gruffalo and Stick Man by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, Say Hello To Zorro by Carter Goodrich. Since then I've been inspired by Carson Ellis, Sydney Smith, Shaun Tan, Benji Davies, Yuval Zommer, Amandine Piu, Pascal Blanchet amongst many others - a long list of amazing illustrators and writers. It's such a massive world and I'm still discovering 'new' things that are in fact very old and well-known.

What tips would you give any aspiring writers and/or illustrators? 
I don't know if I'm qualified or experienced enough to give advice but I've learned some things that were useful to me. I spent a lot of time early on worrying about finding my own illustration style. I made two different-looking versions of the Ant book one after the other, neither of which felt right, before I realised I should stop over-thinking my 'style' and just try to be a bit more intuitive and natural. So I picked up a nib-pen and ink and watercolour and went ahead more instinctively. This third version took about three weeks (ie. very quick) and that was the one that was submitted and finally accepted by a publisher. Then I worked on it with an editor and a book-designer to refine it but, in essence, it didn't change much for publication.

I've also learnt that persistence is useful, both in hammering away at an interesting idea until it either hits a brick wall or it starts to work. Also persistence in how your work fares once you submit it to agents or publishers. Rejections are hard to take when they happen but you can only learn from them and move on. My first submitted book (before 'Ant') was taken on by an agent and then steadily rejected by all the editors it was sent to. But they were often quite constructive rejections that showed there might be some potential and it encouraged me to eventually pick myself up, learn from it and have another go. Also, on more than one occasion I can honestly say that, with hindsight, a rejection led to something better happening that wouldn't otherwise have happened. It never feels that way at the time though!

Tom Huddleston - FloodWorld + DustRoad - Series Book Review - Mr. Ripley's Enchanted Books

Kara and Joe spend their days navigating the perilous waterways of a sunken city, scratching out a living in the ruins. But when they come into possession of a mysterious map, they find themselves in a world of trouble. Suddenly everyone’s after them: gangsters, cops and ruthless Mariner pirates in their hi-tech submarines. The two children must find a way to fight back before Floodworld’s walls come tumbling down…



This is one of my favourite series written by the multi-talented Tom Huddleston. I recently read both books back-to-back and thoroughly enjoyed each one. The book covers are brilliantly shiny and capture the superb illustration by Manuel Sumberac. In my opinion, he is one of the best illustrators around. The first book FloodWorld was published by Nosy Crow Books in October 2019 whilst DustRoad was published just this March 2020. However, with everything going on in the world you may have missed this exciting release.

Both stories encapsulate a dystopian vision that is well constructed and fantastically written. The adventures are imaginative, creative and very cinematic. When you turn the first page of DustRoad, you travel to a world that will engulf you in a fantasy bubble which only pops once you have turned the last page. It is a truly engaging and gripping story, in fact, it's a Sci-fi pleasure to follow the characters through this narrative and be absorbed in a world full of gadgets, tech, and worldbuilding. 

Each book uses the same characters and general ideas, nevertheless, both books work equally well independently. New characters are introduced in DustRoad alongside some of the more unassuming characters from FloodWorld who now find themselves playing a greater role. The stories are layered with equal amounts of action, dialogue, and descriptive narrative that both hooks and immerses the reader. Just like a good action movie, the book has everything you want from bumps, scrapes, danger, and death as well as stilll being able to make the story feel real and meaningful. 

This is a brilliant and entertaining series full of totally addictive mystery, mayhem and madness. It's certainly a great way to pass the time at the moment, so pick your side. Will it be the ruthless Pirates or the controlling Mariners? Whoever you decide to support you'll be grabbing yourself a slice of the delicious action. Out of interest, downloadable discussion notes and a teaching resource pack including activity sheets are available on the Nosy Crow website HERE

The sequel to FloodWorld, this equally cinematic book tells the story of Kara and Joe’s adventures in the US. Travelling with a band of ideological outlaws, they become determined to destroy the Mariners and steal their world. Can the kids come up with a plan to stop the seemingly inevitable destruction?

Alastair Chisholm - Orion Lost - Book Review - Mr. Ripley's Enchanted Books

The first book not to be missed this year is Orion Lost by Alastair Chisholm. This story is a brilliant blend of Sci-Fi goodness which is perfect for fans of both Star Wars and Star Trek. The book will be published this week (9th January 2020) by Nosy Crow. Therefore, it's time to grab your boarding pass and take your first journey into a fantasy world that will have you booked and hooked. It's a middle-grade adventure that will have you rocketing out of the orbit in minutes.

Earth is a distant spot on the horizon, millions of miles from home. The Colony ship ORION is four months out of Earth on the way to EOS FIVE when a sudden and unexpected turn of events occurs.  This plunges the plot into MYSTERY as you hurtle into a non-stop action-packed ride. Thirteen-year-old Beth and her friends have to navigate the heavily damaged ship, without the help of an adult crew, as they spin out into uncharted territory. Fortunately, the children pull together using their strengths and skills to try and help them get back home. 

Many of the concepts and ideas in this book I particularly loved. For example, the crew making jumps through space which required all the passengers to be put to sleep. This really gave a fresh angle to the story. The characters were brilliantly written; some of them were gutsy and resourceful as they created a realistic approach to situations. However, there were also lots of fun moments to be had. 

This is definitely one of the best books, within this genre, that I have read for some time. It is a much-needed read that allows you to easily escape and be transported into another world and time. The atmospheric story is full of energy, space pirates, alien encounters and friendships. It's a life-changing adventure which is a million miles from home and it's all awaiting you, the reader, to engage in it from your comfy armchair. So, why not give it a try today - fun impacters on and full-throttle away!