The Very Merry Murder Club
Packed full of fabulous stories, this is an amazing collection of thirteen wintery mysteries.
Each story is written by a masterful story teller and each has its own distinctive flavour and style. Edited by Serena Patel (author of the ‘Anisha, Accidental Detective’ series) and Robin Stevens (author of the ‘Murder Most Unladylike’ series), the book is perfect for dipping in and out of -or devouring in one sitting. A whole host of incredible authors have contributed to the collection including Annabelle Sami, Roopa Farooki, Elle McNicoll and Benjamin Dean, creating a delightfully diverse and imaginative range. A couple of my favourites are the following!
E L Norry’s ‘No Piste for the Wicked’ is brilliant piece of detective work, full of suspects and clues. Luca has only been at Grosvenor High for a month when he and his class mates head off to Italy for a skiing trip. But instead of enjoying the snow, he finds himself solving a murder. Addicted to the mysteries of Hercule Poirot, Luca is resourceful and determined, observing everything and skilfully piecing the crime together.
In ‘The Frostwilds’, Dominique Valente presents a fascinating and atmospheric mystery. Frostine is determined to save her sister from the fearsome Gelidbeast, roused when Frostlaw is broken, to snatch children from their families. Frostine’s courage and quick thinking save the day as she unravels the mystery of the beast and the power it wields over her people.
Each story is compelling and unique, offering very different periods and landscapes as the backdrop, but each encapsulating the essence of the mystery story. Although festive in tone, ‘The Very Merry Murder Club’ would make an excellent guided reading text for children in Year 5 or Year 6 as they offer plenty to discuss and explore whilst enjoying the style and approach of a range of authors. The book is illustrated throughout with black and white picture which add to the atmosphere. I particularly like the way each chapter starts with a picture of a ‘Top Secret’ folder, containing the story to come.
Sure to engage and entertain, ‘The Very Merry Murder Club’ both introduces children to a wealth of writers and offers an excellent selection of mysteries to solve.
The Very Merry Murder Club
Edited by Serena Patel and Robin Stevens
Farshore ISBN: 978-0755503681