Adventures on Trains: The Highland Falcon Thief
by M.G. Leonard and Sam Sedgman, illustrated by Elisa Paganelli
Interest age: 9 to 11
Reading age: 8+
Published by Macmillan Children's Books, 2020
About this book
When Hal reluctantly accompanies his Uncle Nat on the final journey of the Highland Falcon, an iconic royal steam train, he is anticipating a dull, uneventful trip - but Lenny, the train driver’s daughter, is a huge rail enthusiast and has stowed away, determined not to miss the experience of a lifetime. The two new friends have great fun exploring the train and observing the passengers, including an eccentric Countess with her five boisterous dogs, a glamorous film star and guests of honour, the royal prince and his wife.
As the train wends its way from London to Scotland, some priceless jewellery goes missing. Realising the thief must be on the train, Hal and Lenny decide to investigate, piecing together clues to try to identify the culprit.
This is the first book in the exciting Adventures on Trains series, ideal for independent readers who enjoy a good, old-fashioned mystery. The compelling tale is complemented throughout by wonderful black-and-white drawings, which bring the characters and vintage steam train to life.
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