Fast-paced, witty, and utterly captivating, Clem Fatale Has Been Betrayed is a standout new middle-grade mystery with a unique setting and overflowing with charm. A clever twist on the “femme fatale” archetype, Clem is smart and tough. It’s 1951 and she’s London’s youngest crook. With a notorious jewel thief for a father, she’s an expert at making a plan, breaking into luxurious homes and talking her way out of sticky situations.
One night, a heist with the Spider Gang goes disastrously wrong. A mysterious attacker interrupts the job, Clem’s father vanishes, and in the chaos, the gang accidentally kidnaps Lord Weatherdale’s son, Gilbert. To make matters worse, the priceless Fool’s Canary—a yellow diamond carved into the shape of a bird—disappears without a trace.
Determined to uncover who double-crossed her father and find the diamond, Clem Fatale dives headfirst into London’s underworld. She knows every crook and cop in the city, but to unravel this mystery, she’ll have to think fast, stay sharp, and use every ounce of her grit and courage. Nothing will stop her.
Eve Wersocki Morris brings a fantastic cast of characters to life! From Jimmy Fatale—Clem’s cunning father and the mastermind behind the Spiders—to the tough as nails criminals Monty, Twizzler, and Screw, every member of the gang adds their own flair to the adventure. Then there’s Lynne Fatale, Clem’s haughty, cold mother, who struggles to understand her daughter. Each character plays a crucial role in the unfolding mystery, forcing Clem to question who she can truly trust—and whether anyone would dare betray her father and the gang. And then there’s Gilbert—naïve, wide-eyed, and utterly thrilled to be part of the action. Kidnapped in his pyjamas, he thinks this is the most exciting night of his life. With this unforgettable mix of characters, the story crackles with wit, charm, and nonstop intrigue.
Celebrating an intelligent, independent girl with love and loyalty at its heart, Clem Fatale Has Been Betrayed is perfect for fans on the Adventures on Trains series by MG Leonard and Sam Sedgman and the Libby mysteries by Jo Clarke. I can’t wait for Clem and Gilbert’s next adventure!
A huge thank you to Little Tiger for an early copy of this brilliant book!
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