Every December, it’s such a joy to take time to look back over all the books I’ve been privileged to read and review on Scope for Imagination. I’d like to share my favourite books of this year – ones that have challenged me, inspired me, made me laugh, and even made me cry. There have been some… Continue reading My Favourite Books of 2025
February 2026 Murder at the Ivy Hotel is a hugely engaging, twisty middle grade mystery. I've read so many mysteries recently but this one really stands out for its complex characters, distracting red herrings and very real danger. Meredith and Macy live at the Ivy Hotel in Dublin where their mum is the General Manager… Continue reading Murder at the Ivy Hotel by Emily Hourican
The Galileo Heist is the third heart-stopping adventure in the incredible Isaac Turner Investigates series by Sam Sedgman. After racing around London and Paris in the first two books, Isaac and Hattie are transported to Florence for a summer of high-speed chases, mysterious thieves and challenges that will push them to their limits. From the… Continue reading Isaac Turner Investigates: The Galileo Heist by Sam Sedgman & illustrated by David Dean
Murder at Christmas by Fleur Hitchcock (Nosy Crow) Join Grace and Billy in a delightfully cosy hotel mystery. Their family has been split up across the world - Mum and Billy in Australia while Grace attends a boarding school in the UK. Now they're back together for Christmas at Aunt Mollie's fancy hotel in Bath.… Continue reading Christmas is Coming!
February 2026 A Girl's Guide to Spying is a completing captivating First World War mystery for readers age 9+ that shares and celebrates the history of Girlguiding. The resilience, strength, courage and intelligence of young girls takes centre stage in a time of uncertainty and fear. I see the legacy of these types of girls… Continue reading A Girl’s Guide to Spying by Holly Webb
The Puzzling Paw Prints is the second gorgeous story in Vashti Hardy's The Moonlight Mystery Agency series. Ideal for young readers age 5+, this Barrington Stoke Little Gem is full of adventure, fun and satisfying reading challenge. Agnes Saccani's delightful illustrations bring the relatable story to life. Hana, like many children, is worried about starting… Continue reading The Moonlight Mystery Agency: The Puzzling Paw Prints by Vashti Hardy & Agnes Saccani
Everything With Words - 11th September 2025 Embrace the mystery of The Feathered Book! Lose yourself in the unknown, search for clues and absorb the magic. This story will have readers captivated from start to finish. It's my pleasure to welcome author Charlie Nutbrown with a guest post about why children should read detective fiction.… Continue reading The Feathered Book by Charlie Nutbrown ~ Blog Tour
Lose yourself in the thrill of the chase in The Big Bad Wold Murder! Ruby is a skilled "Tooth & Claw" player - a obstacle course game where teams race around an arena to collect flags while being pursued by a terrifying wolf. It's the championship final and Ruby's team is about to win when… Continue reading The Big Bad Wolf Murder by P.G. Bell
"Welcome to Midnight Treats. A sweet shop where magic and science collide in the most delicious way." The Midnight Sweet Factory is an absolutely delicious mystery full of science, puzzles and peril. The next adventure in the Wanderdays series, it reintroduces the fantastic foursome of Joseph, Flo, Funmi and Isaac. Each brilliantly gifted in their… Continue reading The Midnight Sweet Factory by Clare Povey
Written with a cleverly crafted dual-narrative of an old story and the experiences of a modern girl, The Strange Disappearance of Imogen Good is a completely captivating mystery. Hints of the unknown from the very first page will pull readers into this gripping story of folklore, threat and enchantment. This is a brilliantly unique take… Continue reading The Strange Disappearance of Imogen Good by Kirsty Applebaum
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