Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Malory Towers Mystery Club: Kidnap at Midnight by Fleur Hitchcock

My daughter and I spent many hours reading the classic Malory Towers series at bedtime. I was so excited to return to this iconic school with a new boarding school adventure. Emma is headed for her first year with students from all over the world. Assigned to North Tower, she meets a lovely group of… Continue reading Malory Towers Mystery Club: Kidnap at Midnight by Fleur Hitchcock

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Game Changers by Helen Rutter

The reader is in charge in this second 'choose your own adventure' style book by Helen Rutter. Young people aged 8+ will love selecting challenges and making key decisions as the characters hurtle from one adventure to another. Tig has been sent to Game Camp where teamwork, mental and physical agility and endurance are essential.… Continue reading The Game Changers by Helen Rutter

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Murder on a Midsummer Night by Lucy Strange & illustrated by Hannah Peck

Murder on a Midsummer Night is the first in a cosy murder mystery series for readers aged 9+. Published by Barrington Stoke it makes a cracking mystery accessible to everyone who loves a good whodunnit. It's the night of Sir Percy's summer party at Mulberry Hall. Fairies, goblins, kings and queens, and woodland animals fill… Continue reading Murder on a Midsummer Night by Lucy Strange & illustrated by Hannah Peck

Blog Tour, Book Review, Illustrated Fiction

Monsieur Mustard: The Disappearance of Fabio Fangtooth by Charley Rabbit ~ Blog Tour

Move over Sherlock Holmes, Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple, there's a new detective in town and he's ready for anything. Tiny yet charming, Monsieur Mouse is the world's best (but not smallest) detective. This debonaire creature with his smart monocle and snazzy outfit always looks great and when his whiskers of suspicion start twitching, there's… Continue reading Monsieur Mustard: The Disappearance of Fabio Fangtooth by Charley Rabbit ~ Blog Tour

Blog Tour, Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Questers Academy: The Box of Locks by Sam Hay ~ Blog Tour

It's my stop on the blog tour for one of my favourite books of 2026 - Questers Academy: The Box of Locks. I'm thrilled to welcome author Sam Hay to Scope for Imagination with a guest post. New Kid in Town – A survival guide! We’re often told to write about what we know. And… Continue reading Questers Academy: The Box of Locks by Sam Hay ~ Blog Tour

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Questers Academy: The Box of Locks by Sam Hay

June 2026 Race against the clock through the heart of London with the Tom, Leesha and Finn in Questers Academy: The Box of Locks - the first in what promises to be a fantastic new middle grade series. Completely captivating, this fast-paced mystery is steeped in history and magic. Full of intriguing objects, engaging characters… Continue reading Questers Academy: The Box of Locks by Sam Hay

Book Review, Illustrated Fiction, Middle Grade Fiction

Cinnamon Crumb, Baking Detective: The Great Cake Caper by Harry Woodgate

September 2026 Deliciously delightful and absolutely engaging, Cinnamon Crumb, Baking Detective: The Great Cake Caper is the first book in a wonderful new illustrated series for readers age 8+. Harry Woodgate has created a scrumptious world for readers to get lost in with a brilliant heroine bursting with personality. Addressing the audience directly, Cinnamon Crumb… Continue reading Cinnamon Crumb, Baking Detective: The Great Cake Caper by Harry Woodgate

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Children of Wolf Rock by Natasha Farrant

June 2026 The Children of Wolf Rock is an absolutely wonderful companion novel to Natasha Farrant's The Children of Castle Rock. The stunning mountains of western Scotland are key characters in this compelling story centring on the belief that natural beauty has the power to change lives. Wild and rugged, the mountains bring challenge, opportunity… Continue reading The Children of Wolf Rock by Natasha Farrant

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

A Clock Strikes Murder by Michelle Harrison

March 2026 A Clock Strikes Murder is the exciting sequel to Twice Upon a Time. Together, they make up a captivating fantasy mystery series for older middle grade readers who love to be kept guessing until the very end of the story. This is an ideal holiday read for Easter or summer when there's time… Continue reading A Clock Strikes Murder by Michelle Harrison

Blog Tour, Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Anya and the Light Above the Ocean by Amelia Giudici ~ Blog Tour

Exploring time travel, parallel universes and questions of identity, Amelia Giudici has created a completely unique adventure mystery with a metaphysical twist. Anya and the Light Above the Ocean challenges readers to think about what makes us human. Is it emotion, biology, memories, experiences or something else entirely? Through this story of questions and a… Continue reading Anya and the Light Above the Ocean by Amelia Giudici ~ Blog Tour