How did I get the book? I bought it
Genre: Mystery
Synopsis: Meet Piotr, Minnie, Andrew, Flora and Sylvia – true friends and even better mystery-solvers!
Hollywood sensation, Betty Massino, has come to star in the theatre down the road and Piotr and his friends Andrew and Minnie couldn’t be more excited! But when the famous actress’s hugely expensive diamond necklace goes missing, Piotr’s dad, a security guard at the theatre, is a prime suspect. Soon, Piotr faces the very real threat of being sent ‘home’ to Poland. With the help of Sylvie and her twin sister Flora, can Piotr, Andrew and Minnie solve the crime or will they lose Piotr forever? The first in a fantastic new series filled with friendship, adventure and mystery!
Perfect for fans of Lauren St John, this is THE new mystery adventure series by Waterstones Book Prize shortlisted author Elen Caldecott.
200words (or less) review: Diamonds and Daggers is the first in Elen Caldecott’s new Marsh Road Mysteries. There are five children Piotr, Minnie, Andrew, Flora and Sylvia and each book will focus on one of them. This one is Piotr’s story and it is also how Piotr, Minnie and Andrew meet twins Flora and Sylvia.
It’s a good mystery and engaging read. Each character has a very distinct personality and I think readers will want to continue with the series – I do.
On another level Diamonds and Daggers deals with racism. Piotr’s father is the security guard at the theatre and made the suspect. He is sent home on questionable evidence. How easily Piotr’s father is dismissed by the theatre staff is saddening but not surprising.
I think the fun and adventure of the mystery is balanced very well with this. I hope the other Marsh Road Mysteries are just as good.
Recommend it?
Yes
3.5Stars
