The Highland Falcon Thief
📘 About This Book
Winner of the Book of the Year, Children's Fiction at The British Book Awards Winner of the Books are My Bag Readers Award, Children's Fiction Shortlisted for the FCBG Children's Book Award 'A thrilling and hugely entertaining adventure story' – David Walliams Climb aboard the Adventures on Trains mystery series for young readers! From bestselling authors M.G. Leonard and Sam Sedgman. Beautifully illustrated by Elisa Paganelli. First stop is The Highland Falcon Thief, a breathless train journey full of deceptions, puzzles and clues to solve. Harrison Beck and his Uncle Nat are enjoying the final journey of the Highland Falcon, Britain's most famous steam train. But when a precious jewel goes missing, Harrison and his new friend Lenny find themselves at the centre of the investigation. Can they solve the mystery and catch the culprit before they reach the end of the line? Hear whispers in the dining car, find notes in the library and unknown passengers among the luggage, as you help Harrison solve the mystery aboard one of the world's grandest trains. The Highland Falcon Thief can be read as a stand-alone novel, or enjoyed as part of the Adventures on Trains series. Join Hal and Uncle Nat on the next stops in this thrilling series, Kidnap on the California Comet and Murder on the Safari Star. Praise for the Series: 'Like Murder on the Orient Express but better!' – Frank Cottrell-Boyce on The Highland Falcon Thief 'A first class choo-choo-dunnit!' – David Solomons on Kidnap on the California Comet 'A high-speed train journey worth catching . . .The best yet' – The Times on Murder on the Safari Star 'This series just gets better and better' – Maz Evans on Danger at Dead Man's Pass
📖 Summary
The Highland Falcon Thief by M. G. Leonard invites young readers on a breathless, high-stakes train journey filled with deceptions, puzzles, and clues to solve. Published in 2020 and spanning 266 pages, this acclaimed juvenile fiction novel is the first installment in the thrilling Adventures on Trains mystery series, co-authored alongside Sam Sedgman and beautifully brought to life through illustrations by Elisa Paganelli. The story begins when a young boy named Harrison Beck finds himself packed off to spend time with his travel-writing Uncle Nat. Rather than enjoying a dull holiday, Harrison boards the Highland Falcon, which is none other than Britain's most famous and magnificent steam train, embarking on what is scheduled to be its very final historic journey. As the majestic locomotive chugs its way northward through stunning landscapes, the atmosphere aboard shifts dramatically from celebratory to suspenseful. A priceless, highly coveted royal jewel suddenly vanishes into thin air, plunging the passengers and crew into a state of panic and suspicion. Amidst the rolling carriages, opulent dining cars, and clouds of steam, Harrison refuses to remain a passive bystander. He soon crosses paths with Lenny, a sharp, resourceful new friend who shares his knack for observation. Together, the dynamic duo finds themselves thrust right at the very center of a high-profile investigation. With every passenger representing a potential suspect and everyone harboring their own secrets, Harrison and Lenny must put their heads together to crack the case. The narrative moves at a rapid pace, mimicking the rhythmic clatter of the train tracks as the young detectives race against time to unmask the culprit before the journey reaches its final destination. Along the way, the book combines classic whodunit mystery elements with the timeless romance and mechanical wonder of vintage steam travel. Readers are treated to intricate puzzles, subtle clues, and a vibrant cast of eccentric characters, making it an intellectually engaging puzzle box of a book. The collaborative storytelling shines through crisp plotting and vivid world-building, while Elisa Paganelli's evocative artwork adds an extra layer of charm to the physical pages. Ultimately, The Highland Falcon Thief is a celebration of curiosity, friendship, and ingenuity, establishing a fantastic blueprint for a middle-grade mystery series that appeals to both avid young sleuths and adults sharing the reading journey.
🎯 Key Lessons
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Engaging and fast-paced mystery plot full of clever clues and puzzles
Wonderful, atmospheric setting aboard a classic steam train
Strong and relatable main characters in Harrison and Lenny
Enhanced by charming interior illustrations by Elisa Paganelli
⚠️ Cons
May leave readers wanting to immediately purchase the rest of the series
Shorter length might leave some older readers wishing for an even more complex plot
❓ FAQ
Who wrote The Highland Falcon Thief? +
The book was written by M. G. Leonard in collaboration with Sam Sedgman.
Who illustrated the novel? +
The book features beautiful illustrations created by Elisa Paganelli.
What is the setting of the story? +
The story takes place aboard the Highland Falcon, Britain's most famous steam train.
Who are the main characters leading the investigation? +
Harrison Beck and his new friend Lenny lead the investigation into the missing jewel.
Is this book part of a series? +
Yes, it is the first book in the Adventures on Trains mystery series.
