M. G. Leonard

Sam Sedgman

In The Highland Falcon Thief: Adventures on Trains #1, a middle-grade series starter from MG Leonard and Sam Sedgman, a young boy is swept up in an investigation to uncover the perpetrator of a jewel theft. When eleven-year-old Harrison "Hal" Beck is forced to accompany his travel-writer uncle on the last journey of a royal train, he expects a boring trip spent away from video games and children his age. But then Hal spots a girl who should not be on board, and he quickly makes friends with the stowaway, Lenny. Things get even more interesting when the royal prince and princess board for the last leg of the journey—because the princess's diamond necklace is soon stolen and replaced with a fake! Suspicion falls on the one person who isn't supposed to be there: Lenny. It's up to Hal, his keen observation, and his skill as a budding sketch artist to uncover the real jewel thief, clear his friend's name, and return the diamond necklace before The Highland Falcon makes its last stop.

The Highland Falcon Thief: Adventures on Trains #1

Nadine 

I love trains and train journeys so this was a nostalgic read. Nice to have a whodunnit for the middle grade set. Like the fact that the male protagonist loved drawing and used that to help solve the crime. Looking forward to the next in the series.
One small niggling thing right at the end I’d like to see edited out of the next edition - talcum powder & babies is not a safe/healthy combination anymore.

Adventures on Trains is a major mystery series from bestselling authors M.G. Leonard and Sam Sedgman. First stop, The Highland Falcon Thief, a breathless train journey full of deceptions, puzzles and clues to solve. Harrison Beck is reluctantly joining his travel-writer Uncle Nat for the last journey of the royal train, The Highland Falcon. But as the train makes its way to Scotland, a priceless brooch goes missing, and things are suddenly a lot more interesting. As suspicions and accusations run high among the passengers, Harrison begins to investigate and uncovers a few surprises along the way. Can he solve the mystery of the jewel thief 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 to solve the mystery aboard one of the world's grandest trains. Fast-paced and packed with illustrations and clues, Adventures on Trains is a stop you won't want to miss! 'A chuffing triumph' The Times, Children's Book of the Week 'Like Murder on the Orient Express but better . . . a terrific read!' Frank Cottrell Boyce 'A first-class book' Telegraph

The Highland Falcon Thief: Adventures on Trains 1

Rose Stanley

What better book to read when spending half a day on various trains than a crime caper set on a train?

That's what I thought.

Enjoyed this a lot, although (being somewhat older than the target audience) I guessed whodunit fairly sharpish - didn't guess the 'how' though!

Recommend for train and mystery nerds.

Manon van Heumen

This was just a perfect middle-grade book. One full of adventure, funny characters and mystery! Exactly how I love it. Can highly recommend!

Lisa Beasley

This was so much fun! A book I did not know I needed but now I am craving more! I am so glad this is part one in a series because I have a feeling it might become a favourite. The writing flows perfectly, the characters are all intriguing and the illustrations compliment it all wonderfully. 

I didn't see all the twists coming and those I did just made me read on to see if I was right. Throughly enjoyable read which I highly recommend. Agatha Christie for kids! :)

The Highland Falcon Thief: Adventures on Trains #1

Reviews