Description

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

Adventures on Trains is a major 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 thrilling and hugely entertaining adventure story’ – David Walliams 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

Publisher Review

Samoyeds, secrets, Scottish scenery and the page turning action in The Highland Falcon Thief makes it a really compelling read, it is a really well researched story which includes fascinating facts and insights into train travel -- Catherine Friess * Story Snug * An absolutely fantastic read, set on a beautiful old train; great characters, excellent plot and just enough mystery to keep you guessing all the way to the end * ReadingZone * Written with a real deftness of touch, I loved this thrilling mystery and can't wait for Hal's next adventure -- Christopher Edge, author of The Many Worlds of Albie Bright A runaway romp of a read -- Piers Torday, author of The Lost Magician I have a station announcement: their collaboration is a chuffing triumph. Fans of Agatha Christie, or, more recently, Robin Stevens and Katherine Woodfine, should adore this mystery which makes a steam trail all of its own. -- Alex O'Connell * The Times Children's Book of the Week * Mysteries on trains - what's not to love? This absolutely rips along, perfect for the railhead child in your life! -- Ross Montgomery, author of Perijee and Me Loved every page of this wild madcap delightful ride of a book! Cracking characters, page-turningly pacey, hilarious and nail-biting in turns . . . glorious. It's going to be a smash hit -- Liz Hyde, author of Bearmouth A fabulous fast-paced ride, packed with clues, illustrations and intrigue * Bookseller * Like Murder on the Orient Express but better . . . a terrific read! -- Frank Cottrell Boyce, author of Millions A super-fun middle-grade mystery with steam-trains and samoyeds. I loved it! -- Peter Bunzl, author of Cogheart A thrill-ride of a mystery, guaranteed to be one of the most fun, atmospheric page turners of 2020 -- Lauren St John, author of Kat Wolfe Investigates With the Highland Falcon Thief, M. G. Leonard and Sam Sedgman bring the classic mystery on a train bang up to date with a carriage-load of wit and suspense -- Ross Welford, author of Time Travelling with a Hamster Packed with clues and red herrings, this express ride has terrific characters and steams through the plot. Wonderful. * Daily Mail * A first-class book * Telegraph * A pacey and intensely satisfying mystery, boasting a sparkling golden age crime fiction sensibility despite its contemporary setting * Guardian *