Libby and the Manhattan Mystery: 3 (The Travelling School Mysteries)

This is my favourite in the Travelling School Mysteries series so far. I loved my trip to NYC with Libby & co. Really pacy, twisty and fun. Jo Clarke always weaves a tale suitable for her lower middle grade readership (I'd say 7+) but keeps it satisfying and compelling for the adult reader who may be checking it out before reading to/with children. Clarke has really captured the essence of New York, and the flash mob scene is fabulous!

Libby and the Manhattan mystery was read by my 10 year old daughter. She has read the other Libby books so she was waiting excitedly for this one to arrive and it didn't disappoint. From the moment she started it she was 'in' and would ask to just read a few more pages before the light went out at night. She loved revisiting some of the characters she feels she knows really well now and to also meet some more, no plot spoilers but she was worried about one of them. Jo Clarke seems to be one of those writers who can really tell not only what exciting mysteries might interest children, but also how to create characters that appeal to them and help them with understanding friendships and other things young children grapple with. My daughter would love another Libby book to add to her three!

My 7 year old and I really enjoyed reading this together. We loved Libby and the contributing characters within the story. Eloise was a very interesting character which also offered some giggles and faces from my daughter, along with many other characters within the book. A great decetive story which kept you wanting to read on to find out more. The setting of Manhatten as the setting of this book was enjoyable and able to recognise the familiar locations. Just overall a great book series and would we would highly recommend

In the third adventure of the Travelling School Mysteries, Libby and her Aunt Agatha Mousedale's travelling school are based in New York where they meet Libby's best friend's godmother, actress Eloise Fitzwilliam and her companion Count Alverez. There is also another new teacher at the school, Miss Khatun and a new girl, Anastasia who to Libby's disgust has to share a room with her and Connie.This is another well plotted book and it was good to be able to join the believable and relatable characters again. In Libby's Manhattan Mystery we discover a few new things about their backgrounds. The illustrations were the perfect match gorgeous the text helping to bring the diverse range of characters to life. I also liked the map of New York and vignettes of the main characters at the front of the book.The clues to the mystery take them to many of the iconic landmarks in New York including the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, Times Square, Central Station and Central Library. I was totally immersed in the setting, reminding me of my own visit to New York especially as I was also lucky enough to ride in a helicopter.The ideal book for all young cosy crime readers who love finding out more about major international cities. A great addition to primary school libraries.I have also reviewed this book on NetGalley, Goodreads and Amazon.

In the third book of this absolutely brilliant mystery series for young sleuths about a school that travels the world, we find Libby and her class mates starting the new term in New York. Joining Libby, her best friend Connie and the rest of the already fabulous cast of characters is Connie's glamorous godmother, Hollywood actress Eloise Fitzwilliam. She sweeps the girls into a new world full of excitement, but it is tainted slightly for Libby by the addition of a new girl in school. Anastasia. Popular, clever, one step ahead and always there leaving Libby feeling rather jealous. But all other thoughts must be put to one side when a robbery occurs and a new mystery starts to unfold. And it all shows Libby that things - and people - aren't always what they appear to be.If you haven't already discovered the Travelling School Mystery series then I highly suggest you put that right straight away! There are three books to choose from which take you first to Paris then the Highlands of Scotland and now New York. Each one is a gripping mystery story in its own right but, if you're already a fan, then you'll be delighted by the echoes of Jo Clarke's previous books that crop up in this new adventure.Exceptional character development and brilliantly constructed plotting come together to make these books one of my very favourite series for middle grade readers.The addition of Becca Moor's vibrant illustrations make them even more of a treat.

****Spoiler alert****I've chosen not to give a plot run through, and get straight to the nitty gritty.In this third and definitely best adventure yet, we get embroiled in a plot that brings hints and flashes of adult adventure movies of past and present. With chases (through kitchens and train stations), heists, good guys and bad, and some scary underground shenanigans, there is a hearty Big Apple tang for the young mind to sink its teeth into and enjoy.It is hard to show everything and every angle to life in NY in such a short and pacy story, but I loved the potted vibe and taste of NY that Jo achieved.In many respects, this seems like a concluding book, with many threads being drawn and tied together. But, here's the thing, in so doing, it opens out once more and the next adventure is already on the cards. As to who will feature and where it will be set, I'll let the reader find out for themselves. It does promise a lot though...So . . . . Crunch time.This is a must-have for fans, who I firmly believe won't be disappointed. An ideal Christmas/festive season gift. I like this series so much, I'll be there ready and waiting to review the next adventure for you.