Who doesn’t love a heroine who gets her knowledge and power from reading!

Eleven-year-old Theodosia sleeps in a sarcophagus in the Museum of Legends and Antiquities. She has a cat called Isis, a crush on the first assistant curator, and a deep interest in hieroglyphics and Ancient Egyptian curses.

When her mother returns from a dig with the priceless Heart of Egypt, Theo can literally feel the black magic crawling down her spine. Before you can say boo to a scarab, Theo is plunged into a dastardly plot, chased by ruthless black-marketeers, and has the fate of pre-war Britain in her jammy fingers.

Luckily, Theo has three tricks up her sleeve: a sharp mind, a lot of pluck, and the ability to see magic by moonlight…

There are many things I loved about this book: Theo’s manipulation of the adults; the Cairo market scenes; the subtle use of Nabir as a guide - allowing Theo to remain in control of the action, and the terrific, bone-squelchy finale. The relationship between brother and sister rang true, as did the chip on Will’s shoulder.

Great fun!

Theodosia and the Serpents of Chaos, published in 2007, is the first in R. L. LaFevers’ series of Egyptian middle-grade adventures. I cannot wait to start the second.

Perfect for fans of the Myrtle Hardcastle Mysteries by Elizabeth. C Bunce.