Peril, intrigue, and hot chocolate! Murder at Wintertide is a cosy middle-grade thriller set on the snow-bound coast of Dorset.

When George Marchman sees a mysterious light falling from a cliff into the dark winter sea, he and his cousin Isla become enveloped in a dangerous plot. Has he witnessed murder? Is someone watching the house? Do the police believe him?

Drawn to the mystery, George and Isla investigate. There are rumours of ancient treasure at the local archaeological site and signs of recent digging… But is the treasure worth their lives?

The highlight for me was the sequence on the boat: the screaming gulls, the barking dog, the unfolding disaster… The verb judder in Ch 19 is a great example of the right word doing wonders in the right place. It’s also refreshing to read a children’s adventure with lots of mobile phone use and references to contemporary technology - drones, Netflix, WhatsApp, etc.

I totally fell for the red herring and enjoyed being hoodwinked by Fleur Hitchcock’s clever sleight of hand.

Recommended for readers aged 9-11 who like fossils, archaeology, and Christmas. Notable for its portrayal of blended families and the disruption a sibling might feel when the family is expecting a baby.

Many thanks to Fleur Hitchcock, Nosy Crow, and NetGalley for my advanced reading copy. Can’t wait to explore Fleur Hitchcock’s Clifftoppers series next!

WHAT TO READ NEXT

Maisie vs Antarctica by Jack Jackman - a contemporary middle-grade action adventure

Kat Wolfe Take the Case by Lauren St John: a contemporary middle-grade mystery