Exciting

Gracie Fairshaw And The Mysterious Guest by Susan Brownrigg is an exciting children’s historical mystery. It is just perfect for ages eight and above. Those considerably older like me will love it too.

The novel is set in Blackpool in 1935. It is at the height of seaside holidays and day trips. Blackpool drew people in from all over. My Dad and his family who lived in Birmingham had holidays in Blackpool in the 1930’s and 1940’s. The book awakens an era long gone and a feeling of nostalgia in the reader for simpler times.

I enjoyed the descriptions of Blackpool, particularly the Pleasure Beach and Fun House as my Dad took us on a day trip there in 1975. I ‘walked’ through the action, fully participating rather than just reading a book, as I was familiar with the locations.

The book was an exciting read. I became caught up in events, along with the children, as I too, tried to solve the mystery.

As well as exciting action, there is a moral to the story.

The characters were all well drawn and realistic. It was refreshing to have a lead character with a disability that did not hold her back. Other people’s reactions were uncomfortable and very telling of their character make up.

Gracie Fairshaw And The Mysterious Guest is a fabulous adventure that children and adults alike will love. I hope there are many more Gracie Fairshaw novels.

I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

JULIA WILSON