Published 30 January 2020, The Highland Falcon Thief is a breathless train journey full of deceptions, puzzles and clues to solve. This bestselling, prize-winning series is created by beetle expert and star writer M. G. Leonard, together with novelist, playwright and digital producer Sam Sedgman. British Book Awards Book of the Year, Children's Fiction Praise for 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." Legend has it the Kratzensteins, a family of rich and powerful railway tycoons, are cursed, but there is no such thing as a curse, is there . Can Hal find the saboteur and stop the runaway train before disaster strikes? Adventure and mystery aboard a train. I couldnt put this book down! I recommend this to others definitely. Join Hal and Uncle Nat on more stops in this thrilling series with: Murder on the Safari Star, Danger at Dead Man's Pass and Sabotage on the Solar Express. Youll be a good boy for your uncle, wont you?Yes, Mom.What route is the Highland Falcon taking, Nathaniel? his dad asked.Well be traveling up the east coast to Balmoral, where well stop for lunch tomorrow, before looping round Scotland and back down the west.Hals dad nodded. I loved this book.I liked the way Hal and Lenny are willing to do whatever it takes to stop the thief: that is true determination. Eleven-year-old Harrison (Hal) Beck is being sent away for a few days with his Uncle Nathaniel, a well-respected travel writer, and steam train enthusiast. After the excitement of his adventures aboard the Highland Falcon Thief, Harrison Beck can't wait for the opportunity to go on another amazing train journey. Bradshaw, sir. The man dipped his peaked cap. Illustrated in black-and-white throughout by Elisa Paganelli.A mysterious letter from an old friend asks Hal and Uncle Nat to help investigate a spooky supernatural mystery. Water vapor surrounded the engine in a low cloud. It was built before the war, for King George V. It has a wonderful library, as well as card tables and a dartboard.Dartboard? Adventures on Trains remains one of my favorite ongoing middle-grade series. First stop is The Highland Falcon Thief, a breathless train journey full of deceptions, puzzles and clues to solve. I found this a real delight to read. The illustrations are brilliant and I love how they are portrayed as Hals own drawings. Overall, this is an excellent start to a series, and a must-read for train enthusiasts and mystery lovers. It's one of those middle grade books that will stick with you and you probably will always keep in your heart. Who by? There are lots of interesting characters on board, including a prince and princess (William and Kate? The exhibits are constantly changing. but without children! Not working, I hope? Uncle Nat sank into the armchair opposite Ernest.Lord, no. Piers Torday, author of The Lost Magician"A fabulous fast-paced ride, packed with clues, illustrations and intrigue." Two bulging-breasted pigeons strutted toward him, pecking at the floor.Colin Beck kicked out his leg. Also, the railways plotted out by the authors is quite accurate, even if the part of the line that goes all the way up to Balmoral has been closed for quite a while. Theyll be empty until we get to Balmoral.Hal caught his reflection in one of the gold-rimmed windowsspringy blond hair, ordinary face, yellow jacket. The streamlined nose of the loco dipped like a hawks beak. I loved steam trains when I was younger. Welcome to the unveiling of the suitcase train specially commisioned by the authors M.G.Leonard and Sam Sedgman, we have loved building this and we know you . http://www.thebookbag.co.uk/w/index.php?title=The_Highland_Falcon_Thief_by_M_G_Leonard_and_Sam_Sedgman&oldid=156874. I wanted to stay and help Dad take care of Mom.Uncle Nat put his hand on Hals shoulder and leaned down. A minor trigger warning for . Take a second to support GeekMom and GeekDad on Patreon! You really engage with Hal as a main character and the plotting was well thought out and executed. One photograph is never enough for those beasts. She disappeared through the door at the other end of the carriage, leaving the man with her dogs struggling to get them onto the train unassisted.Theyre Samoyeds! Hal said excitedly, holding out his hand to the closest one, who promptly licked it.The dogs fluffy white tails wagged as they poked their noses into corners, seeking interesting smells. "The Highland Falcon Thief" Adventures on Trains is a major mystery series from bestselling authors M.G. Adventures on Trains is a major mystery series from bestselling authors M.G. But as the train makes its way to Scotland, a priceless brooch goes missing, and things are suddenly a lot more interesting. BOOK:The Arctic Railway Assassin by M.G. You see that red? Sophie Brown, Patricia Vollmer, Matt Blum, Z, Jonathan H. Liu, Rebecca Angel, Judy Berna, Nivi Engineer, Evil Genius Mum, Marziah Karch, M.J. Kaufmann, Elizabeth MacAndrew, Melanie Meadors,Kali Moulton, Sarah Pinault, Cath Post, Ruth Suehle, Lisa Tate, Karen Walsh, and Amy Weir, Missy Hayes, Claire Jennings, Jenn Mac, and Andrea Schwalm, Tim Johnides, Jeff Williams, Dante Lauretta, Magnus Dahlsrm, Jayson Peters, David Michael, Gerry Tolbert, Andrew Smith, Ray Wehrs, Joel Becker, Scott Gaeta, Beth Kee, Joey Mills, talkie_tim, Danny Marquardt, Adam Bruski, John Bain, Bill Moore, Adam Frank, Lacey Hays, Peter Morson, James Needham, Matt Fleming, Adam Anderson, Jim Reynolds, Seiler Hagan, Bryan Wade, Petrov Neutrino, Jay Shapiro, The 4moms rockaRoo provides the front to back gliding motion that babies love, in a com [More]. What do we do?We live, eat, and sleep in one of the finest trains ever created, Uncle Nat said, and we stay out of trouble. There are lots of interesting characters on board, including a prince and princess (William and Kate? Leonard and Sam Sedgman But as the train makes its way to Scotland, a priceless brooch goes missing, and things get interesting. Bursting with intrigue and excitement, it is ideal for confident young readers who enjoy traditional, wholesome adventure tales. I was so pleased when I got the invitation. The old mans eyes filled up. See the floral motif around the royal crest? A pair of sneakers, charcoal suede with three white stripes, stopped beside the table. Hal held out the white card with his name on it. Mystres Sur Les Rails is translated into French by Lilas Nord and published by Nathan, and we are tremendously grateful for their incredible work. 1 Aire Street, Leeds, LS1 4PR, Here are the instructions of how to enable JavaScript in your browser. But when the daughter of billionaire entrepreneur August Reza goes missing en route, Hal finds himself with another mystery to solve. Can he uncover the kidnapper before the journey's end? He works on the Caledonian Sleeper. it has loads of mystery and dectective work and proves that kids can do the same work as adults can. 95 Ditchling Road, Brighton, England, BN1 4ST, United Kingdom. But something suspicious is happening on board the Safari Star and when a passenger is found mysteriously killed inside a locked compartment, it's up to Hal, along with his new friend Winston and his pet Mongoose, Chipo, to solve the murder mystery. Its for admiring the scenery. ), a stowaway - and a jewel thief! Drawing Africa's amazing wild animals from on board a spectacular steam train described as a luxury hotel on wheels, should be enough excitement for anyone. All rights reserved. I was also thrilled to see that two more as yet untitled books are in the pipeline for 2022, set in Australia and Norway respectively. Its about time I got to know my nephew better. He offered Hal his hand. I found the crime here far more difficult to solve than in the previous book (I didnt figure this one out until only a few chapters from the end, although, looking back, Im kicking myself for not spotting something that now feels obvious). So where is he, Bev?Dont fret, love, Beverly Beck scolded her husband gently. Hal glimpsed the headline JEWEL THIEF STRIKES AGAIN as a woman in a suit snatched one from the vendor, flipping it under her armpit to read on the train. There are more coming out. No. My personal favourite character would be Harrison Beck. This book is a super fun novel with mystery,steam trains, and Samoyeds. As suspicions and accusations run high among the passengers, Harrison investigates, uncovering a few surprises along the way. Thats claretthe shade of the royal familys livery. If youre teaching a KS2 topic on North America, Kidnap on the California Comet provides lots of great jumping-off points. This story was exciting and very readable and I can see why it is so frequently in demand! The photographers on the platform surged toward them.Quick, Harrison. Uncle Nat rose. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability. Also on board are billionaire entrepreneur August Reza and his daughter Marianne, along with a whole host of other interesting characters including a miserable young boy named Ryan with his angry father, one of Uncle Nats journalist rivals Zola DOrmond, two young siblings (Hadley and Mason) with a penchant for magic tricks, and the gloriously named Adalbert Cabbage with her pet lizard. You might even enjoy yourself.I wont. Hal looked up through the glass roof of the station at a cloudy sky. WINNER of the 2020 Woman & Home Magazine Book Award for Best Childrens Adventure Story. Home / Even the most squeamish will be charmed." Can he solve the mystery of the jewel thief and catch the culprit before they reach the end of the line? Read more about Clifftoppers: The Arrowhead Moor Adventure. Theyre boring.I know, sausageshe reached over and ruffled his hairbut itll be good for you to spend some time with your uncle. She leaves you hanging onto her every word for that last bit of information which will solve the puzzle of the Highland Falcons thief. After the excitement of his adventures aboard the Highland Falcon Thief, Harrison Beck can't wait for the opportunity to go on another amazing train journey. Harrison Beck reluctantly joins his travel-writer Uncle Nat for the last journey of the royal steam train, The Highland Falcon. Were lucky were nobodies. Part of a series of stand alone stories, so perfect for readers who get hooked on an author. Is this your boy?My nephew, Harrison.Hal smiled politely.I have a grandson called Harrison. Ernest shook his hand. It could only be one person. Kidnap on the California Comet was a fun story filled with magic tricks, professional rivalries, and food descriptions that made me feel hungry every other chapter! Legend has it the Kratzensteins, a family of rich and powerful railway tycoons, are cursed, but there is no such thing as a curse, is there . Train enthusiasts, mystery buffs, and adventurers alike wont be able to resist this fast-moving quest." He is thoughtful and will do anything to prove his friend innocent. Ill be blowing my whistle in seven minutes.Thank you, Graham. Uncle Nat saluted.A lightning storm of camera flashes blinded Hal as they hurried back along the platform. I absolutely loved this book! .? The Highland Falcon Thief was a fun adventure of a novel with an interesting mystery, unusual setting, and a great cast of characters. She is a beetle expert and lives in Brighton with her husband and two sons. I thought it was amazing. From a Scottish Highland steam train to an African safari locomotive, these lively books take readers on thrilling world travels, with plenty of intriguing secrets to be uncovered. Sam Sedgman is a novelist, playwright and award-winning digital producer. This is an okay book which reveals clues as the story moves on. As the title suggests, the crime in the third Adventures on Trains book is more violent than in either of the two previous books but it is written in such a way as to be appropriate for its middle-grade audience. How are you, pet? What do you think a steam train runs on?Steam?And how is the steam made, Harrison? ." In The Highland Falcon Thief: Adventures on Trains #1, a middle-grade series starter from M. G. Leonard and Sam Sedgman, a young boy is swept up in an investigation to uncover the perpetrator of a jewel theft. I often dreamed about becoming the driver of a steam locomotiveuntil I realised that steam locomotives aren't widely used any more and I couldn't really make a living driving them. Shortlisted for the 2021 UKLA award ages 7-10, Shortlisted for the 2021 Juniper Book AwardsShortlisted for the 2021 Lancashire Fantastic Book AwardsShortlisted for the 2021 KSC Book AwardsShortlisted for the 2020 North Somerset Teachers Book Award, Longlisted for the 2021 Blue Peter Book AwardsLonglisted for the 2021 Berkshire Book Awards. Were in the caf your brother specified; its five oclock. He looked out at the people crisscrossing the station. His mouth moved, but no other words came out.Im going to be all right, Hal, his mom said softly. $261.00 + $1.75 shipping. Billionaire train enthusiast August Reza has invited Harrison Beck and Uncle Nat to travel on the maiden voyage of the winning design of his Rezas Rocket competition. Rating: Goodreads Amazon Book Depository Content Tags: Middle Grade Perfect for readers who want: Fun facts about trains. Leonard & Sam Sedgman, PERFECT FOR: Students aged 9+; themes including travel, adventure, the Arctic Circle, Northern Lights, The Stockholm Metro, and more, BOOK:Adventures on Trains by M.G. This was book one in a new middle-grade series titled Adventures on Trains and written by M.G. A mysterious letter from an old friend asks Hal and Uncle Nat to help investigate a spooky supernatural mystery. Can he solve the mystery of the jewel thief and catch the culprit before they reach the end of the line? Look! Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required, I liked this book! This page was last edited on 12 August 2020, at 12:36. Ive told him to give you space when you need to work.Uncle Nat was a travel writer, and hed agreed to bring Hal along with him on a work trip, while Beverly Beck went to the hospital to have the baby.Absolutely. As the train makes its way to Scotland, a priceless brooch goes missing, and things get interesting. Harrison Beck reluctantly joins his travel-writer Uncle Nat for the last journey of the royal steam train, The Highland Falcon. The Highland Falcon Thief is a fast-paced adventure story, packed will illustrations, puzzles and clues for readers to help solve the mystery themselves. This is the first book in the exciting Adventures on Trains series, ideal for independent readers who enjoy a good, old-fashioned mystery. You concentrate on bringing this baby out into the world safely. Clifftoppers: The Arrowhead Moor Adventure. Whats she doing here?But Uncle Nat was striding away from the red carpet and didnt reply.Sierra Knights famous. Hal ran to catch up with his uncle. Booklist"Engaging . A number of high-society figures, including film stars, millionaires and aristocrats, will be on this train, so it is quite the event on the social calendar. Gordon Goulde welcomed the two men onto the train, ushering them in the direction of the observation car.The baron is an old friend of His Royal Highness the Prince, Ernest White whispered, and a great rail enthusiast.Hal recognized the next guest stepping onto the train. Welcome, Harrison Beck, to the final journey of the Highland Falcon.CHAPTER TWOTHE HIGHLAND FALCONThe first thing Hal saw was a glittering greenhouse on wheels. Pullman carriagesthe height of luxury.Hal had never seen an adult so in love with a train before, and he found himself smiling as his uncle enthusiastically spouted facts about it.Uncle Nat stopped dead, and Hal bumped into his back. Theres a cliff hanger at the end of every chapter! Clinging to his arm was a curvaceous red-haired woman with a fake tan. I dont like trains. Harrison Beck reluctantly joins his travel-writer Uncle Nat for the last journey of the royal steam train, The Highland Falcon. While giving more than a nod to Christie's Orient Express, . Harrison Beck is reluctantly joining his travel-writer Uncle Nat for the last journey of the royal train, The Highland Falcon. Fun, racing adventure with a wonderful twist. Go to resources M.G. There's Steven Pickles, a multi-millionaire railway owner with no concept of 'politeness' or 'an indoor voice'. The Highland Falcon Thief. Can he solve the mystery of the jewel thief and catch the culprit before they reach the end of the line? It's up to Hal, his keen observation, and his skill as a budding sketch artist to uncover the real jewel thief, clear his friend's name, and return the diamond necklace before The Highland Falcon makes its last stop. The two new friends have great fun exploring the train and observing the passengers, including an eccentric Countess with her five boisterous dogs, a glamorous film star and guests of honour, the royal prince and his wife. Will Hals detective skills be up to the task or, with he and Lenny sneaking about up and down the train, will suspicion turn on them instead? The recently married Prince and Princess (heavily implied to be Harry Windsor and Meghan Markle, particularly ironic given recent events) also join the train about halfway through the book. He hadnt meant to be rude, but he found himself being sent to his room anyway.Stepping into the dining car was like stepping back in time. I expect all three of you to be at Paddington station to meet us on our return, in four days.Yes. Hal nodded furiously. Board the California Comet and help Harrison Beck to solve another heart-stopping mystery in the second Adventures on Trains story, Kidnap on the California Comet, from bestselling authors M.G. First stop is The Highland Falcon Thief, a breathless train journey full of deceptions, puzzles and clues to solve. He's also aided by Lennie (short for Marlene) Singh, the daughter of the Highland Falcon's driver who stowed away on the train. The French translation of The Highland Falcon Thief has won Switzerland's prestigious Prix Enfantaisie 2022! This is my nephew, Harrison Beck. The illustrations are absolutely stunning. Out-of-bounds to us commoners. For anyone who loves trains and crime. Every birthday and Christmas, he begged for one, but his parents always refused. Im trying to convince my reluctant eleven-year-old reader to give it a try in order to see how quickly he can solve the case! That being said, they still look fantastic, and are as lively and delightful as the story itself. Author: Sally Nicholls The first book in the 'Adventures on Trains' series, it is a mystery set on the final tour of a steam train, the 'Highland Falcon', round Britain. Leonard and Sam Sedgman Illustrator: Elisa Paganelli. This rip-roaring time-slip novel has a fast-paced plot and entertaining characters. But during the journey, they discover the train has been sabotaged, hurtling passengers into a heart-stopping, action-packed, thrill ride across the Australian Outback. It's so gripping - I read it in one day!!! Time to start enjoying yourself. The Highland Falcon is probably one of my top five books that Ive read. Harrison Beck and his Uncle Nat are enjoying the final journey of the Highland Falcon, Britain's most famous steam train. First stop, The Highland Falcon Thief, a breathless train journey full of deceptions, puzzles and clues to solve. The pigeons grabbed the finger of bread and began a tug-of-war. The Highland Falcon Thiefis published by Pan Macmillan in the UK and America. Just send us an email and we'll put the best up on the site. Hed swallow his own tongue with jealousyhe had a mega crush on Sierra Knight. Cameras flashed, and the guard smiled. Leonard did an absolutely incredible job depicting the Highland Falcon both as a whole and down to its individually wonderful train cars like the library, the game room and the observatory to name a . Could do with modernizing.Uncle Nat placed a restraining hand on Ernests arm.Im Lydia Pickle. His wife smiled generously, her red lips lifting like a theater curtain to reveal ultra-white capped teeth. . This rip-roaring page turner about a group of strongminded young sleuths is reminiscent of Enid BlytonsFamous Fiveseries. Interest age: 9-11 I love this book so much! Book reviews / The second of these middle-grade books is The Highland Falcon Thief by M.G. So when his Uncle Nat invites him aboard the California Comet, the iconic three-day train journey from Chicago to San Francisco, he leaps at the chance to travel. As we chuff down the tracks, well be able to enjoy the late-summer colors of the countryside or gaze out at the North Sea. Reaching into his pocket, Hal toyed with his pen; he was itching to draw the guests. Uncle Nat was composed of straight lines. This series of four books is based on a real train or route, from the historic to the ultra-modern, to create a classic-feeling mystery adventure series for thrill-seekers, code breakers, GeekDad: Geek Daily Deals April 14 2021: Big Sale on Best Learning Electronic Teaching Toys Up To 49% Off Today! Illustrator: Elisa Paganelli. Shes a movie star.Sierra Knight is one of the guests, Uncle Nat replied. The story moves quickly, and the characters are both wacky and entertaining." When theyd told him he was going to have a little sister, hed asked how they could afford another human but not a dog, especially since children were an even bigger responsibility than a dog. We appreciate you doing thiswe really do.Hals eyes flicked from his uncle to his father. Isnt it?Hal nodded begrudgingly.So chin up. Harrison finds himself in the middle of the operation with his friend Lenny who is the train drivers daughter and a stowaway. Hal and Nat take the night train to Berlin and go undercover. great adventure and mystery story with a good twist. Suspicion gradually moves from person to person with everyone becoming a suspect. She moved her gloved hand in a circular motion, giving the paparazzi a steely smile.Keep up, Uncle Nat called, as he stepped up into the dining car, passing his coat and umbrella to the head steward.Hal walked backward to the train, unable to take his eyes off the five fluffy white dogs with diamond-studded collars behind the silver-haired lady. Quite the commotion out there, isnt it? He looked over his spectacles at Hal. Shes very special. He gave himself a little shake. Journeying into the never ending night of the arctic winter, our railway detectives must outsmart an assassin in their most chilling adventure yet, in which nothing is as it seems. The bestselling, prize-winning Adventures on Trains series embarks on a thrilling sixth adventure as Harrison Beck and Uncle Nat climb aboard the night train to Narvik, travelling to the Arctic Circle to see the northern lights for Christmas. Leonard and Sam Sedgman (Out now) Now for something far more down-to-Earth. As their train leaves Stockholm, Hal and Uncle Nat realize theyre being followed by a sinister figure, and Hals powers of observation are tested when Uncle Nats past comes back to haunt him. Please share on: Facebook, Twitter and Fantastic.Hal looked at the metal and wondered if his uncle wasnt a little bit crazy.