Set in 1947, whilst Ruth's mother, Harriet Goodspeed, is being interviewed for her ideal job at the British Museum, Ruth picks up the phone to Mary Sterne, a woman who is desperate to know what she should do about the treasure she has found on her farm. Emerging from the meeting, it is clear that Ruth's mum hasn't got the job and Mr Knight's grumpy tone means that Ruth doesn't get the chance to pass the message on to him. Instead, the pair make their way to Rook Farm south of Ely themselves, hoping that Harriet's archaeological skills will be able to help Mary and also impress Mr Knight enough to give Harriet a job. Sure enough, the treasure turns out to be impressive and potentially valuable, however, Ruth quickly feels that there is something not quite right. Why is Mary's son, Joe, so unwilling to let Harriet take the treasure back to London to be examined? With secrets waiting to be uncovered, can Ruth get to the bottom of everything in time to help her mum and help save the farm?
I'm a fan of historical fiction, especially anything set around the time of WWII, and, coupled with the fact that I have loved Ann-Marie's previous three books, I was thrilled to have access to an early copy of The Secret of the Treasure Keepers on NetGalley. She's a fantastic writer of historical fiction and brilliant at balancing the historical content with the adventure in the plot.
Set firstly in London, I enjoyed being able to imagine where Ruth and her mum were at the beginning of the book and am now set to visit the British Museum next time I'm down there (I can't believe I haven't been already!). The attention to detail in accuracy of the setting for the time period drew me in and mentions of the introduction of the National Health Service (or a new health service that won't cost a penny), a new self-service shop where you pay for everything together at the end, not to mention Baedeker raids (I had to look this up!), shops opening on buses after the bombings and electricity being used sparingly, means that readers quickly learn that 1947 Britain was still feeling the after-effects of the war (something I suspect many children will not realise). Then you have the comparison of Rook Farm where Ruth thinks life will be easier and food more plentiful. Surrounded by vast open fields, it quickly becomes obvious that life on the farm is far from easy: the place is heated sparingly, the family are still working the land by hand and food isn't as plentiful as Ruth thought it would be. There is a contrast in the landscape but not in the daily struggle.
Having survived the Blitz in London, Ruth is not scared of getting stuck in and it is her idea to venture to Rook Farm. Underneath it all though, she is driven by the idea of not wanting to lose her childhood home, the home where her father has created the most amazing sounding mural on her bedroom wall and, despite the fact that her parents are divorcing amicably, it's a change she can't bear to face. However, Ruth doesn't always get things right and I like that about her; it makes her real. Compare that to Joe who is definitely more reserved and clearly doesn't want to get close to Ruth; it is apparent that he has the world on his shoulders and is trying to help his mum in every way he can. I can imagine that this is something that many children went through during this period: having lived through the harrowing events of the war, both of their childhoods are essentially being robbed from them as they have to help make ends meet, understand that food is often scarce and that life is still very different.
As well as mastering the historical content in her novels, Ann-Marie is brilliant at weaving in intriguing plots and The Secret of the Treasure Keepers is no different: hints are dropped subtly throughout the book that something is not quite as it seems (although you're not quite certain what it is) and this draws the reader in (indeed, I couldn't put the book down, even though it was New Year's Eve!). The odd red herring is also scattered to keep you on your toes and will ensure that you are guessing until the end (I'm determined not to give anything away!). There's a slight darkness to the book that helps to add to the air of mystery and the host of characters helps to build that feeling. In short, what I'm trying to tell you in a rather long-winded way, is that I adored this book! It's a gripping read that combines intrigue. mystery and treasure whilst also expertly tackling themes of divorce, bereavement and family struggle. The Secret of the Treasure Keepers is a compelling post-WWII mystery that I know will go down very well with the children in my class; I just worry that they won't be able to put it down for long enough to be able to pay attention in lessons!
Due for release on the 31st March, I urge you to pre-order the book today!
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