Libby, Connie and the rest of the school have finally arrived in New York and things get exciting from the second they arrive with Connie's godmother, Eloise Fitzwilliam, who just happens to be a major Hollywood star, waiting at the arrivals hall for them as they land. Libby and Connie are whisked away to enjoy a bit of luxury, joined by Eloise's friend Count Alvarez who also just happens to be at the airport. Before dropping him at his office, they are treated to a tour of the city before heading to the hotel where Eloise lives. When the girls finally settle into school life, they discover two new arrivals: new student Anastasia who shares Libby and Connie's bedroom, and Miss Khatun, a new teacher who seems determined to thwart their fun at any costs. Part of their time is spent helping Eloise organise a charity auction but when Count Alvarez goes missing, the girls are determined to get to the bottom of the mystery.
I am a big fan of the Travelling School Mysteries and just love the idea of a school that moves from city to city where the lessons are far from conventional - it sounds like great fun! Add the mysteries that seem to follow Libby and Connie, and you have a series that is very much shaping up to be utterly unmissable. (You can read my reviews of the first two books here: Libby and the Parisian Puzzle ; Libby and the Highland Heist)
Libby is a wonderful character and her curious nature continues to shine through, but you see a different side to Libby in this book as she finds herself feeling jealous when Anastasia arrives. Worried that Connie is being very friendly, she is scared that her best friend will be taken away from her and, as such, treats Anastasia quite differently to Connie when they first began sharing a room. The dynamic would certainly spark some interesting conversations with children whilst reading it.
As ever with this wonderful series, the mystery is one that enthrals and grips in equal measure, with twists to keep you guessing and a setting that will make you want to hop on a plane (I found myself picturing the major sites as the girls visited and Becca Moore's illustrations are the perfect accompaniment). I couldn't put the book down!
Publishing, on the 4th January, Libby and the Manhattan Mystery is the perfect antidote to the post-Christmas blues. Now I just have to count down the days until I can read Libby and the Egyptian Escapade!
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