Shadow Thieves Island Of Skulls - Peter Burns

Tom and his friends from Beaufort's School, along with The Corsiar, are heading to the Île Tête de Mort (The Island Of Skulls) in search of treasure, hidden by the Duke of Nimes in the caves on the island, but he also hid a terrifying weapon.  It's up to Tom and his friends to locate the treasure without encountering the weapon.

Although now a firm member of the school, there are still those who doubt Tom and this becomes apparent during the trip. His bravery is ever evident at so many points during the book, as is his loyalty. But that will be seriously tested. With secret agents, mysterious side missions and danger lurking round every corner, Tom and his friends will need to keep their wits about them if they are to survive.

Shadow Thieves was a brilliant book (you can read my review here) and Island Of Skulls is just as brilliant.  Once again, the book has all the elements of a gripping read: adventure that keeps on coming; a remote island with caves and tunnels that are rigged with bobby traps (think Indiana Jones); twists and turns in the plot that will keep you on your toes... it's no wonder I couldn't put the book down.  

Publishing on the 4th June, Island of Skulls is a gripping read that will leave you desperate for The Iron Mountain (the extract at the end of this book was just a deliciously cruel teaser!!!)

Camp Murder - Sophie McKenzie

The second in the Murder Academy series sees Georgia, Wren and Billy heading to summer camp along with some of the other students from Milfield Academy. However, on their first full day one of the other camp mates dies falling from the starting platform of the zip wire. The police quickly declare it an accident but Georgia and her friends aren't convinced. Determined to get to the bottom of what really happened, they quietly begin their own investigation but can they uncover the truth before their own lives are put in danger?

Still reeling from the death of Mr Truckle, the teacher whose murder they solved in the first book, the friends are looking forward to some time enjoying themselves in nature, but that doesn't last long. And things aren't helped by the fact that everybody has had to hand over their mobile phones when the arrived at camp. As clues and evidence begin to emerge, the list of suspects grows and needs to be narrowed down but that proves tricky.  

There's also the small matter of the fact that Shelley-Ann announces that her gran's older sister disappeared from the camp nearly fifty years earlier.  Is there a link between the two events?

Like Lessons In Death (you can read my review here), this is a great book that will keep readers guessing. It would make a great class read along (but maybe not before an outward bound residential!) or the perfect summer holiday read.

A camp set on the edge of a forest, virtually no phone signal (and phones confiscated), a spooky water tower looming in the distance, an unsolved murder ... Camp Murder is a gripping book that will keep readers guessing.  I wonder what's in store for the friends next!

Max And Ella Stuck Together - Kristina Rahim

Max has 2 mums and loves them both dearly, but after being bullied for this and losing his confidence, his mums suggest he meet Hari, his 'dad', the friend who was the donor.  Meanwhile, Hari's daughter, Ella, is busy planning an end of summer hike for her and her parents. She's already worrying about school next year without her best friend, so when she's told she has to miss a camping trip with her to do this hike with Max and his mums, she's even more annoyed. But then, as the day gets going, things go wrong and it's up to Max and Ella to save the day.

I loved The Doughnut Club and the messages it conveyed (you can read my review here) so there was no question about me packing Max and Ella Stuck Together in my luggage this half-term.

Both Max and Ella are struggling for very different reasons: Max has been bullied about his mums which has caused him to lose confidence at an event with his band; he's now hoping that an old photo of Hari playing guitar at a concert means that meeting him will help to regain his own confidence. Meanwhile, Ella is struggling with the fact that her mum's job keeps her away more than she would like; she's also really worried about starting secondary school without her best friend.  Ella, in particular, is furious at the idea that Max is joining their final family hike of the summer and is determined not to make him feel welcome.  But as with many things in life, things don't always work out the way they were planned. 

Max And Ella Stuck Together is a story that reminds us that families come in many different forms; it shines a wonderful light on donor conceived children (read the acknowledgements for more on that) and reminds us that kindness is key.  It's a story about family, friendship and finding your confidence that will warm your heart.