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The Smuggler’s Secret
Determined to be the world’s greatest detective, Zaiba is always on the lookout for a crime to solve.
Zaiba is excited to visit an historical shipwreck and attend the reveal of its mystery cargo! But the big event is ruined when the priceless artefact goes missing. With stories of smuggling rooted in the seaside town’s past, Zaiba’s investigative instincts are buzzing. Will she and her team be able to uncover the coast’s secrets and find the treasure before it’s lost again forever?
Zaiba is excited to visit an historical shipwreck and attend the reveal of its mystery cargo! But the big event is ruined when the priceless artefact goes missing. With stories of smuggling rooted in the seaside town’s past, Zaiba’s investigative instincts are buzzing. Will she and her team be able to uncover the coast’s secrets and find the treasure before it’s lost again forever?
- GenresMystery
Paperback
Published February 3, 2022
18 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 10, 2022
The History Club are going on an excursion to Chesil Bay. There they’ll be doing their best to avoid seasickness as they travel by glass-bottom boat to see a sunken shipwreck. They’ll also get to witness the unveiling of the priceless artefact that was recovered from the ship.
Because the entire UK branch of the Snow Leopard Detective Agency will be in attendance, there’s bound to be a mystery or two to solve.
I love that there’s an Eden Lockett book that’s relevant to every investigation the Snow Leopards take on. The tips Zaiba finds in both the text and her mother’s handwritten notes are often vital to moving her own investigation along. In this book, it’s The Cottage on the Cliff.
Zaiba’s habit of verbalising her observations helps me picture each scene, assisting me in solving the mystery alongside her.
There’s bonus content at the end of this book, including Eden Lockett’s Golden Rules, an extract from the Eden Lockett book Zaiba references and information about smugglers.
The only Golden Rule that gives me pause is #6:
I must be really getting into the spirit of things. As new people were introduced, I didn’t view them as characters to get to know; I saw them as potential suspects I’d need to observe now and perhaps interrogate later.
I really hope a future investigation involves Zaiba teaming up with Aunt Fouzia, the best detective in Pakistan, to solve the mystery of Zaiba’s missing mother. I’d love for them to find her.
Blog - https://schizanthusnerd.com
Because the entire UK branch of the Snow Leopard Detective Agency will be in attendance, there’s bound to be a mystery or two to solve.
Major crime to investigate. Agents assemble!Zaiba, her best friend Poppy, younger brother Ali and cousin Mariam, an honorary Snow Leopard member, are ready to follow Eden Lockett’s Golden Rules to find the clues, figure out the motive and capture the culprit.
I love that there’s an Eden Lockett book that’s relevant to every investigation the Snow Leopards take on. The tips Zaiba finds in both the text and her mother’s handwritten notes are often vital to moving her own investigation along. In this book, it’s The Cottage on the Cliff.
Zaiba’s habit of verbalising her observations helps me picture each scene, assisting me in solving the mystery alongside her.
There’s bonus content at the end of this book, including Eden Lockett’s Golden Rules, an extract from the Eden Lockett book Zaiba references and information about smugglers.
The only Golden Rule that gives me pause is #6:
When you have to cover a lot of ground, split up and spread out.It works well for this series but whenever I come across it my brain sends me Horror 101 warnings, which are definitely not applicable here.
I must be really getting into the spirit of things. As new people were introduced, I didn’t view them as characters to get to know; I saw them as potential suspects I’d need to observe now and perhaps interrogate later.
I really hope a future investigation involves Zaiba teaming up with Aunt Fouzia, the best detective in Pakistan, to solve the mystery of Zaiba’s missing mother. I’d love for them to find her.
Stay ready. Mystery is always around the corner.Thank you so much to NetGalley and Stripes Publishing, an imprint of Little Tiger Group, for the opportunity to read this book.
Blog - https://schizanthusnerd.com
February 12, 2023
This book was AMAZING! It was just so mysterious and I couldn't predict what would happen in the end!
It was about Zaiba and her detective team solving a mystery about a valuable teapot which is due to go back to its origin country, but that can't happpen if it has disappeared.
My favourite character was Poppy, Zaiba's best friend, because she was very good at distractions and interviewing suspects.
I would recommend this book to people who enjoy mysterious books such as Adventures on trains, Murder most unladylike and Agent Asha. You should also read these books in order.
It was about Zaiba and her detective team solving a mystery about a valuable teapot which is due to go back to its origin country, but that can't happpen if it has disappeared.
My favourite character was Poppy, Zaiba's best friend, because she was very good at distractions and interviewing suspects.
I would recommend this book to people who enjoy mysterious books such as Adventures on trains, Murder most unladylike and Agent Asha. You should also read these books in order.
July 21, 2023
A good mystery story to read to or with children.
January 8, 2022
Thank you so much to Little Tiger Group/ Stripes Publishing for the earc to read and review.
This is so thrilling, it’s such a detailed, engaging and fun mystery that I adored reading and trying to solve with the Snow Leopard Detective Agency UK.
The mystery takes us to a small little town filled with history and a lot of secrets, the history club are there to see the unveiling of a mysterious artefact that had been found in a sunken ship from the 1800s but at the unveiling its found to be missing, so Zaiba gathers her team to start plotting out and investigating what, who, why and where it went.
I really love this series of books Zaiba is an incredible protagonist, shes an incredible leader and a wonderful friend and detective she doesn’t miss anything and can piece together everything from the smallest clues. I love how different each member of her team are and that they can each offer something vital in solving the mystery.
Attempting to solve this mystery with the team was so much fun, I honestly wasn’t very successful through most of it, but that’s what makes it fun, having the opportunity while reading to try and solve the mystery and following along to get to the answer is just so much fun and I love it.
It’s such a thrilling and fun read and I cannot wait for more in this series as it is amazing. The end of the book also gives us an amazing sneaky look into the Eden Locket books that Zaiba loves and wow I squealed a little at what was learnt from that. You also get some fun facts and tips for creating projects similar to what was in the book which I love as it added extra involvement with the book perfect fir kids.
I highly recommend this book series the thrill of the mystery throughout each book, the beautiful illustrations, the incredibly detailed storytelling, the wonderful characters, the diversity and inclusion within the book and the mystery you get to unwind throughout, plus they are just an all round incredibly enjoyable read.
This is so thrilling, it’s such a detailed, engaging and fun mystery that I adored reading and trying to solve with the Snow Leopard Detective Agency UK.
The mystery takes us to a small little town filled with history and a lot of secrets, the history club are there to see the unveiling of a mysterious artefact that had been found in a sunken ship from the 1800s but at the unveiling its found to be missing, so Zaiba gathers her team to start plotting out and investigating what, who, why and where it went.
I really love this series of books Zaiba is an incredible protagonist, shes an incredible leader and a wonderful friend and detective she doesn’t miss anything and can piece together everything from the smallest clues. I love how different each member of her team are and that they can each offer something vital in solving the mystery.
Attempting to solve this mystery with the team was so much fun, I honestly wasn’t very successful through most of it, but that’s what makes it fun, having the opportunity while reading to try and solve the mystery and following along to get to the answer is just so much fun and I love it.
It’s such a thrilling and fun read and I cannot wait for more in this series as it is amazing. The end of the book also gives us an amazing sneaky look into the Eden Locket books that Zaiba loves and wow I squealed a little at what was learnt from that. You also get some fun facts and tips for creating projects similar to what was in the book which I love as it added extra involvement with the book perfect fir kids.
I highly recommend this book series the thrill of the mystery throughout each book, the beautiful illustrations, the incredibly detailed storytelling, the wonderful characters, the diversity and inclusion within the book and the mystery you get to unwind throughout, plus they are just an all round incredibly enjoyable read.
January 15, 2022
A great first read for the new year. I really enjoyed this book. I love a good mystery to solve and those written for children are just as good.
This was an easy read and I can definitely see it being enjoyed by children. I have not read the first three books in the series yet (I managed to get an advance digital copy of this one from NetGalley). The fact that I hadn’t read the previous books didn’t impact my enjoyment at all. (There are vague references to the previous stories but nothing that holds you back if you don’t know them.)
The characters Zaiba, Poppy, Ali and Mariam are very relatable. There is a massive amount of representation in this book which is one of the many things which make it a fantasy book.
The plot is interesting and has enough to hold your interest and keep you guessing without it becoming too complex.
The History Club are off on a weekend school trip to see a newly discovered artefact. Kept a secret until it’s upcoming reveal their first mystery is to try and work out what this priceless item could be.
Zaiba and the Snow Leopard Detective Agency UK Branch are up for the challenge - they also suspect that where such a valuable artefact is concerned there is a very high chance that a crime will occur. If it does they will be prepared.
Perfect for children (and adults) aged 8+
This was an easy read and I can definitely see it being enjoyed by children. I have not read the first three books in the series yet (I managed to get an advance digital copy of this one from NetGalley). The fact that I hadn’t read the previous books didn’t impact my enjoyment at all. (There are vague references to the previous stories but nothing that holds you back if you don’t know them.)
The characters Zaiba, Poppy, Ali and Mariam are very relatable. There is a massive amount of representation in this book which is one of the many things which make it a fantasy book.
The plot is interesting and has enough to hold your interest and keep you guessing without it becoming too complex.
The History Club are off on a weekend school trip to see a newly discovered artefact. Kept a secret until it’s upcoming reveal their first mystery is to try and work out what this priceless item could be.
Zaiba and the Snow Leopard Detective Agency UK Branch are up for the challenge - they also suspect that where such a valuable artefact is concerned there is a very high chance that a crime will occur. If it does they will be prepared.
Perfect for children (and adults) aged 8+
March 15, 2022
When I received Little Tiger's Email on what was available to review I was so excited to see this
amazing series on there and knew 100% I needed to read that book. So I like to say a big thank you to Little Tiger for sending me what is the last in the series which I was sad about. What I loved about Agent Zaiba Investigates was it's inclusivity and diversity no matter who the character was they were encouraged so that they could do their very best. This time they were on a School Trip and of course a Mystery was never far away. It was good to see Mariam being part of the team now but her bluntness did make chuckle. As always Daniela's full illustrations were a chef's kiss. I would love to see an Eden Lockett book one day hint hint. For all these reasons Agent Zaiba Investigates The Smuggler's Secret a great big fat 4 stars. I can't wait to see what Annabelle and Daniela will do next
amazing series on there and knew 100% I needed to read that book. So I like to say a big thank you to Little Tiger for sending me what is the last in the series which I was sad about. What I loved about Agent Zaiba Investigates was it's inclusivity and diversity no matter who the character was they were encouraged so that they could do their very best. This time they were on a School Trip and of course a Mystery was never far away. It was good to see Mariam being part of the team now but her bluntness did make chuckle. As always Daniela's full illustrations were a chef's kiss. I would love to see an Eden Lockett book one day hint hint. For all these reasons Agent Zaiba Investigates The Smuggler's Secret a great big fat 4 stars. I can't wait to see what Annabelle and Daniela will do next
January 4, 2022
The Agent Zaiba Investigates series has become one of my absolute favourites, so of course I jumped on the chance of reading the fourth book: The Smuggler’s Secret.
This time, Zaiba and her fellow sleuths are off to Chesil Beach on a school trip. It was really fun to read a book set somewhere I’ve been quite a few times. I honestly enjoyed this book so much. There’s a great mystery, a collection of well loved characters, caves, and smugglers. What could be better?
As always, the illustrations are lovely, and really bring the story to life. This book would work well as a standalone, but you’ll enjoy it even more if you read the previous books first.
Overall, this story was just so much fun, and another excellent addition to a favourite series.
I was given a free copy of this book, my opinions are my own.
This time, Zaiba and her fellow sleuths are off to Chesil Beach on a school trip. It was really fun to read a book set somewhere I’ve been quite a few times. I honestly enjoyed this book so much. There’s a great mystery, a collection of well loved characters, caves, and smugglers. What could be better?
As always, the illustrations are lovely, and really bring the story to life. This book would work well as a standalone, but you’ll enjoy it even more if you read the previous books first.
Overall, this story was just so much fun, and another excellent addition to a favourite series.
I was given a free copy of this book, my opinions are my own.
February 8, 2022
*****Copy from NetGalley in return for an honest review****
My first time reading this series, but this is the fourth book about Zaiba and her group of friends who investigate crimes. I love a middle grade mystery series - and I would say this would work best for the younger end of the age group - it's got illustrations and the language is simpler so it's more of a first chapter book than say Robin Stevens' books - and there's no murder which means it works for younger kids too. It's fun, a little unlikely in patches - adults accepting eleven year olds helping investigate stuff - but no less unlikely than some other stories in the genre. I loved the sections with Zaiba's aunt in Pakistan and all the food references made me really hungry! These are going on my list of books to suggest for younger children - although I think all of the people I regularly purchase for are too old for this now sadly.
My first time reading this series, but this is the fourth book about Zaiba and her group of friends who investigate crimes. I love a middle grade mystery series - and I would say this would work best for the younger end of the age group - it's got illustrations and the language is simpler so it's more of a first chapter book than say Robin Stevens' books - and there's no murder which means it works for younger kids too. It's fun, a little unlikely in patches - adults accepting eleven year olds helping investigate stuff - but no less unlikely than some other stories in the genre. I loved the sections with Zaiba's aunt in Pakistan and all the food references made me really hungry! These are going on my list of books to suggest for younger children - although I think all of the people I regularly purchase for are too old for this now sadly.
April 1, 2022
Devastated that I’ve come to the end of the book series. Got everything crossed a number 5 is on the way!
April 20, 2022
Agent Zaiba Investigates: The Smugglers Secret is the fourth book in the Agent Zaiba series and I absolutely love each and every book!
I love how we get to join Zaiba on her quests and work outthe clues with her and her friends.
Each of the characters are so distinct and unique with their own skill set and Zaiba knows how to guide them to make the best use of their strengths in solving the case.
It’s such a fun story but also touches on important subjects like should histoical artefacts be given back to the countries they were taken from and the effects of colonisation but in a simple easy to understand way for younger kids.
We get wonderful friendships and sibling relationships and we have wonderful supportive parents who allow their kids to grow and explore but also guide them when things get more difficult without taking over.
One of my favourite things though is Zaiba being proud of her Pakistani heritage and her parents balancing both British and Pakistani culture in their homes and lives.
I highly recommend these books for kids and even adults especially if you enjoy detective stories and nancy drew!
I love how we get to join Zaiba on her quests and work outthe clues with her and her friends.
Each of the characters are so distinct and unique with their own skill set and Zaiba knows how to guide them to make the best use of their strengths in solving the case.
It’s such a fun story but also touches on important subjects like should histoical artefacts be given back to the countries they were taken from and the effects of colonisation but in a simple easy to understand way for younger kids.
We get wonderful friendships and sibling relationships and we have wonderful supportive parents who allow their kids to grow and explore but also guide them when things get more difficult without taking over.
One of my favourite things though is Zaiba being proud of her Pakistani heritage and her parents balancing both British and Pakistani culture in their homes and lives.
I highly recommend these books for kids and even adults especially if you enjoy detective stories and nancy drew!
July 26, 2023
4.25. This was another solid mystery from Sami! Unlike in the last instalment, this time I really got a feel for the suspects, so that each one was believable as the culprit. I loved how Sami wove the topic of colonisation into the mystery, going into how (British) museums play a role in upholding colonialism by withholding artefacts from their native countries. Also, Zaiba goes through some solid character development, in that she experiences self-doubt over her skills as a detective due to others doubting her. During the story she learns how to have confidence in herself in the face of negativity from others.
I do have two criticisms here, but they aren’t major ones. The first is that I felt like Mariam was pushed to the side as a character. I wanted to see her more involved. The second is that I wanted the setting to shine more - I was so interested by the beaches and caves, but we spent a lot of time just in the museum, which was fairly basic.
I do have two criticisms here, but they aren’t major ones. The first is that I felt like Mariam was pushed to the side as a character. I wanted to see her more involved. The second is that I wanted the setting to shine more - I was so interested by the beaches and caves, but we spent a lot of time just in the museum, which was fairly basic.
January 2, 2022
Inclusive detective mystery for readers of 8/9+. You can read my full review here: http://vsviewfromthebookshelves.home....
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews