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The Travelling School Mysteries #2
Libby and the Highland Heist
After a tumultuous term in Paris, Libby and Connie are looking forward to a quiet holiday at Connie’s family home. But before long they find themselves caught up in another mystery, this time set against the dramatic backdrop of the Highlands and Edinburgh.
184 pages, Paperback
First published January 19, 2023
3 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
About the author
Jo Clarke
2 books14 followersJo is an award-winning book blogger and primary school librarian. Her blog, BookloverJo enables her to indulge her love of reading children's books and she is particularly drawn to illustrated fiction. In her role as school librarian she runs regular book groups and creative writing classes. She is actively involved in the children's book community and has been involved in judging both the British Book Awards and Blue Peter Book Awards.
Growing up she liked nothing better than reading mystery and boarding school stories by torchlight, when she should have been fast asleep. Her love of these books has inspired her to write her first lower middle grade novel, Libby and the Parisian Puzzle which will be published by Firefly Press in April 2022.
She lives in Hampshire with her husband, two daughters and three cats.
Growing up she liked nothing better than reading mystery and boarding school stories by torchlight, when she should have been fast asleep. Her love of these books has inspired her to write her first lower middle grade novel, Libby and the Parisian Puzzle which will be published by Firefly Press in April 2022.
She lives in Hampshire with her husband, two daughters and three cats.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 28, 2023
The next book in the series and a new semester begins, mysterious things happen, plus more!
The newest book in the series and this time a new mystery, a new school term (this time in Edinburgh), snow, parties, and more! I had this book on my Kindle since the book released but it wasn’t until May that I finally read it. So many books to read. So much mood.
This one begins with Connie and Libby going to spend the holidays over at Connie’s castle! And that is also where the mystery will begin! Because something strange is happening. Someone is seen wandering the halls and the grounds. Things are going missing. I loved that we jumped right into the mystery and that it continues throughout the book. The plot thickens as they say! I would have loved to stay over as well, I mean the cook sure knows what to give to our girls and I also loved reading about the Christmas decorations!
Then the term start, and OH BOY, I just love that it took place in Edinburgh. I mean, I would have loved New York, but that is for another time. For now Edinburgh is perfect, I still would love to visit one day! It was great that we got both the mystery and see some classes and events at the school.
I am also really glad for Connie with how things ended at the end of the book. She is such a fun character and such a wonderful friend, I wouldn’t want to have to miss her from future stories!
And I love that the two boys also got a moment to shine. It is great that Libby is bringing them in and letting them do some things.
I did feel for Libby though! She has a hard time with the fact her mom is constantly gone, and we see in this book with the holidays and all that she has an even harder time. I am glad that she and her mom were able to talk though eventually. That is great and it was definitely needed.
The mystery wasn’t that hard. I know it is a children’s book, but mysteries can always be a bit harder. Haha. Still not a problem, I still really enjoyed the book and I had fun seeing the girls figure things out and try to solve the mystery + capture the culprits (yes, there is two). The whodunnit was a classic and that is also why I didn’t mind it that much. And yes, I am keeping it mysterious, can’t give away spoilers after all!
All in all, this was a fun book and I really wish I could be part of that school! I cannot wait for the next book in the series~
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
The newest book in the series and this time a new mystery, a new school term (this time in Edinburgh), snow, parties, and more! I had this book on my Kindle since the book released but it wasn’t until May that I finally read it. So many books to read. So much mood.
This one begins with Connie and Libby going to spend the holidays over at Connie’s castle! And that is also where the mystery will begin! Because something strange is happening. Someone is seen wandering the halls and the grounds. Things are going missing. I loved that we jumped right into the mystery and that it continues throughout the book. The plot thickens as they say! I would have loved to stay over as well, I mean the cook sure knows what to give to our girls and I also loved reading about the Christmas decorations!
Then the term start, and OH BOY, I just love that it took place in Edinburgh. I mean, I would have loved New York, but that is for another time. For now Edinburgh is perfect, I still would love to visit one day! It was great that we got both the mystery and see some classes and events at the school.
I am also really glad for Connie with how things ended at the end of the book. She is such a fun character and such a wonderful friend, I wouldn’t want to have to miss her from future stories!
And I love that the two boys also got a moment to shine. It is great that Libby is bringing them in and letting them do some things.
I did feel for Libby though! She has a hard time with the fact her mom is constantly gone, and we see in this book with the holidays and all that she has an even harder time. I am glad that she and her mom were able to talk though eventually. That is great and it was definitely needed.
The mystery wasn’t that hard. I know it is a children’s book, but mysteries can always be a bit harder. Haha. Still not a problem, I still really enjoyed the book and I had fun seeing the girls figure things out and try to solve the mystery + capture the culprits (yes, there is two). The whodunnit was a classic and that is also why I didn’t mind it that much. And yes, I am keeping it mysterious, can’t give away spoilers after all!
All in all, this was a fun book and I really wish I could be part of that school! I cannot wait for the next book in the series~
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
March 13, 2023
Libby and the Highland Heist is such a fun crime story.
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, where Libby settled into her new travelling school in Paris, but I've always loved the Highlands and have been anticipating this second book since it was announced. It didn't disappoint!
Connie takes a much more significant role in this one, as they initially head to her Scottish home, a very impressive near-castle like residence. However it soon becomes clear that things are not quite as they should be there. One of the major storylines in this book is Connie's family's financial troubles and they're readily apparent from the number of staff they've let go and the spaces on the walls where pictures used to hang. I liked this real world problems grounding the story, but this is a mystery so clearly it's going to be about more than their bank balance!
In Libby and the Highland Heist, Jo Clarke has really captured the spirit of the old Enid Blyton Adventure novels I used to love as a child. The old house and its grounds are full of ghost stories, secret passages, mysterious sightings of people where they shouldn't be. It's intriguing and exciting as we follow the girls on their exploration of this old building, and the Christmas setting around it is very charming.
Then it's off to Edinburgh and the Travelling School. Here the mystery element is cranked up several notches as we get more mysterious sightings and tales of forgers and fraudsters. The Scottish setting is really brought into the book with the preparations for a Highland dance and explorations around the streets and gardens of Edinburgh, and I love how the changes in setting are used to really help make each book in this series feel distinctive. There are plenty of connections back to the first book though, and it's nice to see some returning characters and a sense of an overall story running through the series.
The actual heist is the climax of the book, and I felt like it really pulled all of the different elements of the story together into a satisfying conclusion, albeit one with a few loose ends still to tie up.
Becka Moor does gorgeous illustrations throughout too. I love how her style fits the story so well.
A fun, thrilling Scottish mystery story.
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, where Libby settled into her new travelling school in Paris, but I've always loved the Highlands and have been anticipating this second book since it was announced. It didn't disappoint!
Connie takes a much more significant role in this one, as they initially head to her Scottish home, a very impressive near-castle like residence. However it soon becomes clear that things are not quite as they should be there. One of the major storylines in this book is Connie's family's financial troubles and they're readily apparent from the number of staff they've let go and the spaces on the walls where pictures used to hang. I liked this real world problems grounding the story, but this is a mystery so clearly it's going to be about more than their bank balance!
In Libby and the Highland Heist, Jo Clarke has really captured the spirit of the old Enid Blyton Adventure novels I used to love as a child. The old house and its grounds are full of ghost stories, secret passages, mysterious sightings of people where they shouldn't be. It's intriguing and exciting as we follow the girls on their exploration of this old building, and the Christmas setting around it is very charming.
Then it's off to Edinburgh and the Travelling School. Here the mystery element is cranked up several notches as we get more mysterious sightings and tales of forgers and fraudsters. The Scottish setting is really brought into the book with the preparations for a Highland dance and explorations around the streets and gardens of Edinburgh, and I love how the changes in setting are used to really help make each book in this series feel distinctive. There are plenty of connections back to the first book though, and it's nice to see some returning characters and a sense of an overall story running through the series.
The actual heist is the climax of the book, and I felt like it really pulled all of the different elements of the story together into a satisfying conclusion, albeit one with a few loose ends still to tie up.
Becka Moor does gorgeous illustrations throughout too. I love how her style fits the story so well.
A fun, thrilling Scottish mystery story.
December 6, 2022
I received an eARC from the publishers through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. It has not affected my opinions.
LIBBY AND THE HIGHLAND HEIST is a great wintry mystery. Like with the previous book, there's no murder to be solved, as this series seems to be exploring other mystery types that often get overlooked in favour of "flashy" murders, which is nice.
The book covers both the winter holiday and the start of the next term. There are all sorts of Christmas activities to be enjoyed, and plenty of snow and roaring fires to warm up afterwards. But there is also Edinburgh to be explored, with a ghost tour and a plethora of sights to visit.
Starting at Connie's home was a great way of grounding the mystery in the stakes and consequences, giving the victims faces. While the impact on Connie alone might have been enough of a reason to want it solved, seeing how the stress is affecting her family made it even more urgent.
Connie's parents have a great big old house, and the book uses that to its full advantage with secret passageways and a ball held inside! There are some great uses of "old house" tropes that were so fun to come across.
Sebastian and Noah are back, and have a bigger role than before! (Which was the thing I really wanted after reading LIBBY AND THE PARISIAN PUZZLE.) I'm very happy they were move involved in solving the mystery, and here's to hoping they get to be involved even more next time!
LIBBY AND THE HIGHLAND HEIST is a great wintry mystery. Like with the previous book, there's no murder to be solved, as this series seems to be exploring other mystery types that often get overlooked in favour of "flashy" murders, which is nice.
The book covers both the winter holiday and the start of the next term. There are all sorts of Christmas activities to be enjoyed, and plenty of snow and roaring fires to warm up afterwards. But there is also Edinburgh to be explored, with a ghost tour and a plethora of sights to visit.
Starting at Connie's home was a great way of grounding the mystery in the stakes and consequences, giving the victims faces. While the impact on Connie alone might have been enough of a reason to want it solved, seeing how the stress is affecting her family made it even more urgent.
Connie's parents have a great big old house, and the book uses that to its full advantage with secret passageways and a ball held inside! There are some great uses of "old house" tropes that were so fun to come across.
Sebastian and Noah are back, and have a bigger role than before! (Which was the thing I really wanted after reading LIBBY AND THE PARISIAN PUZZLE.) I'm very happy they were move involved in solving the mystery, and here's to hoping they get to be involved even more next time!
January 1, 2023
I selected this book because the cover looked fun, and the blurb sounded interesting.
I’ve not read the previous book in the series (Libby and the Parisian Puzzle). However, that didn’t prevent my enjoyment of this story, though I think if you’re going to read the whole series, it would work best read from the beginning.
I really liked Connie and Libby, they are both feisty and find ways to solve mysteries in spite of the fact that they’re at school. Their friendship is a very important part of the story.
The plot was fun, with thefts and cons, and the children were very inventive in their efforts to bring the wrongdoers to justice.
Overall, this was a fun mystery, with a great friendship at its centre. I look forward to reading more stories by Jo Clarke.
I was given a copy of this book, my opinions are my own.
I’ve not read the previous book in the series (Libby and the Parisian Puzzle). However, that didn’t prevent my enjoyment of this story, though I think if you’re going to read the whole series, it would work best read from the beginning.
I really liked Connie and Libby, they are both feisty and find ways to solve mysteries in spite of the fact that they’re at school. Their friendship is a very important part of the story.
The plot was fun, with thefts and cons, and the children were very inventive in their efforts to bring the wrongdoers to justice.
Overall, this was a fun mystery, with a great friendship at its centre. I look forward to reading more stories by Jo Clarke.
I was given a copy of this book, my opinions are my own.
Want to read
December 13, 2023This is the second book in the travelling school mysteries series and it was just as good, if not even better than the first book. I’m really excited for the third book now! I loved the fact that this one was set in a new location; Scotland! This would be the perfect cosy night in winter read, complete with a hot chocolate of course. Once again I couldn’t put this one down, with all the twists and turns that keep you guessing right until the end.
After a tumultuous term in Paris, Libby and Connie are looking forward to a quiet holiday at Connie’s family home. But before long they find themselves caught up in another mystery, this time set against the dramatic backdrop of the Highlands and Edinburgh!
After a tumultuous term in Paris, Libby and Connie are looking forward to a quiet holiday at Connie’s family home. But before long they find themselves caught up in another mystery, this time set against the dramatic backdrop of the Highlands and Edinburgh!
October 3, 2022
Simply elegant, adventuresome, mysterious, and a delightfully addictive read.
Jo has let the magic flow through this, the second adventure, which sees the school arrive unexpectedly in Edinburgh. But it's Connie's family home in the Highlands that holds the secret to loads of adventure. In its MG way, this is as rambunctious as a ceilidh reel!
This fine series is an able step up from the Enid Blyton of yore and those fabulous – or so Mrs H says – kids' TV adventures of the seventies. I have no doubt that this adventure rooted in current times will be an immense delight and a 'gateway tale' to grander adventures as the readers grow.
Everything to love and recommend!
Jo has let the magic flow through this, the second adventure, which sees the school arrive unexpectedly in Edinburgh. But it's Connie's family home in the Highlands that holds the secret to loads of adventure. In its MG way, this is as rambunctious as a ceilidh reel!
This fine series is an able step up from the Enid Blyton of yore and those fabulous – or so Mrs H says – kids' TV adventures of the seventies. I have no doubt that this adventure rooted in current times will be an immense delight and a 'gateway tale' to grander adventures as the readers grow.
Everything to love and recommend!
March 21, 2023
Not having read and reviewed the first in the series, I don’t think it matters too much if children jump in on this second in the series or read from the start. Middle-grade readers will soon get to know Libby and Connie and how they travel on adventures.
It’s mysteriously atmospheric with a Scottish castle that holds secret passageways and priceless paintings, that are stolen, which in-turn gives the two very good friends a mystery to solve. The book is full of friendship, puzzle-solving and mystery.
There’s plenty of entertainment for young armchair detectives to let their imaginations go wild within, aided by mystical illustrations and the fun cover.
It’s mysteriously atmospheric with a Scottish castle that holds secret passageways and priceless paintings, that are stolen, which in-turn gives the two very good friends a mystery to solve. The book is full of friendship, puzzle-solving and mystery.
There’s plenty of entertainment for young armchair detectives to let their imaginations go wild within, aided by mystical illustrations and the fun cover.
January 7, 2023
Another fabulous and fun mystery from Jo Clarke. The second in Libby and Connie's adventures, this time taking us to Scotland and meeting Connie's family. There's plenty of tense moments and teamwork as the friends work together to unravel the mystery of the person that has been sneaking into Connie's house and stealing things. Another delightful story packed full of family, friendship and making me hungry with all the delicious food! Highly recommend book two and keeping my fingers crossed for more Libby stories to come!
January 28, 2023
This is a perfect entry to the world of mystery and clues for the MG audience. Great characters and a pacy plot that readers will take great delight in both reading and solving. Thoroughly enjoyed the characters and setting and will be joining Miss Mousedale’s Travelling School on their next adventure
March 20, 2023
We loved being swept away on another adventure with Libby and Connie, this time to the Scottish Highlands. Full of fun, intrigue and plenty of plot twists, this cosy mystery will keep young readers guessing until the last page. It’s a warm and delightful detective series that just keeps getting better.
February 19, 2024
I have been reading this with my grandchild and we finished the book last night. What a great little crime story for children, but it has a comfy feel where nothing really bad happens. We both really enjoyed it. I would say it is suitable for ages 8-9 and I think both boys and girls would enjoy this story.
December 30, 2022
A solid and entertaining mystery for children that can be appreciated by adults. it is a lot of fun and compelling.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
January 12, 2023
My grandchildren thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this series and were very excited to read the second. This one is set in Scotland in a castle (we did that in the summer so that added to the story) and was just as good as the first book. Looking forward to more in this series.
December 12, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed solving another mystery alongside Libby and Connie! The Highland and wintry setting is perfectly brought to life making it a brilliant read for cosy winter reading - accompanied by a hot chocolate of course. I loved meeting new characters as well as getting to know some of the existing ones a little better as well as learning a little more about Connie’s family and home. The mystery was expertly plotted and left enough clues for readers to figure out the skeleton of the crime but left the juicy details for Libby’s detecting to reveal all! A perfect read for young detectives! A truly brilliant series - can’t wait to see where the travelling school go next!
January 23, 2023
LOVE! LOVE! LOVE this series!!!! Just so much packed in with amazing female leads to follow. Can’t wait for the third!!
May 1, 2023
Excellent story for young readers. Libby is such an enjoyable character and Connie is the perfect friend to have.
September 25, 2024
Next book in the series and if you liked the first one then this one won’t disappoint.
February 6, 2023
This is the second adventure with Libby in the Travelling School Mysteries and this time we are off to the Scottish Highlands.
Libby gets the opportunity to stay at Connie’s ancestral home over Christmas and New Year. Hoping for a blissful holiday, it isn’t long before Libby and Connie are caught up in a mystery that needs solving.
Yet again, Jo Clarke has brought us an exciting adventure with the stunning back drop of the Highlands and Edinburgh itself. I love how Jo weaved interesting facts about the places the school visits through out the story and this time we get to attend a proper Highland ball.
Libby is like a mini Sherlock Holmes as she comes up with unusual and exciting ways to catch the thief.
This is a fabulous Middle Grade series and I can’t wait for the next adventure. I have big hopes it will be New York!
Libby gets the opportunity to stay at Connie’s ancestral home over Christmas and New Year. Hoping for a blissful holiday, it isn’t long before Libby and Connie are caught up in a mystery that needs solving.
Yet again, Jo Clarke has brought us an exciting adventure with the stunning back drop of the Highlands and Edinburgh itself. I love how Jo weaved interesting facts about the places the school visits through out the story and this time we get to attend a proper Highland ball.
Libby is like a mini Sherlock Holmes as she comes up with unusual and exciting ways to catch the thief.
This is a fabulous Middle Grade series and I can’t wait for the next adventure. I have big hopes it will be New York!
November 24, 2022
Libby and the Highland Heist
By Jo Clarke
Published by Firefly Press
Another great crime adventure for Libby and Connie from author Jo Clarke to suit any 8+ reader.
As Libby travels north to Scotland for her next quest, she learns that all is not as it seems for her friends family. Seemingly happy and always busy, a family can hide a multitude of secrets (if they want to). But curiosity gets the better of these strong willed and determined young girls to enable them to untangle a wealth of mistold and misunderstood messages.
This fabulous, page turner will capture the imagination of any young reader, who like Libby love to seek and solve things that feel “just not quite right.”
Joanne Bardgett - teacher of littlies, lover of children’s literature.
#Netgallery
#fireflypress
#joclarke
By Jo Clarke
Published by Firefly Press
Another great crime adventure for Libby and Connie from author Jo Clarke to suit any 8+ reader.
As Libby travels north to Scotland for her next quest, she learns that all is not as it seems for her friends family. Seemingly happy and always busy, a family can hide a multitude of secrets (if they want to). But curiosity gets the better of these strong willed and determined young girls to enable them to untangle a wealth of mistold and misunderstood messages.
This fabulous, page turner will capture the imagination of any young reader, who like Libby love to seek and solve things that feel “just not quite right.”
Joanne Bardgett - teacher of littlies, lover of children’s literature.
#Netgallery
#fireflypress
#joclarke
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews