Mystery in the Marshes

The After School Detective Club #3

by Mark Dawson, Ben Mantle (Illustrator)

"[A]dventure-loving readers will find the developing friendships between the four children amusing and the mystery moderately exciting.... A jolly adventure story..."— Kirkus Reviews , review of The Case of the Smugglers’ The After School Adventure Book One The third in a series of gripping adventure stories featuring mystery, excitement, and friendship. Max is distraught when he receives a letter from the school telling him he has to go on a weekend of cycling and camping for the Duke of Wellington awards scheme. But things vastly improve when his friends agree to come with him. It isn't long before they find adventure – or adventure finds them... They make a friend named Byron and set up camp in a forest near his home. But that night they wake to see strange lights and a fierce wind blowing through the trees. Moments later Byron arrives, running and screaming that 'they' are after him. When the gang follow him, they find his backpack but no sign of the boy. It looks like Byron has been abducted by a UFO! But surely that's not possible... is it?

Genres: Mystery, Middle Grade, Audiobook, Fiction

240 pages, Paperback

Published March 14, 2023

About the author

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Mark Dawson was born in Lowestoft and grew up in Manchester and Chicago. He has worked as a lawyer and currently works in the London film industry. His first books, "The Art of Falling Apart" and "Subpoena Colada" have been published in multiple languages.

He is currently writing two series. Soho Noir is set in the West End of London between 1940 and 1970. The first book in the series, "The Black Mile", deals with the (real life but little known) serial killer who operated in the area during the Blitz. "The Imposter" traces the journey of a criminal family (think The Sopranos in austerity London and you'd be on the right track).

The John Milton series features a disgruntled special agent who aims to help people to make amends for the terrible things that he has done. Mark, as a child of the 80s, will freely admit that he watched a lot of The Equalizer in his youth.

Mark lives in Wiltshire with his family.

You can find him at www.markjdawson.com or www.facebook.com/markdawsonauthor.

Reviews

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of, The After-School Detective Club: The Mysteries in the Marshes, by Mark Dawson, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I wish I had something like this when I was in school. Such a cool group of friends. Max and his friends have a mystery to solve. Their friend Byron needs help, can they figure out the mystery before its too late. I really enjoyed this book and its illustrations.

[Ddnreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been so long since I read middle grade fiction full of adventure, mystery, and solving criminal case. It gave me secret seven vibes. The characters were all stand out and easily distinguishable by their traits. The book started with a road bike camping that made them stumbled into unexpected adventure.

I love the camaraderie and the illustration. This is super enjoyable on how the children try to find a way to escape or solve the mystery.

It was nice but nothing sort of very fantastical.

If you're into adventure and found family solving mystery, give this book a go. You don't have to read the other two books. Feel fry to try💕

[Susan Barnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Max is dismayed when he learns his school is participating in the Duke of Wellington challenge which involves three nights of camping. The principal expects his attendance. Fortunately, his three friends Joe, Lucy and Charlie (a nickname for Charlotte) are also invited. The four friends previously solved other mysteries and think of themselves as, The After-School Detective Club.

The camping expedition begins well but on the first night, Max sees strange lights in the sky when the others are asleep. The next day, they meet Byron, an American boy who lives in a large house surrounded by a high wall near the marshes.

On the second night, Max again sees strange lights in the sky. This time he also spots Byron who appears to be running from the lights. He sees Byron caught and taken away. Max thinks he’s been abducted by aliens.

The Mystery in the Marshes is a good, fun adventure with an exciting mystery. Through the story, the author, Mark Dawson also demonstrates how to be a good friend.

Thanks to the Book Curator for providing a free book for review

[Chelsea Lucas · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really fun and fast-paced novel, with a beautiful friendship in the middle of it. I hadn’t read the first two books in the series, but it didn’t take away from my reading experience at all. I enjoyed this so much and flew through it. The characters are all so fleshed out and real, and the plot was so intense. I was on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next! And the illustrations were incredible and added so much to the reading experience.
I’d urge you to read this book, and this series, when it comes out, you won’t regret it!

[T.A. Beasley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book three in the series of four new found friends going on a trip for school. Of course they stumble onto a mystery involving a young boy and in true fashion opt to help him. This puts them in danger but they have a way of getting themselves out of trouble.

I enjoyed the story and characters along with the adventures these kids find themselves going on. I can't wait read book four.

[Vonprice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, very readable MG mystery/adventure perfect for 8-12 year olds. You can read my full review here: http://vsviewfromthebookshelves.home....

[Sean Harding · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dawson Destiny #3
After School Detective Club #3
Another enjoyable romp in the Famous Five for the 21st century series, with international spies and all sorts of fun and even a picnic feast to rival Blyton - great fun.

[Mrs Walsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my favourite in the series but I enjoyed it. Was nice to see the gang in a different environment, working together to solve another mystery.

[Hollylovesbooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars!

[B.C. Collard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another riveting adventure for Lucy, Max, Joe and Charlie who run into some nasty pieces of work as they solve the mystery.

[Taju Noor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Apart from one few things, this book was worth reading.

[Wendi (Alex) Werner · Rating 3 out of 5]

The adults as inept, overly stern or disdainful of children is such a trope in this story.

[Lana Lazar · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting modern take on the classic Famous Five - very inspiring read

[Rebecca (booksandbreggs) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story with good friends! 4/5 🌟

[Tracey Vince · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the first book in this series but after reading this my enjoyment has waned and most probably will not be continuing on with the series.


I liked that Max was centre stage but for me he wasn't strong enough as a character and they seem to find some sort of trouble at a drop of the hat. As for the teacher really put me off the story they were written to heavily handed.


For all the above reasons The Mystery in the Marshes receives 3 stars.

[Wil Carpenter · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third instalment in Mark Dawson’s amusing After School Detective Club series, this entry features a fun mystery and some great set pieces while allowing some real development for the central characters as the series builds. The final act is fairly intense with the stakes feeling genuinely high; the potential for this series continues to build on a satisfying way.