What do you think?
Rate this book
The Messenger Bird
Nathan's father has been arrested. He works for the Ministry of Defence and is accused of leaking top secret information. But as he is dragged into a police car, he gives Nathan a message. It leads to a riddle, but it's not from Dad. It's from an ex-Bletchley Park employee, Lily Kenley, and was written in 1940. Nathan begins to follow the clues left behind by Lily. But how can this war-time story link to his father's fate? Hope for Dad's appeal is fading fast. He must solve the puzzle. Time is running out.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
244 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2012
20 people are currently reading
197 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
January 22, 2018
I picked this book up because I absolutely loved ‘The Memory Cage’, and hoped this one would be just as good. It did not disappoint! Fast paced, full of mystery and clues; I didn’t want to stop reading in order to discover the next part of the trail and secrets. Other times it was so intense I had to put the book down just to compose myself.
Nathan’s Dad is arrested for breaking an Official Secret Act. He leaves a trail of clues for Nathan to unravel in order to save him and prove his innocence. The trail is linked to a mystery from WWII, and the famous Bletchley Park. With Code Breakers, Anderson Shelters and secret messages this is a war time tale you don’t want to miss. ‘The truth can be a dangerous thing’.
Nathan’s Dad is arrested for breaking an Official Secret Act. He leaves a trail of clues for Nathan to unravel in order to save him and prove his innocence. The trail is linked to a mystery from WWII, and the famous Bletchley Park. With Code Breakers, Anderson Shelters and secret messages this is a war time tale you don’t want to miss. ‘The truth can be a dangerous thing’.
January 20, 2013
I loved it so much And it's one of my favourites now. I think people should read this book at least once.
October 23, 2013
It's bonfire and housewarming night for Nathan Vane, 12, and his family. All the excitement and people accounts for why he didn't notice the two men in suits until his dad did and then, before Nat knew it, they had arrested his dad. But just before that, Nat's dad gives him a very cryptic message to follow Lily's trail. But who is Lily and where was her trail? He also tells Nat not to trust anyone, or tell them anything about the mystery he needs to solve now for his dad, not even his mother - the less they know, the safer they are.
Leon Vane has reason to worry about his family. Turns out, Nat's dad is accused of being a traitor/terrorist for breaking the Official Secrets Act. It is believed that he had sold top-secret information to the enemy that ultimately caused the death of British soldiers, information that he was able to get because of his job at the Ministry of Defense. This is serious stuff, but he seems to feel Nat is capable of figuring out the clues that will ultimately prove his innocence. Luckily, Nat and his dad always shared a love of puzzles, codes, and riddles.
Unable to imagine his dad doing such a thing, Nat must first figure out the mystery of who Lily is. Apparently, she was someone who had lived in their house long ago. But Auntie Hilda had always lived in the house. Indeed, it was so full of all her old WWII memorabilia, it felt like a museum. And didn't dad always say how happy he was whenever he was visiting Auntie Hilda as a boy? So how did Lily fit into things now?
Following his dad's advice to always think literally and laterally when solving a puzzle, Nat does figure out who Lily is. And, Lily did indeed live in the house - billeted there in 1940. But when Nat finds a note written by her it only leads to yet another mystery that need to be solved.
And it doesn't take long for Nat's best friends, Josh and Sasha, to realize that something is up with him and Nat finally takes them into confidence. With their help, the three kids begin following a trail of clues and coded messages, all of which leads them to Bletchley Park and the World War II code-breakers and one codebreaker in particular - Lily Kenley.
But how does the work of a wartime codebreaker connect to the trouble Nat's father is in?
Eastham has nicely incorporated Britain's wartime past, namely Bletchley Park, the Enigma Machine and the bombing of Coventry Cathedral, with the present to produced a fast paced, exciting mystery, ideal for young readers.
What a fun book this was to read, the more so, I suppose, because I have always loved codes, puzzles and riddles myself. I loved the visits the kids made to Bletchley Park and reading about how they solved the mystery, although at times, finding a clue seemed a bit too easy. But that certainly didn't diminish my enjoyment of the story one bit.
All in all, The Messenger Bird was a compelling, skillfully done mystery with wonderful historical bits. And best of all, the ending was a complete surprise.
This book is recomended for readers age 12+
This book was purchased for my personal library
The review was originally posted at The Children's War
Leon Vane has reason to worry about his family. Turns out, Nat's dad is accused of being a traitor/terrorist for breaking the Official Secrets Act. It is believed that he had sold top-secret information to the enemy that ultimately caused the death of British soldiers, information that he was able to get because of his job at the Ministry of Defense. This is serious stuff, but he seems to feel Nat is capable of figuring out the clues that will ultimately prove his innocence. Luckily, Nat and his dad always shared a love of puzzles, codes, and riddles.
Unable to imagine his dad doing such a thing, Nat must first figure out the mystery of who Lily is. Apparently, she was someone who had lived in their house long ago. But Auntie Hilda had always lived in the house. Indeed, it was so full of all her old WWII memorabilia, it felt like a museum. And didn't dad always say how happy he was whenever he was visiting Auntie Hilda as a boy? So how did Lily fit into things now?
Following his dad's advice to always think literally and laterally when solving a puzzle, Nat does figure out who Lily is. And, Lily did indeed live in the house - billeted there in 1940. But when Nat finds a note written by her it only leads to yet another mystery that need to be solved.
And it doesn't take long for Nat's best friends, Josh and Sasha, to realize that something is up with him and Nat finally takes them into confidence. With their help, the three kids begin following a trail of clues and coded messages, all of which leads them to Bletchley Park and the World War II code-breakers and one codebreaker in particular - Lily Kenley.
But how does the work of a wartime codebreaker connect to the trouble Nat's father is in?
Eastham has nicely incorporated Britain's wartime past, namely Bletchley Park, the Enigma Machine and the bombing of Coventry Cathedral, with the present to produced a fast paced, exciting mystery, ideal for young readers.
What a fun book this was to read, the more so, I suppose, because I have always loved codes, puzzles and riddles myself. I loved the visits the kids made to Bletchley Park and reading about how they solved the mystery, although at times, finding a clue seemed a bit too easy. But that certainly didn't diminish my enjoyment of the story one bit.
All in all, The Messenger Bird was a compelling, skillfully done mystery with wonderful historical bits. And best of all, the ending was a complete surprise.
This book is recomended for readers age 12+
This book was purchased for my personal library
The review was originally posted at The Children's War
July 16, 2013
This is the first book I have read by Ruth Eastham and I appreciate how she intertwines a modern-day narrative with historical ideas and events in a very seamless way. Nathan, the main character, is very ordinary and likeable as are his friends and the rest of his family.
The story starts when Nathan's dad is arrested for breaking the Official Secrets Act. He works for the Ministry of Defence and is accused of leaking top-secret information. As he is dragged into a police car he leaves Nathan a message, or rather a riddle to solve. He must to solve this first riddle, then find and work out subsequent clues if he is to save his dad from a life in prison.
Nathan and his family have recently moved into a house owned by a great Aunt fascinated by WWII. There is memorabilia throughout the house. The clues Nathan is given lead him to another mystery that was started by Lily Kenley, a Bletchley Park employee in the 1940s, who stayed in the house during the war and then disappeared suddenly. The messages, given to Nathan by his dad, follow a path left by Lily and take him on a journey around his local area and finally to Bletchley Park.
Nathan is sworn to secrecy but his friends, Sasha and Josh, learn about his quest early on and are determined to help. He has to be careful as his father indicated there are traitors in the Ministry. There certainly seems to be someone watching his every move and listening in on his conversations. With the help of his friends, Nathan must solve the mystery before the Ministry of Defence figures out what he is up to and the evidence of his father's innocence disappears.
It is a good story for younger readers upper primary / lower secondary. The book very neatly incorporates mystery, history and adventure all into one story. The references to Bletchley Park, the Enigma code and the Coventry Blitz are fascinating. An image of Coventry Cathedral's ruin is incorporated into the cover.
For those who have had their appetite whetted by the story there is a short reference section a the back for anyone who wants to know more about Bletchley Park or the Enigma code.
The story starts when Nathan's dad is arrested for breaking the Official Secrets Act. He works for the Ministry of Defence and is accused of leaking top-secret information. As he is dragged into a police car he leaves Nathan a message, or rather a riddle to solve. He must to solve this first riddle, then find and work out subsequent clues if he is to save his dad from a life in prison.
Nathan and his family have recently moved into a house owned by a great Aunt fascinated by WWII. There is memorabilia throughout the house. The clues Nathan is given lead him to another mystery that was started by Lily Kenley, a Bletchley Park employee in the 1940s, who stayed in the house during the war and then disappeared suddenly. The messages, given to Nathan by his dad, follow a path left by Lily and take him on a journey around his local area and finally to Bletchley Park.
Nathan is sworn to secrecy but his friends, Sasha and Josh, learn about his quest early on and are determined to help. He has to be careful as his father indicated there are traitors in the Ministry. There certainly seems to be someone watching his every move and listening in on his conversations. With the help of his friends, Nathan must solve the mystery before the Ministry of Defence figures out what he is up to and the evidence of his father's innocence disappears.
It is a good story for younger readers upper primary / lower secondary. The book very neatly incorporates mystery, history and adventure all into one story. The references to Bletchley Park, the Enigma code and the Coventry Blitz are fascinating. An image of Coventry Cathedral's ruin is incorporated into the cover.
For those who have had their appetite whetted by the story there is a short reference section a the back for anyone who wants to know more about Bletchley Park or the Enigma code.
November 18, 2017
The Messenger Bird is everything I have come to expect from a Ruth Eastham novel after reading and enjoying her first novel The Memory Cage last year. The book intertwines a modern day narrative with historical ideas and events, it has a main character you warm to and engage with and a storyline which is full of heart. I really enjoyed reading it.
I enjoyed this book in three different ways:
As a reader of a wide variety of YA I enjoyed it as it was pacey with some interesting twists and characters that I enjoyed getting to know. It was a real page turner and kept me hooked throughout. I particularly enjoyed the main character Nathan and enjoyed seeing how his mind worked. I also loved the relationship he had with his best friends Josh and Sasha. Josh in particular made me chuckle quite a lot throughout the book.
The Historian in me loved the links back to the Second World War made in this book. I loved the historical mystery to this as much as the present day one if not more and got drawn into the story of Lily and Bletchley Park. Now I've finished the novel I really want to go off and find out more about the place and visit Coventry and find out more about how it suffered during the Blitz.
As a teacher I think this book could be invaluable. I think the mix of modern and historical will draw pupils in to the subject matter really effectively and leave pupils in much the same way I was after reading the book and be the spark that sets them off finding out more about the historical events. All too often historical fiction can seem to dry or too far removed to draw pupils in but I think this book would draw them in wonderfully. This book is certainly going to be one I recommend to pupils for enrichment when we are studying World War Two.
All in all a brilliant book which I really enjoyed!
I enjoyed this book in three different ways:
As a reader of a wide variety of YA I enjoyed it as it was pacey with some interesting twists and characters that I enjoyed getting to know. It was a real page turner and kept me hooked throughout. I particularly enjoyed the main character Nathan and enjoyed seeing how his mind worked. I also loved the relationship he had with his best friends Josh and Sasha. Josh in particular made me chuckle quite a lot throughout the book.
The Historian in me loved the links back to the Second World War made in this book. I loved the historical mystery to this as much as the present day one if not more and got drawn into the story of Lily and Bletchley Park. Now I've finished the novel I really want to go off and find out more about the place and visit Coventry and find out more about how it suffered during the Blitz.
As a teacher I think this book could be invaluable. I think the mix of modern and historical will draw pupils in to the subject matter really effectively and leave pupils in much the same way I was after reading the book and be the spark that sets them off finding out more about the historical events. All too often historical fiction can seem to dry or too far removed to draw pupils in but I think this book would draw them in wonderfully. This book is certainly going to be one I recommend to pupils for enrichment when we are studying World War Two.
All in all a brilliant book which I really enjoyed!
January 9, 2013
Nathan's father has been arrested. He works for the Ministry of Defence and is accused of leaking top secret information. But as he is dragged into a police car, he gives Nathan a message. It leads to a riddle, but it's not from Dad. It's from an ex-Bletchley Park employee, Lily Kenley, and was written in 1940. Nathan begins to follow the clues left behind by Lily. Hope for Dad's appeal is fading fast. He must solve the puzzle
What I thought about this book (my likes/dislikes and feelings):
I really had no idea what it would be like, but it looked pretty good and interesting too. And it didn't disappoint! It's very fast paced, with the excitement starting in the first chapter - but this didn't make it hard to understand at all. I loved how Nathan, the main character, had to find and work out clues to help save his dad from prison. It really added mystery to the book, and it made me want to carry on reading to see where the clues would lead and what they meant. I think it was a bit unlikely how quickly Nathan solved the clues, but if it had taken weeks for him to work out what they meant I don't think the book would have been so exciting and fast paced. The mystery of which Lily was - also an excellent part of the story.
The ending was quite unexpected, and added some action - it definitely ended the book well! This is a short review because I can't find much else to say, this book is great. I think the book was written for younger teens, but don't be put off by that, it's still a good read. I would also recommend this to people who enjoy reading about World War II.
What I thought about this book (my likes/dislikes and feelings):
I really had no idea what it would be like, but it looked pretty good and interesting too. And it didn't disappoint! It's very fast paced, with the excitement starting in the first chapter - but this didn't make it hard to understand at all. I loved how Nathan, the main character, had to find and work out clues to help save his dad from prison. It really added mystery to the book, and it made me want to carry on reading to see where the clues would lead and what they meant. I think it was a bit unlikely how quickly Nathan solved the clues, but if it had taken weeks for him to work out what they meant I don't think the book would have been so exciting and fast paced. The mystery of which Lily was - also an excellent part of the story.
The ending was quite unexpected, and added some action - it definitely ended the book well! This is a short review because I can't find much else to say, this book is great. I think the book was written for younger teens, but don't be put off by that, it's still a good read. I would also recommend this to people who enjoy reading about World War II.
July 22, 2012
I found out about this book through an Amazon suggestion - I really had no idea what it would be like, but it looked pretty good, and interesting too.
And it didn't dissapoint! It's very fast paced, with the excitement starting in the first chapter - but this didn't make it hard to understand at all. I loved how Nathan, the main character, had to find and work out clues to help save his dad from prison. It really added mystery to the book, and it made me want to carry on reading to see where the clues would lead and what they meant. I think it was a bit unlikely how quickly Nathan solved the clues, but if it had taken weeks for him to work out what they meant I don't think the book would have been so exciting and fast paced. The mystery of who Lily was was also an excellent part of the story.
The ending was quite unexpected, and added some action - it definately ended the book well! This is a short review because I can't find much else to say, this book is great. I think the book was written for younger teens, but don't be put off by that, it's still a good read. I would also reccomend this to people who enjoy reading about World War II.
View my book review blog: http://thebookreviewlibrary.blogspot....
And it didn't dissapoint! It's very fast paced, with the excitement starting in the first chapter - but this didn't make it hard to understand at all. I loved how Nathan, the main character, had to find and work out clues to help save his dad from prison. It really added mystery to the book, and it made me want to carry on reading to see where the clues would lead and what they meant. I think it was a bit unlikely how quickly Nathan solved the clues, but if it had taken weeks for him to work out what they meant I don't think the book would have been so exciting and fast paced. The mystery of who Lily was was also an excellent part of the story.
The ending was quite unexpected, and added some action - it definately ended the book well! This is a short review because I can't find much else to say, this book is great. I think the book was written for younger teens, but don't be put off by that, it's still a good read. I would also reccomend this to people who enjoy reading about World War II.
View my book review blog: http://thebookreviewlibrary.blogspot....
February 26, 2013
Ruth Eastham's books are fun to read. This is an artfully constructed page-turner. The prose slides by with lots of original phrases. It's well-researched with distinct characters, Josh is my favourite, and the family settings are well done. The intelligence service is both sinister and efficient so our three main characters have to work quickly to solve the enigmatic puzzle. One of the most enjoyable books of the year. So why withhold a star? Lily's story is fascinating but its link with the present seems tenuous. I sense the novelist's hand upping the stakes as the story advances and Auntie Hilda's house in sinking under the weight of WWII memorabilia. The Bond villain naively reveals a cunning plan. It's a children's book, so none of these quibbles matter. Well done, Ruth, you've written an enjoyable yarn that educates and entertains.
June 25, 2013
Nathan's father is arrested for selling Government information and breaking the Official Secrets Act. As police drag him away, he shouts back at Nathan to "follow Lily's trail". The trail leads Nathan to Bletchley Park during World War II. How will this help him save his father? Read it and find out!
Ruth Eastham, of 'The Memory Cage' fame, has written another wonderful junior fiction novel full of adventure and mystery. i love the strong bond between Nathan and his dad. Look out for the tense explosive ending!
The book is fascinatingly linked to Bletchley, the Enigma code and the Coventry Blitz - Coventry Cathedral's ruin is featured on the cover. Nice web links included for those wishing to know more about Bletchley.
Ruth Eastham, of 'The Memory Cage' fame, has written another wonderful junior fiction novel full of adventure and mystery. i love the strong bond between Nathan and his dad. Look out for the tense explosive ending!
The book is fascinatingly linked to Bletchley, the Enigma code and the Coventry Blitz - Coventry Cathedral's ruin is featured on the cover. Nice web links included for those wishing to know more about Bletchley.
August 25, 2018
It wasn't the best book I've ever read relating to the world war but it's definitely a different and interesting one.
I think the writing style and plot is very suitable for preteens and middle grade Students.
Definitely give it a try if you're interested to know more about code breaking explained in story mode.
I personally did not enjoy it much because the mysteries felt a bit kiddish and far fetched. The relationship between the family members is all tell and no show so I felt disconnected to the characters.
I think the writing style and plot is very suitable for preteens and middle grade Students.
Definitely give it a try if you're interested to know more about code breaking explained in story mode.
I personally did not enjoy it much because the mysteries felt a bit kiddish and far fetched. The relationship between the family members is all tell and no show so I felt disconnected to the characters.
January 24, 2014
Nathan's dad has been arrested for breaking the Official Secrets Act. Before he is taken away, Nathan's dad gives him a clue so he can start solving the mystery and prove his dad is innocent. How Nathan goes about this is gripping. This is a great read - very exciting and made me want to find out more about Bletchley Park and the work done there during World War 2.
August 17, 2012
This is a gripping story about a boy whose father is arrested for selling secrets leaving Nathan with the task of proving his innocence. With the help of some clues relating to a WW1 decoder at Bletchley Park and the assistance of his true friends Nathan sets out to do just that.
February 13, 2013
A boy's father is charged with breaking the Official Secrets Act. He follows clues to prove his father's innocence, intertwining the tale with that of a Bletchley Park worker in 1940. Strong concept, frustrating writing e.g. needless repetition of the "corrupt staff".
January 27, 2014
This is a good read for 10 to 14 year olds. Nat's dad has been arrested for selling military secrets to the enemy and it is up to Nat to find the evidence to clear his name. Just before his dad is taken away he gives Nat a few cryptic clues to follow a 50 year old trail.
February 8, 2016
This book is amazing! I loved the story of this book, and the easy to understand format. My favorite part was
January 22, 2015
Wonderful , Sad Book! I Would Recommend To People That Love Mysteries! Fantastic Book
January 20, 2019
Very good book
January 5, 2022
Spoiler-free review.
A masterpiece in the form of a book by Mr. Eastham. A very captivating read from the beginning to the end. The Messenger Bird is an unordinary book that grasps at the adventures of a little boy after his father is arrested on the charge of leaking national information. It is up to the boy to solve the riddles he is faced with to prove his father innocent. A thrilling, mysterious, and enthralling novel that is a must-read for teenagers. I must warn you though; I did not find the ending to be as amusing as I had anticipated. But then again, not everything can be perfect.
Happy reading!
A masterpiece in the form of a book by Mr. Eastham. A very captivating read from the beginning to the end. The Messenger Bird is an unordinary book that grasps at the adventures of a little boy after his father is arrested on the charge of leaking national information. It is up to the boy to solve the riddles he is faced with to prove his father innocent. A thrilling, mysterious, and enthralling novel that is a must-read for teenagers. I must warn you though; I did not find the ending to be as amusing as I had anticipated. But then again, not everything can be perfect.
Happy reading!
February 17, 2022
I first had this book read to me when I was 11 by my teacher at school with the rest of my class moonlight sonata playing quietly in the background I loved it once we finished reading it we went on a day trip to Bletchley Park I fell in love with the place I ended up for years hounding my parents to get me the book finally one year for my birthday I got it re reading the book and having my very vivid memory of Bletchley Park made me fall even more in love with it this is definitely a book I treasure
July 20, 2024
This reminded me of the first Harry Potter, three young people up against the adults solving problems they really shouldn’t have the responsibility to solve. It was a good read, that had you guessing along the way and I’m sure my teenage self would have been inspired by. As an adult I think I felt more sorry for the main character, because that kind of weight on a kid is bound to leave some scares later In life. I hope their parents are ready to pay his counselling fee.
January 11, 2021
Oohhhhh such a nice and beautiful book written by Ruth Eastham. I'm Really really in love with this book. But I'm sad about Nathan. He had to face a lot of troubles and he had to solve such mysteries...... I appreciate you Ruth Eastham weldone 👍👍👍👍👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏This is my favvvvv book ever...
September 11, 2021
Just love the way how Nat went to every limit to save his father and how his friends helped him
And the scene where his father get special permission to wish him Birthday
It has my heart!!!
Closing scene was so complete with the family heading towards the trees and disappearing!!!!
And the scene where his father get special permission to wish him Birthday
It has my heart!!!
Closing scene was so complete with the family heading towards the trees and disappearing!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2021
Quite a good story for kids and not a bad read. Who doesn't love am adventure story now and then?x
January 6, 2023
If you're looking to start reading for the first time, this book is the perfect first grab.
May 24, 2024
It was a hood experience start to finish,never felt inconsistent
June 25, 2021
3.28
abdullahi - year seven
abdullahi - year seven
August 4, 2020
I don't really know what I was expecting when I was given this book for free.
Ever since I can remember, I have always loved reading mystery stories, so this book was pretty much perfect. I really enjoyed the way the author correlated Nathan's situation with his father in present day with Lily in World War two.
Overall, it was just a really good mystery trail book, and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys books like that.
Ever since I can remember, I have always loved reading mystery stories, so this book was pretty much perfect. I really enjoyed the way the author correlated Nathan's situation with his father in present day with Lily in World War two.
Overall, it was just a really good mystery trail book, and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys books like that.
November 24, 2012
Fast paced enjoyable read. Loved it
March 17, 2013
I love the code on the cover.
April 20, 2014
I enjoyed this story, I loved Nathan's journey & how he saved his dad & cracked the code. Brilliant read, really good for 9+
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews