The Arctic Railway Assassin

Adventures on Trains #6

by M.G. Leonard, Sam Sedgman, Elisa Paganelli (Illustrator)

Reading age ‏ : ‎ 9 - 11 years

The bestselling, prize-winning Adventures on Trains series embarks on a thrilling sixth adventure as Harrison Beck and Uncle Nat climb aboard the night train to Narvik, travelling to the Arctic Circle to see the northern lights for Christmas.

But as their train leaves Stockholm, Hal and Uncle Nat realise they’re being followed by a sinister figure, and Hal’s powers of observation are tested when Uncle Nat’s past comes back to haunt him. Journeying into the never ending night of the arctic winter, our railway detectives must outsmart an assassin in their most chilling adventure yet, in which nothing is as it seems.

The Arctic Railway Assassin can be read as a stand-alone novel, or enjoyed as part of the Adventures on Trains series.

Genres: Middle Grade, Mystery, Adventure, Fiction, Crime, Audiobook, Childrens

256 pages, Paperback

First published October 13, 2022

About the author

M. G. Leonard is a writer of books, poems and screenplays. She has a first-class honours degree in English literature and an MA in Shakespeare Studies from Kings College London. She works as a freelance Digital Media Producer for clients such as the National Theatre, and Harry Potter West End, and previously worked as a Senior Digital Producer at the National Theatre, the Royal Opera House and Shakespeare’s Globe. She spent her early career in the music industry running Setanta Records, an independent record label, and managing bands, most notably The Divine Comedy. After leaving the music industry, she trained as an actor, dabbling in directing and producing as well as performing, before deciding to write her stories down. Maya lives in Brighton with her husband and two sons.
You can visit her online at www.mgleonard.com. Follow her on Twitter @MGLnrd.

Reviews

[Jade Ratley · Rating 4 out of 5]

8.29 on CAWPILE.

The Adventures on Trains series is such fun. If you're a fan of middle grade, then you can't go wrong with these books - there's something in there for everyone, and the true sense of adventure is outstanding. I swear, these books just get more dangerous the further they go though!

[Amélie Boucher · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorites in the series, for sure!

[Leesdromen · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite of the series! I love the artic and love this series so this combo is GREAAAT! And I really enjoyed reading this series and adventurous. I truly hope more books will follow🤞🏼🤞🏼

[Emily T · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.75 ⭐️ soooooo close to 5⭐️ there was just a plot point at the end that seemed to convenient. Absolutely incredible book.

[Pris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun! Not as good as some of the others in the series!

[kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cram packed with action and high stakes, this has to be one of my favourite instalments in this series thus far. So much fun!

[Ellie (bookmadbarlow) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love, love this series so much. The sixth and I think final installment of the Adventures on Trains series sees Hal and his uncle Nat on a train to the Arctic circle, the problem being there is also an assassin aboard!
Hal and Nat want a quiet trip, but as with previous books that will not be the case, only this time they have another helper.
I love the relationship Hal and Nat have and the fact Nat treats Hal not as a child. The illustrations are gorgeous and there is so much action you can just fly through these so quickly.
Highly recommend this whole series.

[Janette Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was very i enjoyable and full of action, and I’m very very looking forward to reading the other books in the series

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book series continues to be the series I wish I'd had as a kid.

I love all the characters in this series, Hal and his uncle Nate are a great team and with his mother who adds a nice touch to the story and of course Katerina, we have a dynamic group of heroes the save the day once again.

The setting is of course a train, however the descriptions of the places they go, people they see and where they are are always written so brilliantly, you barely need the wonderful illustrations this book comes with, however this book is enriched and brought to life by the artwork throughout.

Even as an adult I was gripped by this tale, the last thirty pages leaving me on the edge of my seat and making an incredible showdown between them and the villain. Hal and Katerina are a great team and I just loved every minute of reading this.

Probably my favourite series and I can't wait for the next adventure.

[Belles Middle Grade Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 6th book in the series, so can't say a lot. But this series really does just get better and better. This was so so good! Flew through this, like I have all the others. This might even be my favorite. There was also even more danger & suspense in this. We even had a delightful surprise tag along on the adventure with our two favs. So atmospheric as usual with the new locations & new trains so vividly described, but also the winter & Christmas-time setting added extra atmosphere as well. Love this! HIGHLY recommend the whole series. Don't know if there will be more, but hope so. Another BEAUTIFUL cover & inside illustrations throughout by Elisa Paganelli too.💜

[Tracy Lander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, I don't know about anyone else I really want to go on a fancy train journey. Although I'd prefer not to meet any murderers along the way. This particular train sounds just right because whilst I don't like the cold the idea of a Christmas market somewhere snowy and the Northern Lights as well would sell it to me.

Uncle Nat is taking Hal on the train from Sweden to the Aurora Sky Station, Abisko, Finland to see the Northern Lights. But first he has to take a plane to Sweden as uncle Nat is there to go to a special dinner with a friend, Morti, who is receiving a Nobel prize and she's asked Nat to go to the ceremony with her. He picks Hal up still wearing his dinner suit. But Hal is worried about the Yorkshire Gold Tea in his rucksack as requested by Uncle Nat, he only requests it when he's worried about something!
Hal meets Morti and finds out about a bit of a mystery surrounding her former husband who had been arrested two years before by secret service police and she'd destroyed all of his work. And yet all of a sudden mysterious things had started happening to her. However, they had plenty of time to talk as she was joining them on the train.
At time for bed Nat realises that his phone and the room key are both missing from his jacket pocket. Hal hears a noise inside the room as Nat goes back to get a spare key and Hal follows him. Did he hear something? However, next morning Morti has left the hotel but left a set of keys for Uncle Nat so they can use her cabin. More mysterious!
Nat and Hal visit the Christmas market, where Hal spies a Sami girl in traditional dress. Then a pickpocket tries to steal Nat's wallet, but Hal slaps her hand and she drops it and runs. The Sami girl is watching them. Later Hal feel they are being followed.
Hal is completing his usual drawings all the time, he is particularly fascinated by the train stations which are cavernous and like art galleries! Whilst waiting for the Narvik train he draws an orchestral group, one of the players sees and introduces herself. They are on the same train as they are due to play in Abisko.
When they are able to board the train is about to leave when a strange looking woman in a puffy ski jacket and bobble hat with carrier bags in her hands runs for the train. While they are unpacking Nat looks at Hal's drawings - and his face drops - a man in the orchestra drawing looks familiar but it can't be, can it - he's supposed to be dead. The Shadow, can it be?
Nat is worried and says he will remain in the cabin just in case. Hal is supposed to get some food. But then he opens the door to be faced with a very familiar woman - his mum! She explains she had a premonition she would never see him again and so got on the next plane and just caught the train, the lady in the puffy coat! She'd been trying to contact Nat but of course his phone was missing.
From here they continue their journey, but what is happening. Who is the man? Lars they decide is the man in Hal's drawing - he looks like The Shadow but he's not.
But the mystery of Morti's disappearance continues with them. There is someone on board that wants something and they suspect Hal and Nat have it.

This is every bit as good as any of the other books. It stands alone so you don't need to have read the other stories.

[Nicola Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved this series so much and kept the final book back to read in December (which was a perfect read in the colder winter months). Also read this as a buddy read and it was great.

I’ve grown so attached to Hal and his Uncle Nat. Train adventures with them both are always exciting and I’ve looked forward to and enjoyed every one! I’m not completely ready for this series to come to an end but so glad we got the series of books that we did.

We’re on the way to the Arctic in this one. It sounds like a lovely journey and even Mama Hal tags along! We won’t dwell on the potential assassin and danger they may meet along the way.. no cause for concern. Not here nope. All is well and Hal and Nat are keen to keep it that way as not to worry Hal’s mum. How long it will stay that way, only time will tell…

The chapters are so easy to read and it’s easy to binge and keep reading on and on. I had to purposefully slow it down so I could wring out a bit more before I finished it! I’ve savoured these books and I always look forward to every new book these authors bring out now. I can’t wait to reread the whole series again!

[Jessica Brown · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was definitely a fun ending to the series! However... I do not really recommend it.

Ignoring the fact that it should have been introduces way earlier in the series, we find out Uncle Nat has a partner? by the name of James.

Also, it was a bit violent, and there were some crude references not appropriate for a children's book.

I really thought I had found a clean mystery series I could share with my sisters... *sigh*

[KW · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent adventures, excellent trains

[Alexandra Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book,see northern lights, derailed train due to an avalanche.
Characters- Hal , Uncle Nat, Katarina and mum. Also Chameleon Shadow and Dynamic Dozen. And Mortimer.

Write some more please.

[Piglet · Rating 5 out of 5]

We liked this one very much when we listened to it during our drives in holiday. Maybe we enjoyed it a bit extra because it was set in Sweden. The story was intriguing and the characters interesting.

[Sophie Crane]

Thanks to Net Gallery for the Book.
I Quite Like Fictional & Non-Fictional Books about Trains but This Is the Book for Anyone who like those & Espionage & Adventure & Christmas.

[Danie ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Samantha McNulty · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25★

[Mairead the Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genuinely exciting with a thoughtful and well-reserched description of swedish life and culture. A real page turner!

[Marloes | Subtlebookish · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 stars

[Sophie Addicott · Rating 5 out of 5]

this series has been great sad that this is the last book

[Sifa Poulton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hal and Uncle Nat are back in THE ARCTIC RAILWAY ASSASSIN, heading into the Arctic Circle to see the Northern Lights. However, after some strange happenings in Stockholm and the disappearance of a friend who was supposed to be joining them, Nat spots an assassin who is supposed to be dead on board. It's a race to find out what the assassin wants and how to protect themselves from him.

This sixth instalment is another whistle-stop ride through snowy landscapes - perfect for the wintry season. There are reindeers and snow mobiles and gorgeous lights in the sky. And, of course, the mystery central to every book. The danger is much more personal this time, as Nat's identification of the assassin puts him in the crosshairs.

There's also another family member involved. I loved how much their arrival let the book show how much Hal has grown in confidence since < a href = https://sifaelizabethreads.wordpress.... HIGHLAND FALCON THIEF, and how much Nat trusts and respects Hal's judgement. Hal is older than at the start, and has been through a lot, and it was nice for that to be realistically portrayed. The adults are still doing their best to protect Hal, as is the duty of care any adult has to a minor, but he's never belittled or babied. They've all grown across six books.

Once again, illustrator Elisa Paganelli knocks it out of the park. This is the fourth different illustration style in the series, in keeping with the styles Hal tries out. For THE ARCTIC RAILWAY ASSASSIN, it's time for watercolours and pencil. Despite the illustrations being printed in black and white, you can easily imagine the colours painted in.

This is the final book (nooooo!) I mean, there's been no official ruling out of more books, but there are no plans for any soon. It was a nice way to round of the series, bringing another family member in for Hal to find that he doesn't mind sharing these adventures with his uncle but also realising he has other family he can share the fun with.

[Jo Bardgett · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Arctic Railway Assassin
By M.G. Leonard & Sam Sedgman
Published by ‎Macmillan Children's Books;

Another bestselling, prize-winning Adventures on Trains series by the amazing duo M.G. Leonard & Sam Sedgman tells a thrilling sixth adventure!
Harrison Beck and Uncle Nat climb aboard the night train to Narvik, travelling to the Arctic Circle to see the northern lights for Christmas.
Who wouldn’t want to be travelling to see one of the most wonderful wonders of the world?
But as their train leaves Stockholm, Hal and Uncle Nat realize they’re being followed by someone not so friendly and Hal’s observation & second sense are tested to the max!
Uncle Nat’s past comes back to haunt him in a not so welcome way & the never ending night of the arctic winter is a difficult situation to master. But our railway detectives clever intuition and smart ways of conclusion take the assassin by surprise in this most chilling adventure yet!

The Arctic Railway Assassin is a fabulous adventure, that grips you from the start!Take yourself into the Arctic Circle page by page & unravel the newest addition in this marvellous series travelling by train but in the comfort of your reading chair.

Joanne Bardgett - teacher of littlies, lover of children’s literature.

#Netgalley
‎ #MacmillanChildrensBooks
#MGLnrd
#Samsedgman

[Lexy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to see a story that Sam Sedgman put up saying that the book was on Netgalley and even luckier to be accepted by Macmillan publishing to read early so I can review! 🥳
This book was such a page turner I ended up reading it in one session, which makes it the 2nd book of this series that I read in one go because of how fast paced it is and how much of a fabulous story weaving team Sam Sedgman and MG Leonard are! Like usual you suspect the wrong people at first, and I was convinced that some things that were important to the plot were totally irrelevant. 
The story is based in Switzerland and also features Hal's mum! There is the inevitable random friendship with another child on the train, but I think Hal may have finally met his match with this one.
The story has lots of twists and turns, and keeps you guessing until the last page. I have heard a rumour that this is the last book, and I can see why that rumour is going round after reading the book, but I hope there will be more books! Hal and Nat need more adventures on trains. 
Thank you Macmillan Publishers and Netgalley for letting me read this early in exchange for a review! All opinions are mine 😀

#macmillanpublishing #arcticrailwayassassin #adventuresontrains #samsedgman #mgleonard

[Danielle Woodward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adventures on Trains is a lovely Middle Grade series about Hal and his Uncle Nat as they travel the world on trains. There is always a mystery to go along with the train trip as well.

In the last book, Hal and his Uncle Nat are going to the Arctic Circle to see the Northern Lights. Once on the train, the duo realize that for starters Hal's mom & Uncle Nat's sister Beverly is on the train and that they are being followed by someone from Nat's past who is a danger to them all.

I hate to see the end of this series. In each book the descriptions and information about each type of train as well as the area they are in in amazing. Also the illustrations included help you get a idea of what the authors are describing. They are amazing drawings and are included in every book. The authors take real world places and information to craft a story that are fun and a little educational as well. They have certainly made me want to take a few of these trips myself.

All in all, The Adventures on Train series are books that I think any age can enjoy. I highly recommend them and will be keeping these books on my shelf to read again.

[Maya · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 6th adventure in the brilliant bestselling Adventures on Trains series.

Harrison Beck (Hal) and his uncle Nat embark on a new adventure travelling to the Arctic Circle to see the Northern Lights for Christmas.

On the night train to Narvik, Uncle Nat and Hal realise they are being followed by a sinister figure and Uncle Nat’s past catches up with him. Special guest feature from Hal’s mum!

The book is, like the others in the series, beautifully written and exquisitely illustrated. There are so many twists and turns, it keeps the reader gripped throughout! I do think this has become my new favourite though, there is real suspense and peril and the action builds throughout.

Highly recommend this entire series! Full of danger and adventure. Im actually really sad that there will be no more in the series as I could go on reading them forever!

[Smitchy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Harrison, called Hal by his friends, and his Uncle Nat, a journalist turned travel writer, both love trains and, whenever he can, Nat invites Hal along with him as he researches trains all over the world. Hal isn't just a train buff, he also has a nose for crime and it seems no matter where in the world they are Hal and Uncle Nat are the Duo to bring crims to justice!

These are fun, action-packed adventures in the style of a modern Agatha Christie for a 8-14 audience. There is just enough suspense to keep the reader hooked without being so scary as to keep the reader awake at night.

I love the fact that at the end of the book the authors take the time to explain which elements of their story are truth and which are fiction. They also give a bit of history on the train, railway line, and the country in which the story is set.
There are currently six books in the series but I am sure there will be more - these are brilliant stories for kids who love travel, action, a mystery to solve and an all-round brilliant adventure!

[Lucy Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t believe there isn’t another book in this series for me and my students to read. I commend the authors for keeping it feeling fresh throughout the series by varying the mysteries Hal was investigating. The love the authors must have for the places and train travel described is clear and this book series leaves the reader wanting to also adventure on trains, possibly with less high stakes however.

This book was exciting from the get go because the mystery appeared in the very first chapter and only became more and more intense. I must also commend the illustrator because throughout the series the illustrations have both brought joy and helped the reader solve mysteries just like Hal does. I will be exploring books by both of these authors in the future and recommending them to the children I teach.

[Kieran Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve absolutely loved this series from the 1st book, ‘The Highland Falcon Thief’ through to the 6th, and seemingly final, instalment.

The setting and story arc will be familiar to readers of the other books. Harrison and his Uncle Nat go on a train holiday together, in this case to see the Northern Lights, and they end up embroiled in a mystery involving the train passengers that’s to be solved.

This time the mystery involves an assassin, a weapon of unimaginable power, and a threat to the life of Harrison and and his Uncle Nat.

As usual the story is beautifully told with fantastic illustrations. A wonderful book in a great series which would excite the imaginations of many a young reader (and plenty of older ones too!).