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Mystery #2
The Mystery of Adventure Island
Are you up for a thrilling adventure?
When twelve year old Joe and his two younger sisters, along with their friend Will, go camping on a deserted island off the coast of England, they fall headfirst into another exciting adventure.
Follow the children as they are trapped in a lighthouse, stow away on a seaplane, get lost in a mine, hide in a tree house, outwit birdwatchers and more!
Book 2 in The Mystery Series, this adventure novel is set in 1950's Britain and will suit people who enjoy Nancy Drew, the Hardy Boys or the Famous Five.
When twelve year old Joe and his two younger sisters, along with their friend Will, go camping on a deserted island off the coast of England, they fall headfirst into another exciting adventure.
Follow the children as they are trapped in a lighthouse, stow away on a seaplane, get lost in a mine, hide in a tree house, outwit birdwatchers and more!
Book 2 in The Mystery Series, this adventure novel is set in 1950's Britain and will suit people who enjoy Nancy Drew, the Hardy Boys or the Famous Five.
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First published December 23, 2012
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675 people want to read
About the author
Paul Moxham
84 books102 followersPaul Moxham hails from Melbourne, Australia. He's best known for his children's mystery series which follows Joe, Amy, Sarah, and Will as they have adventures in 1950's Britain.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
October 21, 2013
"The Mystery of Adventure Island" by Paul Moxham which I won from Goodreads Giveaways is a mystery adventure set in the 1950's in a coastal town in Britain. Twelve year old Joe, his two sisters and his friend Will are intrigued by the haunting tale of a ghostly sighting on Adventure Island. After fixing up an old sailboat the four decide to set sail on a camping trip to Windswept Island for two nights only to have their plans sidetracked by a group of noisy campers. Undaunted they change course and head for Adventure Island never expecting that this islet holds a puzzling mystery and a thrilling adventure.
I loved this well-written, riveting plot which will captivate hearts of children of all ages. Joe, Will, Sarah and Amy are good-natured, likeable characters. They're brave, determined, daring children who have curious, questioning minds. When faced with a problem they devise a solution even if it means overcoming their greatest fear. The antagonists in the story, although menacing come to respect the children's ability to thwart their plans and do everything in their power to stop them confident they will prevail.
Ingeniously Paul Moxham uses dark eerie tunnels of a mine, a Swiss Family Robinson style tree house, a dilapidated lighthouse and the natural dangers surrounding an island to bring realism and excitement to a story that's entertaining and gripping from the first chapter to the last. This the second book of the mystery series and I look forward to reading others.
I loved this well-written, riveting plot which will captivate hearts of children of all ages. Joe, Will, Sarah and Amy are good-natured, likeable characters. They're brave, determined, daring children who have curious, questioning minds. When faced with a problem they devise a solution even if it means overcoming their greatest fear. The antagonists in the story, although menacing come to respect the children's ability to thwart their plans and do everything in their power to stop them confident they will prevail.
Ingeniously Paul Moxham uses dark eerie tunnels of a mine, a Swiss Family Robinson style tree house, a dilapidated lighthouse and the natural dangers surrounding an island to bring realism and excitement to a story that's entertaining and gripping from the first chapter to the last. This the second book of the mystery series and I look forward to reading others.
September 27, 2019
A light 1950s style read.
Joe and his sisters, Amy & Sarah, plus their friend Will, just can’t help getting into real adventures, even when they only intended to have pretend ones.
See my review also at:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mystery-Adve...
Joe and his sisters, Amy & Sarah, plus their friend Will, just can’t help getting into real adventures, even when they only intended to have pretend ones.
See my review also at:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mystery-Adve...
February 13, 2016
This is the second Moxham book I've read. (Well, I didn't finish this one.) I find the characters flat and sometimes unbelievable, and the "scary" situations contrived. I have a hard time believing parents would let their four children--ages 8-12--go spend the night on some island without supervision. I have a hard time believing an 8-year-old is so brilliant, and that the kids insist on putting themselves in danger without ever telling an adult what is going on. I suppose children would like these books, but they just aren't for me.
August 16, 2020
2 1/2 stars. Very reminiscent of Enid Blyton's Adventure series with a lot of the same plot twists but there are somethings here that are uniquely Paul's and the Mystery kids. The villains are a little bit more complicated, I think, than Enid Blyton books and the girls play vital roles in saving the day, so a little bit more equal than the 1950s that it is set in.
I don't think I like this quite as much as the first book. There seemed to be a lot of pointless running around, a bit like Scooby Doo. Some was necessary but it seemed a bit much to me. Maybe not to a kid this target for. Still, I did enjoy it. They are a lot of fun.
I don't think I like this quite as much as the first book. There seemed to be a lot of pointless running around, a bit like Scooby Doo. Some was necessary but it seemed a bit much to me. Maybe not to a kid this target for. Still, I did enjoy it. They are a lot of fun.
May 26, 2013
Another Moxham smash kids hit! Paul packs em in tight, with thrill a minute action that is interesting and exciting. Grab one they are cheep for the return you get.
September 14, 2018
A cute little young mystery, a nice book to read after reading a novel that involves complex characters and settings. I got into this book easily as it was very similar to others that I have read in mt youth. However I did not know this was a series book, having said that the story still made sense even though I did not start with the first book in the series. I would definitely be interested in reading the other series if and when I can find them.
Read
July 23, 20183 1/2 stars. These books are simply good fun. The characters have great adventures, and while I wouldn’t recommend young readers try their exploits at home, they make for good reading. This didn’t quite reach my standard for four stars, but I’d still recommend this to readers.
January 17, 2014
This book is set in the 1950’s in Britain. Joe and his two younger sisters, Sarah and Amy, team up with their friend Will to fix up an old sail boat and go off to an island off the coast of Britain, where rumors have it that the leader of a now defunct religious group haunts anyone who comes to the island. The four young sleuths do not find the ghost, but a high priced painting rings of thieves, which make their trip a real adventure. As an adult, I wondered how any youngsters could get the permissions they do from their parents to go exploring the way they do, but I stopped to remember that this is a series similar to the Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys mysteries I eagerly devoured as a pre-teen, where things that might not always make sense can and do happen and parents are not like parents today. The book is a must for readers ages 9-12—they won’t question how the parents let their children go on such an adventure, but will only be caught up in the adventure itself as well as the mystery surrounding it. In addition, the 1950’s were a very different era, when things were definitely quieter and less violent, and when parents let their children do things no parent would today. Once they arrive, the four sleuths set out exploring the island and inadvertently discover gang of robbers, who are using the island to hide away and store the stolen paintings. I won’t go into much more of the story, as I do not want to give it away. The author has definitely produced a fantastic novel, which I am sure all youngsters 9-12 will eagerly devour, and, once done with this book, will seek out others in this or similar series the author has written. The story covers the mystery, but also brings home the meaning of friendship and sibling caring for one another and friends. In addition, the author has infused a genuine creativity and intelligence into all four characters, who come up with pretty good ideas to thwart the ring of robbers while managing to stay out of their clutches. Nevertheless, there are still exciting times when I wondered whether or how they would ever pull off what they set out to do. I think most youngsters in this demographic who enjoy a good story will enjoy this book. The book is also suitable for all audiences, as there are scary parts that are not too scary, no real violence or adult themes or language and nothing that could offend. I was not familiar with the author before reading this, but I now will recommend this to my grandchildren and their friends, who fall within the intended demographic. I received this from Library Thing to read and review.
May 20, 2023
Paul Moxham has written an interesting book about four children going on another adventure. This book is written for children, but as an adult I find it an enjoyable read. This is a book I found hard to put down.
September 12, 2019
Mystery of Adventure Island by Paul Moxham
This longer story is about the kids and how they are given instructions on how to sail a boat and are given one for themselves to use.
They sail to an island and don't expect to be gone long but things happen that prevent them from getting off the island.
Their boat gets damaged on rocks, they find caves, the find a house and are able to put a few clues together to realize they are in big trouble.
A woman officer comes to the island impersonating herself so the kids help her out.
They are able to put a raft together and the men chase them and the raft falls apart but they are saved from that disaster.
They put more clues together as the cops swarm the island.
This longer story is about the kids and how they are given instructions on how to sail a boat and are given one for themselves to use.
They sail to an island and don't expect to be gone long but things happen that prevent them from getting off the island.
Their boat gets damaged on rocks, they find caves, the find a house and are able to put a few clues together to realize they are in big trouble.
A woman officer comes to the island impersonating herself so the kids help her out.
They are able to put a raft together and the men chase them and the raft falls apart but they are saved from that disaster.
They put more clues together as the cops swarm the island.
July 29, 2016
A nice, wholesome adventure story involving a 12 year old boy, two younger sisters and a friend.
Wow - these kids are honest, brave, loyal, and intrepid. They really show true values - they are not selfish, they are caring, they are good-hearted.
In addition to the mystery and adventure, this book is about friendships and relationships, responsibilities, overcoming fears - real & imaginary, team efforts, independence, self-discovery, survival, perseverance, loyalty, ingenuity and fun!
It should be a fun adventure for young readers ages 8-12.
DISCLOSURE: received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
Wow - these kids are honest, brave, loyal, and intrepid. They really show true values - they are not selfish, they are caring, they are good-hearted.
In addition to the mystery and adventure, this book is about friendships and relationships, responsibilities, overcoming fears - real & imaginary, team efforts, independence, self-discovery, survival, perseverance, loyalty, ingenuity and fun!
It should be a fun adventure for young readers ages 8-12.
DISCLOSURE: received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
January 14, 2016
I was previewing this book before sharing it with my children. While it is a fun mystery, I don't plan to recommend it to my middle schoolers, because of these reasons: there are numerous typos, and I'm trying to teach good grammar; the writing is amateur, with flat characters and no distinguishing features between the main foursome; and the story itself lacks realism. Timing and locations are unclear and the book lacks the tight, accurate writing I prefer.
December 14, 2022
A holiday for the kids?
The four children decide to go on a boat trip. Somewhere they can camp in peace. Only to discover another adventure, what are the men up to?
Another thrilling adventure fotrfour children.
The four children decide to go on a boat trip. Somewhere they can camp in peace. Only to discover another adventure, what are the men up to?
Another thrilling adventure fotrfour children.
November 30, 2013
This book was given to me through a Goodreads Giveaway.
Review to follow.
Review to follow.
January 15, 2014
Won this from goodreads.The kids and I are reading this book together.
It's full of the stuff kids dream of.
It's full of the stuff kids dream of.
June 1, 2020
Paul Moxham – The Mystery Series Bk 2 – The Mystery of Adventure Island – Reviewed 7/20/14
It’s picnic time on an island, what better fun than have an adventure too!
Are you up for a thrilling adventure? When the Mystery Kids go camping on a deserted island off the coast of England, they fall headfirst into another exciting adventure. Follow the children as they are trapped in a lighthouse, stow away on a seaplane, get lost in a mine, hide in a treehouse, outwit birdwatchers, and more! Book 2 in the Mystery Series, this adventure novel is set in 1950's Britain and will suit anyone who enjoys Nancy Drew, the Hardy Boys, or the Famous Five.
What did I like? Wow, so here is book two and it is even better than the first one. I have fallen in love with these kids. It seems that no matter what they do, they fall into a mystery and have so much fun doing it. They also have a certain amount of danger but these kids can handle it. They are cool, calm, and collected at everything they try. Love them.
What will you like? Great action with mystery abound, hold your breath type of mystery, fear abounds while being lost in a mine, and then stowing away without getting caught! Wow, more action than a dog chasing a cat! A great book to keep your kids delighted and for the kid in you too.
• File Size: 579 KB
• Print Length: 179 pages
• Publication Date: July 20, 2014
• ASIN: B00ASAUQ0G
• Genre: Children’s Europe & Russia Fiction, Children’s Detectives Books, Children’s Europe Books
It’s picnic time on an island, what better fun than have an adventure too!
Are you up for a thrilling adventure? When the Mystery Kids go camping on a deserted island off the coast of England, they fall headfirst into another exciting adventure. Follow the children as they are trapped in a lighthouse, stow away on a seaplane, get lost in a mine, hide in a treehouse, outwit birdwatchers, and more! Book 2 in the Mystery Series, this adventure novel is set in 1950's Britain and will suit anyone who enjoys Nancy Drew, the Hardy Boys, or the Famous Five.
What did I like? Wow, so here is book two and it is even better than the first one. I have fallen in love with these kids. It seems that no matter what they do, they fall into a mystery and have so much fun doing it. They also have a certain amount of danger but these kids can handle it. They are cool, calm, and collected at everything they try. Love them.
What will you like? Great action with mystery abound, hold your breath type of mystery, fear abounds while being lost in a mine, and then stowing away without getting caught! Wow, more action than a dog chasing a cat! A great book to keep your kids delighted and for the kid in you too.
• File Size: 579 KB
• Print Length: 179 pages
• Publication Date: July 20, 2014
• ASIN: B00ASAUQ0G
• Genre: Children’s Europe & Russia Fiction, Children’s Detectives Books, Children’s Europe Books
November 28, 2018
This is book #2 in the Mystery Series set in England in the 1950s and features 12 year-old Joe, his younger sisters Amy and Sarah, and their 12 year-old friend Will. Amazingly the parents allow the children to fix up an old sailboat and sail to Windswept Island to camp. When they arrive they discover that it has been taken over by noisy campers so they continue on to Adventure Island, rumored to be haunted. There they are thrown into a mystery and decide that the men in a cabin there are not really birdwatchers. Trapped in a lighthouse, stowing away in a seaplane, hiding in a treehouse, and trying to escape the island after their boat is destroyed are some of the dangers and adventures they face in this exciting book.
I was a bit perturbed when the book referred to an earlier adventure and since I read book #1 and 2 I wondered how I missed it. Well, there are also 13 short stories in addition to the 10 books currently in the series and the adventure referred to is a short story. I eventually want to read all of this series and all of the accompanying short stories!
I was a bit perturbed when the book referred to an earlier adventure and since I read book #1 and 2 I wondered how I missed it. Well, there are also 13 short stories in addition to the 10 books currently in the series and the adventure referred to is a short story. I eventually want to read all of this series and all of the accompanying short stories!
September 24, 2018
It was a fun book - 7 year old girl
I've read this and the first book to my kids. They have really enjoyed them. My kids are 7, 5 and 4. There are a few spooky parts in this book, the island is said to be haunted and the characters think they see a ghost (which scared my 5 yr old), but a pretty fun adventure outside of that. As a parent, though, these adventures are a little too far fetched for me. I would never let my 12, 10, and 8 year old kids take a boat out on the ocean by themselves to camp for 2 days on an off shore island. Especially kids that had only one boating lesson. So, hopefully it doesn't give my kids any ideas that that is ok. I understand that these books are set in a different era, but it is still hard to swallow.
I've read this and the first book to my kids. They have really enjoyed them. My kids are 7, 5 and 4. There are a few spooky parts in this book, the island is said to be haunted and the characters think they see a ghost (which scared my 5 yr old), but a pretty fun adventure outside of that. As a parent, though, these adventures are a little too far fetched for me. I would never let my 12, 10, and 8 year old kids take a boat out on the ocean by themselves to camp for 2 days on an off shore island. Especially kids that had only one boating lesson. So, hopefully it doesn't give my kids any ideas that that is ok. I understand that these books are set in a different era, but it is still hard to swallow.
March 24, 2024
I just finished reading The Mystery of Adventure Island, the second volume in The Mystery Series. My son enjoyed it quite a lot, and so did I. This book was actually a freebee on Amazon, for which reason I won’t hesitate to give it three stars, despite the fact that the cover is identical for every book in this series, not to mention the fact that there are quite a few plot holes. The author could also do with a thesaurus.
What? Did you want to know what the book is about? Well, okay then. In short, four children find themselves stranded on a desolate island, except they’re not alone. When they realise they share the island with a gang of criminals, they fight to escape from the island, notify the police, and help catch the bad guys.
Like I said, exciting stuff!
What? Did you want to know what the book is about? Well, okay then. In short, four children find themselves stranded on a desolate island, except they’re not alone. When they realise they share the island with a gang of criminals, they fight to escape from the island, notify the police, and help catch the bad guys.
Like I said, exciting stuff!
July 1, 2020
Hair-raising!
I chose this rating because the book was packed with excitement the whole way through. At moments I was really scared for the children which I thought was really good as the author really made you feel like you were living the moment. I think that this book would be at its best for around 11-14 year olds but it could go out of that range (just my suggestion).
I chose this rating because the book was packed with excitement the whole way through. At moments I was really scared for the children which I thought was really good as the author really made you feel like you were living the moment. I think that this book would be at its best for around 11-14 year olds but it could go out of that range (just my suggestion).
August 7, 2020
Love it! 😊
No negatives about this book always with good positive about this book! I want to say thanks to author for write these series and I hope there will be more of it! I would give author and book more than 5 🌟's for rate because he did awesome job on the books! 😊 I can't wait next book! I am excite and curious about next book! 😊
No negatives about this book always with good positive about this book! I want to say thanks to author for write these series and I hope there will be more of it! I would give author and book more than 5 🌟's for rate because he did awesome job on the books! 😊 I can't wait next book! I am excite and curious about next book! 😊
December 1, 2025
Absorbing reading for all.
I enjoyed this book and it's consistent reading level. Although it is similar to books I have read before, I found it suitable for home teaching. I would recommend this book for anyone who likes a good entertaining read. I gave this book five stars because I believe that it would help build a good foundation for young readers.
I enjoyed this book and it's consistent reading level. Although it is similar to books I have read before, I found it suitable for home teaching. I would recommend this book for anyone who likes a good entertaining read. I gave this book five stars because I believe that it would help build a good foundation for young readers.
August 27, 2017
Reminiscent of the Boxcar Children or the Bobbsey Twins.
September 26, 2018
Impossible feats by amazing children! I picture myself reading these stories to my granddaughter one day.
December 30, 2019
Surprise! The kids discover, and would you believe it, solve it as well.
I read these with my GrandKids and enjoy them just as much as they do.
I read these with my GrandKids and enjoy them just as much as they do.
February 7, 2020
A cross between Boxcar Children and Swiss Family Robinson. Lots of adventures and fun for both kids and adults.
April 23, 2020
It was a good book, light reading, don't have to think too much, while reading it. These teenagers are constantly getting into mystery intrigue, whether it is on an island, sailing a boat, etc.
April 30, 2021
I like this book
I like this book because children are involved & I like adventure books . I like this series Of books.Rachel age9
I like this book because children are involved & I like adventure books . I like this series Of books.Rachel age9
July 13, 2016
Average story with some concerns
The Mystery Series is obviously styled like a Hardy Boy or Nancy Drew book. The big difference is these kids are 5-10 years younger than Frank, Joe, and Nancy. That's the difference between children and adults. While the story is fine and could be lifted straight from one of Nancy Drew's adventures, I can't get over the ages of the kids.
Yes, they could theoretically do these things, but the risks they take are unnecessary. And I know their original plans were forcibly changed, but by not going where their parent's believed and not being able to notify them of a change in plans, they were placed in harm's way and - since their boat was destroyed - their parents would have had no way of knowing where to look for them when it was discovered they were missing.
For the price of free its worth a try, especially if you talk to your children about the poor choices the characters made, but I'd rather give my kids one of the Hardy Boys' adventures instead.
The Mystery Series is obviously styled like a Hardy Boy or Nancy Drew book. The big difference is these kids are 5-10 years younger than Frank, Joe, and Nancy. That's the difference between children and adults. While the story is fine and could be lifted straight from one of Nancy Drew's adventures, I can't get over the ages of the kids.
Yes, they could theoretically do these things, but the risks they take are unnecessary. And I know their original plans were forcibly changed, but by not going where their parent's believed and not being able to notify them of a change in plans, they were placed in harm's way and - since their boat was destroyed - their parents would have had no way of knowing where to look for them when it was discovered they were missing.
For the price of free its worth a try, especially if you talk to your children about the poor choices the characters made, but I'd rather give my kids one of the Hardy Boys' adventures instead.
July 20, 2015
Will the Crooks Get away with the Famous Paintings?
I liked the way these four kids were able to fool and tease these crooks and were able to snatch away the Famous Paintings from the robbers getting away with their robbery and making money on these paintings that were not theirs in the first place. I felt as a reader as if I may have been there myself with them the kids I definitely feel that this is a five star ebook. great for young kids who love to read such books as Nancy Drew and other books similar to this one! For these reasons stated above these are my reason for sharing and suggesting. it be a five star rated book! I received this ebook for free and have now given it an honest review. Great job Paul! By Angela
I liked the way these four kids were able to fool and tease these crooks and were able to snatch away the Famous Paintings from the robbers getting away with their robbery and making money on these paintings that were not theirs in the first place. I felt as a reader as if I may have been there myself with them the kids I definitely feel that this is a five star ebook. great for young kids who love to read such books as Nancy Drew and other books similar to this one! For these reasons stated above these are my reason for sharing and suggesting. it be a five star rated book! I received this ebook for free and have now given it an honest review. Great job Paul! By Angela
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews