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Hidden Treasure
From the bestselling author of The Miniaturist. Jessie Burton's Hidden Treasure is the phenomenal page-turning story of two children whose lives collide when they find an ancient treasure with the power to return to them the most precious thing they have ever lost
For the people who live on the banks of the Thames, the river is a living, breathing thing. It can take your treasures. It can hide your treasures. And, sometimes, it can give them back.
Bo and Billy are two children who have never met. Billy is an orphan. Bo's dad died when she was small and now her brother is off to war. Both children are poor, but they have each found half of a priceless treasure, given up by the river. A treasure which – when the pieces are reunited – holds the power to give back to one of them the most precious thing they have ever lost.
But should the treasure be put back together again? And why has the river given it up now?
For fans of Katherine Rundell and Philip Pullman's The Ruby in the Smoke, Hidden Treasure is a classic in the making, with a rip-roaring plot, spine-tingling twists and an unforgettable cast of characters.
For the people who live on the banks of the Thames, the river is a living, breathing thing. It can take your treasures. It can hide your treasures. And, sometimes, it can give them back.
Bo and Billy are two children who have never met. Billy is an orphan. Bo's dad died when she was small and now her brother is off to war. Both children are poor, but they have each found half of a priceless treasure, given up by the river. A treasure which – when the pieces are reunited – holds the power to give back to one of them the most precious thing they have ever lost.
But should the treasure be put back together again? And why has the river given it up now?
For fans of Katherine Rundell and Philip Pullman's The Ruby in the Smoke, Hidden Treasure is a classic in the making, with a rip-roaring plot, spine-tingling twists and an unforgettable cast of characters.
320 pages, Hardcover
Published June 24, 2025
11 people are currently reading
494 people want to read
About the author
Jessie Burton
14 books3,745 followersJessie Burton studied at Oxford University and the Central School of Speech and Drama, where she appeared in productions of The House of Bernarda Alba, Othello, Play and Macbeth. In April 2013 her first novel, The Miniaturist, was sold at an 11-publisher auction at the London Book Fair, and went on to sell in 29 other countries around the world. It was published by Picador in the UK and Holland in July 2014, and the USA in August 2014, with other translations to follow. Radio 4 commissioned it as their Book at Bedtime in July 2014. Her second book, The Muse, set in a dual time-frame, during the Spanish Civil War and 30 years later in 1960s London, was published in 2016. Jessie's first novel for children, The Restless Girls, will be published in September 2018.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
May 3, 2025
“What you love can never be lost.”
Jessie Burton is most well known for her novel The Miniaturist and more recently her retelling of the story of Medusa.
Hidden Treasure is her debut in the world of children’s fiction.
This is a story that weaves together history, magic and a treasure hunt with a twist
Although set during the period of World War One, there is a Dickensian almost gothic feel to the tale - young Bo lives in Battersea and is known as a mud lark as she is often found near the Thames. Her brother has gone off to war and she lives with the fear of what will happen to him.
On one of her regular visits , she discovers a piece of jewellery known as The Eclipsing Moon. This jewel has magical powers and if held alongside another piece known as The Brightest Sun whilst recounting an ancient ballad then the river has the power to bring somebody back from the dead.
Aided by Billy River, threatened by the evil Mr Muncaster who believes the jewels are his and encouraged by the curious class teacher Miss Cressaant ( who has her own secrets ) Bo finds she has a magical abilities from the energy of the Thames.
A race against time to find the missing jewel and ballad before an upcoming eclipse being the perfect time for the power of the river to do its magic, Bo and Billy overcome various obstacles.
This is a tale of self belief, survival and identity- of family and love - woven into a. magical adventure
An intriguing and captivating debut
Recommended for 10-12 year olds and readers of Hilary McKay and Emma Carroll
Jessie Burton is most well known for her novel The Miniaturist and more recently her retelling of the story of Medusa.
Hidden Treasure is her debut in the world of children’s fiction.
This is a story that weaves together history, magic and a treasure hunt with a twist
Although set during the period of World War One, there is a Dickensian almost gothic feel to the tale - young Bo lives in Battersea and is known as a mud lark as she is often found near the Thames. Her brother has gone off to war and she lives with the fear of what will happen to him.
On one of her regular visits , she discovers a piece of jewellery known as The Eclipsing Moon. This jewel has magical powers and if held alongside another piece known as The Brightest Sun whilst recounting an ancient ballad then the river has the power to bring somebody back from the dead.
Aided by Billy River, threatened by the evil Mr Muncaster who believes the jewels are his and encouraged by the curious class teacher Miss Cressaant ( who has her own secrets ) Bo finds she has a magical abilities from the energy of the Thames.
A race against time to find the missing jewel and ballad before an upcoming eclipse being the perfect time for the power of the river to do its magic, Bo and Billy overcome various obstacles.
This is a tale of self belief, survival and identity- of family and love - woven into a. magical adventure
An intriguing and captivating debut
Recommended for 10-12 year olds and readers of Hilary McKay and Emma Carroll
July 20, 2025
i am SO enchanted by this book
March 18, 2025
Magic and mudlarking.
A delightful story of friendship, legends, magic and learning to live with grief.
Bo is a brave and witty character to follow.
Billy tugged my heart out.
I enjoyed the magic, the sense of place and subtle timelessness.
A delightful story of friendship, legends, magic and learning to live with grief.
Bo is a brave and witty character to follow.
Billy tugged my heart out.
I enjoyed the magic, the sense of place and subtle timelessness.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2025
Really good pacing, excellent and inventive adventure story, great twists and turns. All in all a proper good’un!
August 4, 2025
That was a great book to read with my 10 year old. It has some heavy subject matter for a kid but that brought on some good conversations. The plot, the mystery and the twist of the story had us both gasp, we loved it!
October 28, 2025
Bo is a poor girl who has always searched the Thames river for little "treasures" that she can give to her mother to use around the house or sell for pocket money, but on the day her brother is set to leave for the front lines in France, the river actually calls out to her and brings her an actual treasure - encrusted in jewels - as well as a new friend from the "posh" side of the river, Billy, an orphaned boy who works in the kitchen of a crumbling manor. Together they realize that this item is only half of a priceless brooch that when put with its missing half is purported to bring back a loved one from the dead - setting off a quest to find the other half and the lost ballad that tells the story of this jewel, all while keeping it safe and secret from Billy's master, who would do anything to have it for himself.
While clearly set in the WWI timeframe, it almost feels older, like reading a classic (but not at all a slog to get through - actually quite page-turning at times) with Dickensian vibes and characters, and it feels a bit gothic too in some of the supernatural/river folklore elements it brings in. I was super intrigued by all of those parts, even if a bit of the denouement felt a tad rushed or convoluted. It's creative in its plot/storytelling, fun to read, but also a great exploration of family identity and love, the power of grief and the work of living beyond it.
A great pick for a middle grade reader (or grownup!) who enjoys real-world settings with a fantasy/supernatural/folklore twist, historical fiction, or books that read like a classic. It's not exactly a read-alike for any of these, but I can see it for fans of A Place to Hang the Moon (wartime England, classic feel), the Narnia series (again, wartime England + fantasy elements), A Wish in the Dark (fantasy/folklore element, feel of a classic, sweeping story), or even Impossible Creatures (writing style, sweeping feel, boy/girl friendship).
While clearly set in the WWI timeframe, it almost feels older, like reading a classic (but not at all a slog to get through - actually quite page-turning at times) with Dickensian vibes and characters, and it feels a bit gothic too in some of the supernatural/river folklore elements it brings in. I was super intrigued by all of those parts, even if a bit of the denouement felt a tad rushed or convoluted. It's creative in its plot/storytelling, fun to read, but also a great exploration of family identity and love, the power of grief and the work of living beyond it.
A great pick for a middle grade reader (or grownup!) who enjoys real-world settings with a fantasy/supernatural/folklore twist, historical fiction, or books that read like a classic. It's not exactly a read-alike for any of these, but I can see it for fans of A Place to Hang the Moon (wartime England, classic feel), the Narnia series (again, wartime England + fantasy elements), A Wish in the Dark (fantasy/folklore element, feel of a classic, sweeping story), or even Impossible Creatures (writing style, sweeping feel, boy/girl friendship).
October 29, 2025
I absolutely loved this! Jessie has done it again, another five star read and another book that will stay with me. A story full of wonderfully written characters and adventure. This will be one I reread time and time again and cements my love for Jessies writing.
April 8, 2025
It's 1918, and Bo's beloved big brother Harry is going off to do his bit in the war. Bo knows there will be a huge gap in their small home while he is gone, leaving her and their mum waiting for his return.
Bo knows how to keep busy however, as she loves to spend hours and hours mud larking down on the banks of the nearby Thames river. Along with her best friend Eddie, they have found all sorts of treasures in the river silt when the tide is low.
But one day, Bo hears a voice and as she follows what it says, she finds a strange moon shaped disc. Washing it clean, she and Eddie see that it is covered in jewels. They both know these jewels can pull Bo's family out of poverty while Harry is away. It can change everything.
But Bo can't bring herself to sell it off. She knows somehow that it is something special, and part of something much more important than money. It makes her see visions of a past she doesn't know, but Eddie won't believe her - urging her to sell it.
Bo is drawn back to the Thames even more than before, and this is where she meets Billy. She is relieved that when she finally tells him of the visions and then what she found, he instantly believes her. Between them and her new school teacher, Miss Cressant; they unravel a mystery of what the disc is, where it came from and what it can do.
Bo soon finds that her visions are much more than she first thought, and those helping her so much a part of the whole mystery. A mystery that goes back hundred's of years.
Wow. Such a gripping read! Set in London in 1918, this middle grade novel has everything. Mystery, love, family, crime, secrets and something quite unnatural too.
Bo is a strong, likeable character and Jessie Burton's exquisite writing had me right alongside Bo and her friend Billy's side as they unravelled the secrets of an ancient artefact.
We see both Bo's and Billy's view on their lives - Bo living with her mum and missing her big brother, and Billy living in an old brick mansion that was once grand and looked after. This novel holds surprises for readers and although I picked up on one before its reveal, there are others that thrilled me as I reached the conclusion of the story.
Jessie Burton is an award winning author of both children's and adult novels. I loved her writing so much in Hidden Treasure, I'm going to seek more of them out.
Age - 9+
Bo knows how to keep busy however, as she loves to spend hours and hours mud larking down on the banks of the nearby Thames river. Along with her best friend Eddie, they have found all sorts of treasures in the river silt when the tide is low.
But one day, Bo hears a voice and as she follows what it says, she finds a strange moon shaped disc. Washing it clean, she and Eddie see that it is covered in jewels. They both know these jewels can pull Bo's family out of poverty while Harry is away. It can change everything.
But Bo can't bring herself to sell it off. She knows somehow that it is something special, and part of something much more important than money. It makes her see visions of a past she doesn't know, but Eddie won't believe her - urging her to sell it.
Bo is drawn back to the Thames even more than before, and this is where she meets Billy. She is relieved that when she finally tells him of the visions and then what she found, he instantly believes her. Between them and her new school teacher, Miss Cressant; they unravel a mystery of what the disc is, where it came from and what it can do.
Bo soon finds that her visions are much more than she first thought, and those helping her so much a part of the whole mystery. A mystery that goes back hundred's of years.
Wow. Such a gripping read! Set in London in 1918, this middle grade novel has everything. Mystery, love, family, crime, secrets and something quite unnatural too.
Bo is a strong, likeable character and Jessie Burton's exquisite writing had me right alongside Bo and her friend Billy's side as they unravelled the secrets of an ancient artefact.
We see both Bo's and Billy's view on their lives - Bo living with her mum and missing her big brother, and Billy living in an old brick mansion that was once grand and looked after. This novel holds surprises for readers and although I picked up on one before its reveal, there are others that thrilled me as I reached the conclusion of the story.
Jessie Burton is an award winning author of both children's and adult novels. I loved her writing so much in Hidden Treasure, I'm going to seek more of them out.
Age - 9+
February 4, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
I've been looking forward to this one ever since it was announced, it sounded really good, and that cover is gorgeous!
It's an adventure story, historical, fantasy, and magical - it's got a bit of everything. And even though it's set in the 1900s, it definitely has a Dickensian feel about it.
It does touch on some difficult topics, including war, loss, grief, violence, distrust, and relationship (romantic and platonic) struggles. It also looks at the social divides between rich and poor; the importance of being truthful and the harm that lies and deceit can cause; and also looks at the struggles with young friendships.
The main characters of Bo and Billy are delightful and are great protagonists for young readers to identify with. There are a number of adult characters, and some of them I found interesting, some were goodies and some baddies. But for me, this is a book for children and its stars are the children.
Whilst it is a magical tale, it doesn't hide away from what is happening at the time. WW1 is afoot and Bo's brother, amongst others, are fighting in France. And whilst Jessie hasn't used it for gratification, she also hasn't hidden away from the effect it has on those left behind.
It was a bit odd; good and I enjoyed it, reading it in a couple of hours. I read a lot of children's books and they usually have a way of speaking to me as an adult, too. This one did in parts, but I think it's definitely more turned in to younger readers (which is fine as it is aimed at children). I didn't find I had much to clutch on to but it was enjoyable nonetheless.
I suppose, now I've finished it, my main concern is there's a lot going on. There's the war, there's these magical coins, death and grief, there's deception, ghosts, violence, fortunes being made and lost - I wonder if it is just a wee too much.
I've been looking forward to this one ever since it was announced, it sounded really good, and that cover is gorgeous!
It's an adventure story, historical, fantasy, and magical - it's got a bit of everything. And even though it's set in the 1900s, it definitely has a Dickensian feel about it.
It does touch on some difficult topics, including war, loss, grief, violence, distrust, and relationship (romantic and platonic) struggles. It also looks at the social divides between rich and poor; the importance of being truthful and the harm that lies and deceit can cause; and also looks at the struggles with young friendships.
The main characters of Bo and Billy are delightful and are great protagonists for young readers to identify with. There are a number of adult characters, and some of them I found interesting, some were goodies and some baddies. But for me, this is a book for children and its stars are the children.
Whilst it is a magical tale, it doesn't hide away from what is happening at the time. WW1 is afoot and Bo's brother, amongst others, are fighting in France. And whilst Jessie hasn't used it for gratification, she also hasn't hidden away from the effect it has on those left behind.
It was a bit odd; good and I enjoyed it, reading it in a couple of hours. I read a lot of children's books and they usually have a way of speaking to me as an adult, too. This one did in parts, but I think it's definitely more turned in to younger readers (which is fine as it is aimed at children). I didn't find I had much to clutch on to but it was enjoyable nonetheless.
I suppose, now I've finished it, my main concern is there's a lot going on. There's the war, there's these magical coins, death and grief, there's deception, ghosts, violence, fortunes being made and lost - I wonder if it is just a wee too much.
February 26, 2025
Hidden Treasure is an excellent young adult novel. The story is well told and incorporates history, being set in England during the first world war. It also has present day descriptions talking about mud-larking and the secrets of the Thames River. The story also has a mystical element, alluding to the secrets this river holds and the magic within.
The story begins with a twelve-year-old girl, Bo, who lives beside the River Thames which feels like,” a vein in her body”. She has always had a love of the river, a passion shared by her family.
She and her brother Harry have often gone mud- larking at low tide and found items such as teaspoons and candlesticks, but this time while walking along the bank she sees a glint of something.
The river speaks to her and says that she should pick it up now. When Bo collects the item, she cannot believe the beauty and value of it. It is a silver disk surrounded with pearls and rubies.
As the story unfolds Bo meets a strange boy from the other side of the river. He instantly understands her and together they begin to unfold the secret that the disk holds. The river holds another such disk and guides the two to find it. The visions that occur and the puzzles that are presented are amazing. The two disks, a River Ballad and an eclipse of the sun combine to present a dilemma for Bo, one which involves life and death.
Hidden Treasure is a fast moving clear and empathetic look at love, loss and friendship. The courage to make the right decision and think clearly is needed.
reviewed by Grasshopper2 for Bloomsbury Children's and Bluewolf Reviews.
The story begins with a twelve-year-old girl, Bo, who lives beside the River Thames which feels like,” a vein in her body”. She has always had a love of the river, a passion shared by her family.
She and her brother Harry have often gone mud- larking at low tide and found items such as teaspoons and candlesticks, but this time while walking along the bank she sees a glint of something.
The river speaks to her and says that she should pick it up now. When Bo collects the item, she cannot believe the beauty and value of it. It is a silver disk surrounded with pearls and rubies.
As the story unfolds Bo meets a strange boy from the other side of the river. He instantly understands her and together they begin to unfold the secret that the disk holds. The river holds another such disk and guides the two to find it. The visions that occur and the puzzles that are presented are amazing. The two disks, a River Ballad and an eclipse of the sun combine to present a dilemma for Bo, one which involves life and death.
Hidden Treasure is a fast moving clear and empathetic look at love, loss and friendship. The courage to make the right decision and think clearly is needed.
reviewed by Grasshopper2 for Bloomsbury Children's and Bluewolf Reviews.
March 19, 2025
Hidden Treasure by Jessie Burton was a magical read and my nephew O loved reading it. This was a book he can not stop talking about, especially about the Treasure hunt, he would like to do with his cousins and best friend.
Plus, O has asked questions about WW1, London and the River Thames, and has shown a great interest with in these areas of our history. He maybe only 7 but he a true bookworm just like his auntie.
This beautifully written book is set in 1900 and has a Dickensian feel about it which O loved.
So many people live on the banks of the Thames in London, this is a river that is a living, breathing river. It looks pretty during the day when the sunlight is shining on it and mysterious and dark at night. But, It can take your treasures. It can hide your treasures. And, sometimes, it can give them back. . . . . if you are lucky!
The 2 main characters are Bo and Billy, they are two children who have never met. Billy is an orphan. and Bo's dad died when she was small and now her brother is off to war. Both children are poor, but they have each found half of a priceless treasure, given up by the River Thames.
But, this treasure is very special, when the pieces are reunited it holds the power to give back anything. . . . .Only to one of them and this could be the most precious thing they have ever lost.
What will Bo or Billy do? and what will they choose?
Should the treasure be put back together again?
But, why has the river given it up now?
Hidden Treasure is her debut in the world of children’s fiction.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury for my ARC.
Read by me and my nephew O.
Plus, O has asked questions about WW1, London and the River Thames, and has shown a great interest with in these areas of our history. He maybe only 7 but he a true bookworm just like his auntie.
This beautifully written book is set in 1900 and has a Dickensian feel about it which O loved.
So many people live on the banks of the Thames in London, this is a river that is a living, breathing river. It looks pretty during the day when the sunlight is shining on it and mysterious and dark at night. But, It can take your treasures. It can hide your treasures. And, sometimes, it can give them back. . . . . if you are lucky!
The 2 main characters are Bo and Billy, they are two children who have never met. Billy is an orphan. and Bo's dad died when she was small and now her brother is off to war. Both children are poor, but they have each found half of a priceless treasure, given up by the River Thames.
But, this treasure is very special, when the pieces are reunited it holds the power to give back anything. . . . .Only to one of them and this could be the most precious thing they have ever lost.
What will Bo or Billy do? and what will they choose?
Should the treasure be put back together again?
But, why has the river given it up now?
Hidden Treasure is her debut in the world of children’s fiction.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury for my ARC.
Read by me and my nephew O.
June 3, 2025
The engrossing tale of Bo, whose brother leaves for the trenches in 1918. Cast adrift, she pursues her hobby of mud larking by the Thames. Thereupon she has some strange experiences and rescues a precious jewel with mysterious powers. Meanwhile, she is pursued by a devilish villain who wants his magical jewel back. Grow into that two friends and 12 year old Bo finds a new teacher, who is exceptionally kind to her. And mix!
What a fabulous adventure story for younger readers and auld yins alike. The book is a thing of beauty - well done Melissa Castrillon, take a bow. The gold foil windows in Dt Paul’s Cathedral and the highlights in the river waves are sumptuous.
Jessie Burton is well known for The Miniaturist and her spooky sense of foreboding. It’s evident in this, her first book for younger readers. She’s created great characters in Bo and Billy, and provides readers with lots of different things to think about - the Great Plagues v Coronavirus, the loss of loved ones to war in the trenches v Ukraine, direct experiences of education, transparency v hiding in plain sight. Love and friendship provide a constancy throughout the novel.
I thought I t was a great read and perfect for an adult reading group to use as a comparison with one of her adult novels, like the Miniaturist.
What a fabulous adventure story for younger readers and auld yins alike. The book is a thing of beauty - well done Melissa Castrillon, take a bow. The gold foil windows in Dt Paul’s Cathedral and the highlights in the river waves are sumptuous.
Jessie Burton is well known for The Miniaturist and her spooky sense of foreboding. It’s evident in this, her first book for younger readers. She’s created great characters in Bo and Billy, and provides readers with lots of different things to think about - the Great Plagues v Coronavirus, the loss of loved ones to war in the trenches v Ukraine, direct experiences of education, transparency v hiding in plain sight. Love and friendship provide a constancy throughout the novel.
I thought I t was a great read and perfect for an adult reading group to use as a comparison with one of her adult novels, like the Miniaturist.
February 9, 2025
Thank you to the publisher for an ARC.
The only thing preventing 5 stars is that the ending was very sudden without much wrap up. What happened to the Muncaster house? How was that "sudden disappearance" explained? Who did it effect? Maybe these are adult concerns Bo and Eddie would not have known, so they aren't included, but it felt a little unfinished in my opinion.
This book has great pacing and characterisation and the plot is revealed in a realistic way (some of it was rather predictable, but I'm an adult with a LOOONG reading history; a child reader may or may not be able to predict it).
I have no hesitation recommending it to readers of fantasy/adventure/mystery/ghost stories.
(As an aside, Madame Badobedah and the Old Bones also features mudlarking).
As an aside, I read Madame Badobedah and the Old Bones not that long ago, which also features mudlarking.
The only thing preventing 5 stars is that the ending was very sudden without much wrap up. What happened to the Muncaster house? How was that "sudden disappearance" explained? Who did it effect? Maybe these are adult concerns Bo and Eddie would not have known, so they aren't included, but it felt a little unfinished in my opinion.
This book has great pacing and characterisation and the plot is revealed in a realistic way (some of it was rather predictable, but I'm an adult with a LOOONG reading history; a child reader may or may not be able to predict it).
I have no hesitation recommending it to readers of fantasy/adventure/mystery/ghost stories.
(As an aside, Madame Badobedah and the Old Bones also features mudlarking).
As an aside, I read Madame Badobedah and the Old Bones not that long ago, which also features mudlarking.
March 16, 2025
The River Thames is the backdrop for this delightful tale. Set in 1918, the two main protagonists are Bo and Billy whose lives become entwined when they discover a piece of jewellery called The Eclipsing Moon, buried in the mud of the Thames. It soon becomes clear this piece has magical powers, able to transport the children into alternative realms. The Eclipsing Moon is one of two pieces which legend says, when fitted together, has the power to gift back to one of them the most cherished thing they have ever lost. Enter the malevolent Mr Muncaster, desperate to claim these jewels for his own. So begins a race against time to find the second piece, along with a river ballad, before it's too late.
Jessie Burton has crafted an enchanting tale, with atmospheric descriptions of the Thames and surrounding areas. The characterisations of Billy and Bo are full of depth and emotion. Grief and loss, friendship and class divide are woven into the story with great success. Full of mystery, magic and friendship, this is a riveting adventure, perfect for Upper KS2 readers. Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Net Galley and Bloomsbury Publishing plc for my advanced reader copy in return for my honest and unbiased opinion.
Jessie Burton has crafted an enchanting tale, with atmospheric descriptions of the Thames and surrounding areas. The characterisations of Billy and Bo are full of depth and emotion. Grief and loss, friendship and class divide are woven into the story with great success. Full of mystery, magic and friendship, this is a riveting adventure, perfect for Upper KS2 readers. Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Net Galley and Bloomsbury Publishing plc for my advanced reader copy in return for my honest and unbiased opinion.
December 12, 2025
It is a shame, this would have been a 4 star book if it weren't for 5 words at the beginning of chapter 12. It seemed like Burton had given away too many hints too early in the book and so deliberately misleads the reader with the phrase "Over on the north shore...". It is the sort of wording that is usually used in books to suggest to the reader simultaneity when switching points of view. Along with a few other cues that implied it was the same time, any reader that has guessed the twist will be scratching their heads and going hmm maybe not? I was intrigued to see what the real twist was going to be...only to discover nearly 200 pages later I was right all along. OK, arguably, Burton doesn't explicitly *say* it is the same time however the way she writes the opening page strongly suggests it is. As it is I felt that, particularly as it is a book aimed at children, Burton used a writer's trick to get around the need to redraft after giving away the plot twist too soon. Red herrings are one thing but given children are just learning to parse text and literary conventions this felt more like a cheat. Even removing those five words would have weakened the implication and I probably would have given it 4 stars.
June 29, 2025
This book starts out like a Dickensian caper, with Bo mudlarking along the Thames, finding an astonishing jewel, and meeting a mysterious boy. Bo herself is a bold character, willing to try things and deeply curious about her world. There's so much happening in this book--war, obsession, grief, a lost ballad with secret instructions, the river talking to Bo, a fight with her very human best friend, etc--that it's hard to find the center of this book at times, and I felt like we ended up with a very different novel than we began with. They're both good, and the writing continues to be strong throughout, but I felt like this book hadn't completely decided on its purpose yet. For historical fiction, this feels like it wanders too much in history--the setting is actually World War I, with Bo's beloved brother Harry about to go off to fight, but London itself feels Victorian, without the continual presence of the war that I think children would have been well-aware of. I still enjoyed the story, but I was hoping for more.
Thanks to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for a free earc in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are all my own.
Thanks to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for a free earc in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are all my own.
January 16, 2025
"What you love can never be lost."
This book follows the story of a lost treasure, a treasure that possesses an ability that many want. But who will find it first? And what will it cost?
This book was brilliant! I couldn't put it down. Everything about the storyline was so well put together.
I enjoyed the added element of the story being set in the war, with one of the characters being conscripted into the army. It was a nice touch to the time period and environment the characters were living in.
I loved the idea of the treasure and the power it possessed. It was like a treasure hunt with all of the different parts they had to find, whilst also being a bit of a race against time and people.
I'm gutted that it's pitched slightly too high for the year group I teach, because I desperately want to share this with a class! This would be SUCH a good book to read aloud. I'd say it's pitched for upper KS2.
It was such a warm and cosy read and I would fully recommend it, even for those who do not teach or have children. I absolutely loved it as an adult!
This book follows the story of a lost treasure, a treasure that possesses an ability that many want. But who will find it first? And what will it cost?
This book was brilliant! I couldn't put it down. Everything about the storyline was so well put together.
I enjoyed the added element of the story being set in the war, with one of the characters being conscripted into the army. It was a nice touch to the time period and environment the characters were living in.
I loved the idea of the treasure and the power it possessed. It was like a treasure hunt with all of the different parts they had to find, whilst also being a bit of a race against time and people.
I'm gutted that it's pitched slightly too high for the year group I teach, because I desperately want to share this with a class! This would be SUCH a good book to read aloud. I'd say it's pitched for upper KS2.
It was such a warm and cosy read and I would fully recommend it, even for those who do not teach or have children. I absolutely loved it as an adult!
January 24, 2025
I have never read anything by Jessie Burton before but several people had recommended her novel “The Miniaturist” to me so I was please to receive an advanced proof copy of this book courtesy of Bloomsbury. This is her first delve into children’s fiction and I was really impressed with it. I didn’t immediately fall in love but it was a slowly woven masterpiece and in the end I was hooked by the magic and the twists at the end. The book is set during the First World War era but has a much more Victorian feel to it - it’s almost gothic in places and I really loved that. I don’t want to give too much away about the plot as it’s not due out till March but it’s certainly a magical adventure and I love the treasure hunting aspect of it as they find lost things in the mud of the river Thames. It’s probably best for around the 11-12 year old age range and reminded me of reading the chronicles of Narnia series as a child. It has that captivating magical adventure quality to it that really sucks you in.
March 3, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Bloomsbury Children's Books for this eCopy to review
I recently read Hidden Treasure by Jessie Burton. This enchanting children's novel is set along the banks of the Thames and follows the lives of two children, Bo and Billy, who have never met but are connected by an ancient treasure.
The story begins with Bo, a young girl living in Battersea, who often searches the riverbanks for hidden treasures. Billy, an orphan, also finds solace by the river. Both children discover half of a priceless treasure that the river has given up. When the pieces are reunited, the treasure holds the power to return to them the most precious thing they have ever lost.
The novel's strengths lie in its atmospheric writing and the rich, detailed world-building. The characters are well-developed, and the plot is filled with spine-tingling twists and turns.
Overall, Hidden Treasure is a magical and engaging read that I would recommend to fans of children's fantasy and adventure stories.
I recently read Hidden Treasure by Jessie Burton. This enchanting children's novel is set along the banks of the Thames and follows the lives of two children, Bo and Billy, who have never met but are connected by an ancient treasure.
The story begins with Bo, a young girl living in Battersea, who often searches the riverbanks for hidden treasures. Billy, an orphan, also finds solace by the river. Both children discover half of a priceless treasure that the river has given up. When the pieces are reunited, the treasure holds the power to return to them the most precious thing they have ever lost.
The novel's strengths lie in its atmospheric writing and the rich, detailed world-building. The characters are well-developed, and the plot is filled with spine-tingling twists and turns.
Overall, Hidden Treasure is a magical and engaging read that I would recommend to fans of children's fantasy and adventure stories.
May 6, 2025
Life is busy right now, leading me to read Hidden Treasure in bits and pieces over the last two weeks. Each time I came back to read more, I enjoyed it, and my little sips became gulps, wanting the rest of the story.
For me, the setting is the dominant feature and greatest asset of Hidden Treasure. The Thames River itself truly is a character here in addition to being setting—not an anthropomorphized character, but a power, a mood, a feeling that permeates the story. My only complaint is that the river’s sensory impact as written was less than it could be. I felt like it was tidied up, sanitized, with its sparkle left but its stink removed. And I want it to be realistic, because sanitizing away the stink removes some of the magic. Mud larking requires a strong stomach and a willingness to endure muck and dead things. In a story that deals so much with accepting death, I think that there’s a missed opportunity here to make that acceptance pervasive via the smells and the textures of the river.
Characters, plotting, and pacing are well done. Jessie Burton is going onto my list of writers I want to read more often, and that I will recommend to library patrons.
For me, the setting is the dominant feature and greatest asset of Hidden Treasure. The Thames River itself truly is a character here in addition to being setting—not an anthropomorphized character, but a power, a mood, a feeling that permeates the story. My only complaint is that the river’s sensory impact as written was less than it could be. I felt like it was tidied up, sanitized, with its sparkle left but its stink removed. And I want it to be realistic, because sanitizing away the stink removes some of the magic. Mud larking requires a strong stomach and a willingness to endure muck and dead things. In a story that deals so much with accepting death, I think that there’s a missed opportunity here to make that acceptance pervasive via the smells and the textures of the river.
Characters, plotting, and pacing are well done. Jessie Burton is going onto my list of writers I want to read more often, and that I will recommend to library patrons.
February 25, 2025
In this immersive and heart-wrenching adventure, Bo and Billy, two children connected by loss, find a priceless treasure that could change their lives forever.
As the story unfolds, and the river’s secrets begin to unravel, Bo and Billy must ask themselves questions about what it truly means to lose something and whether what we love can ever truly be gone.
This book is a treasure hunt at its finest: filled with mystery, magic, and unforgettable twists. Themes of loss and grief echo throughout, while also exploring friendship, trust, and the divides between social classes. With characters who are rich in depth and emotion, Hidden Treasure is both heartbreaking and heartwarming.
A book filled with magic, mystery, twists and turns - like a winding river - that will take you on an adventure that will stay with you long after reading.
As the story unfolds, and the river’s secrets begin to unravel, Bo and Billy must ask themselves questions about what it truly means to lose something and whether what we love can ever truly be gone.
This book is a treasure hunt at its finest: filled with mystery, magic, and unforgettable twists. Themes of loss and grief echo throughout, while also exploring friendship, trust, and the divides between social classes. With characters who are rich in depth and emotion, Hidden Treasure is both heartbreaking and heartwarming.
A book filled with magic, mystery, twists and turns - like a winding river - that will take you on an adventure that will stay with you long after reading.
March 31, 2025
What a sweet historical fiction fantasy novel for middle grade!
Set in WWI era London, Bo, Billy, and Eddie are mudlarks that spend their time along the banks of the Thames, looking for treasure. Bo's brother Harry has just departed for France, and his little sister Bo and their mother remain behind. What follows is a sweet adventure with sadness, hearbreak, and friendships along the way.
Perfect for younger middle grade and older elementary readers. The setting and some of the language is pretty sophisticated, so I think this would be a bigger hit with most experienced and curious readers. As an adult, I enjoyed it myself. I teach eighth graders and some my more voracious readers who love fantasy would enjoy this a lot. I plan to check out the author's other book for younger readers as well.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
Set in WWI era London, Bo, Billy, and Eddie are mudlarks that spend their time along the banks of the Thames, looking for treasure. Bo's brother Harry has just departed for France, and his little sister Bo and their mother remain behind. What follows is a sweet adventure with sadness, hearbreak, and friendships along the way.
Perfect for younger middle grade and older elementary readers. The setting and some of the language is pretty sophisticated, so I think this would be a bigger hit with most experienced and curious readers. As an adult, I enjoyed it myself. I teach eighth graders and some my more voracious readers who love fantasy would enjoy this a lot. I plan to check out the author's other book for younger readers as well.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
April 13, 2025
This charming middle grade novel finds the perfect balance between heart and adventure. Set on the banks of the river Thames we are introduced to Bo, who find a remarkable jewel in the mud on the same day her older brother Harry is sent off to the war front in Somme. She meets a mysterious new friend, Billy, to whom she immediately feels a strange and powerful connection. Weaving together a quest with themes of love and understanding grief, the book has a cast of fantastic and sometimes surprising characters that kept me engaged right til the end. Jessie Burton's experience as a writer for adults, comes through here as she successfully writes for children for the first time. I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet novel - nothing nasty or too scary, just a really great read.
Read by Kate
Read by Kate
March 2, 2025
Perfect for fans of Katherine Rundell and Hana Tooke, 10+
This is a historical, folkloric mystery with a bit of river magic and ghosts! During WWI, Bo the mudlark finds a fancy jewel in the Thames the day her brother is sent off to war. A good sign, she’s sure. But every day she holds on to the jewel, the more danger she’s in. When she meets young Billy River and learns of the mystery of the jewels, she’s determined to help him bring his mom back from the dead.
I think this bridges the gap from kids and teen, which is very useful, but it also feels a bit young at times. You can read the hint of romantic feelings, though very innocently, and a little kiss at the end.
Good history, adventure, mystery, with a bit of mystical! A cracking read with gorgeous writing to boot
This is a historical, folkloric mystery with a bit of river magic and ghosts! During WWI, Bo the mudlark finds a fancy jewel in the Thames the day her brother is sent off to war. A good sign, she’s sure. But every day she holds on to the jewel, the more danger she’s in. When she meets young Billy River and learns of the mystery of the jewels, she’s determined to help him bring his mom back from the dead.
I think this bridges the gap from kids and teen, which is very useful, but it also feels a bit young at times. You can read the hint of romantic feelings, though very innocently, and a little kiss at the end.
Good history, adventure, mystery, with a bit of mystical! A cracking read with gorgeous writing to boot
January 25, 2025
This is the story of two very different children who have some very important things in common - the desperate desire for change and the means to make it happen.
But of course, wishes come with conditionalities. Especially when they arrive in the form of a gift from the river...
This is fantastic storytelling which will hold readers firmly in its grip. A modern classic in the making - not to be missed - it gets 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
But of course, wishes come with conditionalities. Especially when they arrive in the form of a gift from the river...
This is fantastic storytelling which will hold readers firmly in its grip. A modern classic in the making - not to be missed - it gets 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
March 3, 2025
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Interesting look at London during WWI, and a young mudlark who finds a surprising object that could change her fortunes as her older brother goes off to war.
This had a bit of Jink's How to Find a Bogle combined with Boyne's Stay Where You Are and Then Leave. I enjoyed it, but don't think my students will be invested in it. I would love to see more fiction books about World War I, however, and its effects on the home fronts. There's plenty about WWII, but little about this more devastating conflict.
Interesting look at London during WWI, and a young mudlark who finds a surprising object that could change her fortunes as her older brother goes off to war.
This had a bit of Jink's How to Find a Bogle combined with Boyne's Stay Where You Are and Then Leave. I enjoyed it, but don't think my students will be invested in it. I would love to see more fiction books about World War I, however, and its effects on the home fronts. There's plenty about WWII, but little about this more devastating conflict.
April 10, 2025
Listened to the audiobook with my preteen daughter.
Didn't know historical fantasy was a thing (it's an oxymoron when you think about it) but this was the second children's book we stumbled upon this year which fused monumental historical events with magical themes.
My daughter enjoyed this story and we both appreciated the author interview at the end (of the audiobook)! Both getting a little excited to hear that mudlarking is an actual pastime (which my preteen now wants to experience).
My daughter gives this story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Didn't know historical fantasy was a thing (it's an oxymoron when you think about it) but this was the second children's book we stumbled upon this year which fused monumental historical events with magical themes.
My daughter enjoyed this story and we both appreciated the author interview at the end (of the audiobook)! Both getting a little excited to hear that mudlarking is an actual pastime (which my preteen now wants to experience).
My daughter gives this story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
June 7, 2025
I enjoyed this read. A historic mystery with magic.
Bo Delafort and her family have lived beside the river searching for lost treasures for generations. Jo finds a treasure that she thinks must be special. She decides not to sell it but is stalked by unusual people.
A boy from the other side of the river, who cannot remember who his family is, realises Bo is in danger, and together they set out to solve the mystery of the port of the gem she found.
Recommended for readers aged 10 years and older.
Bo Delafort and her family have lived beside the river searching for lost treasures for generations. Jo finds a treasure that she thinks must be special. She decides not to sell it but is stalked by unusual people.
A boy from the other side of the river, who cannot remember who his family is, realises Bo is in danger, and together they set out to solve the mystery of the port of the gem she found.
Recommended for readers aged 10 years and older.
October 6, 2025
WWI London (specifically the river Thames) is a character in its own right in this story of a fantastical jewel with supposed mystical properties, along with dealing with grief. Can the jewel and the river really bring back the beloved dead? Will the greedy impoverished lord get his hands on it? Will the twisted, mysterious lady have her revenge? Will Bo, the prophesied "river girl" do the right thing by the ghostly boy, or will she try and bring back her brother, killed in the trenches of WWI?
November 9, 2024
This story has a bit of everything - history, adventure, excitement, sadness, folklore, tension, evil all woven skillfully into a great story. The main character, Bo, is fiercely, fabulous and her sidekick Billy, the Robin to her Batman! I love the idea of mudlarking and finding treasure fromthe past, so this was right up my alleyway.
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