Hunt for the Golden Scarab

Time Keys #1

by M.G. Leonard, Manuel Sumberac (illustrator)

Sim and his mum never live anywhere long. When dangerous strangers appear one night, Sim discovers why. His mum has been keeping she has the power to open doors in time.

Running for their lives, Sim and his friends are determined to outwit the sinister Council of Keys and be the first to find Nefertiti’s lost tomb and a powerful door to Ancient Egypt. They must piece together long-hidden clues if they are to solve the mystery of her golden heart scarab. Can they find it before the Council finds them?

Genres: Middle Grade, Adventure, Fantasy, Childrens, Time Travel, Historical Fiction, Egypt

254 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 30, 2025

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

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast-paced adventure that had me hooked from the start.
It is a story of time travel that's full to the brim with historical facts. Highly recommend for all young adventurers.

[Rhea Nathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best kind of kids adventure book, with loads of fun facts hidden in the story, it’s definitely rekindled my love of ancient Egypt.

[Books By Your Bedside · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5-5 stars
Full review to comeThanks you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Books for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.

Oooooooh there's pictures! I've never been quiet about my love for pictures in books and I just wished more adult books had them as they add so much more to a book.

M.G Leonard's books are a reliable thing, stories that entertain everyone from my 9-year-old nephew to the 31-year-old me.

This book is so rich in colour in settings, characters, dangers and magic.

It feels nostalgic in a way, like it reminded me of the good adventure books I read as a child. This has the makings of a classic that children will be loving for years. It will become the book that they are reminded of when they are adults.

It is really well paced. It's important for children's books to be fast paced in my opinion, because their attention span can often be much shorter. But it can't be too rushed, because they will get a bit lost and then bored and not want to finish it. And I felt this was a real edge-on-your-seat, fast, firecracker of a story.

I am fascinated by Ancient Egypt, and whilst I'm aware this is a fictional children's story, and not an encyclopaedia of Ancient Egypt, it has really reignited my interest in the topic and I found myself going down some Google black holes whilst reading this.

Whilst I think it will be enjoyable for anyone, I think it would be particularly enjoyable for those interested in Ancient Egypt, especially if it's being taught in school lessons. You're not sitting there reading regurgitated facts. It doesn't feel like a history lessons. It's learning but in a fun way.

All of the characters were great - if not all nice. We've got the modern day characters, including children, which helps the young readers to relate. But then you've got the historical figures which adds to the fun, magical element. It was very interesting seeing the modern characters interact with these figures we only know about in writing.

It is so much fun; it's got everything you could want - action, adventure, heists, secrets, danger, fun, time travel, exploration, history, magic, deceit, just everything.

I am very much looking forward to the next in the series, and I could see it being a very successful TV series. It has an almost young Indiana Jones quality about it which will appeal to readers.

[Sifa Poulton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an eARC from the publishers through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. It has not affected my opinions.

HUNT FOR THE GOLDEN SCARAB is an action packed time travelling adventure.

So much happens in this book as Sim and his family race against a shadowy organisation (who have questionable motives) to find a potentially magical amulet. The book is a caper across time and place, starting in London in the modern day and ending up in Ancient Egypt.

I really liked the link between music and time travel. It brought two very different subjects together and gave the book a good reason why kids were so integral to the secret society of time travellers. Plus, as someone who likes classical music, it's nice to see it celebrated!

This is a book full of Ancient Egyptian facts. The focus is death rituals and the Eighteenth Dynasty (one of the more famous ones) and has a nicely long notes section at the end that helps explain the characters met and events described. It feels like there has been a bit of a resurgence in interest in Egypt in media at the moment and this is a nice addition to books for children that explore the period and the questions around taking objects out of their native countries.

Manuel Sumberac's illustrations scatter through the book from small object pictures to scenes. The style was quite different to other MG illustrations I've seen of late - more board brush strokes than highly detailed - which I liked as it felt like "field sketches" as I'd someone was along on the adventure with them and making quick pictures as they went.

In all, it's a promising start to the series and I look forward to the next book.

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I seem to be on a run of mid-grade books at the moment, and here's another one. It's a great adventure story about Sim and his enigmatic mother who he suspects of being a criminal or a spy, as they seem to live on the run and his mother trains him to fight. The truth turns out to me much more complicated and unusual, and involves the ability to travel in time. This leads to a hunt for Nefertiti's magical golden scarab, chased by villains.

Its a good adventure, and the characters are great. Well written for the age group, with good characterisations, and some great plot. Nefertiti and Tutankhamen are goto characters in such a tale. This one is not obviously derivative of anything else, but it still was not totally fresh and innovative either. A few plot elements don't bare too strong scrutiny, as with many time travel adventures. But it is still a good fun read. I'd give it 3 stars for myself, but I suspect mid grade readers, who haven't read similar stories, could really like it, so I have marked it as 4 stars (and bear in mind, I rarely ever stretch to five. So this is recommended to the age group).

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our Year 4 children in the Autumn school term learn all about Ancient Egypt and I have never found them a suitable class read that fits with the topic until now. After reading this book I decided this was going to be perfect for them. There were parts of history that I didn't know. This was action packed and fast paced all throughout the book, and it will leave children wanting more.I liked the idea of music being part of the story. The word building leaves the reader with a great idea of what Egypt looked like. I liked the mystery and wondered who Sim could and couldn't trust, I hope in the next book we will see more of Nelson.

[Hannah Rials Jensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crackin - reminded me of the Magic Treehouse books from my youth but with way more action and ninja skills! I would put this at the upper end of middle grade so 10+, but the action was great. I loved the combination of music + martial arts + history + time travel. Loved that Tutankhamen was a character for a brief bit - just all around cracking!

[Ellie (bookmadbarlow) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun and action packed adventure following Sim, his cousin and his mum as they travel back in time to ancient Egypt to try to stop someone from stealing the golden Scarab.
I enjoyed this one and it sets the series up well. There was lots going on and it made the story super fast paced. Looking forward to reading the next one.

[Blanca HM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 8/10
Great fun, full of adventure and historical background that makes you want to learn more about Ancient Egypt.

[Janette Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I much enjoyed it good story and informative to

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great mystery with a properly brilliant use of magic! Sim and his family are on the hunt for the Golden Scarab from Ancient Egypt to keep it safe from the Council. But when the Council start following them, through time doors, things get really good! A great book to use in class if you’re studying the Ancient Egyptians! This would make a great read aloud too!

[Isobel Macleod · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐
I really enjoyed this. Really original ideas and I loved the time travelling aspect.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from the publisher via Net Galley, in exchange for an honest review.

I have loved M G Leonard's books and the concept of this had really caught my eye, so I had high hopes which were thankfully met! I also love that they are illustrated, the artist does such an amazing job.

This is the first in a new series, and I honestly thought it was great! Sim was a very engaging main character. The story definitely feels like more of an adventure than I've seen from Leonard previously, and obviously a little fantastical, and both really work to create an engaging and fast paced book. I am also a little bit of an ancient Egypt nerd, so that really worked for me too.

The concept of how it works and why Sim's mum has been moving them around was fab, as was the inclusion of music!

Definitely a series to keep an eye out for and I can't wait for the next one. 4.5 stars.

[Leesdromen · Rating 4 out of 5]

First read it in may 2025 and re-read it in August 2025, I just love how M.G Leonard writes adventures and waves knowledge into the stories. I can’t wait for book two next month!

[Tracy Lander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goodness me I like MG Leonard's stories and this is so good. We do an Egyptians topic at school at this will be bought to add to the books for that. The illustrations by Manuel Sumberac suit the text and are dotted throughout the book.

Sim and his mum Callidora live in London, in a small flat. Callidora works as a cleaner at the Sir John Soane Museum, and is a martial arts teacher. Over the past couple of years Sim has gone to school but before that he was home schooled as they moved a lot. Sim's first and best friend is called Nelson. Nelson thinks Callidora is a spy!
While cleaning the museum one day (and practising their fighting technique, they hear Mrs Armitage talking to two men, who say they are from the British Museum, Callidora pulls Sim away but her shoes are on the floor - they run. They are in a corridor - Callidora plays a penny whistle from her pocket, Sim feels really sick, and all of a sudden they are in a room with Sir John Soane (who died 200 years before!). He asks why she is they and she just says they are in trouble. Sir John sends her into a room beyond the bookcase panelling. He says he'll stay, but they must go. Before the door closed Sim saw Sir John put a green book inside a fake book and onto the bookshelf.
The two men get into the room with Sir John, he introduces himself and says they are looking for Nefertiti's Golden Scarab. Sir John takes them off to another room and Sim and his Mum leave the panelled hiding place.. Back through the wall and then home.
Nelson and Sim discuss Callidora's odd behaviour the next day. Sim says she can't be a spy she's never left him anywhere. Later the boys return to the museum. Sim opens the picture room with his mother's museum keys. Nothing is as it was last night. But Sim found the diary Sir John was reading - and they take it. At home though, Callidora tells Sim to pack they need to move and he should change into dark clothes. Sim took the museum keys as they leave. Callidora tells him they are going to find Uncle Emmett - who is a "liar and a thief" and "cannot be trusted".
Turns out Sim has cousins too. One in particular is with Uncle Emmett, Jeopardy. Callidora tell Emmett the "Council" have caught up with her but they don't know about Sim. Emmett knows the Council are hunting for the scarab in several time zones, but no one knows where her tomb is. It sounds as if Emmett would like to find it too! But they need to find a Professor Wallis and he is in Egypt. Neither of the children understand all this interest in doors - Sim explains that they walked straight through some panelling at the museum.
The next thing they know for sure is they are going to Egypt...
What is happening? Who is Penhooligan, and why does he want Callidora? What is a Key?
Can they steer clear of Penhooligan when in Egypt? What are they going to do there?

This book is amazing. It's a mystery story, it's history based, it has myth and legend and martial arts. Oh yes and a lying, untrustworthy uncle! And his equally opposite daughter who is a fabulous character. Love the relationship between Sim and Jeopardy and between them and Callidora.

[Frompenandpage · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who grew up incredibly musical, and often finding the music in things were there were none (Literally, I learned my conjugation tables by making songs about them), this adventure appeals to my inner child wholeheartedly. Whilst a lot of children’s books, and books in general, require the protagonist to have a natural proclivity towards adventure, it was nice to see an adventure catered to those more musically gifted than physically so. My 9–12-year-old self would’ve adored this, and my imagination would’ve sent me everywhere trying to find a secret door with any of my instruments.

Sim and his mum are a brilliant duo – the first duo I want to focus in on from the novel. Their relationship is wonderfully special with each of them having a mutual respect and the things that make them unique alongside the love of mother and son. Oftentimes in children’s literature, it can feel as though the parent accepts things because they must as they’re a parent, and a supporting character in the novel, so why they love those things about their child is never highlighted. However, Leonard manages to showcase why Sim’s Mum finds him as marvellous as he is, and that is truly magical to see.

Sim and Jeopardy are the next duo I want to discuss. I ADORED their dynamic. I once received writing feedback on a piece of mine that I should make the male protagonist stronger and more decisive and the female sidekick demurer and less the leader because ‘it works less the other way around’. Boy, I wish I could show that person this novel and show them how BEAUTIFULLY it works! As someone who was fortunate enough to grow up around strong, powerful women, there’s a power for young boys and men to learning that they can be secure in the strength of the women around them and this novel highlights it brilliantly. Additionally, without giving any spoilers, this also works incredibly vice versa too.

Finally, the setting of Ancient Egypt and the time travel elements are SO much fun! I have a feeling a lot of young readers will find Hunt for the Golden Scarab, the most fun history lesson they’ve had in a long time. That is thanks to Leonard’s sensational ability to weave facts and history into the adventure. At no point in the prose do you stop and think, ‘Oh this is a history lesson’, the facts are woven so seamlessly that you finish the novel innately knowing more about Ancient Egypt than you did going into it. This is the true magic of historical fiction for me, and I LOVE how this has been achieved in this novel.

I’m incredibly excited to see what times and locations the Time Keys series takes Sim and Jeopardy and must congratulation M.G. Leonard on what’s sure to be another hit because this book is TIMELESS! Now, while you head off and order a copy, I’ve off to play my trombone around the house hoping to find a time door…

[Katy Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great start to a new time-travel series for kids.

I've loved all the Leonard books I've read so far. She is so easy to just fall into, with characters you instantly like and stories that immediately have you engaged.

Here we are tasked with following young Sim, who lives with his mother in the Sir John Soane's Museum in London, where his mother cleans and teaches him martial arts. They've moved around a lot, and Sim has only just been allowed to attend school for the first time, making his first friend.

But things are about to change yet again when strange and dangerous-seeming people show up in the Museum one night, and Sim finds himself travelling through walls and doors and into the presence of... Sir John Soanes?

With a lot of exposition needed, Leonard manages to make this pretty smooth and unclunky, as we learn Sim's mum's secret, and about her abilities. And that they are both in danger because of them. Sim meets new family members he wasn't aware existed... and there just might be some time travel involved.... Egypt anyone?

This sets up a whole series beautifully, and I really enjoyed the backstory of how and why Sim and his family need to both travel to Egypt and then travel back in time. There are villains in the background ready to cause trouble in the future, we've got a great set-up with how time travel is managed, and how problems are overcome (e.g. the difference in language), and we have some resourceful heroes and the whole of history to explore.

With danger present, it's good to see Sim's mum and uncle taking important roles and not just leaving the plot and emotional weight to the younger generation. There's a good arc that will continue for the family and lots of history there to explore later.

Great period to start the series in, and I learned a few things myself. Wonderful for curious children and a very exciting adventure that they'll want to continue with the characters.

For ages 8 and above.

With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample reading copy.

[Stephanie Bull · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sim and his mum continually move around though Sim has no idea why. One evening, when menacing strangers arrive, Sim discovers his mum can find and travel through doors to the past. Another secret is revealed when Sim meets an uncle and cousin whose existence he has been unaware of. Together they travel to Egypt in search of Nefertiti's golden heart scarab. So begins a race against time and some very unsavoury people to try and find the whereabouts of Nefertiti's lost tomb.

This is a brilliantly written time travelling mystery adventure, ideal for middle years readers. Whilst fast moving, full of thrilling and action packed escapades, the plot moves along at a perfect pace. Not so fast that young readers would get lost, but fast enough to ensure they remain engaged. At school we encourage our students when writing, to 'hook in' their reader within the first couple of paragraphs, this book is the perfect example of how to do this. I was fascinated by the historical facts and wonderful detail about the mummification process. I loved the black and white illustrations, which added another dimension to the book.

Hunt for the Golden Scarab would make the perfect text for English/Guided Reading lessons during an Ancient Egyptian project in KS2.

With many thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Books for my advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

[Tami Wylie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a big fan of the author, I couldn't wait to read the first of this new series. It has everything any reader could ever want in a book: adventure, time travel, ancient Egyptian history and lots of action. 12 year old Sim suddenly finds himself thrust into a world where he discovers that his mother has been keeping secrets, big secrets . Everything he thought he was true evidently isn't. The discovery of the fact that his mother is a Key and can time travel, he has an uncle and cousin he never knew about and the existence of an organisation called the Council of the Keys, throws him into complete turmoil and begins the adventure of a lifetime. I think Sim, his cousin Jeopardy and Nelson, Sim's best friend are brilliant and appealing characters; perfect for the target audience of middle grade readers( any readers actually). There are plenty of interesting historical facts about Ancient Egypt, in particular Nefertiti and King Tut woven into the story. I also liked the musical element of the story as well, as music was the essential element for time travel. The story is filled with excitement and adventure with an incredible plot. I hope there will be lots more to come from Sim, Jeopardy and Nelson in the future.

[Claire (Claire's Creative Corner) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was granted to me through NetGalley so thank you to the publisher for granting me approval. This was my second book by this author and this was a fun time :) I had not read a middle grade in a whole and I forget how fun they are to get through. I loved the ancient Egypt vibe I love this period in history and we don’t get fantasy that are set in Egypt very often so it’s really refreshing to see something different. I liked the characters and I really liked the relationship between Sim and his mum.

I loved the idea of the portals in time I thought was really fun and gave me doctor who vibes and also the Indiana jones backdrop as well which was really fun. And I also loved the amount of historical details about Egypt that were mentioned in this which I think is great for kids to learn about.

I am excited to continue on with the rest of the series and I wonder if we will visit any other periods of history which I love had a really good time with this one 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Gabz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing much that's specifically wrong with this one, but nothing particularly right either. It's got things going on, and it's relatively easy going, but for whatever reason I feel disconnected from the adventure and don't necessarily care what happens next.

I don't dislike it, exactly, but having read 50% of it so far, I've just realised I don't particularly care to pick it up and finish the rest.

Maybe it resonates better with the target audience, but I just expected more of an immersive story. I can't say that I was particularly impressed with the way Sim goes behind his mother's back, having no clue whatsoever of who might be listening in, whether the people he is connected to could be Council-related, and just a general disregard for caution. I can see how it might work for the thinking of a 12 year old, but I just can't find it in me to think it's relatable.

Alas, I'm out. Better luck to the rest of you.

[Elliott Trickey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sim has always travelled from place to place as his Mum goes for work, and once he s finally settled into a routine life in London, at a school, with a new best friend Nelson, everything plunges into craziness as they find out they're on the run from The Council. A dark organisation that is trying to take back Sim's Mum and Uncle from the world of the 'Doors. The power that harnesses music to travel through doors into history and different times. But, when the threat of the Egyptian Golden Scarab being taken by the Council arises, Sim, cousin (Jeopardy), and Nelson, along with the family try to stop them before it's too late. I've loved all of M.G Leonard's books and this was certainly no exception. As it was a new series, I was very eagerly anticipating to see what it was all about and it didn't disappoint. The writing was smooth and descriptive. I really enjoyed the flow of the book and the way that it added to the vividness of all of the settings throughout the book — especially when they go to Egypt. The descriptions don't just enhance the settings but the characters too, which I really enjoyed learning about as the book continued. Each of them had their own plot points and developments which made for an interesting read. Plus, the plot was awesome and a whirlwind of exhilarating action, adventure, mystery, intrigue, and of course many-a historical reference! The format was very clever and they paired hand-in-hand with the beautiful illustrations in the book, which captured the adversity that the crew faced exquisitely. It flowed very well, and a true page turner. This was certainly a book that I really enjoyed and will be reading the rest in the series when they make their return to shelves!

[Maggie Timlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mystery and history meld in this brilliant new adventure series.



Sim and his mum are caretakers at the Sir John Soanes Museum so why do they need to practice martial arts so much? When the museum is broken into one night Sim finds out why and why his mum has kept them moving home for most of his life.

I loved this book particularly the fact that Sim and his mum function as a unit. The fact she was a bit of a hero in the story made this a brilliant book for me. I love the family dynamic in this. M G Leonard takes her time to set up the world and the magic, and then whoosh you’re into Egypt and the adventure whips along at a brilliant pace.

Thank you to the publisher for a review copy of this book.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great introduction to a brand new series from a much-loved children's author. It is no secret that I adore M. G. Leonard's Twitch series, which follow some crime-fighting kids who also happen to be birdwatchers, and I'm excited to one day find the time to start both the Adventures on Trains and Beetle Boy series, of which I have the first books of each somewhere in my stacks of books.... as a self-confessed bird nerd, I didn't love this one *quite* as much as Twitch, but it is nonetheless excellent, and a tantalising intro to a new series. A great set of characters, a unique time travel element, and plenty of Ancient Egyptian history. Kids will lap this one up and I can't wait to get sharing one of my favourite authors for this age group with a wider audience.

[Farah G · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a highly entertaining story for young readers about Sim and his mother Callidora, who live a somewhat odd life, (currently based in a small London flat, despite a series of earlier moves for which Sim does not know the real reason).

When a mysterious incident in the museum where his mother works leads to an incredible time travel adventure where Sim find himself in real danger but vibrantly alive amidst the surroundings of ancient Egypt, he begins to understand the secret his mother has been keeping.. Great fun, it gets 3.5 stars.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

An action-packed middle grades adventure involving time travel, secret societies and ancient Egypt. The first half of the story zips along with loads of inventive world-building. A young boy discovers that his mom just might be a kind of renegade spy who can travel through time. They are almost immediately on the run and he's learning more as he goes. The second half slows down a touch as parts of the story come to a head. The book is definitely setting up for a series so prepare to have some threads left untied. Good fun, a little murky in the middle but all around creative and deeply engaging.

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my opinion, MG Leonard is one of the most underrated authors of children's literature.

Her books have a definite style: adventurous, informative without an obvious gender audience in mind. They are not pink or glittery and I like her for that. She's also very good a creating a series in subject area that others ignore (trains, birdspotting etc)

This new book is classic MG, I loved it
Clearly the first in a new series (time travel into key historical eras), the Hunt for the Golden Scarab introduces the characters and a concept that some Individuals are a key who open the doors to enable time travel.

Informative? You bet! I learned about Ancient Egypt and thrilled to find the Sir John Soanes museum centre stage in the opening chapter.

All in all highly recommended

[Maria Martins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hunt for the Golden Scarab is a fast paced and thrilling adventure that kept me hooked from start to finish. I really enjoyed the energy and momentum of the story. The plot was full of creative twists and the imaginative setting made it all the more interesting. I picked this book up after an author visit by M G Leonard and I could tell from the writing it was really well researched. Ancient Egypt is such an interesting time period and she really captured the wonder of it perfectly in this book.

[Philip Coulter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read with my 7yo son (apart from the bits he read ahead on his own - which is always a good sign).

I didn't love the writing - I can't quite explain it but when reading aloud, it didn't roll off the tongue in that way some books do. But the story was great - adventure, intrigue, interesting facts mixed in, a good characters. He'll definitely be reading the next one.

Early on, we decided that the description of Penhooligan seemed quite similar to Erling Haaland - so we had a bit of fun with that too.

[Mrs Walsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am really on the fence over this one and it’s such a shame as I usually love this author. There were some fab moments where I was pulled in and couldn’t wait to see what happened. But then I had moments where I felt like I had begun reading a history information book. I would have loved a bit more of the story side and I’m curious to see what book two brings.