What do you think?
Rate this book
The Curious League of Detectives and Thieves #3
The Curious League of Detectives and Thieves 3: The Peruvian Express
Now in paperback! All aboard for a high-speed new case in the third installment of this middle grade mystery series for fans of A Series of Unfortunate Events and Enola Holmes.
Stranded on a mountain in Peru after the crash of a luxury airship, John Boarhog has only one mission on his mind: reuniting with his mentor and guardian, Inspector Toadius McGee. John’s convinced that if he makes his way to a plume of smoke in the distance, the great detective will be waiting. The only problem is there’s a whole rainforest between them.
After battling their way through the Amazon, John and his friends find a train—The Peruvian Express—and its glittering owner, Oro Del Rey, the Golden King, who offers them passage as they continue to search for their loved ones.
Soon John’s investigation goes off the rails when he’s asked to help to locate an infamous Object of Doom. But he’s not the only one on the hunt. . . .
The third book in The Curious League of Detectives and Thieves, The Peruvian Express is a hilarious, fast-paced mystery packed with action, wit, and another unforgettable adventure.
Stranded on a mountain in Peru after the crash of a luxury airship, John Boarhog has only one mission on his mind: reuniting with his mentor and guardian, Inspector Toadius McGee. John’s convinced that if he makes his way to a plume of smoke in the distance, the great detective will be waiting. The only problem is there’s a whole rainforest between them.
After battling their way through the Amazon, John and his friends find a train—The Peruvian Express—and its glittering owner, Oro Del Rey, the Golden King, who offers them passage as they continue to search for their loved ones.
Soon John’s investigation goes off the rails when he’s asked to help to locate an infamous Object of Doom. But he’s not the only one on the hunt. . . .
The third book in The Curious League of Detectives and Thieves, The Peruvian Express is a hilarious, fast-paced mystery packed with action, wit, and another unforgettable adventure.
368 pages, Paperback
Published June 24, 2025
7 people are currently reading
1938 people want to read
About the author
Tom Phillips
3 books58 followersAs a dyslexic child, Tom Phillips eagerly listened to any story his mom or older sister would tell him. Today, he writes books that kids can not only enjoy on their own, but also can be read aloud and shared. Tom employs his passion for storytelling as an artist and video editor in Los Angeles, California. His work includes editing for the acclaimed LeVar Burton Kids, and he is currently at work on a screenplay for a major studio. An armchair detective and Sherlockian, he is an obsessive watcher of crime dramas. Tom can often be found walking his dog, Dr. Watson, with his wife Autumn.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 26, 2024
Started readying the Curious League series with my two guys, ages 8 and 13, We burned through the first one, went to the store immediately for number 2, and anxiously awaited the release of number 3. As with the rest of the series, the third volume did not disappoint. I had to force my guys to go to bed because they wanted to keep reading, and the ending is so incredible I am almost afraid to comment as not to spoil it for other readers. If you have not read this series yet, and you have kids through the end of middle school, run, do not walk, to your library or book store. This one is worth reading.
September 1, 2024
Another fun adventure full of humor and heart that’ll keep you on your toes until the very end! This series does a wonderful job of interweaving curious mysteries with important ideologies of friendship, identity, and found family.
December 18, 2024
Tom Phillips knows how to write a Middle Grade book. His series The Curious League of Detectives and Thieves continues with 3: The Peruvian Express and it is just as action-packed as his previous work. John Boarhog and his pals have crash landed in Peru and are on a mission to reunite with their families who are lost in the jungle. Add to that a mysterious man in a gold hat and an Object of Doom and you’ve got one heck of a tale! Those who grab themselves a copy better be in for an adrenaline ride of fun and adventure.
After the crash of a luxury airship strands John Boarhog in Peru, he is on a mission to reunite with his mentor, guardian and best friend Inspector Toadius McGee. A mysterious plume of blue smoke has John thinking that Toadius has sent him a signal. Undeterred by the idea of having to trek through a rainforest to reunite, John and his friends (Kana and Wembley) locate a train – The Peruvian Express (only a bit waylaid by some llamas). The owner, Oro del Rey, offers them passage, but all is not as pleasant as it seems (don’t drink the grape soda). When John is tasked with assisting in the location of an infamous item dubbed the “Object of Doom,” things go from bad to worse.
There is so much love, laughter, mishap and madness to this tale. I’d love to see Phillips finally turn these stories into a series. It would be a great animated show through Netflix or Disney+. I would even use the same illustrator who designed the cover of The Peruvian Express – except I’d add a little “fluff” to Wembley’s appearance as he is described as a bit pudgy. Youngsters would be captivated!
The Curious League of Detectives and Thieves 3: The Peruvian Express is a mix between The Goonies and Indiana Jones. If you’re a lover of action, adventure, travel, mystery and humor, this is a highly recommended read. I truly hope that the author has much more in store for our mini detective.
After the crash of a luxury airship strands John Boarhog in Peru, he is on a mission to reunite with his mentor, guardian and best friend Inspector Toadius McGee. A mysterious plume of blue smoke has John thinking that Toadius has sent him a signal. Undeterred by the idea of having to trek through a rainforest to reunite, John and his friends (Kana and Wembley) locate a train – The Peruvian Express (only a bit waylaid by some llamas). The owner, Oro del Rey, offers them passage, but all is not as pleasant as it seems (don’t drink the grape soda). When John is tasked with assisting in the location of an infamous item dubbed the “Object of Doom,” things go from bad to worse.
There is so much love, laughter, mishap and madness to this tale. I’d love to see Phillips finally turn these stories into a series. It would be a great animated show through Netflix or Disney+. I would even use the same illustrator who designed the cover of The Peruvian Express – except I’d add a little “fluff” to Wembley’s appearance as he is described as a bit pudgy. Youngsters would be captivated!
The Curious League of Detectives and Thieves 3: The Peruvian Express is a mix between The Goonies and Indiana Jones. If you’re a lover of action, adventure, travel, mystery and humor, this is a highly recommended read. I truly hope that the author has much more in store for our mini detective.
June 13, 2024
“We’re on a train. How much damage can they do?”
As it turns out, dear readers, quite a bit!
Once again, Tom Phillips delivers a spectacular mystery woven with the bonds of friendship, found family, humor, suspense, and several jaw-dropping plot twists. Fans of The Goonies and Indiana Jones will love the clever nods to those classic traps and puzzles found in this adventurous tale!
I love stories that sweep me away to other worlds, and Curious League No. 3 did just that in the mountains of Peru while aboard a fantastical train! The return of my favorite ensemble of characters including John’s two best friends, Kana & Wembley, was a warm heart-hug, and Phillips did a beautiful job aging these friendships into their next season, showing how it isn’t always easy but that true friends are always worth fighting for.
As always, this reader greatly, GREATLY appreciates how Phillips creates vulnerable characters who are not afraid to show their emotions, even tears. To not only embrace those emotions but to be brave enough to let others see them, is one of the most courageous acts any human can do.
I, once again, highly recommend this book and series for any reluctant readers; it makes an excellent candidate for library or classroom read-alouds, especially for those teachers and librarians (like this gal) who thrive in the whimsical theatrics of a story.
I hope to read to many more tales of daring and intrigue with the ever-clever Toadius and the endearing, good doctor, John Boarhog. ❤️
As it turns out, dear readers, quite a bit!
Once again, Tom Phillips delivers a spectacular mystery woven with the bonds of friendship, found family, humor, suspense, and several jaw-dropping plot twists. Fans of The Goonies and Indiana Jones will love the clever nods to those classic traps and puzzles found in this adventurous tale!
I love stories that sweep me away to other worlds, and Curious League No. 3 did just that in the mountains of Peru while aboard a fantastical train! The return of my favorite ensemble of characters including John’s two best friends, Kana & Wembley, was a warm heart-hug, and Phillips did a beautiful job aging these friendships into their next season, showing how it isn’t always easy but that true friends are always worth fighting for.
As always, this reader greatly, GREATLY appreciates how Phillips creates vulnerable characters who are not afraid to show their emotions, even tears. To not only embrace those emotions but to be brave enough to let others see them, is one of the most courageous acts any human can do.
I, once again, highly recommend this book and series for any reluctant readers; it makes an excellent candidate for library or classroom read-alouds, especially for those teachers and librarians (like this gal) who thrive in the whimsical theatrics of a story.
I hope to read to many more tales of daring and intrigue with the ever-clever Toadius and the endearing, good doctor, John Boarhog. ❤️
October 10, 2025
Tom Phillips’ The Peruvian Express is a rollicking, high-octane mystery that whisks readers from the misty peaks of the Andes to the emerald depths of the Amazon a middle-grade adventure as thrilling as it is heartfelt.
When young detective-in-training John Boarhog finds himself stranded on a Peruvian mountainside after an airship crash, he has one goal: find his mentor, Inspector Toadius McGee. But the journey to reunion becomes a race through jungles, secrets, and steam-powered intrigue aboard The Peruvian Express a glittering train owned by the mysterious Golden King.
Part A Series of Unfortunate Events, part Enola Holmes, and all Tom Phillips this is a story that crackles with clever wit, cinematic action, and emotional heart. With every clue, every twist, and every dash of absurd humor, Phillips proves again that he’s a master of storytelling that kids devour and parents secretly love to read too.
A golden ticket for readers who crave laugh-out-loud danger, found family, and adventures that never slow down.
When young detective-in-training John Boarhog finds himself stranded on a Peruvian mountainside after an airship crash, he has one goal: find his mentor, Inspector Toadius McGee. But the journey to reunion becomes a race through jungles, secrets, and steam-powered intrigue aboard The Peruvian Express a glittering train owned by the mysterious Golden King.
Part A Series of Unfortunate Events, part Enola Holmes, and all Tom Phillips this is a story that crackles with clever wit, cinematic action, and emotional heart. With every clue, every twist, and every dash of absurd humor, Phillips proves again that he’s a master of storytelling that kids devour and parents secretly love to read too.
A golden ticket for readers who crave laugh-out-loud danger, found family, and adventures that never slow down.
August 23, 2024
Tom Phillips has done it again with another fast-paced, compelling mystery full of hijinks, twists and turns, and fascinating characters. He always manages to put his characters into the most interesting settings, and a train whizzing through Peru is another win. I couldn't put this down because I had to see what happened as John searched to find out the whereabouts of his mentor and the truth about his father. I won't give away any spoilers because I was on the edge of my seat while reading this as I tried to figure out who was a friend and who was a foe. What a great third novel in the Curious League series!
July 3, 2024
I would give this clever, hilarious, adventurous MG mystery 6 stars if I could! This third installment of the Curious League series sets up the clues with a National Treasure style puzzle, an Indiana Jones feeling level of adventure, and characters so funny and loveable (except for the villains, who are not loveable at all but still funny, too). The setting on the train and expanded circus elements in this one add to the rich sense of journeying into another world for the young reader. The story is also, as usual, heartwarming and comforting.
The whole series is a must-read for kids 9-14.
The whole series is a must-read for kids 9-14.
October 5, 2024
The third installment of this incredible middle grade series is action-packed, non stop fun until the very last page! I was so excited to be reunited with these characters (especially Shim Sham), and loved following along with each of them on this adventure through the jungles of Peru. This story is laugh-out-loud funny and fast-paced, and FULL of heart. And I can’t write this review without mentioning the awesome representation of amazing moms and strong women. I could not recommend this book more!!
July 19, 2025
Funny story: I picked this up thinking it was a sequel in another author's middle grade steampunk series entirely. (The cover art is similar. That's my excuse, and I'm sticking to it.) Imagine my surprise when I discovered this is book 3, and no wonder none of the characters rang any bells! That said, this is an entirely engrossing book full of adventure and wild imagination, perfect for its audience (and like-minded adults of any age). Imagine Indiana Jones and Percy Jackson looking for a doomsday device in Peru and you'll have a fair idea of what you'll get.
August 2, 2024
Tom Philips is an author who has become an automatic purchase for me, and The Peruvian Express proves why. Phillips continues John's adventures, this time to reunite with Toadius, but along the way he encounters all of the madcap zaniness I've come to expect in this series (along with a ton of heart and a dash of empathy!) Perfect for every middle grade reader, I'll be encouraging teachers and librarians to add this to their shelves asap!
September 5, 2024
What a trilogy! We finally learn the true identity of one of the series' most important characters, and we also get even more antics from all of our favorite heroes. There's also a great moment involving Shim Sham that seriously had me nodding my head in satisfaction. I'm so happy that I got into this marvelous series. It rocks!
August 14, 2024
I can't wait to finally read this. The first two books were so fun as read alouds to my kiddo, and the second was even better than the first, so I like how things are trending for this book.
October 5, 2024
John is in Peru and separated from Toadius. He continues with his friends Kana and Wembley. They go on a special train and under Machi Picchu. He has o figure out who is friend or foe.
July 31, 2025
This entire series is AMAZING! A must read! I recommend it to everyone!
June 2, 2024
Tom Phillips hits another home run with the third installment of The Curious League of Detectives and Thieves series! The Peruvian Express is action packed, heart warming, and completely, utterly awesomesauce.
The action in this book is NON-STOP. From umbrella fights on top speeding trains, to getting flushed down a contraption not unlike a giant sized toilet, The Peruvian Express is chock full of twists and turns you won't wanna miss.
Tom Phillips pulls through again with new exciting characters. My favorite line actually comes from one of these new personalities, "'Okey dokey, we are primed, dudes.' Duke turned, eyes widening as he took in the packed room. 'Whoa who are you little dudes.'" Hearing these words come out of a persons mouth is so ridiculously funny.
Speaking of funny, this book is just that. Phillips's hilarious voice shines in every scene. For example, my favorite scene, where April and the Great Goatinee seriously discuss the future while in the middle of a grueling fight, gracefully kicking bad guys in the face.
I would suggest this book to everyone, from parents to teachers to librarians to kids. Everyone will love the newest installment of The Curious League of Detectives and Thieves. A perfect five stars.
The action in this book is NON-STOP. From umbrella fights on top speeding trains, to getting flushed down a contraption not unlike a giant sized toilet, The Peruvian Express is chock full of twists and turns you won't wanna miss.
Tom Phillips pulls through again with new exciting characters. My favorite line actually comes from one of these new personalities, "'Okey dokey, we are primed, dudes.' Duke turned, eyes widening as he took in the packed room. 'Whoa who are you little dudes.'" Hearing these words come out of a persons mouth is so ridiculously funny.
Speaking of funny, this book is just that. Phillips's hilarious voice shines in every scene. For example, my favorite scene, where April and the Great Goatinee seriously discuss the future while in the middle of a grueling fight, gracefully kicking bad guys in the face.
I would suggest this book to everyone, from parents to teachers to librarians to kids. Everyone will love the newest installment of The Curious League of Detectives and Thieves. A perfect five stars.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews