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سر ساحر الليل
باقتراب مذنب هالي الملتهب من الأرض، تُقتلع نانسي من جذورها لتبدأ حياةً جديدةً في سوفولك بضيافةٍ جدٍّ لها لم تقابله من قبل؛ فتُمنع نانسي بإغلاق كل الستائر من مغادرة منزل جدها إذ لا ينبغي لأحدٍ أن يعرف بوجودها هناك.
ولكن نانسي تكتشف مرصد المنزل بعد التنبُّه إلى أن أمها وجدها كانا يتسللان سراً في كل ليلةٍ … فإلى أين كانا يذهبان، ولماذا؟ وبتراكم الألغاز لغزاً فوق لغزٍ يتعين على نانسي كشف أسرارٍ طوتها صفحاتُ الماضي … حتى لو كان في ذلك خطرٌ يهدد حياتها.
ولكن نانسي تكتشف مرصد المنزل بعد التنبُّه إلى أن أمها وجدها كانا يتسللان سراً في كل ليلةٍ … فإلى أين كانا يذهبان، ولماذا؟ وبتراكم الألغاز لغزاً فوق لغزٍ يتعين على نانسي كشف أسرارٍ طوتها صفحاتُ الماضي … حتى لو كان في ذلك خطرٌ يهدد حياتها.
322 pages, Paperback
First published July 8, 2021
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530 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
July 5, 2021
My thanks to Usborne Publishing and NetGalley for a review copy of this book.
Mystery of the Night Watchers is a Children’s/Middle Grade historical mystery; set in 1910 during the period when Edward VII had just died and Halley’s comet was in the earth’s vicinity again. At the time rumours were rife that noxious gases released at the comets tail would be deadly to humans and many were purchasing gas-masks and ‘anti-comet pills’ to protect themselves. Alongside were comet enthusiasts watching the skies keenly every night and organizing ‘comet parties’. These events form the background to our story.
As the book opens, we meet twelve-year old Nancy Rivers and her seven-year-old sister Violet preparing to leave for school. Violet’s father and Nancy’s stepfather is a solicitor while her mother (and the girls) try to do their bit for the suffragettes. But when Nancy and Violet leave with their mother as usual, Nancy finds to her surprise that they are not headed to school but to Bury St Edmonds—to visit their grandfather who they had been told was dead. But this is not the only strange thing. When they get there, to the intriguing Cupola house, the girls are told that they must stay indoors, keep curtains drawn and be seen by no one. Their grandfather, who is an apothecary, stays in as well, and his shop is visited by no one with the exception of young Burch, the son of the haberdasher, who does errands for him. Their mother has merely told them that she must help her father, a keen astronomer, watch Halley’s Comet.
Nancy overhears the town’s mayor talking down to her grandfather and on another occasion pretty much threaten him, but her grandfather reveals nothing except telling her to avoid the unpleasant man. Nancy realized even before really arriving there that there is much more to the story for why would their usually truthful mother suddenly lie to them; why has she been keeping her family a secret all this time? Nancy’s suspicions are further heightened when she sees her mother go out at night. With help from Burch, Nancy begins to look into the mystery herself, while events surrounding the comet’s sighting play out alongside. Things soon take a turn for the worse, spelling more trouble for the family. Can Nancy find answers in time?
This was so much fun to read with an engrossing mystery and likeable characters. I enjoy historical mysteries generally though I haven’t read many children’s historical mysteries. I really enjoyed the setting of this one—the excitement surrounding the comet’s sighting, the celebrations and alongside, the frenzy among those who feared its effects were very well-captured and provided a great backdrop. Also the suffragette movement and women’s education at the time, confining them to household roles are also explored.
Nancy made for a great heroine with a strong sense of right and of justice. She is also brave and does all she can to protect those she loves, and her parents have helped her understand the power of speaking up. I also enjoyed the exploration of her relationship with her sister Violet in the book. Violet is much younger than Nancy and has very different interests and when we start out story, she gets herself and Nancy into a fair bit of trouble (I found her a little annoying because of this), but as the book goes on, we find there is more to her than we see on the surface. Burch too was very likeable; with his great interest in science and the comet and his good heart because of which he is ready to help Nancy grandfather (shunned by all others), and then also Nancy herself whenever she needs it.
Besides the background and characters, the mystery itself I found to be a very engrossing one. The author does a great job of building up the suspense and making us wonder what the family’s secret is that they have had to stay hidden and away from society for so long. As one reads on, one does pick up a few clues about some elements but I didn’t really guess what the matter was going to turn out to be about at all so the book kept me reading right till the end.
I also loved the descriptions of Cupola House (which is real) and the little illustrations in the book.
This a really enjoyable story which can be read not just by middle graders but younger readers as well, and adults like me who enjoy children’s fiction from time to time will also find this a great read!
Mystery of the Night Watchers is a Children’s/Middle Grade historical mystery; set in 1910 during the period when Edward VII had just died and Halley’s comet was in the earth’s vicinity again. At the time rumours were rife that noxious gases released at the comets tail would be deadly to humans and many were purchasing gas-masks and ‘anti-comet pills’ to protect themselves. Alongside were comet enthusiasts watching the skies keenly every night and organizing ‘comet parties’. These events form the background to our story.
As the book opens, we meet twelve-year old Nancy Rivers and her seven-year-old sister Violet preparing to leave for school. Violet’s father and Nancy’s stepfather is a solicitor while her mother (and the girls) try to do their bit for the suffragettes. But when Nancy and Violet leave with their mother as usual, Nancy finds to her surprise that they are not headed to school but to Bury St Edmonds—to visit their grandfather who they had been told was dead. But this is not the only strange thing. When they get there, to the intriguing Cupola house, the girls are told that they must stay indoors, keep curtains drawn and be seen by no one. Their grandfather, who is an apothecary, stays in as well, and his shop is visited by no one with the exception of young Burch, the son of the haberdasher, who does errands for him. Their mother has merely told them that she must help her father, a keen astronomer, watch Halley’s Comet.
Nancy overhears the town’s mayor talking down to her grandfather and on another occasion pretty much threaten him, but her grandfather reveals nothing except telling her to avoid the unpleasant man. Nancy realized even before really arriving there that there is much more to the story for why would their usually truthful mother suddenly lie to them; why has she been keeping her family a secret all this time? Nancy’s suspicions are further heightened when she sees her mother go out at night. With help from Burch, Nancy begins to look into the mystery herself, while events surrounding the comet’s sighting play out alongside. Things soon take a turn for the worse, spelling more trouble for the family. Can Nancy find answers in time?
This was so much fun to read with an engrossing mystery and likeable characters. I enjoy historical mysteries generally though I haven’t read many children’s historical mysteries. I really enjoyed the setting of this one—the excitement surrounding the comet’s sighting, the celebrations and alongside, the frenzy among those who feared its effects were very well-captured and provided a great backdrop. Also the suffragette movement and women’s education at the time, confining them to household roles are also explored.
Nancy made for a great heroine with a strong sense of right and of justice. She is also brave and does all she can to protect those she loves, and her parents have helped her understand the power of speaking up. I also enjoyed the exploration of her relationship with her sister Violet in the book. Violet is much younger than Nancy and has very different interests and when we start out story, she gets herself and Nancy into a fair bit of trouble (I found her a little annoying because of this), but as the book goes on, we find there is more to her than we see on the surface. Burch too was very likeable; with his great interest in science and the comet and his good heart because of which he is ready to help Nancy grandfather (shunned by all others), and then also Nancy herself whenever she needs it.
Besides the background and characters, the mystery itself I found to be a very engrossing one. The author does a great job of building up the suspense and making us wonder what the family’s secret is that they have had to stay hidden and away from society for so long. As one reads on, one does pick up a few clues about some elements but I didn’t really guess what the matter was going to turn out to be about at all so the book kept me reading right till the end.
I also loved the descriptions of Cupola House (which is real) and the little illustrations in the book.
This a really enjoyable story which can be read not just by middle graders but younger readers as well, and adults like me who enjoy children’s fiction from time to time will also find this a great read!
December 10, 2023
It was May in 1910 when Nancy and her sister Violet were walking to school with their mother - a normal day - and quite unexpectedly, their mother walked past their school and onto the train station. They were going away for a few days, to Suffolk, to see a grandfather they'd never met. Mother had left a note for father, as even he didn't know what was happening, and after a long journey, the little family arrived in Suffolk. Halley's comet was coming closer to earth and the superstitions, fears and ridiculous comments were wearing, but there were also many people who were just fascinated.
Nancy and Violet had to remain inside the big old house, with the Apothecary shop in the front seeing customers on a daily basis. But only a boy named Burch would appear in the morning, before the shop opened, with supplies. Mr Greenstone, the girls' grandfather, was a lovely man with worries and strain on his face. But when Nancy - the oldest at 12 - spied her mother and grandfather leaving the house late at night, the puzzle grew. The magnificent telescope high up in the attic was a temptation for Nancy. What would she see? And as troubles mounted, Nancy was determined to discover the secrets from the past she had no idea about...
Mystery of the Night Watchers is an excellent middle grade tale by A.M. Howell which I thoroughly enjoyed. Nancy was a determined young lady and when she and Burch combined in their search for answers, they made a formidable team. Highly recommended.
Nancy and Violet had to remain inside the big old house, with the Apothecary shop in the front seeing customers on a daily basis. But only a boy named Burch would appear in the morning, before the shop opened, with supplies. Mr Greenstone, the girls' grandfather, was a lovely man with worries and strain on his face. But when Nancy - the oldest at 12 - spied her mother and grandfather leaving the house late at night, the puzzle grew. The magnificent telescope high up in the attic was a temptation for Nancy. What would she see? And as troubles mounted, Nancy was determined to discover the secrets from the past she had no idea about...
Mystery of the Night Watchers is an excellent middle grade tale by A.M. Howell which I thoroughly enjoyed. Nancy was a determined young lady and when she and Burch combined in their search for answers, they made a formidable team. Highly recommended.
July 15, 2021
For my full review, visit me at https://mrsbrownsbooks.wordpress.com/...
This is a pleasing historical mystery that I think would suit advanced young readers and teenagers alike. It’s got a good blend of family dynamics and mystery that should keep readers interested.
This is a pleasing historical mystery that I think would suit advanced young readers and teenagers alike. It’s got a good blend of family dynamics and mystery that should keep readers interested.
May 11, 2023
Tavalyi év egyik kellemes meglepetése volt Az elveszett titkok kertje című kötete, amely egy különleges hangulatú történelmi ifjúsági regény volt, úgyhogy nagy örömmel vettem kézbe a szerző következő magyarul is megjelnő történetét. Ráadásul a Manó Könyvekre jellemzően ez is csodás külsővel érkezett hozzám.
1910-ben járunk a Halley-üstökös megjelnésének környékén Angliában. Nancy édesanyja egészen izgatottan figyeli az eseményeket, egyre furábban viselkedik, s a lány és a húga, Violet egy nap nem iskolába mennek, hanem anyjukkal egy vonaton találják magukat és Suffolkba tartanak. Ott pedig találkoznak a nagyapjukkal, akinek a létezéséről még nem is hallottak. Mindenféle magyarázat nélkül hirtelen nagyon szigorú szabályokhoz kell alkalmazkodniuk a testvéreknek, nem hagyhatják el a házat, nem mehetnek fel a nagyszülői ház tetején lévő kupolába, nem nézhetik a távcsövön át az égboltot. Akkor miért jöttek ide? Merre járnak a felnőttek éjszakánként? Mivel hiába kérdezősködik Nancy, választ nem kap, ezért megpróbálja felderíteni, hogy micsoda titkok és miért is vannak mélyen eltemetve családja történetében. Szerencsére talál segítőtársat a kutatásban egy helyi fiú, Burch személyében, de még így is lehet, hogy veszélybe sodorja szeretteit …
A.M. Howell nagyon érdekes történelmi időbe helyezte a cselekményét, jópofa olvasni, hogy mennyire izgatottan és félelmekkel telve várták az emberek az üstökös elvonulását. Attól tartottak, hogy mérgező gázokat bocsát majd ki és mindenféle tablettával próbáltak védekezni … Nancy és családja persze tudományos magyarázatokban jobban hisz, viszont ez az izgalmas időszek mindenképp nagy hatással van az ő történetükre is. A kisvárosba, ahova visszatérnek bizony régi titkok és sérelmek kerülnek a felszínre, s nem egyszerű olyan helyen nyomozni és felderíteni az igazságot, ahol az emberek nagy részét félelemben tartják. Nancyt azonban úgy nevelték, hogy mindenképpen derítse fel az igazságot és álljon ki mellette. Hiszen édesanyja lelkesen vesz részt a szüfrazsettek mozgalmában az apja pedig ügyvédként a jogrendszer keretein belül harcol az igazságért és áll ki azok mellett akiknek szüksége van a támogatásra. Úgyhogy személyében egy nagyon érdeklődő, okos és határozott erkölcsi iránytűvel rendelkező főhőst kapunk. Kimondottan szerettem Violettel való kapcsolatát is. Eleinte Nancy számára a nála vagy 5 évvel fiatalabb húga csak nyűg, zavaró tényező és feladat, de aztán egyre inkább óvni kezdi őt, odafigyelni rá, mert kiderül, hogy bizony attól, hogy valaki kicsi még nem feltétlenül buta, sőt vannak jó megfigyelései is.
Két dologgal tudtam nehezen megbarátkozni: be kell vallanom, hogy eleinte nagyon zavart, mennyi mindent nem mondanak el a felnőttek a lányoknak, aztán pedig az, hogy mennyire átlátszóan karikatúra szerűre sikerült a főgonosz (kicsit nehéz volt bevennem, hogy a nyílt visszaélései ennyire bűntetlenül tudtak maradni ilyen hosszú ideig) Ugyanakkor a titkok és a megfejtéseik számomra is tartogattak meglepetést, nem minden futott ki teljesen oda, ahova gondoltam volna eleinte.
Szóval alapjában A titkos csillagvizsgáló mint történelmi rejtély gyerekeknek, jól működik: magával ragadó a főszereplő, kimondottan izgalmasan van megírva az időszak, s talán amit én felhánytorgattam az a kiskamasz olvasóknak fel se fog tűnni. Mindenesetre az biztos, hogy a korszaknak és a csillagászati eseményeknek jó reklámot csinál én magam is utána olvastam pár adatnak és embernek a regény hatására.
Eredetileg: http://olvasonaplo.net/olvasonaplo/20...
1910-ben járunk a Halley-üstökös megjelnésének környékén Angliában. Nancy édesanyja egészen izgatottan figyeli az eseményeket, egyre furábban viselkedik, s a lány és a húga, Violet egy nap nem iskolába mennek, hanem anyjukkal egy vonaton találják magukat és Suffolkba tartanak. Ott pedig találkoznak a nagyapjukkal, akinek a létezéséről még nem is hallottak. Mindenféle magyarázat nélkül hirtelen nagyon szigorú szabályokhoz kell alkalmazkodniuk a testvéreknek, nem hagyhatják el a házat, nem mehetnek fel a nagyszülői ház tetején lévő kupolába, nem nézhetik a távcsövön át az égboltot. Akkor miért jöttek ide? Merre járnak a felnőttek éjszakánként? Mivel hiába kérdezősködik Nancy, választ nem kap, ezért megpróbálja felderíteni, hogy micsoda titkok és miért is vannak mélyen eltemetve családja történetében. Szerencsére talál segítőtársat a kutatásban egy helyi fiú, Burch személyében, de még így is lehet, hogy veszélybe sodorja szeretteit …
A.M. Howell nagyon érdekes történelmi időbe helyezte a cselekményét, jópofa olvasni, hogy mennyire izgatottan és félelmekkel telve várták az emberek az üstökös elvonulását. Attól tartottak, hogy mérgező gázokat bocsát majd ki és mindenféle tablettával próbáltak védekezni … Nancy és családja persze tudományos magyarázatokban jobban hisz, viszont ez az izgalmas időszek mindenképp nagy hatással van az ő történetükre is. A kisvárosba, ahova visszatérnek bizony régi titkok és sérelmek kerülnek a felszínre, s nem egyszerű olyan helyen nyomozni és felderíteni az igazságot, ahol az emberek nagy részét félelemben tartják. Nancyt azonban úgy nevelték, hogy mindenképpen derítse fel az igazságot és álljon ki mellette. Hiszen édesanyja lelkesen vesz részt a szüfrazsettek mozgalmában az apja pedig ügyvédként a jogrendszer keretein belül harcol az igazságért és áll ki azok mellett akiknek szüksége van a támogatásra. Úgyhogy személyében egy nagyon érdeklődő, okos és határozott erkölcsi iránytűvel rendelkező főhőst kapunk. Kimondottan szerettem Violettel való kapcsolatát is. Eleinte Nancy számára a nála vagy 5 évvel fiatalabb húga csak nyűg, zavaró tényező és feladat, de aztán egyre inkább óvni kezdi őt, odafigyelni rá, mert kiderül, hogy bizony attól, hogy valaki kicsi még nem feltétlenül buta, sőt vannak jó megfigyelései is.
Két dologgal tudtam nehezen megbarátkozni: be kell vallanom, hogy eleinte nagyon zavart, mennyi mindent nem mondanak el a felnőttek a lányoknak, aztán pedig az, hogy mennyire átlátszóan karikatúra szerűre sikerült a főgonosz (kicsit nehéz volt bevennem, hogy a nyílt visszaélései ennyire bűntetlenül tudtak maradni ilyen hosszú ideig) Ugyanakkor a titkok és a megfejtéseik számomra is tartogattak meglepetést, nem minden futott ki teljesen oda, ahova gondoltam volna eleinte.
Szóval alapjában A titkos csillagvizsgáló mint történelmi rejtély gyerekeknek, jól működik: magával ragadó a főszereplő, kimondottan izgalmasan van megírva az időszak, s talán amit én felhánytorgattam az a kiskamasz olvasóknak fel se fog tűnni. Mindenesetre az biztos, hogy a korszaknak és a csillagászati eseményeknek jó reklámot csinál én magam is utána olvastam pár adatnak és embernek a regény hatására.
Eredetileg: http://olvasonaplo.net/olvasonaplo/20...
October 20, 2021
This was a lovely read. This was another new author for me and I was surprised that she had written two other books before this one. This book would appeal to all ages not just younger readers. Set in 1910 it is a mystery set in a village and the children trying to solve the mystery. Very appealing.
July 7, 2021
I love historical fiction and was thrilled to have the opportunity to have an early read of A. M. Howell’s latest book. In The Mystery of the Night Watchers, Howell brings her home town of Bury St Edmunds to life in an evocative tale of a search for family truths.
May 1910 and the days prior to the passing of Halley’s Comet are providing much discussion, some are in fear of it, others are excited by it. Nancy’s mother has become fascinated with the comet but has also began acting increasingly strangely and Nancy is exceptionally taken aback when she finds herself and her sister, Violet, whisked away from their home in Leeds and taken to stay with a grandfather in Suffolk whom they have never met.
With no explanation, the girls are given very strict rules to abide by and are left feeling confused. Why are they here? Why are they not allowed out? Why are they not allowed up to the cupola to look out of the telescope? Why do her mother and grandfather keep sneaking around in the middle of the night? Nancy is determined to find out but to do so she will have to dig deep into her family’s past and she could endanger those most dear to her…
With strong themes of family, friendship and bullying, The Mystery of the Night Watchers is a gripping mystery read set against the backdrop of the appearance of Halley’s Comet that easily had me hooked from first page to last. The short and snappy chapters slowly unravel the mystery that only gets deeper and more interesting as the story goes on. Readers are in for plenty of twists, turns and surprises and just when you think you’ve got it all figured out something unexpected happens.
Whilst the comet is a mystery in itself - very little was really understood about it at the time with people resorting to gas masks and anti-comet pills in order to survive the supposedly toxic gases that could be found in its tail - Nancy finds herself at the heart of a much bigger mystery that will see her uncovering secrets and lies from the past and terrible wrongs against her family.
Not one to stay quiet and lay low - which very much went against the societal norms for women in the early 1900’s -, Nancy is a feisty and fearless protagonist who has a clear sense of right and wrong and is determined to right the injustices from the past, even if it means breaking the rules and taking great risks. Just as the women in the suffragette movement were using their voices to invoke wider changes within society, Nancy finds herself on her own girl power mission, having to battle against a ruthless and power hungry mayor whose own ethics and morals have become somewhat compromised and who is threatening to add more hurt to her family. Raised by a mother who is part of the suffragette movement and a father who fights for truth and justice within the legal system, Nancy is more than up to the challenges she faces and this truth seeking, wrong-righting girl with big aspirations is a wonderful role model.
Like Emma Carroll - one of the best in the business when it comes to middle-grade historical fiction, Howell has the ability to transport the reader back in time and to bring alive a historical period and I admire her skill for being able to turn historical events into enthralling reads for children (and adults). Through beautiful atmospheric prose, readers find themselves immersed into the early 1900’s and it easy to imagine walking along the cobbled streets and popping into the haberdashery, wine merchants and apothecary. In fact, you do not just have to imagine, you can take a walk around Bury St Edmunds and see some of the sights that feature in the story - a ‘tourist map’ is included at the start of the book and further information is provided at the end.
Luckily for readers, A. M. Howell’s books come round much more frequently than Halley’s Comet and her fourth book comes out in 2022.
Recommended for 9+.
With huge thanks to A. M. Howell and Usborne for the advanced reader copy that I received via NetGalley.
May 1910 and the days prior to the passing of Halley’s Comet are providing much discussion, some are in fear of it, others are excited by it. Nancy’s mother has become fascinated with the comet but has also began acting increasingly strangely and Nancy is exceptionally taken aback when she finds herself and her sister, Violet, whisked away from their home in Leeds and taken to stay with a grandfather in Suffolk whom they have never met.
With no explanation, the girls are given very strict rules to abide by and are left feeling confused. Why are they here? Why are they not allowed out? Why are they not allowed up to the cupola to look out of the telescope? Why do her mother and grandfather keep sneaking around in the middle of the night? Nancy is determined to find out but to do so she will have to dig deep into her family’s past and she could endanger those most dear to her…
With strong themes of family, friendship and bullying, The Mystery of the Night Watchers is a gripping mystery read set against the backdrop of the appearance of Halley’s Comet that easily had me hooked from first page to last. The short and snappy chapters slowly unravel the mystery that only gets deeper and more interesting as the story goes on. Readers are in for plenty of twists, turns and surprises and just when you think you’ve got it all figured out something unexpected happens.
Whilst the comet is a mystery in itself - very little was really understood about it at the time with people resorting to gas masks and anti-comet pills in order to survive the supposedly toxic gases that could be found in its tail - Nancy finds herself at the heart of a much bigger mystery that will see her uncovering secrets and lies from the past and terrible wrongs against her family.
Not one to stay quiet and lay low - which very much went against the societal norms for women in the early 1900’s -, Nancy is a feisty and fearless protagonist who has a clear sense of right and wrong and is determined to right the injustices from the past, even if it means breaking the rules and taking great risks. Just as the women in the suffragette movement were using their voices to invoke wider changes within society, Nancy finds herself on her own girl power mission, having to battle against a ruthless and power hungry mayor whose own ethics and morals have become somewhat compromised and who is threatening to add more hurt to her family. Raised by a mother who is part of the suffragette movement and a father who fights for truth and justice within the legal system, Nancy is more than up to the challenges she faces and this truth seeking, wrong-righting girl with big aspirations is a wonderful role model.
Like Emma Carroll - one of the best in the business when it comes to middle-grade historical fiction, Howell has the ability to transport the reader back in time and to bring alive a historical period and I admire her skill for being able to turn historical events into enthralling reads for children (and adults). Through beautiful atmospheric prose, readers find themselves immersed into the early 1900’s and it easy to imagine walking along the cobbled streets and popping into the haberdashery, wine merchants and apothecary. In fact, you do not just have to imagine, you can take a walk around Bury St Edmunds and see some of the sights that feature in the story - a ‘tourist map’ is included at the start of the book and further information is provided at the end.
Luckily for readers, A. M. Howell’s books come round much more frequently than Halley’s Comet and her fourth book comes out in 2022.
Recommended for 9+.
With huge thanks to A. M. Howell and Usborne for the advanced reader copy that I received via NetGalley.
April 2, 2023
This is the 3rd book by A.M. Howell I'd read, & she's definitely become a favorite author. Loved this! MAY, 1910. As the blazing Halley's comet draws close to the earth, Nancy is uprooted to
start a new life in Suffolk with a grandfather she has never met. With every curtain drawn shut, Nancy is forbidden from leaving her grandfather's house: no one must know that her or her mother are there. Yet, when Nancy discovers the house's secret observatory, she watches her mother & grandfather creep out every night... Where are they going? & why mustn't any of them be seen? As the mysteries pile up, Nancy has to bring dark secrets from the past to light - even if doing so will put her own life at risk. This was such an engrossing historical fiction mystery. I was hooked from the start. This author is amazing with historical fiction. Strong sense of family & friendship in here, with intriguing mystery galore, & a fascinating backdrop of Halley's Comet. The comet itself, its approach to Earth & all the fear it caused.. the things people believed..so much so they wore gas masks & bought anti-comet pills! So intriguing with all that alone. Then the mysteries that pile up 1 after the other. Just when I thought I had something figured out, something else kicked that idea out of my head lol. So many twists & turns. Such a gripping, enthralling read. Such engaging writing with such endearing characters. Themes on bullying, truth, justice, standing up for what's right, & what bravery really looks like. Also, we have a strong female MC, at a time in our world where it was hard to be seen as that. Nancy stole my heart, & I was rooting for her the whole way. I loved the friend she found in Burch. I loved the way the author wrote such a gripping mystery for children that takes place at the time of a historical event-it all flowed so well together. This vividly written town in the early 1900's is so atmospheric. I love the little shops, the townspeople (minus one!), & more. Add in secrets, lies, mysteries, suspense, tension, friendship, family, bravery, & some girl power-this all added up to a phenomenal read. HIGHLY recommend. BEAUTIFUL cover by Saara Söderlund too.💜
start a new life in Suffolk with a grandfather she has never met. With every curtain drawn shut, Nancy is forbidden from leaving her grandfather's house: no one must know that her or her mother are there. Yet, when Nancy discovers the house's secret observatory, she watches her mother & grandfather creep out every night... Where are they going? & why mustn't any of them be seen? As the mysteries pile up, Nancy has to bring dark secrets from the past to light - even if doing so will put her own life at risk. This was such an engrossing historical fiction mystery. I was hooked from the start. This author is amazing with historical fiction. Strong sense of family & friendship in here, with intriguing mystery galore, & a fascinating backdrop of Halley's Comet. The comet itself, its approach to Earth & all the fear it caused.. the things people believed..so much so they wore gas masks & bought anti-comet pills! So intriguing with all that alone. Then the mysteries that pile up 1 after the other. Just when I thought I had something figured out, something else kicked that idea out of my head lol. So many twists & turns. Such a gripping, enthralling read. Such engaging writing with such endearing characters. Themes on bullying, truth, justice, standing up for what's right, & what bravery really looks like. Also, we have a strong female MC, at a time in our world where it was hard to be seen as that. Nancy stole my heart, & I was rooting for her the whole way. I loved the friend she found in Burch. I loved the way the author wrote such a gripping mystery for children that takes place at the time of a historical event-it all flowed so well together. This vividly written town in the early 1900's is so atmospheric. I love the little shops, the townspeople (minus one!), & more. Add in secrets, lies, mysteries, suspense, tension, friendship, family, bravery, & some girl power-this all added up to a phenomenal read. HIGHLY recommend. BEAUTIFUL cover by Saara Söderlund too.💜
May 3, 2021
A.M. Howell (author of The Garden of Lost Secrets and The House of One Hundred Clocks) returns with a gripping new historical adventure, set during the Edwardian era.
Nancy and her sister Violet live in Leeds in 1910. Halley’s Comet is coming, and many people wrongly believe the comet means destruction and impending doom. Without warning their mother takes them off to Suffolk to stay with their grandfather they did not know existed. Something very strange is happening and Nancy discovers that her mother has not been honest with her about their past.
Their grandfather lives in a beautiful house with an observatory at the top and an apothecary shop below. But something is not right, and Nancy is determined to find out what is going on and why her mother has apparently lied to her for most of her life.
From the very first page there is tension, and the themes of secrets and lies are continued throughout the book. A M Howell manages to convincingly portray the finer details of the period and deep sense of mystery in what makes a beautifully written, exciting and atmospheric adventure story. It is easy to imagine both the time and the setting (which is based on a real place in East Anglia) and the whole book is vivid with detail. Each chapter is headed with a small picture related to the story, illustrated by Saara Katariina Soderlund, and these are a lovely addition that contribute well to the overall atmosphere of mystery and adventure in the book.
Nancy is an excellent role model as a girl standing up for herself and wanting more for herself than girls from that era were expected to achieve. Overarching the entire book is the story of Halley’s comet itself; its portrayed brightness and the awe people experience watching it seem to linger through the story like the light from its tail.
Many thanks to the publishers for sending us an advanced review copy.
Nancy and her sister Violet live in Leeds in 1910. Halley’s Comet is coming, and many people wrongly believe the comet means destruction and impending doom. Without warning their mother takes them off to Suffolk to stay with their grandfather they did not know existed. Something very strange is happening and Nancy discovers that her mother has not been honest with her about their past.
Their grandfather lives in a beautiful house with an observatory at the top and an apothecary shop below. But something is not right, and Nancy is determined to find out what is going on and why her mother has apparently lied to her for most of her life.
From the very first page there is tension, and the themes of secrets and lies are continued throughout the book. A M Howell manages to convincingly portray the finer details of the period and deep sense of mystery in what makes a beautifully written, exciting and atmospheric adventure story. It is easy to imagine both the time and the setting (which is based on a real place in East Anglia) and the whole book is vivid with detail. Each chapter is headed with a small picture related to the story, illustrated by Saara Katariina Soderlund, and these are a lovely addition that contribute well to the overall atmosphere of mystery and adventure in the book.
Nancy is an excellent role model as a girl standing up for herself and wanting more for herself than girls from that era were expected to achieve. Overarching the entire book is the story of Halley’s comet itself; its portrayed brightness and the awe people experience watching it seem to linger through the story like the light from its tail.
Many thanks to the publishers for sending us an advanced review copy.
December 18, 2025
لا أستطيع وصف قدر العذوبة والجمال في هذا العمل. الرواية موجّهة في الأساس للأطفال أو للناشئة من سن ١٠ إلى ١٣ سنة، لكن لا يوجد استخفاف من الكاتبة بعقل هذا الجمهور. الالتواءات في الحبكة ممتازة، والتكشّفات لماضي الشخصيات وأسرارهم كانت جيدة جدًا. أغلب المفاجآت كانت متوقعة بالنسبة لي، لكن أكاد أجزم أني لو قرأت هذه الرواية منذ بضعة سنوات لكنت شهقت انبهارًا مع كل تكشّف يحدث للبطلة عن ماضيها.
الرواية تتحدث عن نانسي التي تسافر مع والدتها في سفر مفاجئ وغير متوقع، لتتكشف لها الكثير من الأسرار عن ماضي عائلتها وتقع في كثير من المآزق. لكن لأنها ليست لديها حسابات الكبار من مفاهيم السلطة والنفوذ، تستطيع كشف ما خافوا من كشفه.
هذه الرواية لمن سئم من الروايات الاجتماعية وروايات الديستوبيا، ويريد استراحة لالتقاط الأنفاس والابتسام قليلًا. وللسن الموجّهة له هذه الرواية بالطبع، يمكن أن يُقرأ منها فصل كل يوم قبل النوم، وسوف يستيقظ الأطفال كل يوم متشوقين لمعرفة باقي الأحداث. هذا لمن دون العاشرة، أما أكبر من ذلك فيمكنهم قراءتها بأنفسهم. التكشّفات لم تكن سريعة بحيث لا يستطيع القرّاء في هذا السن استيعابها، ولا بطيئة بحيث يملّون منها. النهاية كانت مُرضية.
الرواية تتحدث عن نانسي التي تسافر مع والدتها في سفر مفاجئ وغير متوقع، لتتكشف لها الكثير من الأسرار عن ماضي عائلتها وتقع في كثير من المآزق. لكن لأنها ليست لديها حسابات الكبار من مفاهيم السلطة والنفوذ، تستطيع كشف ما خافوا من كشفه.
هذه الرواية لمن سئم من الروايات الاجتماعية وروايات الديستوبيا، ويريد استراحة لالتقاط الأنفاس والابتسام قليلًا. وللسن الموجّهة له هذه الرواية بالطبع، يمكن أن يُقرأ منها فصل كل يوم قبل النوم، وسوف يستيقظ الأطفال كل يوم متشوقين لمعرفة باقي الأحداث. هذا لمن دون العاشرة، أما أكبر من ذلك فيمكنهم قراءتها بأنفسهم. التكشّفات لم تكن سريعة بحيث لا يستطيع القرّاء في هذا السن استيعابها، ولا بطيئة بحيث يملّون منها. النهاية كانت مُرضية.
January 6, 2022
A superb mystery aimed at older children and childlike grannies! 👵🏻
June 26, 2021
Nancy has always known a life in Leeds until one day her mother whisks her away to Suffolk, the place of birth. Set in 1910 around the sightings of Haley’s Comet, Nancy becomes embroiled in a local drama.
I really enjoyed this novel, the story is well paced and the characters are well described. Despite the historical time period the story has a modern feel to it. I’ll certainly recommend this at school.
An added bonus for me was the fact this is set in Bury St.Edmunds, a town that I grew up near.
Thanks to netgalley and Usborne Books for giving me the opportunity to read an arc of this in exchange for a fair review.
I really enjoyed this novel, the story is well paced and the characters are well described. Despite the historical time period the story has a modern feel to it. I’ll certainly recommend this at school.
An added bonus for me was the fact this is set in Bury St.Edmunds, a town that I grew up near.
Thanks to netgalley and Usborne Books for giving me the opportunity to read an arc of this in exchange for a fair review.
June 19, 2021
Thank you to @usborne_books for allowing me to review mystery of the night watchers by A.M Howell this book had me intrigued from the cover when I saw it on @netgalley loved the characters and the mystery of this book and loved all the interactions. I would recommend this to anyone who loves historical middle grade and mystery plots reading it in one sitting was such an enjoyable way to spend a Saturday when it was not very nice weather although the book cover drew me it was the plot that kept me reading out July 8th uk
August 9, 2024
Nagyon jópofa izgalmas, fordulatos gyerek/ifjúsági regény az 1910-es évekbe helyezve. Ahol a rossz elnyeri méltó büntetését, a jók pedig megigazulnak. Szóval alapvetően nem lett volna rossz, de a logikátlanságok kiverték nálam a biztosítékot.
Adva van egy családi dráma, anyuka nővére börtönben a szülővárosukban, ahol az apjuk is él. A nővér nem jelentkezik egy ideje, apuka megijed és odahívja anyukát. Eddig oké. De! anyuka tudja, hogy veszélyes visszatérnie oda, mert a gonosz polgármester családi okok miatt ellenük van. Erre azért csak elviszi a 2 lányát, nem egyedül utazik el. Hátha bajba kerülnek?! Hát kerülnek is! Aztán ahogy kiderül a szövevényes ügy, a végefelé anyuka is börtönbe kerül - és itt akadtam ki végképp, SENKI nem szól apukának egy büdös kukkot sem, pedig apuka foglalkozása jómódú VÉDŐÜGYVÉD!!!! Ami rengetegszer elhangzik a könyvben, sőt a főszereplő leány is ügyvéd szeretne lenni! És miért nem üzennek neki, hogy baj van? Csak mert! Csak a legeslegvégén hívja oda mégis a nagypapa a vejét, aki persze ezért késve érkezik.
Én érteni vélem, hogy nem kellett a sztoriba felnőtt, mert a gyerekeknek kellett megoldani a dolgokat. Hát persze hiszen gyerekregény. De akkor találjon már ki az írónő valami hihetőbb akadályt miért nem tud odajutni apuka a sztoriba. Vagy egyáltalán ne legyen ügyved a foglalkozása, és akkor úgyse tudna segíteni. És miért viszi magával az anyuka egyáltalán a lányait?! Miert nem lehetett az, hogy anyuka elutazik, aztán nem jelentkezik és mondjuk a gyerekek szöknek utána, kideríteni mi van? Vagy bármi! Bármi jobb lett volna, mint ezek az ésszerűséget totálisan megerőszakoló megoldások.
Adva van egy családi dráma, anyuka nővére börtönben a szülővárosukban, ahol az apjuk is él. A nővér nem jelentkezik egy ideje, apuka megijed és odahívja anyukát. Eddig oké. De! anyuka tudja, hogy veszélyes visszatérnie oda, mert a gonosz polgármester családi okok miatt ellenük van. Erre azért csak elviszi a 2 lányát, nem egyedül utazik el. Hátha bajba kerülnek?! Hát kerülnek is! Aztán ahogy kiderül a szövevényes ügy, a végefelé anyuka is börtönbe kerül - és itt akadtam ki végképp, SENKI nem szól apukának egy büdös kukkot sem, pedig apuka foglalkozása jómódú VÉDŐÜGYVÉD!!!! Ami rengetegszer elhangzik a könyvben, sőt a főszereplő leány is ügyvéd szeretne lenni! És miért nem üzennek neki, hogy baj van? Csak mert! Csak a legeslegvégén hívja oda mégis a nagypapa a vejét, aki persze ezért késve érkezik.
Én érteni vélem, hogy nem kellett a sztoriba felnőtt, mert a gyerekeknek kellett megoldani a dolgokat. Hát persze hiszen gyerekregény. De akkor találjon már ki az írónő valami hihetőbb akadályt miért nem tud odajutni apuka a sztoriba. Vagy egyáltalán ne legyen ügyved a foglalkozása, és akkor úgyse tudna segíteni. És miért viszi magával az anyuka egyáltalán a lányait?! Miert nem lehetett az, hogy anyuka elutazik, aztán nem jelentkezik és mondjuk a gyerekek szöknek utána, kideríteni mi van? Vagy bármi! Bármi jobb lett volna, mint ezek az ésszerűséget totálisan megerőszakoló megoldások.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 3, 2021
Mystery of the Night Watchers book is an wonderful adventure with secret in it .The author made this book very intriguing.5/5.I would recommend both children and adults to read it .
“Humiliation is one of the worst forms of bullying,-he’d say angrily.”It’s only purpose is to make a person feel small and inferior. Page 114-115.
“Humiliation is one of the worst forms of bullying,-he’d say angrily.”It’s only purpose is to make a person feel small and inferior. Page 114-115.
September 4, 2021
I received am ARC of this book from NetGalley and Usborne in exchange for an honest review.
This book is set in 1910, during the passing of Halley's comet. It follows the life of Nancy and her sister Violet. As the comet draws nearer to earth, their mother suddenly whisks the girls halfway across the country to visit a grandfather they have never met. Far from explaining this strange decision, the mystery grows deeper as the girls are told they must remain hidden during their stay, yet Nancy's mother and grandfather are sneaking out during the night. All of this intrigue, set amidst the superstitions and scientific wonder of the comet's passing leads to a very atmospheric read!
As mentioned above, I really loved the atmosphere of anticipation and wonder the author created in this book. The excitement some felt at witnessing what, for many, would be a once in a life time event, contrasted with those who sealed up gaps in windows and bought gasmasks and anti-comet pills!
Similar to a previous book I have read by this author, I was impressed by her attention to detail in historical accuracy. The fact that the book is set in Bury St Edmunds and you can actually walk the streets and see many of the buildings written about in the story adds to its charm. I also liked the mentions of the women's suffrage movement and the way it was linked to Nancy standing up for what was right without violence, like the suffragists.
The plot was well thought out and had the right degree of complexity with lots of clever clues dropped for you to pick of if you were looking. I guessed some parts but other reveals surprised me, in a good way. For me, the villain was less menacing than I've encountered in other books and so I was never overly worried for the characters. However, overall I enjoyed my time reading this book.
I would recommend it to readers 8+ who enjoy historical fiction and mystery stories.
This book is set in 1910, during the passing of Halley's comet. It follows the life of Nancy and her sister Violet. As the comet draws nearer to earth, their mother suddenly whisks the girls halfway across the country to visit a grandfather they have never met. Far from explaining this strange decision, the mystery grows deeper as the girls are told they must remain hidden during their stay, yet Nancy's mother and grandfather are sneaking out during the night. All of this intrigue, set amidst the superstitions and scientific wonder of the comet's passing leads to a very atmospheric read!
As mentioned above, I really loved the atmosphere of anticipation and wonder the author created in this book. The excitement some felt at witnessing what, for many, would be a once in a life time event, contrasted with those who sealed up gaps in windows and bought gasmasks and anti-comet pills!
Similar to a previous book I have read by this author, I was impressed by her attention to detail in historical accuracy. The fact that the book is set in Bury St Edmunds and you can actually walk the streets and see many of the buildings written about in the story adds to its charm. I also liked the mentions of the women's suffrage movement and the way it was linked to Nancy standing up for what was right without violence, like the suffragists.
The plot was well thought out and had the right degree of complexity with lots of clever clues dropped for you to pick of if you were looking. I guessed some parts but other reveals surprised me, in a good way. For me, the villain was less menacing than I've encountered in other books and so I was never overly worried for the characters. However, overall I enjoyed my time reading this book.
I would recommend it to readers 8+ who enjoy historical fiction and mystery stories.
June 14, 2021
MAY, 1910. As the blazing Halley’s comet draws close to the earth, Nancy is uprooted to start a new life in Suffolk with a grandfather she has never met. With every curtain drawn shut, Nancy is forbidden from leaving her grandfather’s house: no one must know that her or her mother are there.
Yet, when Nancy discovers the house’s secret observatory, she watches her mother and grandfather creep out every night… Where are they going? And why mustn’t any of them be seen? Why does the Mayor hate her grandfather? As the mysteries pile up, Nancy has to bring dark secrets from the past to light – even if doing so will put her own life at risk.
A.M. Howell has done it again. A very enjoyable, mysterious, quick-paced adventure with many secrets being revealed to Nancy about her family as she investigates what her mother and grandfather are up to. Some of the secrets she is happy to discover, a couple not so much. The story is about family, the secrets they keep (and the reasons why), trust, power (how not to use it) and standing up for what you know to be the right thing, no matter how difficult it is or who it is you are standing up against. Sometimes you can be surprised by who else will stand with you once you start.
Anyone who knows me, knows I love a map in the front of a book. A.M. Howell doesn’t disappoint, featuring a map of 1910 Bury St. Edmunds as brought to life by Nancy and friends.
I was provided with an eARC of this book by NetGalley and Usbourne Publishing. It is published on 8th July 2021.
Yet, when Nancy discovers the house’s secret observatory, she watches her mother and grandfather creep out every night… Where are they going? And why mustn’t any of them be seen? Why does the Mayor hate her grandfather? As the mysteries pile up, Nancy has to bring dark secrets from the past to light – even if doing so will put her own life at risk.
A.M. Howell has done it again. A very enjoyable, mysterious, quick-paced adventure with many secrets being revealed to Nancy about her family as she investigates what her mother and grandfather are up to. Some of the secrets she is happy to discover, a couple not so much. The story is about family, the secrets they keep (and the reasons why), trust, power (how not to use it) and standing up for what you know to be the right thing, no matter how difficult it is or who it is you are standing up against. Sometimes you can be surprised by who else will stand with you once you start.
Anyone who knows me, knows I love a map in the front of a book. A.M. Howell doesn’t disappoint, featuring a map of 1910 Bury St. Edmunds as brought to life by Nancy and friends.
I was provided with an eARC of this book by NetGalley and Usbourne Publishing. It is published on 8th July 2021.
April 2, 2024
Titok titok hátán, nyomok nyomok után, minden egyes fejezettel megtalálunk egy újabb kirakós darabot, majd a legvégén sikerül kirakni a képet.Rengeteg minden tetszett a könyvben. A 𝘳𝘰̈𝘷𝘪𝘥 fejezetek egyszerű, lényegretörő címei, a nyelvezet, a történet alapkoncepciója, és az, hogy az utolsó oldalakig nem tudtam rájönni, hogy ennek most hogy lehet jó vége?!!🤯 Végig fenntartotta az érdeklődésemet, és figyelmemet, volt, hogy sokkolódtam, mert olyan dolgok derültek ki, hogy húúú... mérges voltam, ideges, izgultam, még a szereplők helyett is. Rengeteg érzelmet váltott ki belőlem ez az olvasmány, ezért sem szerettem volna, hogy ilyen gyorsan vége legyen.
A szívemhez nőtt ez a történet.❤️🩹
A szívemhez nőtt ez a történet.❤️🩹
August 14, 2022
I just realized that I started reading this book exactly a year after putting it into my TBR.
Mystery of the Night Watchers is my second book of A. M. Howell. I enjoyed The Garden of Lost Secrets and even loved Night Watchers more. The story set in May 1910 when Halley comet made its appearance and people were amused while some were afraid of the poisonous gas of the comet (or so they thought). Nancy, along with her mother and little sister had to visit their unknown grandfather in Suffolk with the pretext of helping the unwell grandfather to watch the comet.
Their grandfather lived in cupola house (which I found later was a real building in Bury St. Edmunds) with an ancient telescope in it. But the peculiarities of their visit was the rules. They should stay at home and not be seen, not go up to the cupola, and not talk to strangers if they go out which was rare. To add Nancy curiosity, her mother and grandfather often talked in a hush and went out at night.
The mystery isn't as complex as I sometime found in a mystery books. It isn't too twisty as well. Yet the story telling was well made and the bound of characters made it hard to put the book down. Maybe I'm being sensitive, but this is an emotional book for me. It enraged me at some parts, gave me a nerve wrecking at some other. Especially Violet, the little sister. At first, I saw her as a troublemaker. She was the kind who'd go wild and then fixed thing by saying sorry afterward. But then, she became a decent little girl and a good one. I think almost all the characters here are lovable, and leave only our villain to be hated.
By reading this book I learned that "protecting those we love from unsettling truths is not always a bad thing." But telling the truth, no matter what the outcome may be or how other people would react to it, is also a good thing.
Mystery of the Night Watchers is my second book of A. M. Howell. I enjoyed The Garden of Lost Secrets and even loved Night Watchers more. The story set in May 1910 when Halley comet made its appearance and people were amused while some were afraid of the poisonous gas of the comet (or so they thought). Nancy, along with her mother and little sister had to visit their unknown grandfather in Suffolk with the pretext of helping the unwell grandfather to watch the comet.
Their grandfather lived in cupola house (which I found later was a real building in Bury St. Edmunds) with an ancient telescope in it. But the peculiarities of their visit was the rules. They should stay at home and not be seen, not go up to the cupola, and not talk to strangers if they go out which was rare. To add Nancy curiosity, her mother and grandfather often talked in a hush and went out at night.
The mystery isn't as complex as I sometime found in a mystery books. It isn't too twisty as well. Yet the story telling was well made and the bound of characters made it hard to put the book down. Maybe I'm being sensitive, but this is an emotional book for me. It enraged me at some parts, gave me a nerve wrecking at some other. Especially Violet, the little sister. At first, I saw her as a troublemaker. She was the kind who'd go wild and then fixed thing by saying sorry afterward. But then, she became a decent little girl and a good one. I think almost all the characters here are lovable, and leave only our villain to be hated.
By reading this book I learned that "protecting those we love from unsettling truths is not always a bad thing." But telling the truth, no matter what the outcome may be or how other people would react to it, is also a good thing.
March 20, 2025
☄️Mystery of the night watchers by A.M.Howell ☄️
2/5
It’s the year 1910, and the town of Suffolk await the tense arrival of Hailey’s comet. During this time of uncertainty , Nancy’s mother whisks them away to Suffolk on a short stay with their grandfather. However, secretive departures in the night and strict instructions to stay indoors piques Nancy’s interest. That is until she uncovers a shocking family secret.
Set in the early 20th century, the story is very much a middle-grade detective novel and has a classical storytelling. There are lots of unusual occurrences brought up early in the story piquing the reader and Nancys interest.
However, as the novel gets close to its finale, there are still a few questions in the air. How was Nancy’s mother and Grandfather given permission to visit their relative in prison? What was she doing with the handkerchief to signal she was okay?
I felt that too much of the novel centred around Nancy being indoors with Violet which made for lacklustre scenes. The times they do escape into the town were action packed and It would have been nice to see it more often.
It was a captivating development seeing the mayor burn Nancy’s letter as well as Mr .Cavendish initially refuse to help her. The other townsfolk being mistreated by the mayor was a good way of Nancy stoking the rebellion. However, it would have been better had Nancy had the opportunity to realise this more when interacting with the townspeople. For example, the townspeople initially reject her rebuttal of the mayor’s misdeeds from Nancy. However, when they catch him red handed stealing their money they change their opinion.
It would have been interesting to see the tension between Burch and Nancy given his father’s position. It would have been intriguing to see the Mayor spread lies to Burch about Nancy in order to jeopardise their friendship.
Although the comet is mentioned many times through the book, it doesn’t actually have any big significance to the storyline. It would have been better if the mayor had told townspeople that the comet would be landing in their town. As a result, they all leave their homes with only Nancy’s grandfather remaining in abject terror. Thus the bitter relationship begins.
To conclude, the Howell creates a realistic story loosely surrounding a real life historical event. However, at the same time It lacked the fantasy or adventurous moments found in other middle-grade fiction like Sophie Anderson’s books.
2/5
It’s the year 1910, and the town of Suffolk await the tense arrival of Hailey’s comet. During this time of uncertainty , Nancy’s mother whisks them away to Suffolk on a short stay with their grandfather. However, secretive departures in the night and strict instructions to stay indoors piques Nancy’s interest. That is until she uncovers a shocking family secret.
Set in the early 20th century, the story is very much a middle-grade detective novel and has a classical storytelling. There are lots of unusual occurrences brought up early in the story piquing the reader and Nancys interest.
However, as the novel gets close to its finale, there are still a few questions in the air. How was Nancy’s mother and Grandfather given permission to visit their relative in prison? What was she doing with the handkerchief to signal she was okay?
I felt that too much of the novel centred around Nancy being indoors with Violet which made for lacklustre scenes. The times they do escape into the town were action packed and It would have been nice to see it more often.
It was a captivating development seeing the mayor burn Nancy’s letter as well as Mr .Cavendish initially refuse to help her. The other townsfolk being mistreated by the mayor was a good way of Nancy stoking the rebellion. However, it would have been better had Nancy had the opportunity to realise this more when interacting with the townspeople. For example, the townspeople initially reject her rebuttal of the mayor’s misdeeds from Nancy. However, when they catch him red handed stealing their money they change their opinion.
It would have been interesting to see the tension between Burch and Nancy given his father’s position. It would have been intriguing to see the Mayor spread lies to Burch about Nancy in order to jeopardise their friendship.
Although the comet is mentioned many times through the book, it doesn’t actually have any big significance to the storyline. It would have been better if the mayor had told townspeople that the comet would be landing in their town. As a result, they all leave their homes with only Nancy’s grandfather remaining in abject terror. Thus the bitter relationship begins.
To conclude, the Howell creates a realistic story loosely surrounding a real life historical event. However, at the same time It lacked the fantasy or adventurous moments found in other middle-grade fiction like Sophie Anderson’s books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2022
If you love middle-grade adventures, Edwardian settings, and mysterious occurrences, then The Mystery of the Night Watchers is one you should definitely read.
The year is 1910 and the people of England eagerly await Halley's Comet which won't be seen again as closely for another 60+ years. In the midst of the anticipation, Nancy and her sister Violet unexpectedly travel to Suffolk to stay with a grandfather they didn't know existed. Their mother explicitly tells them to remain hidden. In the dead of night, Nancy spots her mother and grandfather stalking the streets under cover of darkness. Despite telling Nancy they are here because of the comet, Nancy is suspicious and attracts the help of a local boy to track down the mysteries and discover why the town can never know of their existence.
This is an escapist read that thrusts you back in time and takes you on a fast-paced adventure through the streets of Edwardian England. It has all the elements of a historical mystery - a true event (the approach of Halley's comet which some scientists believed carried a noxious gas causing widespread panic), two young protagonists who do everything in their power to find answers, and a nasty villain that the two plan to bring to justice.
Though it felt a little like a Scooby-Doo sketch with many chapters ending with "if only we could work out the mystery!" it had a well-planned plot, some good twists, and loveable characters. I especially enjoyed the setting and atmosphere - this is one of my favourite time periods to read about and even more so when there are true events tied in.
Thank you to NetGalley and Usborne Publishing for sending me a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Rating breakdown
Plot/narrative - 3.5
Writing style/readability - 3.2
Characters - 3.4
Diverse themes - 3.7
Ending - 3.4
Overall - 3.4
The year is 1910 and the people of England eagerly await Halley's Comet which won't be seen again as closely for another 60+ years. In the midst of the anticipation, Nancy and her sister Violet unexpectedly travel to Suffolk to stay with a grandfather they didn't know existed. Their mother explicitly tells them to remain hidden. In the dead of night, Nancy spots her mother and grandfather stalking the streets under cover of darkness. Despite telling Nancy they are here because of the comet, Nancy is suspicious and attracts the help of a local boy to track down the mysteries and discover why the town can never know of their existence.
This is an escapist read that thrusts you back in time and takes you on a fast-paced adventure through the streets of Edwardian England. It has all the elements of a historical mystery - a true event (the approach of Halley's comet which some scientists believed carried a noxious gas causing widespread panic), two young protagonists who do everything in their power to find answers, and a nasty villain that the two plan to bring to justice.
Though it felt a little like a Scooby-Doo sketch with many chapters ending with "if only we could work out the mystery!" it had a well-planned plot, some good twists, and loveable characters. I especially enjoyed the setting and atmosphere - this is one of my favourite time periods to read about and even more so when there are true events tied in.
Thank you to NetGalley and Usborne Publishing for sending me a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Rating breakdown
Plot/narrative - 3.5
Writing style/readability - 3.2
Characters - 3.4
Diverse themes - 3.7
Ending - 3.4
Overall - 3.4
September 8, 2023
It is May, 1910. The world is waiting in anticipation, but also fear and superstition, as Halley’s Comet approaches Earth. Nancy’s mother announces she is taking Nancy and her younger sister Violet to stay with a grandfather she has never met and did not know existed, leaving their father at home. However, every curtain must be kept drawn and the girls are forbidden to leave their grandfather's house. No-one can know that they and their mother are there.
Their Grandfather is an apothecary in the Suffolk village of Bury St Edmunds He is a keen astronomer and lives in Cupola House, with an observatory on the roof which the girls are not allowed to visit. Their mother will not answer their questions, and she is not telling them the truth. Nancy vows to find out what is going on. What is the real reason for their visit to their grandfather’s house? Why does his telescope point to the town rather than the sky? Where do her mother and grandfather go in secret at night? What is being kept from her? Why is the village Mayor determined to ruin her grandfather’s reputation?
Nancy, Violet, and their new friend Burch work to untangle old secrets and confront a ruthless villain. Nancy is a brave and strong main character, who stands up for what she believes in and inspires others to do the same. Nancy and her half-sister Violet have been growing apart at home, but their quest for the truth brings then closer again.
With strong themes of family, friendship and bullying, The Mystery of the Night Watchers is a gripping mystery with lots of twists, turns and surprises. The Edwardian setting is vividly-evoked, against a back-drop of the suffragette movement’s battle to achieve equal rights for women.
Their Grandfather is an apothecary in the Suffolk village of Bury St Edmunds He is a keen astronomer and lives in Cupola House, with an observatory on the roof which the girls are not allowed to visit. Their mother will not answer their questions, and she is not telling them the truth. Nancy vows to find out what is going on. What is the real reason for their visit to their grandfather’s house? Why does his telescope point to the town rather than the sky? Where do her mother and grandfather go in secret at night? What is being kept from her? Why is the village Mayor determined to ruin her grandfather’s reputation?
Nancy, Violet, and their new friend Burch work to untangle old secrets and confront a ruthless villain. Nancy is a brave and strong main character, who stands up for what she believes in and inspires others to do the same. Nancy and her half-sister Violet have been growing apart at home, but their quest for the truth brings then closer again.
With strong themes of family, friendship and bullying, The Mystery of the Night Watchers is a gripping mystery with lots of twists, turns and surprises. The Edwardian setting is vividly-evoked, against a back-drop of the suffragette movement’s battle to achieve equal rights for women.
December 19, 2021
Mystery of the Night Watchers by A M Howell is a lovely, carefully planned children’s mystery set in 1910 when Halley’s Comet was visible in the night skies. The comet merely forms a backdrop and historical English setting for the story, in which arguments for suffragists, science and women employment also make an appearance. The story jumps right into the action at the beginning when, unbeknownst to their lawyer father, Nancy and her younger sister Violet are taken out of school by their mother to secretly visit their grandfather who lives in a house with an observatory and needs help. Following somewhat in her father’s legal footsteps Nancy begins to unravel the complications of her family’s story which involves a history of arson, wrongful imprisonment, theft, manipulation, bullying and defamation of character, mostly at the hands of the town’s dreadful mayor.
With the help of Burch, a young lad who believes in Nancy’s grandfather, Nancy and Violet, against increasingly complicated odds, bravely stand up to the mayor, providing in the process an example to the many adults in the town who had been scared into silence. I found Nancy’s initial warming to a grandfather she had been told was dead a little unrealistic. And I also thought the historical setting somewhat obvious. Despite these initial qualms I thoroughly enjoyed Mystery of the Night Watchers. Nothing is easy for the heroine and the mystery is well sustained throughout. Middle grade readers will love it.
With the help of Burch, a young lad who believes in Nancy’s grandfather, Nancy and Violet, against increasingly complicated odds, bravely stand up to the mayor, providing in the process an example to the many adults in the town who had been scared into silence. I found Nancy’s initial warming to a grandfather she had been told was dead a little unrealistic. And I also thought the historical setting somewhat obvious. Despite these initial qualms I thoroughly enjoyed Mystery of the Night Watchers. Nothing is easy for the heroine and the mystery is well sustained throughout. Middle grade readers will love it.
July 29, 2021
This was a really exciting historical fiction story for children that had some very brave female characters and fantastic settings.
Set in Leeds in 1910, Hailey's Comet is just passing the Earth and there is general concern amongst the population about what will happen as the planet passes through the comet's tail. Nancy and her sister Violet are woken in the middle of the night by their mother and taken to Suffolk to visit their Grandfather, who they believed to be dead, and help him with his observations of the comet.
The mystery didn't go in the direction I was expecting - to give any more information would be giving spoilers for the plot - but I was intrigued by the characters, their links to the town and the beautiful house they stay in. It was a highly original story that took some really exciting twists and turns - it was a real page turner and one that I am sure will go down well with fans of mysteries and historical settings. I particularly enjoyed reading a book for children set in Leeds and Suffolk - made a nice change from reading books set in the South.
The author's note at the end also really added to the story - I loved hearing about the inspiration for the book and the locations it was based on. Definitely worth reading!
Set in Leeds in 1910, Hailey's Comet is just passing the Earth and there is general concern amongst the population about what will happen as the planet passes through the comet's tail. Nancy and her sister Violet are woken in the middle of the night by their mother and taken to Suffolk to visit their Grandfather, who they believed to be dead, and help him with his observations of the comet.
The mystery didn't go in the direction I was expecting - to give any more information would be giving spoilers for the plot - but I was intrigued by the characters, their links to the town and the beautiful house they stay in. It was a highly original story that took some really exciting twists and turns - it was a real page turner and one that I am sure will go down well with fans of mysteries and historical settings. I particularly enjoyed reading a book for children set in Leeds and Suffolk - made a nice change from reading books set in the South.
The author's note at the end also really added to the story - I loved hearing about the inspiration for the book and the locations it was based on. Definitely worth reading!
August 11, 2021
Loved it! The story is set in 1910, in Bury St Edmunds, my home town. Halley's Comet takes centre stage as the historical event in this book.
Nancy and her sister Violet live in Leeds, with their parents. One morning father leaves for work and when the girls are ready for school Mum walks them as normal, but past the school turning, to a bus stop and then to a train station. They arrive in Suffolk to see a Grandfather their mother always said had died. But why? Mother said he was ill, but he didn't look it. She said they were to help him watch Halley's Comet, but when Nancy went to the cupola at the top of her grandfather's house it wasn't the sky that the telescope was focused on.
Why was her mother refusing to tell her anything? Why were they not supposed to be seen? Where did Mother and Grandfather go at night?
Nancy and Violet are very sassy young girls who are certainly not going to be made to be quiet when they think they can help. With the help of a young boy, Burch, who is the only person to make deliveries to her grandfather's apothecary shop. Nancy sets out to help her Grandfather, and to find out the family secrets.
Really recommend. Personally I now want to go and visit the Cupola which I know is at the top of a restaurant in Bury St Edmunds.
Nancy and her sister Violet live in Leeds, with their parents. One morning father leaves for work and when the girls are ready for school Mum walks them as normal, but past the school turning, to a bus stop and then to a train station. They arrive in Suffolk to see a Grandfather their mother always said had died. But why? Mother said he was ill, but he didn't look it. She said they were to help him watch Halley's Comet, but when Nancy went to the cupola at the top of her grandfather's house it wasn't the sky that the telescope was focused on.
Why was her mother refusing to tell her anything? Why were they not supposed to be seen? Where did Mother and Grandfather go at night?
Nancy and Violet are very sassy young girls who are certainly not going to be made to be quiet when they think they can help. With the help of a young boy, Burch, who is the only person to make deliveries to her grandfather's apothecary shop. Nancy sets out to help her Grandfather, and to find out the family secrets.
Really recommend. Personally I now want to go and visit the Cupola which I know is at the top of a restaurant in Bury St Edmunds.
July 4, 2021
Thank you so much to Usborne Books and netgalley for the earc to read and review.
The story follows Nancy and her sister violet during 1910 as the Halley’s Comet is coming. Her mum filled with hidden secrets uproots the girls to stay with a strange grandpa they’d never known about before.
This was such an exciting book and had so many secrets and lies to unravel whilst reading, strong children who stand up for themselves, family mystery, overcoming bullying and honestly so much more. I really loved our leading lady she was very deterred, brave and stood up for what was truly right she’s an amazing protagonist.
The Halley’s Comet is something I knew nothing about at all so was intrigued from the start, I loved reading how the author used different views and experiences for how people reacted to it passing by earth, some were fearful, some were precaution-ate and others adored and celebrated it.
I really enjoyed reading this book and know it’s a book that older middle grade readers would really enjoy and get so immersed into and just want to figure out all the answers to what is really going on.
The story follows Nancy and her sister violet during 1910 as the Halley’s Comet is coming. Her mum filled with hidden secrets uproots the girls to stay with a strange grandpa they’d never known about before.
This was such an exciting book and had so many secrets and lies to unravel whilst reading, strong children who stand up for themselves, family mystery, overcoming bullying and honestly so much more. I really loved our leading lady she was very deterred, brave and stood up for what was truly right she’s an amazing protagonist.
The Halley’s Comet is something I knew nothing about at all so was intrigued from the start, I loved reading how the author used different views and experiences for how people reacted to it passing by earth, some were fearful, some were precaution-ate and others adored and celebrated it.
I really enjoyed reading this book and know it’s a book that older middle grade readers would really enjoy and get so immersed into and just want to figure out all the answers to what is really going on.
April 23, 2021
The year is 1910. Haley’s comet is visible to the naked eye in the night sky as it orbits close to Earth. One day, instead of walking them to school, their mother walks Nancy and her sister Violet to the train station, where they catch a train to Bury St Edmonds. Here they meet a grandfather they never knew existed and become embroiled in a family mystery which has gone on for many years. As their mother and grandfather’s behaviour becomes stranger and more mysterious, Nancy decides she absolutely has to find out what the story is behind the hatred the mayor has for her family and enlists the help of local boy, Burch, to help.
Haley’s comet provides the starting point for the story but it is really a story about jealousy, greed and standing up for the truth. As a fascinating aside I was surprised to discover that many people were terrified of the comet, thinking they might die from the poisonous gases it might give off.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Haley’s comet provides the starting point for the story but it is really a story about jealousy, greed and standing up for the truth. As a fascinating aside I was surprised to discover that many people were terrified of the comet, thinking they might die from the poisonous gases it might give off.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 19, 2021
This historical mystery for middle grade readers is set in 1910 just before the appearance of Halley’s Comet. Nancy (age 12) and her younger sister Violet are whisked away mysteriously by their mother to Suffolk where they sneak into a house with a cupola– and meet their Grandfather they didn’t even know existed. There are family secrets, bizarre actions, dastardly villains, clueless adults and courageous children. I especially enjoyed the links to the suffrage movement and the inclusion of the historically accurate mixed public reaction to the comet which included anti-comet pills and gas masks as people were worried about the comet’s effects.
Children who enjoy historical mysteries like Caroline Lawrence’s Roman Mysteries, Phillip Pullman’s Sally Lockhart series of Emma Carroll’s books will enjoy this book. It is aimed at the 8-10 age range so younger than the students I work with, but it will appeal to Year 7’s and 8’s looking for an easy and enjoyable read.
Children who enjoy historical mysteries like Caroline Lawrence’s Roman Mysteries, Phillip Pullman’s Sally Lockhart series of Emma Carroll’s books will enjoy this book. It is aimed at the 8-10 age range so younger than the students I work with, but it will appeal to Year 7’s and 8’s looking for an easy and enjoyable read.
January 12, 2023
I was pretty excited when i know it'll be "historical fiction".
And it talked about comet, too! I love comet(s)!
Actually, this is such a great book, i read this in one sit because i got carried away by the story.
I actually guess some theory in the first half, like maybe The Mayor is Nancy's birth father (so her Mother is lying about her father's death) or maybe The Mayor is actually Nancy's uncle! Turned out that was..., something else.... A good twist that i didn't see coming!
The ending is not rushed (my personal opinion), because that's the only way to solve the problem, and that was the good one, tho—been ages since i read a book without plotting a revenge etc etc etc. That's good. For me it's not 'adventurous' enough, it's great about revealing the truth through the talk between family that haven't talk in years, but i just... that didn't sit right for me (personal thoughhttss).
3,75 from me!
And it talked about comet, too! I love comet(s)!
Actually, this is such a great book, i read this in one sit because i got carried away by the story.
I actually guess some theory in the first half, like maybe The Mayor is Nancy's birth father (so her Mother is lying about her father's death) or maybe The Mayor is actually Nancy's uncle! Turned out that was..., something else.... A good twist that i didn't see coming!
The ending is not rushed (my personal opinion), because that's the only way to solve the problem, and that was the good one, tho—been ages since i read a book without plotting a revenge etc etc etc. That's good. For me it's not 'adventurous' enough, it's great about revealing the truth through the talk between family that haven't talk in years, but i just... that didn't sit right for me (personal thoughhttss).
3,75 from me!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 8, 2021
The mystery of the night watchers was a historical middle grade novel that was thrilling and exciting!
The plot followed Nancy and her sister Violet who have been brought to their grandfather's house who they didn't even know exist! They can't be seen but when Nancy sees her grandfather and mother sneaking in the night, she is suspicious. Family secrets are discovered in this gripping book!
The writing was readable and immersive. The characters were realistic and the plot was incredibly gripping! There were some bits that I found a bit slow and that dragged on but other that that this was a brilliant read which I really enjoyed!
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the E-arc! All opinions are my own.
The plot followed Nancy and her sister Violet who have been brought to their grandfather's house who they didn't even know exist! They can't be seen but when Nancy sees her grandfather and mother sneaking in the night, she is suspicious. Family secrets are discovered in this gripping book!
The writing was readable and immersive. The characters were realistic and the plot was incredibly gripping! There were some bits that I found a bit slow and that dragged on but other that that this was a brilliant read which I really enjoyed!
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the E-arc! All opinions are my own.
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