What do you think?
Five and the Forest of Secrets: Book 3
'A rip-roaring delight.' Anna James
The Famous Five are back as a new group of kids go camping in the Forest of Secrets and crack their third mystery.
A brand-new adventure by bestselling author Chris Smith, inspired by Enid Blyton and featuring original and new characters.
Maddy, Fran and Tom - plus Gilbert the dog - are off on a camping trip with Professor George, and they can't wait! There will be sausages to cook over the campfire and amazing places to explore . . . but before long, the New Famous Five discover there's a bigger adventure in store for them. A famous scientist has gone missing and a criminal gang wants to use his research for nefarious purposes. Can the children solve the mystery, rescue the scientist and stop the criminals in their tracks?
The Famous Five are back as a new group of kids go camping in the Forest of Secrets and crack their third mystery.
A brand-new adventure by bestselling author Chris Smith, inspired by Enid Blyton and featuring original and new characters.
Maddy, Fran and Tom - plus Gilbert the dog - are off on a camping trip with Professor George, and they can't wait! There will be sausages to cook over the campfire and amazing places to explore . . . but before long, the New Famous Five discover there's a bigger adventure in store for them. A famous scientist has gone missing and a criminal gang wants to use his research for nefarious purposes. Can the children solve the mystery, rescue the scientist and stop the criminals in their tracks?
211 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 2, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
August 4, 2026
Five & The Forest Of Secrets by Chris Smith is a wonderful children’s tale of adventure. It is the third book in The New Famous Five series but can be read as a stand-alone.
The new famous five includes an original member, George, who is now a famous scientist, just like her father. The three children and their dog are delivered to George by their Grandpa Dick, another original member.
In true famous five style the children, George and twelve-year-old Cici (whose parents are away for the summer) and Gilbert the dog, set off on a camping holiday – that is destined to become an adventure. As we know: “all the best adventures start… with a cup of tea” – and adventures end with a come-uppance for the villains.
Once more, the new famous five set out to save the day.
The New Famous Five series is, in my opinion, even more entertaining than the original series. Youngsters will soon become hooked on the books as the next generation of children explore, alongside the characters. These books have an olde worlde charm with a sense of fun and adventure, similar to the originals. I am thoroughly enjoying them.
The new famous five includes an original member, George, who is now a famous scientist, just like her father. The three children and their dog are delivered to George by their Grandpa Dick, another original member.
In true famous five style the children, George and twelve-year-old Cici (whose parents are away for the summer) and Gilbert the dog, set off on a camping holiday – that is destined to become an adventure. As we know: “all the best adventures start… with a cup of tea” – and adventures end with a come-uppance for the villains.
Once more, the new famous five set out to save the day.
The New Famous Five series is, in my opinion, even more entertaining than the original series. Youngsters will soon become hooked on the books as the next generation of children explore, alongside the characters. These books have an olde worlde charm with a sense of fun and adventure, similar to the originals. I am thoroughly enjoying them.
August 6, 2026
It was a joy to revisit the Famous Five in this new story and with these new characters. Whether a fan of Enid Blyton, or new to the franchise, this was a fun filled adventure story that I'm sure will be enjoyed by many younger readers.
Chris Smith does a great job of encapsulating the traditional feel of the original Famous Five, with a fresh take for a modern audience. This book was full of adventure and I can see being very addictive for young readers, but also weaves through some tougher topics (such as bullying and struggling at school). I'm sure I would have devoured this as a child and felt much the same as an adult.
Although I haven't read the earlier 2 books in the series, Five and the Forest of Secrets was a great starting point, as I can imagine any of the books in this series would be. I imagine this is a lovely series to read in chronological order (and eagerly await the new additions to the series), or to jump in at any point.
The book is complimented beautifully with charming illustrations by James Lancett, which help bring the story to life.
Chris Smith does a great job of encapsulating the traditional feel of the original Famous Five, with a fresh take for a modern audience. This book was full of adventure and I can see being very addictive for young readers, but also weaves through some tougher topics (such as bullying and struggling at school). I'm sure I would have devoured this as a child and felt much the same as an adult.
Although I haven't read the earlier 2 books in the series, Five and the Forest of Secrets was a great starting point, as I can imagine any of the books in this series would be. I imagine this is a lovely series to read in chronological order (and eagerly await the new additions to the series), or to jump in at any point.
The book is complimented beautifully with charming illustrations by James Lancett, which help bring the story to life.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews