The Golden Monkey Mystery

by Piu DasGupta

A thrilling adventure set in the jungles of India from the Waterstones Children's Book Prize shortlisted author of Secrets of the Snakestone.



A lost monkey.


A cursed jewel.


A race through the jungle…

When Roma stumbles upon a rare golden monkey, she vows to return it to its hidden home in the Himalayas. But the path is riddled with ruthless bandits, prowling beasts, and the sinister power of the Snakestone – a jewel that stalks her dreams.


To make matters worse, Roma is forced to travel with Max and Arabella, two pampered children who seem more trouble than help. Only a mysterious map offers a chance of success – but with every step, pursuers of the Snakestone draw closer.


Can Roma unlock the map's secret before the jungle swallows them whole?

199 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 15, 2026

About the author

Piu DasGupta is the author of dark, twisty, Gothic books of fiction for children, teens, and adults.

Her debut Middle Grade novel, SECRETS OF THE SNAKESTONE, is released on 14th March 2024 with Nosy Crow.

Piu lives in Paris, France, with her family and two cats.

Reviews

[Agnes Monod-Gayraud]

Highly anticipated adventure from the author of Secrets of the Snakestone, this mystery takes readers on an adventure through the jungles of India hot on the heels of a rare golden monkey and the sudden reappearance of the cursed Snakestone. The heroine Roma is fearless, with the perfect dose of snark to to amuse and inspire readers as she follows her duties as a would-be physician and her adventurous heart.

[Svani · Rating 5 out of 5]

A twisty adventure simply bursting with ancient magic, mystery, and heart. Roma is a brilliant, feisty main character, and the jungle setting completely entangles you in its dark depths. I couldn't stop reading this book; I loved its vivid and original world-building and relentless, heart-pounding action. It's PERFECT for fans of gutsy quests and stunningly imagined worlds.

[Lily Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this! I thought the story was thorough and detailed enough to keep me interested, and was well executed, not only on sentence level but also concerning wider context and social/cultural ideas. I would happily recommend this to children/parents/teachers.
The main characters are colourful and lovable, and Dasgupta has a very gentle and approachable way of communicating complexities - such as the tension between someone’s general personality and the historical/cultural context that shapes them and their behaviours. I will be recommending The Golden Monkey Mystery at work, and will perhaps read Dasgupta’s other novel too!

[Farah G · Rating 4 out of 5]

A daring and evocative jungle adventure involving three children, a mysterious monkey, and a sinister treasure, this story is set in the colonial era. And unlike most stories written in that time period, it does its native characters and culture due justice.

Enigmatic, engrossing and enjoyable, and with a satisfying baddie quotient, it is well worth checking out!

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

[Dom Le Hibou · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast-paced and thrilling adventure set in 1880s India. Filled to the brim with exciting characters, wonderful wordplay and an engaging subtext.
Top Notch!

Thank-you to Nosy Crow and NetGalley for the advanced copy.