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The Sinclair’s Mysteries #4
The Mystery of the Midnight Peacock
You are cordially invited to Sinclair's Midnight Peacock Ball! The festive season has come to Sinclair's and Sophie and Lil are spending the holidays at snowy Winter Hall. But it turns out that this is no ordinary house party ...As sinister secrets come to light, our intrepid heroines find themselves faced with a more baffling mystery than ever before! With the help of their friends, can they uncover the truth in time to foil a truly diabolical plot? Or will Mr Sinclair's New Year's Eve Midnight Peacock Ball spell disaster for the dauntless young detectives? Prepare for shocks and surprises in the thrilling conclusion to the Sinclair's Mysteries!
352 pages, Paperback
First published October 5, 2017
53 people are currently reading
2148 people want to read
About the author
Katherine Woodfine
33 books508 followersKatherine Woodfine is the author of more than 15 books for children, including the Sinclair’s Mysteries and Taylor & Rose Secret Agents series. Her first published novel, The Clockwork Sparrow, was a Sunday Times bestseller and was nominated for numerous awards. A champion of children’s literature, she has previously worked on projects including the Children’s Laureate, YALC (the UK’s first young adult literature convention) and children’s books podcast Down the Rabbit Hole. She now combines writing with reviewing children’s books. She lives in Lancashire, UK in an old house near a castle, with her family and two black cats. Find out more at katherinewoodfine.co.uk
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews
March 17, 2025
4 stars ⭐️ Clean Fiction - Middle-Grade Historical Mystery
Ah! I’ve finished this delightful series and am, honestly, quite sad about it. This series has been so much fun and one I will think about with fondness for years to come.
I have to complement this author of this series because the pacing of these books have been great. The first book and the fourth book may end with a bit of info-dumping at the very end, but it works okay because there’s so many elements and characters throughout this series that help solve these mysteries!
On that note, one thing I usually raise my eyebrows about in different middle-grade mysteries is the fact that the kid MCs are solving some pretty serious—and even deadly—mysteries when they can’t even do algebra (though, perhaps that shows algebra isn’t really needed in most lifestyles, but I digress). I didn’t feel that way at all with this series—these teens are very smart, but they all have their strengths and weakness. It’s really how they come together, put their heads together, and the friends they make as the books continue that makes it possible for these mysteries to be solved—as a team.
The final illustration of our four main characters (with Lucky and Daisy, of course) was so cute, I’m pretty sure I looked like a mix of these two emojis 🥹🥰.
We finally get some answers about Sophie’s parents in this book and it leads into the spin-off series well. I’m eager to read those soon!
One note:
British edition & audiobook say “damned good” while American edition says “very fine” (pg. 151)
Main Content-
Lil says that it doesn’t feel like Christmas tomorrow, even though it has all the “proper things—Christmas trees and mince pies and so on”; The group goes to a Christmas church service on Christmas morning and they sing a carol (not written out or said which one); A couple mentions of a “fairy doll” on top of a Christmas tree.
A mention of praying (not towards Whom); A mention of church bells; “God rest her soul” is said once about a deceased person.
One of the housemaids at Winter Hall thinks the East Wing is haunted and the reasons why some of the staff thinks this is shared with the others (hearing a ghost’s footsteps and thumps, feeling a horrible chill, & seeing a light in an area that shouldn’t have one); Tilly is positive that there are no such things as ghosts because there isn’t any proof they exist and she read a book on it that “all the scientists agree” that ghosts are made up; Tilly goes down the East Wing to prove the other maids wrong and experiences the cold air, creaking sounds, and sees a figure coming towards her before her candle is suddenly snuffed out (which she screams and notes later that she was frightened out of her life when that happened; Later, she tells Sophie and Lil that it didn’t seem like a ghost you would read about in a book—one that is “floating apparitions and clanking chains” and instead it was a big dark figure); *Spoilers* ; Mentions of some believing they are seeing ghosts and that a place is haunted.
At a party, there is a fortune-teller laying out tarot cards (pg. 274, nothing else is said besides her name which was mentioned in a newspaper in the third book as well).
A new character (Tilly) thinks that Sinclair’s looks like a temple looming over her when she sees if for the first time; A folly called the “Temple of the Birds”; A few mentions of the secrets of a group of paintings and a group hoping for “a new Age of Dragon” starting (no details are given to what this entails besides a great treasure being hinted about); A couple mentions of tapestries of unicorns; A mention of an Eros fountain; A mention of Chinese monks.
Lil and Billy argue and share some hurtful words (she calls him a muttonhead, also snaps at Joe, and it’s later said that Lil apologized to Billy); Eavesdropping is done by main characters.
Sophie feels fear over the thought of seeing the Baron again because of past events and threats; Sophie also feels the fear of the possibility of dying/being killed (particularly when she thinks about how the Baron carries around a knife).
*Spoilers, but seeing a death* ; Locking someone in a closet (because they are being suspicious).
Grief is shown and mentioned (including Sophie with her father and a story about a man locking himself in a room after his daughter passed away).
Sophie wanted to learn self-defense (so she doesn’t feel vulnerable next time she sees the Baron, which lead to her and some other girls (Lil and suffragettes) starting a class to learn Kung Fu (a mention of some of the girls keeping it a secret from their parents as they are concerned the parents will find it improper)).
Lil and Sophie talk about boys (see more info on this below with other romance/relationship content) and how they both don’t want to get married and be “an independent woman of means” (Lil says this first and then Sophie says it as well); Lil refers to her parents as “the Aged Parents” and comments how her and her brother aren’t in their good books at the moment (because of their career choices and imagines they’ll have a “big row” if together for the holidays).
Some gender comments about girls and having untraditional roles (such as doormen saying that they “didn’t know what the world was coming to” when referring to female detectives, Tilly wondering if girls can be chauffeurs and there most likely not going to be any more schooling for her because of her position as a housemaid, Mr. Sinclair says that Sophie and Lil are “new women” and normal traditions of society can’t apply to them, Lil makes a comment about women not being allowed in a men’s club with a disgusted tone, and Mei borrows a pair of trousers to climb because those are much better for the mission than a skirt).
Leo has blossomed while being away from her family, but she returns home for Christmas and shrinks back inside if herself at times (such as when they don’t greet her, her brother being mean, her mother being snobby, her mother commenting in her POV about her daughter’s silly cane and “infirmity”, and her mother being upset at her).
Tilly plans to “pinch” (steal) a book from the house’s library to read (even though she’s not allowed to borrow the books from Winter House and would be in trouble if found out; Never said if she does do this, however, she’s done it lots of times before and has never been caught).
Joe comments on some factories being owned by people who “don’t think twice about the people who work for them”; A man swings a stick at a dog and hits her.
No major language is said or written out in the American version, but the British edition and audiobook editions of this story say “damned good” while American edition says “very fine” (pg. 151); British exclamations like ‘blimey’, ‘dashed/dash it all’ are said up to three time each; Other words like ‘gosh’ and ‘golly’ are said; Calling people a form of ‘dumb’, ‘idiot’, and ‘stupid’ are said up to four times each; Other words/phrases like ‘darned’, ‘care a fig’, and give a pin’ are all said once; Religious exclamations like ‘good heavens’, ‘heavens’, and ‘bless my soul’ are exclaimed twice each; The phrase ‘have your guts for garters’ is said once as well; ‘Queer’ is used five times for the original meaning of ‘odd’.
Many mentions of deaths & murders (including deaths that seemed natural, but could have been murder instead, up to a few sentences with little details); Mentions of an assassination plan, a plan to start a war, bombs/explosions, fires, weapons/guns/snipers, & causing deaths of innocent bystanders with these plans; Many mentions of a criminal/crime lord & his gang; Mentions of past events (including robberies, a bomb and bomb threat, being kidnapped and locked in a room); Mentions of stealing, stolen items, burglaries/robberies/break-ins, & thieves; Mentions of the Suffragettes & them doing dangerous things (such as taking part of rowdy protests and chaining themselves to things); Mentions of class difference between friends & adults trying to keep them away from each other when they get older (Leo and Tilly, though they still made sure they could still be friends); Mentions of gambling & gambling debts (mainly Leo’s brother having a problem with this; He tries to play others for money at the house party, but they all end up playing for chocolate, much to his dismay); Mentions of alcohol & drinking (adults at parties); Mentions of cigars, cigar smoke, & tobacco; A few mentions of a gunshot; A few mentions of injuries & blood/bleeding; A few mentions of eavesdropping; A couple mentions of crooked police officers; A couple mentions of an arrest & jail; A couple mentions of polio (what Leo had as a child).
Seeing a married couple kissing; Another couple kisses as well on New Years Eve (two sentences).
Sophie finds herself blushing over Jack once and it’s noted that “when he smiled at her, she was conscious of feeling excited and embarrassed and flustered in a way that was not in the least like her usual self”; Jack later comments that perhaps 1910 will be the year he gets Sophie to get coffee with him (just the two of them).
Lil and Sophie talk about boys and Lil says she doesn’t want to get married, but be an “independent woman of means” (Sophie asks her about Joe and his soft spot for Lil, but Lil says she likes Joe as a chum, not a husband; Lil turns the tables and asks Sophie about her two suitors, but Sophie says she isn’t bothered about suitors either and wants to be an “independent woman of means” as well).
When Billy is upset, he accuses Joe of agreeing with Lil (because he likes her).
Tilly’s mother passed away in childbirth and Tilly doesn’t know who her father is (the woman who has raised her told Tilly that he was probably “just some common good-for-nothing who had turned her poor mother’s head” and tells Tilly for that to be a lesson to her (which Tilly was never quite sure what that lesson is supposed to be)).
A woman comments that a deceased unmarried man probably does have a few offspring, but “it’s a bit difficult to prove for sure”; A maid comments on wishing to be married off to the husband young son of the household; A son remembers teasing about his father getting love letters from ladies (the letters weren’t actually love letters).
A few mentions of crushes/interest (Joe having a soft spot for Lil, Sophie being the first girl that didn’t swoon when meeting Jack, & Song looking gooey-eyed at Sophie); A couple mentions of good-looking boys; A couple mentions of blushes; A couple mentions of chaperones; A couple mentions of arranged marriages and being told who to marry (Lil finds this thought dreadful and another girl comments that she has no say, but ends up making her own choice); A mention of a mother dying in childbirth; A mention of the housemaids being “in a flutter” about a handsome young man.
Ah! I’ve finished this delightful series and am, honestly, quite sad about it. This series has been so much fun and one I will think about with fondness for years to come.
I have to complement this author of this series because the pacing of these books have been great. The first book and the fourth book may end with a bit of info-dumping at the very end, but it works okay because there’s so many elements and characters throughout this series that help solve these mysteries!
On that note, one thing I usually raise my eyebrows about in different middle-grade mysteries is the fact that the kid MCs are solving some pretty serious—and even deadly—mysteries when they can’t even do algebra (though, perhaps that shows algebra isn’t really needed in most lifestyles, but I digress). I didn’t feel that way at all with this series—these teens are very smart, but they all have their strengths and weakness. It’s really how they come together, put their heads together, and the friends they make as the books continue that makes it possible for these mysteries to be solved—as a team.
The final illustration of our four main characters (with Lucky and Daisy, of course) was so cute, I’m pretty sure I looked like a mix of these two emojis 🥹🥰.
We finally get some answers about Sophie’s parents in this book and it leads into the spin-off series well. I’m eager to read those soon!
One note:
British edition & audiobook say “damned good” while American edition says “very fine” (pg. 151)
Main Content-
Lil says that it doesn’t feel like Christmas tomorrow, even though it has all the “proper things—Christmas trees and mince pies and so on”; The group goes to a Christmas church service on Christmas morning and they sing a carol (not written out or said which one); A couple mentions of a “fairy doll” on top of a Christmas tree.
A mention of praying (not towards Whom); A mention of church bells; “God rest her soul” is said once about a deceased person.
One of the housemaids at Winter Hall thinks the East Wing is haunted and the reasons why some of the staff thinks this is shared with the others (hearing a ghost’s footsteps and thumps, feeling a horrible chill, & seeing a light in an area that shouldn’t have one); Tilly is positive that there are no such things as ghosts because there isn’t any proof they exist and she read a book on it that “all the scientists agree” that ghosts are made up; Tilly goes down the East Wing to prove the other maids wrong and experiences the cold air, creaking sounds, and sees a figure coming towards her before her candle is suddenly snuffed out (which she screams and notes later that she was frightened out of her life when that happened; Later, she tells Sophie and Lil that it didn’t seem like a ghost you would read about in a book—one that is “floating apparitions and clanking chains” and instead it was a big dark figure); *Spoilers* ; Mentions of some believing they are seeing ghosts and that a place is haunted.
At a party, there is a fortune-teller laying out tarot cards (pg. 274, nothing else is said besides her name which was mentioned in a newspaper in the third book as well).
A new character (Tilly) thinks that Sinclair’s looks like a temple looming over her when she sees if for the first time; A folly called the “Temple of the Birds”; A few mentions of the secrets of a group of paintings and a group hoping for “a new Age of Dragon” starting (no details are given to what this entails besides a great treasure being hinted about); A couple mentions of tapestries of unicorns; A mention of an Eros fountain; A mention of Chinese monks.
Lil and Billy argue and share some hurtful words (she calls him a muttonhead, also snaps at Joe, and it’s later said that Lil apologized to Billy); Eavesdropping is done by main characters.
Sophie feels fear over the thought of seeing the Baron again because of past events and threats; Sophie also feels the fear of the possibility of dying/being killed (particularly when she thinks about how the Baron carries around a knife).
*Spoilers, but seeing a death* ; Locking someone in a closet (because they are being suspicious).
Grief is shown and mentioned (including Sophie with her father and a story about a man locking himself in a room after his daughter passed away).
Sophie wanted to learn self-defense (so she doesn’t feel vulnerable next time she sees the Baron, which lead to her and some other girls (Lil and suffragettes) starting a class to learn Kung Fu (a mention of some of the girls keeping it a secret from their parents as they are concerned the parents will find it improper)).
Lil and Sophie talk about boys (see more info on this below with other romance/relationship content) and how they both don’t want to get married and be “an independent woman of means” (Lil says this first and then Sophie says it as well); Lil refers to her parents as “the Aged Parents” and comments how her and her brother aren’t in their good books at the moment (because of their career choices and imagines they’ll have a “big row” if together for the holidays).
Some gender comments about girls and having untraditional roles (such as doormen saying that they “didn’t know what the world was coming to” when referring to female detectives, Tilly wondering if girls can be chauffeurs and there most likely not going to be any more schooling for her because of her position as a housemaid, Mr. Sinclair says that Sophie and Lil are “new women” and normal traditions of society can’t apply to them, Lil makes a comment about women not being allowed in a men’s club with a disgusted tone, and Mei borrows a pair of trousers to climb because those are much better for the mission than a skirt).
Leo has blossomed while being away from her family, but she returns home for Christmas and shrinks back inside if herself at times (such as when they don’t greet her, her brother being mean, her mother being snobby, her mother commenting in her POV about her daughter’s silly cane and “infirmity”, and her mother being upset at her).
Tilly plans to “pinch” (steal) a book from the house’s library to read (even though she’s not allowed to borrow the books from Winter House and would be in trouble if found out; Never said if she does do this, however, she’s done it lots of times before and has never been caught).
Joe comments on some factories being owned by people who “don’t think twice about the people who work for them”; A man swings a stick at a dog and hits her.
No major language is said or written out in the American version, but the British edition and audiobook editions of this story say “damned good” while American edition says “very fine” (pg. 151); British exclamations like ‘blimey’, ‘dashed/dash it all’ are said up to three time each; Other words like ‘gosh’ and ‘golly’ are said; Calling people a form of ‘dumb’, ‘idiot’, and ‘stupid’ are said up to four times each; Other words/phrases like ‘darned’, ‘care a fig’, and give a pin’ are all said once; Religious exclamations like ‘good heavens’, ‘heavens’, and ‘bless my soul’ are exclaimed twice each; The phrase ‘have your guts for garters’ is said once as well; ‘Queer’ is used five times for the original meaning of ‘odd’.
Many mentions of deaths & murders (including deaths that seemed natural, but could have been murder instead, up to a few sentences with little details); Mentions of an assassination plan, a plan to start a war, bombs/explosions, fires, weapons/guns/snipers, & causing deaths of innocent bystanders with these plans; Many mentions of a criminal/crime lord & his gang; Mentions of past events (including robberies, a bomb and bomb threat, being kidnapped and locked in a room); Mentions of stealing, stolen items, burglaries/robberies/break-ins, & thieves; Mentions of the Suffragettes & them doing dangerous things (such as taking part of rowdy protests and chaining themselves to things); Mentions of class difference between friends & adults trying to keep them away from each other when they get older (Leo and Tilly, though they still made sure they could still be friends); Mentions of gambling & gambling debts (mainly Leo’s brother having a problem with this; He tries to play others for money at the house party, but they all end up playing for chocolate, much to his dismay); Mentions of alcohol & drinking (adults at parties); Mentions of cigars, cigar smoke, & tobacco; A few mentions of a gunshot; A few mentions of injuries & blood/bleeding; A few mentions of eavesdropping; A couple mentions of crooked police officers; A couple mentions of an arrest & jail; A couple mentions of polio (what Leo had as a child).
Seeing a married couple kissing; Another couple kisses as well on New Years Eve (two sentences).
Sophie finds herself blushing over Jack once and it’s noted that “when he smiled at her, she was conscious of feeling excited and embarrassed and flustered in a way that was not in the least like her usual self”; Jack later comments that perhaps 1910 will be the year he gets Sophie to get coffee with him (just the two of them).
Lil and Sophie talk about boys and Lil says she doesn’t want to get married, but be an “independent woman of means” (Sophie asks her about Joe and his soft spot for Lil, but Lil says she likes Joe as a chum, not a husband; Lil turns the tables and asks Sophie about her two suitors, but Sophie says she isn’t bothered about suitors either and wants to be an “independent woman of means” as well).
When Billy is upset, he accuses Joe of agreeing with Lil (because he likes her).
Tilly’s mother passed away in childbirth and Tilly doesn’t know who her father is (the woman who has raised her told Tilly that he was probably “just some common good-for-nothing who had turned her poor mother’s head” and tells Tilly for that to be a lesson to her (which Tilly was never quite sure what that lesson is supposed to be)).
A woman comments that a deceased unmarried man probably does have a few offspring, but “it’s a bit difficult to prove for sure”; A maid comments on wishing to be married off to the husband young son of the household; A son remembers teasing about his father getting love letters from ladies (the letters weren’t actually love letters).
A few mentions of crushes/interest (Joe having a soft spot for Lil, Sophie being the first girl that didn’t swoon when meeting Jack, & Song looking gooey-eyed at Sophie); A couple mentions of good-looking boys; A couple mentions of blushes; A couple mentions of chaperones; A couple mentions of arranged marriages and being told who to marry (Lil finds this thought dreadful and another girl comments that she has no say, but ends up making her own choice); A mention of a mother dying in childbirth; A mention of the housemaids being “in a flutter” about a handsome young man.
August 14, 2017
My favourite book of the series so far and such a great finale! Loved the return of Leo from the third book and how the gang solved the overarching mystery - only with this book do you realise how many cool threads were woven throughout the whole series to deliver this much closure.
This is such a fantastic middle grade series. I'm a sucker for books set in this time period and can't wait to see what Sophie and Lil (the Nancy Drews of 1910) get up to next!
This is such a fantastic middle grade series. I'm a sucker for books set in this time period and can't wait to see what Sophie and Lil (the Nancy Drews of 1910) get up to next!
February 5, 2024
Ох і ах 🥰якби мені цю квадрологію у підліткову віці це була би, безперечно, моя найулюбленіша серія книг ♥️
November 12, 2022
A very satisfying end to the 4-book series. I liked the new characters that were introduced with each book, and I really liked that once introduced they did not disappear from subsequent books. In fact all of them had a critical role in the finale, in which even the most minor plot threads were resolved.
Were there exceptionally unlikely moments in this and the three previous books? Such as the villain expounding on his villainy for so long that he doesn't get to kill the heroine after all? Indeed there were, but I have already (almost) forgotten all about them.
Were there exceptionally unlikely moments in this and the three previous books? Such as the villain expounding on his villainy for so long that he doesn't get to kill the heroine after all? Indeed there were, but I have already (almost) forgotten all about them.
April 5, 2020
This was a perfect ending to a fun series. I feel like I say it in every single one of these reviews, but the atmosphere the author manages to create in these books is just wonderful. I keep reading for that more than the mystery or the characters, though they also keep me invested.
I like how this book wrapped things up just enough. I am really curious to see what the follow-up series is like. I'm excited to see more of Sophie and Lil, but do have the feeling the background characters I've come to love from this series won't show up in that one as much. I really appreciate the background characters the author has set up over the course of the series, and how many returned in this book, showing their personalities and talents in unique ways. I also liked Tilly a lot, a character introduced in this book. She fit in perfectly with the established cast.
All in all, I really recommend this series. It's been a fun one to read, and I'll definitely keep up with the next series about these girls, as well as other work by this author.
I like how this book wrapped things up just enough. I am really curious to see what the follow-up series is like. I'm excited to see more of Sophie and Lil, but do have the feeling the background characters I've come to love from this series won't show up in that one as much. I really appreciate the background characters the author has set up over the course of the series, and how many returned in this book, showing their personalities and talents in unique ways. I also liked Tilly a lot, a character introduced in this book. She fit in perfectly with the established cast.
All in all, I really recommend this series. It's been a fun one to read, and I'll definitely keep up with the next series about these girls, as well as other work by this author.
October 29, 2017
A glorious, adventurous and utterly thrilling festive conclusion to the Sinclair's Mysteries series, this is a wonderful story that's left me eager for more mysteries for detectives Sophie and Lil! 8+
*Please note: this review is meant as a recommendation only. Please do not use it in any marketing material, online or in print, without asking permission from me first. Thank you!*
*Please note: this review is meant as a recommendation only. Please do not use it in any marketing material, online or in print, without asking permission from me first. Thank you!*
February 21, 2025
I love this whole series! This was a fabulous ending with some good twists. I cannot wait to read the next series!!
August 5, 2018
Another fun romp and I think ending? to the Sinclair Store series. The details of the glamorous store and the world in London of 1900-1910 were a delight to read of and the chase to solve this next mystery was again a fun adventure.
This time Sophie and her friends are preparing for Christmas and the Midnight Peacock ball and presentation where even the King himself might be invited! Their run of mysteries in the Ladies Detective Agency has quieted for the holidays and Sophie is a little sad, remembering old times with papa. She jumps at the chance to a holiday in the countryside manor of her friend Leo's, especially when she finds news of her father's late friend. Meanwhile the manor itself has mysteries of its own with a mysterious ghost in the East wing.
The intrepid friends discover something much more sinister. Meanwhile in the city some one is planning some extra dangerous fireworks. Sophie and friends race against time to save the city and the king from war, assassination and more.
I recommend mainly to middle grade though anyone can enjoy these. Personally it was a bit too glamorous and fun and made history seem a little glossier than it really was. I think I wanted a little bit more depth, heart and reality.
This time Sophie and her friends are preparing for Christmas and the Midnight Peacock ball and presentation where even the King himself might be invited! Their run of mysteries in the Ladies Detective Agency has quieted for the holidays and Sophie is a little sad, remembering old times with papa. She jumps at the chance to a holiday in the countryside manor of her friend Leo's, especially when she finds news of her father's late friend. Meanwhile the manor itself has mysteries of its own with a mysterious ghost in the East wing.
The intrepid friends discover something much more sinister. Meanwhile in the city some one is planning some extra dangerous fireworks. Sophie and friends race against time to save the city and the king from war, assassination and more.
I recommend mainly to middle grade though anyone can enjoy these. Personally it was a bit too glamorous and fun and made history seem a little glossier than it really was. I think I wanted a little bit more depth, heart and reality.
October 22, 2017
A delightful final installment to The Sinclair's Mysteries.
I'm glad Woodfine has brought this story arc to an end (it had run its course and going further with it would have been dragging it out) and look forward to more from Taylor and Rose in the future!
Fans of the series will be very happy.
I'm glad Woodfine has brought this story arc to an end (it had run its course and going further with it would have been dragging it out) and look forward to more from Taylor and Rose in the future!
Fans of the series will be very happy.
October 2, 2018
It is a great book and a great series as well! It surprised me and I never wanted to put it down and when I started it I wanted to read the book in a whole day. Sadly when I finished it I never wanted it too end☹️
November 28, 2017
Such a brill end to the series! Definitely recommend this series, it's one of my favourites.
March 20, 2019
I have attached really enjoyed this series
September 13, 2019
I have spent the past few months reading this children's mystery series set in Edwardian England.
The Sinclair's Mysteries are written for children but I felt more suspense reading Woodfine's cases than I have reading adult thrillers. I loved the setting and Woodfine's ability of writing characters in that particular time. I am glad that there is more to come from Taylor and Rose. Although the stories can be a little cliche I still enjoy them.
This particular story was Sherlock Holmes meets Downton Abbey.
The Sinclair's Mysteries are written for children but I felt more suspense reading Woodfine's cases than I have reading adult thrillers. I loved the setting and Woodfine's ability of writing characters in that particular time. I am glad that there is more to come from Taylor and Rose. Although the stories can be a little cliche I still enjoy them.
This particular story was Sherlock Holmes meets Downton Abbey.
July 16, 2025
Update 1: 16/7/2025.
For a moment, Sophie thought resentfully of what he had said in the letter about giving her an 'ordinary childhood'. 'I'd swap that for a lesson on firearms right now,' she murmured.
Look at it. Just look at it! I'll admit, purple is my favourite colour, and The Sinclair's Mysteries one of my favourite series, so I'm definitely biased, but how gorgeous has Karl James Mountford made the cover?! The colours, the drawings, what the people are doing... And then there are all the silver details - the peacocks, the Christmas decorations... Some parts of it are actually 'frozen over', meaning they've been given a kind of whitey haze. It's so beautiful.
The book is set around Christmas and New Year, and we all know how much the English love their end-of-year festivities. It's no surprise, then, that Woodfine has succeeded brilliantly in making it truly feel like that time of year. As usual, she incorporates small details of life in and around Sinclair's which make it all the more vivid. I especially appreciated the throwback to Book 1, with the young man and woman who first meet at the day of Sinclair's opening...
It's the final book of the (first) series and there's a lot going on. There are still some big questions that need to be solved - about Sophie's father's background, for example - and big troubles that need to be resolved - such as the Baron, obviously - and then there's the specific plot for this book. 334 pages, and it's packed! Just like the main characters, you won't know anymore where to turn to and who to trust in the end. You'll see conspiracies everywhere and the questions keep on rising. Until the big moment, the big finale, arrives, and everything falls into place. The author leaves no stone unturned, harking back all the way to the first book to explain all the questions you might still have. And there are a lot of thrills, of course! And some major plot twists. As you'll know by now, it's just magnificent. Most characters from the past three books make their reappearance here (yes, Veronica is there), which is also very fun to read and makes the book even better.
Update 1: One very small and minor detail for which I'm not subtracting any points: I just found a mistake. When Tilly and Leo step out of the elevator at Sinclair's on the first floor, they head over to Sophie and Lil's office - which is actually situated on the fourth floor, as has been mentioned before and is also visible on their calling cards.
I already talked a bit about feminism in my review of Book 3. The story continues. One of the best and most important character-establishing moments of the entire series, maybe even just the best, is when Sophie and Lil both tell each other that . It can't be much clearer than that. As to how realistic that would be in those days remains to be seen, although I'm sure that there certainly have been some cases every once in a while. Whatever. Even if that wouldn't be the case, I don't give a fig about it. It's good, it's grandiose, it's fitting. I love these characters so much.
Did I already mention this is One of the Best Series Ever? And what makes this book even better, is the very last page, on which you'll see - after already having sighed deeply because you'll just have to live in peace with the fact that it's the end of the series - that there is a second series... To be continued! Really, this book is just perfect.
10+/10
Average rating for the series: 9.8/10
For a moment, Sophie thought resentfully of what he had said in the letter about giving her an 'ordinary childhood'. 'I'd swap that for a lesson on firearms right now,' she murmured.
Look at it. Just look at it! I'll admit, purple is my favourite colour, and The Sinclair's Mysteries one of my favourite series, so I'm definitely biased, but how gorgeous has Karl James Mountford made the cover?! The colours, the drawings, what the people are doing... And then there are all the silver details - the peacocks, the Christmas decorations... Some parts of it are actually 'frozen over', meaning they've been given a kind of whitey haze. It's so beautiful.
The book is set around Christmas and New Year, and we all know how much the English love their end-of-year festivities. It's no surprise, then, that Woodfine has succeeded brilliantly in making it truly feel like that time of year. As usual, she incorporates small details of life in and around Sinclair's which make it all the more vivid. I especially appreciated the throwback to Book 1, with the young man and woman who first meet at the day of Sinclair's opening...
It's the final book of the (first) series and there's a lot going on. There are still some big questions that need to be solved - about Sophie's father's background, for example - and big troubles that need to be resolved - such as the Baron, obviously - and then there's the specific plot for this book. 334 pages, and it's packed! Just like the main characters, you won't know anymore where to turn to and who to trust in the end. You'll see conspiracies everywhere and the questions keep on rising. Until the big moment, the big finale, arrives, and everything falls into place. The author leaves no stone unturned, harking back all the way to the first book to explain all the questions you might still have. And there are a lot of thrills, of course! And some major plot twists. As you'll know by now, it's just magnificent. Most characters from the past three books make their reappearance here (yes, Veronica is there), which is also very fun to read and makes the book even better.
Update 1: One very small and minor detail for which I'm not subtracting any points: I just found a mistake. When Tilly and Leo step out of the elevator at Sinclair's on the first floor, they head over to Sophie and Lil's office - which is actually situated on the fourth floor, as has been mentioned before and is also visible on their calling cards.
I already talked a bit about feminism in my review of Book 3. The story continues. One of the best and most important character-establishing moments of the entire series, maybe even just the best, is when Sophie and Lil both tell each other that . It can't be much clearer than that. As to how realistic that would be in those days remains to be seen, although I'm sure that there certainly have been some cases every once in a while. Whatever. Even if that wouldn't be the case, I don't give a fig about it. It's good, it's grandiose, it's fitting. I love these characters so much.
Did I already mention this is One of the Best Series Ever? And what makes this book even better, is the very last page, on which you'll see - after already having sighed deeply because you'll just have to live in peace with the fact that it's the end of the series - that there is a second series... To be continued! Really, this book is just perfect.
10+/10
Average rating for the series: 9.8/10
October 11, 2017
You are cordially invited to Sinclair's Midnight Peacock Ball!
I was pretty sad when I learned this was the final book in the Sinclair's mysteries series. I don't want this one to end. I have grown quite attached to Lil, Sophie, and their friends.
This time the book takes place from a bit before Christmas to the start of the new year (hip hip hooray 1910). We see Sinclair's go in full festivities mode with Christmas decorations, but also a ball for New Years. Yep. Sinclair is at it again to make his department store the best one in the whole city (and beyond). But of course we also see what our characters are up to around this time. Sophie, Lil, Leo are going to Leo's home to celebrate Christmas (which is also convenient for Sophie as she has someone she wants to meet in their neighbouring town), while Billy and Joe stay in the city.
So yep, for a bit of the book we split up again. Billy and Joe investigate strange going on's in their part, and Sophie, Lil, Leo, Jack (yes, he is also around) have a mystery of their own to solve. Not to mention snobby people to please (really, people are so silly). But, as is the case with the other books, the cases are related and eventually seam together. Things that Joe and Billy find out are fundamental for the bigger case, and that ghost at Leo's place is also related to the bigger case. I always love how the author can make two cases that seem so separate turn into one big case.
There are a lot of revelations in this book. Not only about the Baron, but also about Sophie's dad, about the Lim family, about Sinclair (yes, there is a big revelation about him). I just loved finding out more about everything and see how the puzzle we got at the beginning of this series just clicks together and becomes one big masterpiece.
There were a few things I didn't expect, and I was delighted.
We also meet a new character, namely Tilly. I loved that girl from the start. She was just so kick-ass, plus I just can't resist a girl who has a good head on her shoulders. I like her special ability. While it was a bit too coincidental (as her skill is needed later), I still quite liked it. Given the ending.. well I think this girl has a very promising future ahead of her.
The ball, the ending, it was all so exciting and I just felt as if I was in a very exciting rollercoaster. It was a bit anticlimactic at one point, but I can forgive that. This was sadly the only solution. Anything else would just have caused certain events again.
As I said at the beginning, this is the final book in this series, but there is a little surprise near the end that made me absolutely squee in delight. So don't cry just yet about this series ending. :)
All in all, this was one series that I would highly recommend. Great, sweet, and kick-ass characters, gorgeous details, can I visit Sinclair's already?, some lovely illustrations, good storytelling, and more!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I was pretty sad when I learned this was the final book in the Sinclair's mysteries series. I don't want this one to end. I have grown quite attached to Lil, Sophie, and their friends.
This time the book takes place from a bit before Christmas to the start of the new year (hip hip hooray 1910). We see Sinclair's go in full festivities mode with Christmas decorations, but also a ball for New Years. Yep. Sinclair is at it again to make his department store the best one in the whole city (and beyond). But of course we also see what our characters are up to around this time. Sophie, Lil, Leo are going to Leo's home to celebrate Christmas (which is also convenient for Sophie as she has someone she wants to meet in their neighbouring town), while Billy and Joe stay in the city.
So yep, for a bit of the book we split up again. Billy and Joe investigate strange going on's in their part, and Sophie, Lil, Leo, Jack (yes, he is also around) have a mystery of their own to solve. Not to mention snobby people to please (really, people are so silly). But, as is the case with the other books, the cases are related and eventually seam together. Things that Joe and Billy find out are fundamental for the bigger case, and that ghost at Leo's place is also related to the bigger case. I always love how the author can make two cases that seem so separate turn into one big case.
There are a lot of revelations in this book. Not only about the Baron, but also about Sophie's dad, about the Lim family, about Sinclair (yes, there is a big revelation about him). I just loved finding out more about everything and see how the puzzle we got at the beginning of this series just clicks together and becomes one big masterpiece.
There were a few things I didn't expect, and I was delighted.
We also meet a new character, namely Tilly. I loved that girl from the start. She was just so kick-ass, plus I just can't resist a girl who has a good head on her shoulders. I like her special ability. While it was a bit too coincidental (as her skill is needed later), I still quite liked it. Given the ending.. well I think this girl has a very promising future ahead of her.
The ball, the ending, it was all so exciting and I just felt as if I was in a very exciting rollercoaster. It was a bit anticlimactic at one point, but I can forgive that. This was sadly the only solution. Anything else would just have caused certain events again.
As I said at the beginning, this is the final book in this series, but there is a little surprise near the end that made me absolutely squee in delight. So don't cry just yet about this series ending. :)
All in all, this was one series that I would highly recommend. Great, sweet, and kick-ass characters, gorgeous details, can I visit Sinclair's already?, some lovely illustrations, good storytelling, and more!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
January 22, 2020
AMAZING! A great end to the series! (Although I'm kinda sad it's over... But at least there's Taylor and Rose to read!)
Read
October 22, 2025The Mystery of the Midnight Peacock by Katherine Woodfine starts off in London at the Winter Hall. It is almost Christmas time, and Sophie Taylor and Lil Rose are young detectives working at Sinclair's store. They soon find themselves with one of the biggest mysteries they have ever faced. A precious jewel is missing from one of the wealthiest families in all of London. The deeper the young detectives get into the mystery, the more they realize it is much bigger than they thought. They find that the thief of the jewel is part of a giant spy ring, potentially putting all of London at risk. Sophia, Lil, Billy, and Joe trace the clues they gather along the way to the leader of the spy ring and have to come up with a plan to stop him.
Katherine Woodfine’s purpose for writing this book was to show that it takes an immense amount of courage and bravery to accomplish things that no one believes you can. She is writing to try and push young women to be anything they want to be and not to be held back by society's standards. Her audience is pushed more toward young women, but also anyone who loves a good mystery.
One of the elements of Woodfines' craft is the symbolism she uses throughout the story. The New Year's Eve ball stuck out to me as the most symbolic. At first, it just seems like a great event, and it is to come and have fun to enjoy the night. Underneath this, though, are people hiding their identities and secrets throughout the crowd. The spies are using the ball as a cover, acting as if they are normal citizens. Another time symbolism was used in the book was with the stolen jewel. The jewel represents wealth and high status, along with a hypnotizing shine. Beneath the shine, it represents a distraction that may not be the most important thing. It shows that even if people seem good on the outside, they may be feeling completely different on the inside but hiding those feelings.
Another one of the elements portrayed would be character development. Katherine made Sophie a scared girl who is scared to take charge of the mysteries after what happened in her past at the start of the story. As we get further and further along, though, Sophie starts to take charge of the mysteries and demands that others. While they are searching around Winter Hall for clues, Tilly is trying to sweep dust off of mantelpiece, and Sophie abruptly stops her, saying, “Don't do that, the dust is useful. Look”(Woodfine, 121). She is demanding order, and she knows that she is the leader, so she has to supervise what everyone is doing at all times. She develops bravery and confidence in herself. This goes with how Woodfine wants to tailor this book towards younger females and inspire them to strive to be like Sophie.
Woodfine uses the theme of friendship and loyalty throughout the book. Sophie and all of her friends have to work together to try and solve the mystery. This is shown in part II after the jewel is missing when Lil says to Sophie, “Whatever happens, we stick together. That’s what friends do”(Woodfine, 89). This quote is showing how they will always stay by each other, representing the loyalty they have towards one another. Woodfine has an act for building up supence. She uses the mood and language in the story to keep the reader guessing. She wrote this during the ball, “The ball was a dazzling blur of masks and music, but beneath the sparkle, Sophie could feel something else, a tension, a danger waiting to strike”(Woodfine, 272). You get a sense of what might be to come. Through all of the suspense and friendship building, Woodfine seems to keep it all smooth, and it never feels overwhelming.
My recommendation for this book would be to definitely buy it! If you are someone who enjoys a mystery or enjoys the empowerment 0of females in the workforce, you will love this book. It has you flipping through pages effortlessly as you try to solve the mystery alongside them. I love trying to guess what’s going to happen next, and in this book, I was almost always wrong, and there was way more than I expected. I really enjoyed this book and would give it a 9/10, just missing out on a point because of how long the book is at 335 pages. Otherwise, it was excellent.
Katherine Woodfine’s purpose for writing this book was to show that it takes an immense amount of courage and bravery to accomplish things that no one believes you can. She is writing to try and push young women to be anything they want to be and not to be held back by society's standards. Her audience is pushed more toward young women, but also anyone who loves a good mystery.
One of the elements of Woodfines' craft is the symbolism she uses throughout the story. The New Year's Eve ball stuck out to me as the most symbolic. At first, it just seems like a great event, and it is to come and have fun to enjoy the night. Underneath this, though, are people hiding their identities and secrets throughout the crowd. The spies are using the ball as a cover, acting as if they are normal citizens. Another time symbolism was used in the book was with the stolen jewel. The jewel represents wealth and high status, along with a hypnotizing shine. Beneath the shine, it represents a distraction that may not be the most important thing. It shows that even if people seem good on the outside, they may be feeling completely different on the inside but hiding those feelings.
Another one of the elements portrayed would be character development. Katherine made Sophie a scared girl who is scared to take charge of the mysteries after what happened in her past at the start of the story. As we get further and further along, though, Sophie starts to take charge of the mysteries and demands that others. While they are searching around Winter Hall for clues, Tilly is trying to sweep dust off of mantelpiece, and Sophie abruptly stops her, saying, “Don't do that, the dust is useful. Look”(Woodfine, 121). She is demanding order, and she knows that she is the leader, so she has to supervise what everyone is doing at all times. She develops bravery and confidence in herself. This goes with how Woodfine wants to tailor this book towards younger females and inspire them to strive to be like Sophie.
Woodfine uses the theme of friendship and loyalty throughout the book. Sophie and all of her friends have to work together to try and solve the mystery. This is shown in part II after the jewel is missing when Lil says to Sophie, “Whatever happens, we stick together. That’s what friends do”(Woodfine, 89). This quote is showing how they will always stay by each other, representing the loyalty they have towards one another. Woodfine has an act for building up supence. She uses the mood and language in the story to keep the reader guessing. She wrote this during the ball, “The ball was a dazzling blur of masks and music, but beneath the sparkle, Sophie could feel something else, a tension, a danger waiting to strike”(Woodfine, 272). You get a sense of what might be to come. Through all of the suspense and friendship building, Woodfine seems to keep it all smooth, and it never feels overwhelming.
My recommendation for this book would be to definitely buy it! If you are someone who enjoys a mystery or enjoys the empowerment 0of females in the workforce, you will love this book. It has you flipping through pages effortlessly as you try to solve the mystery alongside them. I love trying to guess what’s going to happen next, and in this book, I was almost always wrong, and there was way more than I expected. I really enjoyed this book and would give it a 9/10, just missing out on a point because of how long the book is at 335 pages. Otherwise, it was excellent.
December 18, 2023
3,5⭐/5
I w końcu nadszedł moment pożegnania się z cyklem o Tajemnicach Domu Handlowego Sinclairs. Przyznam szczerze, że cieszę się z zakończenia tej serii, która po drugim tomie zaczęła mnie strasznie irytować. Tom czwarty przedstawiał fascynującą i satysfakcjonującą historię, która w mniejszym tonie mnie drażniła, niż jej poprzedniczki, jednak finał cyklu pozostawia wiele do życzenia. Autorka pozostawiła sobie otwarte zakończenie, nie przedstawiła rozwiązania wszystkich tropów i w razie gdyby chciała powrócić do historii, ma wolną rękę, co nie do końca jest satysfakcjonujące dla czytelnika. Wolę uważać, że książki zakończyły skrupulatnie opracowaną intrygę niż jeszcze bardziej się rozczarować, gdyby kontynuacja nagle powstała (a widzę teraz, że powstała oddzielna seria o Sophie i Lil, ehhh). Ale do rzeczy.
W tomie czwartym historia w końcu zmierza w dobrym kierunku. Woodfine ma dar do opisywania fascynującego Londynu i ścierania się światów bogaczy z tą niższą warstwą społeczną. Zachwyca również to, jaki przepych pokazuje na różnego rodzaju wydarzeniach, z drugiej jednak strony potrafi pokazać skrajną biedę innych bohaterów. Postaci wykreowane przez autorkę mimo kilku lat na karku są bardzo dojrzali i faktycznie myślą poważnie (choć w niektórych przygodach pozbawieni są racjonalizmu i w zwyczajnych warunkach już dawno opowieść zakończyłaby się ich śmiercią). Mają ciekawe, choć niebezpieczne pomysły, byle tylko zniszczyć wroga, wyprzedzić jego plan i powrócić do status quo. Historia w ostatniej części była bardzo ciekawa, a przedstawiony klimat grozy obfitujący w wiele zwykłych niebezpieczeństw powodował, że czasem ciężko było się oderwać od lektury. Woodfine świetnie również poprowadziła wątek feministyczny, spotkań sufrażystek. Widać było, że dziewczynom faktycznie się one podobają, znaleźli w takim zgromadzeniu powołanie nie zważając na krytyczne głosy swoich kolegów. Równie dobrze rozwinął się wątek nauki kung-fu przez młode kobiety, umiejętności, które na pewno przydały im się w walce wręcz z wrogiem. Nie jestem jednak usatysfakcjonowana wątkiem głównym całej serii, przeszłości rodziny Sophie i ich powiązania z Baronem. Otrzymaliśmy zakończenie, które nie kończy wszystkich aspektów, pozostawia wręcz więcej pytań, niż daje odpowiedzi. Troszkę mnie to rozczarowało, liczyłam zwyczajnie na efekt „wow”, którego nie otrzymałam. Owszem, niektóre rzeczy pięknie ze sobą się połączyły, ale więcej jednak zostało nierozwiązanych i zwyczajnie naciągniętych byle tylko zakończyć opowieść.
Mimo moich narzekań na tę serię nie żałuję, że ją przeczytałam. W większości tomów dobrze się bawiłam, zwłaszcza, że przez te książki się płynęło bardzo sprawnie. Połączenie kryminału retro z narracją dla młodszej młodzieży odpowiednio zagrało i sprawiło mi zwykłą frajdę (pomijając okropny trzeci tom serii i zakończenie tej historii). Ogólnie mogę polecić, głównie dla czytelników mających wielką wrażliwość na występujące w tego typu powieściach strasznych i nierealistycznych głupotek.
I w końcu nadszedł moment pożegnania się z cyklem o Tajemnicach Domu Handlowego Sinclairs. Przyznam szczerze, że cieszę się z zakończenia tej serii, która po drugim tomie zaczęła mnie strasznie irytować. Tom czwarty przedstawiał fascynującą i satysfakcjonującą historię, która w mniejszym tonie mnie drażniła, niż jej poprzedniczki, jednak finał cyklu pozostawia wiele do życzenia. Autorka pozostawiła sobie otwarte zakończenie, nie przedstawiła rozwiązania wszystkich tropów i w razie gdyby chciała powrócić do historii, ma wolną rękę, co nie do końca jest satysfakcjonujące dla czytelnika. Wolę uważać, że książki zakończyły skrupulatnie opracowaną intrygę niż jeszcze bardziej się rozczarować, gdyby kontynuacja nagle powstała (a widzę teraz, że powstała oddzielna seria o Sophie i Lil, ehhh). Ale do rzeczy.
W tomie czwartym historia w końcu zmierza w dobrym kierunku. Woodfine ma dar do opisywania fascynującego Londynu i ścierania się światów bogaczy z tą niższą warstwą społeczną. Zachwyca również to, jaki przepych pokazuje na różnego rodzaju wydarzeniach, z drugiej jednak strony potrafi pokazać skrajną biedę innych bohaterów. Postaci wykreowane przez autorkę mimo kilku lat na karku są bardzo dojrzali i faktycznie myślą poważnie (choć w niektórych przygodach pozbawieni są racjonalizmu i w zwyczajnych warunkach już dawno opowieść zakończyłaby się ich śmiercią). Mają ciekawe, choć niebezpieczne pomysły, byle tylko zniszczyć wroga, wyprzedzić jego plan i powrócić do status quo. Historia w ostatniej części była bardzo ciekawa, a przedstawiony klimat grozy obfitujący w wiele zwykłych niebezpieczeństw powodował, że czasem ciężko było się oderwać od lektury. Woodfine świetnie również poprowadziła wątek feministyczny, spotkań sufrażystek. Widać było, że dziewczynom faktycznie się one podobają, znaleźli w takim zgromadzeniu powołanie nie zważając na krytyczne głosy swoich kolegów. Równie dobrze rozwinął się wątek nauki kung-fu przez młode kobiety, umiejętności, które na pewno przydały im się w walce wręcz z wrogiem. Nie jestem jednak usatysfakcjonowana wątkiem głównym całej serii, przeszłości rodziny Sophie i ich powiązania z Baronem. Otrzymaliśmy zakończenie, które nie kończy wszystkich aspektów, pozostawia wręcz więcej pytań, niż daje odpowiedzi. Troszkę mnie to rozczarowało, liczyłam zwyczajnie na efekt „wow”, którego nie otrzymałam. Owszem, niektóre rzeczy pięknie ze sobą się połączyły, ale więcej jednak zostało nierozwiązanych i zwyczajnie naciągniętych byle tylko zakończyć opowieść.
Mimo moich narzekań na tę serię nie żałuję, że ją przeczytałam. W większości tomów dobrze się bawiłam, zwłaszcza, że przez te książki się płynęło bardzo sprawnie. Połączenie kryminału retro z narracją dla młodszej młodzieży odpowiednio zagrało i sprawiło mi zwykłą frajdę (pomijając okropny trzeci tom serii i zakończenie tej historii). Ogólnie mogę polecić, głównie dla czytelników mających wielką wrażliwość na występujące w tego typu powieściach strasznych i nierealistycznych głupotek.
August 22, 2017
This is a fourth book in a mystery series, set at department store in Edwardian England. I have read and loved each of its predecessors, so when I saw Midnight Peacock go up on NetGalley, I requested it immediately.
The Mystery of the Midnight Peacock is a tightly plotted mystery that is utterly charming, twisty-turny in the best way & gloriously Christmas-y! I could not put this book down. I also adored the Christmas setting--there's something so utterly cosy about a mystery book set during the festive period.
Our main characters, Sophie and Lil, are back and at their detecting best. Sophie's growth over the four books in the Sinclair Mysteries is just lovely, and her confidence in herself and her abilities is great to see. I also loved that my fav character, Leo was back. One of the elements I like most about this series is the friendship between the characters, and I really enjoyed seeing characters from books past pop up and offer a helping hand in this one. I enjoyed seeing the tension and camaraderie between the gang develop throughout the story.
Katherine Woodfine's writing is gorgeous. Nuff said.
I don't want to say too much more because, ya know, fourth book in a series AND it's a mystery, but this book was a gloriously satisfying finale. If you like mysteries and history, than the Sinclair Series is for you.
The Mystery of the Midnight Peacock is a tightly plotted mystery that is utterly charming, twisty-turny in the best way & gloriously Christmas-y! I could not put this book down. I also adored the Christmas setting--there's something so utterly cosy about a mystery book set during the festive period.
Our main characters, Sophie and Lil, are back and at their detecting best. Sophie's growth over the four books in the Sinclair Mysteries is just lovely, and her confidence in herself and her abilities is great to see. I also loved that my fav character, Leo was back. One of the elements I like most about this series is the friendship between the characters, and I really enjoyed seeing characters from books past pop up and offer a helping hand in this one. I enjoyed seeing the tension and camaraderie between the gang develop throughout the story.
Katherine Woodfine's writing is gorgeous. Nuff said.
I don't want to say too much more because, ya know, fourth book in a series AND it's a mystery, but this book was a gloriously satisfying finale. If you like mysteries and history, than the Sinclair Series is for you.
April 20, 2021
Goodness sakes this was exciting! My heart was in my mouth for a good half of this. Woodfine absolutely did follow up on those two dangling threads at the end of the last book. I loved how intricately plotted this was and how there were a couple people whose loyalties were so hard to guess (including a couple women). There were a lot of themes that felt Harry Potter-like in the good v. evil battle and in Sophie’s character and relationship to the Baron (i.e. Harry and Voldemort’s connection). I love how many faithful friends appeared in this from the very beginning of the series and how even a new character like Tully can fit right in. I am very much looking forward to continuing on with the Taylor & Rose series and rereading these first four books. I’m sure there are lots of clues and intricacies I didn’t pick up on the first time around.
December 4, 2017
An excellent finish to the sinclairs mysteries series. A little twee in places, especially in back linking all the people who’d met in other ways, but honestly I think this series lends itself to a little tweeness in a good way :) Sophie and Lil continue to be excellent and awesome in basically every way. I was sad to see less of Joe and Billy but it was good to see more of the Lims, and Leo. And I loved Tilly :)
There are still a few unanswered questions but I’m pleased to see that there will be a follow on series, hopefully revolving less around plots to destroy the store!
Good middle grade mystery fun, highly enjoyable.
There are still a few unanswered questions but I’m pleased to see that there will be a follow on series, hopefully revolving less around plots to destroy the store!
Good middle grade mystery fun, highly enjoyable.
July 8, 2023
I enjoyed how Katherine brought back characters from each of the 4 books to play a part in this mystery while still introducing us to a new scenario and people. I felt like this was a good wrap up for The Sinclair Mysteries as connections formed from the whole series. I enjoy the way that Katherine Woodfine writes a mystery and who doesn't love two lady detectives in 1909?!? I do feel like the explanation was rushed towards the end and was a little more drawn out.
November 22, 2017
I started this book yesterday and finished it today. I am really addicted to the series and find the mysteries fun and light. I liked the idea of this story and the backdrop of Victorian England, but have found these books to get progressively worse. The characters cease to develop and there is far too much emphasis on the character's late father. I would only recommend it if you need a book to read after finishing a sad/heavy novel.
September 4, 2021
This was amazing!! I loved all the feminism throughout the series and I really loved the plot twist in that book that then reversed to another plot twist in the opposite direction to what I expected! 😂😂😂
One thing I have to mention though is that in this copy it misses out chapter 25! 😂😂 If anyone else has read this or got a copy I wonder if it's the same... lol
The whole series has been amazing! This was a great finale to end on, and hopefully soon I'll get to read more of Lil and Sophie's adventures!!
One thing I have to mention though is that in this copy it misses out chapter 25! 😂😂 If anyone else has read this or got a copy I wonder if it's the same... lol
The whole series has been amazing! This was a great finale to end on, and hopefully soon I'll get to read more of Lil and Sophie's adventures!!
October 23, 2022
Książka jest bardzo fajnie napisana, płynnie się ja czyta. Fabuła dobrze się rozkręca! Koniec jest intensywny i bardzo ciekawy. Mimo tego,ze jest to książka raczej dla dzieci myśle ze zadowoli także dużo starszych. Na końcu odkrywamy tajemnice, które towarzyszyły nam przez cała serie ,co uważam za duży plus! Polecanko!!!
May 4, 2024
OMG!!! What a way to end the series?!? Full of adventure and intrigue from the very beginning. Again I loved meeting the new characters while getting to see the old ones. So many twists and turns all the way through. I know it was a good book as my husband kept asking me what was wrong with all the sound effects I was making. 👏👏👏👏
January 4, 2020
This is the best of the series! I thought it was very thrilling and amazing! A great series! The best book I have read this year! 👍🏻😀
January 15, 2021
I would say this whole series is a step above the Enola Holmes mysteries.
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