What do you think?
Rate this book
The Sinclair’s Mysteries #3
The Mystery of the Painted Dragon
MR. SINCLAIR WOULD LIKE TO INVITE YOU TO THE MOST GLAMOROUS EXHIBITION OF THE YEAR!
When a priceless painting is stolen, our dauntless heroines, Sophie and Lil, find themselves faced with forgery, trickery and deceit on all sides!
Be amazed as the brave duo pit their wits against this fiendish puzzle! Marvel at their cunning plan to unmask the villain and prove themselves detectives to be reckoned with – no matter what dangers lie ahead . . .
It’s their most perilous adventure yet!
When a priceless painting is stolen, our dauntless heroines, Sophie and Lil, find themselves faced with forgery, trickery and deceit on all sides!
Be amazed as the brave duo pit their wits against this fiendish puzzle! Marvel at their cunning plan to unmask the villain and prove themselves detectives to be reckoned with – no matter what dangers lie ahead . . .
It’s their most perilous adventure yet!
333 pages, Paperback
First published February 9, 2017
42 people are currently reading
1747 people want to read
About the author
Katherine Woodfine
33 books504 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
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 176 reviews
March 12, 2025
4 stars ⭐️ Clean Fiction - Middle-Grade Historical Mystery
This was another great book in this series! I highly enjoyed it and adored the ending set-up for the criminal. I was very happy to have seen Mei and her family again as well! I loved how the ending came together and we saw the whole bunch and extended friends; it was a perfect plan and set-up. Utter brilliance and it made me so proud of them all and how so many helped our main characters solve this mystery.
While the prior books in the series have murders (which I don’t love seeing in middle-grade books as that’s a serious topic for most in the 8-12 age range) and this book doesn’t, we have an implied suicide note in this book, which makes me hesitate to now recommend this series except to families that would be all right with discussing such a topic with their kids. No murders technically, but the beginning is very intense with an attempted murder as a girl is pushed onto the train tracks and ends right when she sees a train coming.
I’ve been mostly reading this series as audiobooks so far as they are available on Audible, but I actually had to read the last quarter myself with my physical copy because the narrator was not fast enough for me to get the answers I needed! Really though, I can’t compliment the author enough for that ending and getting to see all the different friends Sophie and Lil have made along their cases. I’m already so excited to read the next book in the series, but sad that it will be the last one—but thankfully there’s a spin-off series after that to read!
Main Content-
Leo recalls her Nanny saying “Pride comes before a fall” (reference to a Scripture); Mei says that the British Museum is like “an enormous church or a palace!”; A man mentions about stealing some items from the doctors at a Christian Mission.
An art collector tells Leo about a dragon not only being a mythical creature, but also a symbol that in some cultures represent an all-seeing eye or even signify evil; Leo notices a room with all the paintings covered look like a roomful of ghosts.
A newspaper clipping asks if the Sinclair Department Store could be cursed and says “our clairvoyant Madame Anne Fortuna reflects on Edward Sinclair’s run of ill luck”.
A few mentions of a church; A few mentions of a mystical superstition (that some members in a group believe in and some members do not); A mention of Joan of Arc being a saint; A mention of a prehistoric section at a museum; A mention of almost being spellbound at a painting (staring at it); A mention of Greek myths.
Being attacked, being chased, being pushed, injuries, pain, & blood/bleeding (up to a few sentences).
The first chapter starts with a girl being followed and then pushed onto train tracks (the chapter ends as she sees a train coming towards her); The events after this are shared about half-way through and the girl dazed and most likely has a concussion; *Spoilers, but about a suicide note* .
Someone else is followed & attacked (while being mugged by the person, pg. 153, up to a couple paragraphs).
A trusted adult tells the group to stay away from this mystery and their possible suspects, but that’s “hardy an option” in Sophie’ opinion (the others fully don’t agree with her and some think maybe they should stay out of it); Sophie ends up on a building’s dangerous ledge while she eavesdrops through the window; Billy also eavesdrops on an adult’s phone call.
Untrustworthy police are seen on-page and talked about by the main group (Lil’s brother thinks they should still go to the police with what they’ve learned, but quickly learns that is not a good idea); One police officer even says that Leo is “confused in the head”; Lil distracts a police officer to allow Sophie and Jack to sneak into a guarded room.
A new female character, Leonora, is called often by her nickname, Leo; Her brother meanly taunts and teases her (including calling her talentless and grabbing her letter; she later thinks of him as cruel); Her parents pay her little attention & her mother whines about not knowing what to do with her (later, someone says her father takes no interest in her); She eavesdrops on a conversation between her mother and godmother (which she knows she was not supposed to do, but was easy to do with a secret door); Leo was sick when she was young and the illness affected her legs (which it’s noted by her mother that men prefer pretty girls (which Leo does not think she is) and most importantly, healthy girls); Two people talk about her “affliction” (including her mother); Leo realizes that she’s been desperate for approval from others and to feel like she belonged.
One of the girls at the art school is short tempered and rolls her eyes at Leo a bit (but they become friends); Store workers gossip & spread a lot of gossip after the theft occurs.
Sophie tells Lil about receiving a lecture from an older woman about having ladylike behavior (such a ladies not climbing trees, which Sophie had to do for a case); Lil and Jack talk about their parents’ expectations and them being unhappy about their children’s choices of careers/wants (Jack wants to be an artist and has dropped out of school, not telling his parents and keeping it a secret from them); Lil calls her brother a “Goody Two-shoes”; Leo notes at her art school that girls can wear their hair short and boys can wear their hair long (and no one says anything).
Leo notices that the art students are able to discuss a wide variety of topics, but still be good friends if they disagree with each other; A mention of Jack arguing in favor of socialism in these debates; One of the girls, Connie, is a passionate supporter of the Suffragettes and invites the group to a meeting, which many (including Leo) go to (the speaker talks about women getting the right to vote and says it isn’t fair for half of the human race having no say and having to be represented by their fathers, brothers, and husbands as if their thoughts and beliefs have no value of their own, pg. 77-78); Leo is given a Suffragette pin to wear and pins it to her dress; Later, the group cheers their drinks (coffee) to art and the vote for women; Mentions of the Suffragettes’ extreme tactics like chaining themselves to places, breaking windows, destroying things, and setting buildings on fire (including their plans for ruining an event to gain attention to their cause; One girl kept their plans a secret and while nothing ends up happening, she still apologizes for not telling anyone, which makes a couple of the others say she was trying to do the right thing [about gaining attention for a worthy cause] and trying to protect her Suffragette friends); One of the girls thinks she’s been manipulated because she’s a girl and thinks the manipulator is wrong about thinking girls are easily manipulated (she also recalls the speaker at the Suffragette meeting talking about women being represented by men); A man calls the Suffragettes ‘harpies’ twice and says those women should stay in the drawing room where they belong.
An art professor is known for being sarcastic and give tongue-lashings to his students; An art student goes on a rant against shopkeepers being parasites because it’s art that should matter and is offended an art show is being held at a store (a couple negative comments from him).
Leo notices that China Town doesn’t look like she imagined it to be because the novels she has read made it sound like “a dark and rather creepy place”.
A mother comments on two of her children (young boys) needing a slap of a walking stick across their backsides.
*Major Spoilers* .
No major language is said or written out, but British exclamations like ‘confounded’, ‘crikey’, ‘blasted’, ‘blimey’, ‘dashed’, ‘who the blazes’, and ‘lot of rot/someone is talking rot’ are all said up to four time each; Other words like ‘gosh’ (x9) and ‘golly’ are said; Calling people a form of ‘idiot’ and ‘stupid’ are said up to seven times each; Religious phrases like ‘good heavens’ and ‘bless my soul’ are exclaimed twice each, and ‘what the devil’ and ‘Good lord’ are both said once by an adult; Sophie doesn’t give “a button” (for what someone thinks; ‘Queer’ is used thrice for the original meaning of ‘odd’.
All about & many mentions of stolen items, burglaries/robberies, thieves, criminals, thugs, & thefts; Mentions of the prior books’ events (a murder, a planned bombing, being kidnapped, thefts, stolen items, & criminal gangs and a crime lord); Mentions of a hired man people use for nasty work (he wears red gloves and Joe shifts uncomfortably when asked if that is why the man is called “Red Hands Randall”, as it’s most likely a nod to blood and Joe didn’t want to share that information with the others); Mentions of injuries, pain, blood/bleeding, being pushed onto the train tracks, being attacked, & a stalker; Mentions of being mugged/jumped; Mentions of threatening notes; Mentions of manipulation (*Spoiler* ); Mentions of corrupted and untrustworthy police officers; Mentions of prisons & arrests; Mentions of eavesdropping; Mentions of gossip & rumors; A handful of mentions of alcohol & adults drinking (including Billy being ordered to get a glass of brandy for a man after a shock); A few mentions of pick pockets; A few mentions of card games; A few mentions of smoking, pipes, cigars, & cigar smoke; A mention of pirates.
Sophie notices a handsome young man (twice); Later, he grabs her hand to lead her away from their snooping and she finds herself smiling later at the memory of his warm hand; She later notices the electric tingle she gets when he smiles at her and *Spoiler* .
Some of the shop girls ask if Lil and Joe are “walking out”, but Sophie says they’re just friends (one girl makes a negative comment about Joe being a working boy later); Joe squeezes Lil’s hand once later to signal that he is proud of her; A man asks Joe if Sophie is her “young lady” which makes him blush and say Sophie is his friend.
When chasing after two dogs that go into the mannequins’ dressing room, Bill and Joe hesitate on the threshold because they’re not allowed to go in there, but they do to retrieve the dogs and come out with red faces; Sophie wishes (not for the first time) that she could wear trousers like a boy because girls’ clothing “really were not made for detective work”.
This was another great book in this series! I highly enjoyed it and adored the ending set-up for the criminal. I was very happy to have seen Mei and her family again as well! I loved how the ending came together and we saw the whole bunch and extended friends; it was a perfect plan and set-up. Utter brilliance and it made me so proud of them all and how so many helped our main characters solve this mystery.
While the prior books in the series have murders (which I don’t love seeing in middle-grade books as that’s a serious topic for most in the 8-12 age range) and this book doesn’t, we have an implied suicide note in this book, which makes me hesitate to now recommend this series except to families that would be all right with discussing such a topic with their kids. No murders technically, but the beginning is very intense with an attempted murder as a girl is pushed onto the train tracks and ends right when she sees a train coming.
I’ve been mostly reading this series as audiobooks so far as they are available on Audible, but I actually had to read the last quarter myself with my physical copy because the narrator was not fast enough for me to get the answers I needed! Really though, I can’t compliment the author enough for that ending and getting to see all the different friends Sophie and Lil have made along their cases. I’m already so excited to read the next book in the series, but sad that it will be the last one—but thankfully there’s a spin-off series after that to read!
Main Content-
Leo recalls her Nanny saying “Pride comes before a fall” (reference to a Scripture); Mei says that the British Museum is like “an enormous church or a palace!”; A man mentions about stealing some items from the doctors at a Christian Mission.
An art collector tells Leo about a dragon not only being a mythical creature, but also a symbol that in some cultures represent an all-seeing eye or even signify evil; Leo notices a room with all the paintings covered look like a roomful of ghosts.
A newspaper clipping asks if the Sinclair Department Store could be cursed and says “our clairvoyant Madame Anne Fortuna reflects on Edward Sinclair’s run of ill luck”.
A few mentions of a church; A few mentions of a mystical superstition (that some members in a group believe in and some members do not); A mention of Joan of Arc being a saint; A mention of a prehistoric section at a museum; A mention of almost being spellbound at a painting (staring at it); A mention of Greek myths.
Being attacked, being chased, being pushed, injuries, pain, & blood/bleeding (up to a few sentences).
The first chapter starts with a girl being followed and then pushed onto train tracks (the chapter ends as she sees a train coming towards her); The events after this are shared about half-way through and the girl dazed and most likely has a concussion; *Spoilers, but about a suicide note* .
Someone else is followed & attacked (while being mugged by the person, pg. 153, up to a couple paragraphs).
A trusted adult tells the group to stay away from this mystery and their possible suspects, but that’s “hardy an option” in Sophie’ opinion (the others fully don’t agree with her and some think maybe they should stay out of it); Sophie ends up on a building’s dangerous ledge while she eavesdrops through the window; Billy also eavesdrops on an adult’s phone call.
Untrustworthy police are seen on-page and talked about by the main group (Lil’s brother thinks they should still go to the police with what they’ve learned, but quickly learns that is not a good idea); One police officer even says that Leo is “confused in the head”; Lil distracts a police officer to allow Sophie and Jack to sneak into a guarded room.
A new female character, Leonora, is called often by her nickname, Leo; Her brother meanly taunts and teases her (including calling her talentless and grabbing her letter; she later thinks of him as cruel); Her parents pay her little attention & her mother whines about not knowing what to do with her (later, someone says her father takes no interest in her); She eavesdrops on a conversation between her mother and godmother (which she knows she was not supposed to do, but was easy to do with a secret door); Leo was sick when she was young and the illness affected her legs (which it’s noted by her mother that men prefer pretty girls (which Leo does not think she is) and most importantly, healthy girls); Two people talk about her “affliction” (including her mother); Leo realizes that she’s been desperate for approval from others and to feel like she belonged.
One of the girls at the art school is short tempered and rolls her eyes at Leo a bit (but they become friends); Store workers gossip & spread a lot of gossip after the theft occurs.
Sophie tells Lil about receiving a lecture from an older woman about having ladylike behavior (such a ladies not climbing trees, which Sophie had to do for a case); Lil and Jack talk about their parents’ expectations and them being unhappy about their children’s choices of careers/wants (Jack wants to be an artist and has dropped out of school, not telling his parents and keeping it a secret from them); Lil calls her brother a “Goody Two-shoes”; Leo notes at her art school that girls can wear their hair short and boys can wear their hair long (and no one says anything).
Leo notices that the art students are able to discuss a wide variety of topics, but still be good friends if they disagree with each other; A mention of Jack arguing in favor of socialism in these debates; One of the girls, Connie, is a passionate supporter of the Suffragettes and invites the group to a meeting, which many (including Leo) go to (the speaker talks about women getting the right to vote and says it isn’t fair for half of the human race having no say and having to be represented by their fathers, brothers, and husbands as if their thoughts and beliefs have no value of their own, pg. 77-78); Leo is given a Suffragette pin to wear and pins it to her dress; Later, the group cheers their drinks (coffee) to art and the vote for women; Mentions of the Suffragettes’ extreme tactics like chaining themselves to places, breaking windows, destroying things, and setting buildings on fire (including their plans for ruining an event to gain attention to their cause; One girl kept their plans a secret and while nothing ends up happening, she still apologizes for not telling anyone, which makes a couple of the others say she was trying to do the right thing [about gaining attention for a worthy cause] and trying to protect her Suffragette friends); One of the girls thinks she’s been manipulated because she’s a girl and thinks the manipulator is wrong about thinking girls are easily manipulated (she also recalls the speaker at the Suffragette meeting talking about women being represented by men); A man calls the Suffragettes ‘harpies’ twice and says those women should stay in the drawing room where they belong.
An art professor is known for being sarcastic and give tongue-lashings to his students; An art student goes on a rant against shopkeepers being parasites because it’s art that should matter and is offended an art show is being held at a store (a couple negative comments from him).
Leo notices that China Town doesn’t look like she imagined it to be because the novels she has read made it sound like “a dark and rather creepy place”.
A mother comments on two of her children (young boys) needing a slap of a walking stick across their backsides.
*Major Spoilers* .
No major language is said or written out, but British exclamations like ‘confounded’, ‘crikey’, ‘blasted’, ‘blimey’, ‘dashed’, ‘who the blazes’, and ‘lot of rot/someone is talking rot’ are all said up to four time each; Other words like ‘gosh’ (x9) and ‘golly’ are said; Calling people a form of ‘idiot’ and ‘stupid’ are said up to seven times each; Religious phrases like ‘good heavens’ and ‘bless my soul’ are exclaimed twice each, and ‘what the devil’ and ‘Good lord’ are both said once by an adult; Sophie doesn’t give “a button” (for what someone thinks; ‘Queer’ is used thrice for the original meaning of ‘odd’.
All about & many mentions of stolen items, burglaries/robberies, thieves, criminals, thugs, & thefts; Mentions of the prior books’ events (a murder, a planned bombing, being kidnapped, thefts, stolen items, & criminal gangs and a crime lord); Mentions of a hired man people use for nasty work (he wears red gloves and Joe shifts uncomfortably when asked if that is why the man is called “Red Hands Randall”, as it’s most likely a nod to blood and Joe didn’t want to share that information with the others); Mentions of injuries, pain, blood/bleeding, being pushed onto the train tracks, being attacked, & a stalker; Mentions of being mugged/jumped; Mentions of threatening notes; Mentions of manipulation (*Spoiler* ); Mentions of corrupted and untrustworthy police officers; Mentions of prisons & arrests; Mentions of eavesdropping; Mentions of gossip & rumors; A handful of mentions of alcohol & adults drinking (including Billy being ordered to get a glass of brandy for a man after a shock); A few mentions of pick pockets; A few mentions of card games; A few mentions of smoking, pipes, cigars, & cigar smoke; A mention of pirates.
Sophie notices a handsome young man (twice); Later, he grabs her hand to lead her away from their snooping and she finds herself smiling later at the memory of his warm hand; She later notices the electric tingle she gets when he smiles at her and *Spoiler* .
Some of the shop girls ask if Lil and Joe are “walking out”, but Sophie says they’re just friends (one girl makes a negative comment about Joe being a working boy later); Joe squeezes Lil’s hand once later to signal that he is proud of her; A man asks Joe if Sophie is her “young lady” which makes him blush and say Sophie is his friend.
When chasing after two dogs that go into the mannequins’ dressing room, Bill and Joe hesitate on the threshold because they’re not allowed to go in there, but they do to retrieve the dogs and come out with red faces; Sophie wishes (not for the first time) that she could wear trousers like a boy because girls’ clothing “really were not made for detective work”.
February 6, 2017
3.5 stars. This is the 3rd book in the Sinclair Mystery Series.
When a priceless painting is stolen, Sophie & Lil are on the case. Faced with forgery, trickery & deceit from all angles. Will the brave duo be able to solve this mystery?
Gosh, how I liked this book. It took me back to my childhood reading Enid Blyton. It's written in the same style as Enid Blyton's mystery books and I'm sure it will be a hit with children (and adults) aged 9+.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Egmont Publishing and the author Katherine Woodfine for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
When a priceless painting is stolen, Sophie & Lil are on the case. Faced with forgery, trickery & deceit from all angles. Will the brave duo be able to solve this mystery?
Gosh, how I liked this book. It took me back to my childhood reading Enid Blyton. It's written in the same style as Enid Blyton's mystery books and I'm sure it will be a hit with children (and adults) aged 9+.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Egmont Publishing and the author Katherine Woodfine for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 3, 2023
Вже чекаю на останню частину ❤️чудовий детективний янг едалт) моя щира рекомендація всієї серії
February 7, 2017
This summer, I read the first book in the Sinclair Mystery series. It was my first new Middle Grade book in a decade, and I was really excited to find something that was a genre I love, in a historical setting (also LOVE), just with younger protagonists. The third book in the series, The Mystery of the Painted Dragon is no different from the first in the lovely vibes it gave me, and the pure rush of enjoyment I get from reading a mystery, and solving it along with the protagonists.
Katherine Woodfine knows how to put together a great mystery, one with interesting characters, a devious hidden plot and historical markers that always put a smile on my face!
I loved the familiar characters of Sophie and Lil, who have come a long way in capability since the first book, and the introduction of Leo was fabulous - not only was she an amazing artist, but she was also differently abled, walking with a crutch and I'm giving this book major ticks for including diverse ability representations. I don't often read about a physically challenged protagonist, and this encourages me to seek them out more often.
Katherine Woodfine knows how to put together a great mystery, one with interesting characters, a devious hidden plot and historical markers that always put a smile on my face!
I loved the familiar characters of Sophie and Lil, who have come a long way in capability since the first book, and the introduction of Leo was fabulous - not only was she an amazing artist, but she was also differently abled, walking with a crutch and I'm giving this book major ticks for including diverse ability representations. I don't often read about a physically challenged protagonist, and this encourages me to seek them out more often.
November 5, 2021
Ojoj, w trzeciej części cyklu "Tajemnice domu handlowego Sinclairs" to się dopiero działo! Pochłonęłam tę książkę w jeden dzień i niczego nie żałuję, bo choć nie jestem grupą docelową tej pozycji to bawiłam się wyśmienicie i dałam się porwać tej historii.
Sophie i Lil usiłują pomóc studentce sztuki, która została oskarżona o kradzież wartościowego obrazu. Czy dziewczyna jest winna? Co łączy ją z wystawą, z której zostało skradzione dzieło? Dlaczego cała sprawa ma w sobie więcej tajemnic niż początkowo zakładano?
"Szmaragdowy smok" to naprawdę dobra książka dla młodzieży. Wzbudza w czytelniku emocje a autorka zdecydowanie potrafi zbudować napięcie i trzymać młodszego czytelnika w niepewności. Starszym pewnie łatwiej przyjdzie odgadnięcie zagadki i po raz kolejny odkryje, że pewne rzeczy już dawno powinny się zakończyć w normalnym świecie.
Sophie i Lil usiłują pomóc studentce sztuki, która została oskarżona o kradzież wartościowego obrazu. Czy dziewczyna jest winna? Co łączy ją z wystawą, z której zostało skradzione dzieło? Dlaczego cała sprawa ma w sobie więcej tajemnic niż początkowo zakładano?
"Szmaragdowy smok" to naprawdę dobra książka dla młodzieży. Wzbudza w czytelniku emocje a autorka zdecydowanie potrafi zbudować napięcie i trzymać młodszego czytelnika w niepewności. Starszym pewnie łatwiej przyjdzie odgadnięcie zagadki i po raz kolejny odkryje, że pewne rzeczy już dawno powinny się zakończyć w normalnym świecie.
June 24, 2025
Good book, I like reading it, it was a really fun book to read! I would recommend to mystery fans!
April 12, 2025
The third book in the Sinclair's Mysteries series which marks the official creation of Sophie and Lilian's Young Ladies' Detective Agency based in Sinclair's Department Store. The mystery concerns art theft. There is someone stealing Benedetto Casselli's celebrated dragon paintings and making them disappear. They never re-emerge on the market, so who is hoarding them? Sophie and Lilian become involved when Lilian's brother Jack, who has secretly enrolled at the Spencer Institute of Fine Arts, meets Miss Leo Fitzgerald, a talented fellow student from an aristocratic family.
Randolph Lyle, a wealthy art collector, has organized an exhibition of old masters' art works at Sinclair's store, which will include Casselli's "Green Dragon", normally housed in the Royal Collection. Having noticed Leo's talent he asks her to paint a copy of the great work, which she does, with a few small embellishments of her own. When the painting is stolen things begin to fall apart for the thieves, opening the way for Sophie, Lilian and their gang of helpers to begin tracking down the culprits.
As a mystery it works reasonably well. The characters are believable, even if their attitudes do not always fit in with London in 1909. Every now and again there is a sense they are 21st century time travellers wearing costumes. The depiction of London and Londoners is very Sherlock Holmes. Thick fog - it's a wonder anyone found their way home at night - and working class people who talk like Dick Van Dyke in Mary Poppins: "Gor blimey, guv'nor. Strike a light! It's a fair pea-souper tonight, an' no mistake."
The villain is an evil mastermind while his minion-in-chief can be spotted a mile off. But in the end it all works well - apart from one thing. When the painting is stolen it seems to be secreted away by the thieves rolling it up. That is dangerous enough, considering the work was painted in 1455 and no doubt quite fragile, but what about the picture frame? It doesn't get left behind. It vanishes. A minor quibble in an otherwise tidy adventure with two clever and brave young female detectives taking the major roles.
Randolph Lyle, a wealthy art collector, has organized an exhibition of old masters' art works at Sinclair's store, which will include Casselli's "Green Dragon", normally housed in the Royal Collection. Having noticed Leo's talent he asks her to paint a copy of the great work, which she does, with a few small embellishments of her own. When the painting is stolen things begin to fall apart for the thieves, opening the way for Sophie, Lilian and their gang of helpers to begin tracking down the culprits.
As a mystery it works reasonably well. The characters are believable, even if their attitudes do not always fit in with London in 1909. Every now and again there is a sense they are 21st century time travellers wearing costumes. The depiction of London and Londoners is very Sherlock Holmes. Thick fog - it's a wonder anyone found their way home at night - and working class people who talk like Dick Van Dyke in Mary Poppins: "Gor blimey, guv'nor. Strike a light! It's a fair pea-souper tonight, an' no mistake."
The villain is an evil mastermind while his minion-in-chief can be spotted a mile off. But in the end it all works well - apart from one thing. When the painting is stolen it seems to be secreted away by the thieves rolling it up. That is dangerous enough, considering the work was painted in 1455 and no doubt quite fragile, but what about the picture frame? It doesn't get left behind. It vanishes. A minor quibble in an otherwise tidy adventure with two clever and brave young female detectives taking the major roles.
February 26, 2017
Hooray for Katherine Woodfine! This is the third book in the Sinclair's Mysteries, and it's just as adventurous, rich in period detail, and full of buns and fantastic female friendship as her first two outings. I love a good art heist (as you know), and I love Sophie and Lil's exciting world. I can't WAIT to find out how Sophie finally outwits the Baron ... roll on the fourth book, out later this year! 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!*
July 14, 2025
'This - being a detective, I mean - it's all I've got.'
The cover - it's green! Very apt, of course, considering the mystery of the book, but it looks just terrific anyhow as well! This is my favourite one so far. (Although I'll immediately say that The Midnight Peacock will top this one too...) It's just a bit of a shame that they've changed the title style and turned it into the black-on-white text in a plate instead of the old coloured lettering in gold. But, well, that's just a minor matter.
The book resembles Book 1 a bit more, I think. It's much more centered around Sinclair's once again, and about the upper-class regions of London. Don't worry - there are still enough links with the East End. Woodfine dives into art, specifically paintings, for this book, a wholly different world of anything we've seen so far. Lil's family is expanded. Other characters are introduced while older ones pop up (although it's a shame that Veronica isn't around). A big amount of time is given to Leo, the new character. She is rather interesting, but the downside of it all is that Sophie and Lil are much less present compared to Books 1 and 2. Several chapters go by without them making an entrance.
The author is playing with the series-long plot a bit, here - and as a result of that, with the reader as well. It's clear that everyone thinks Sophie is overthinking it, always on the lookout for the Baron. As for myself, I can assert that I was very certain at the start of The Painted Dragon that of course the Baron would be featured... but in the end even I started second-guessing myself. Was I right or wrong? That's a spoiler I'm not telling, you'll have to read the book (or another review) to find out. Whatever the outcome, let me tell you it's masterfully done, as always.
This book also introduces a much clearer feministic viewpoint. It has always been there, of course, but up to now it was more of an undercurrent, some quick opinions from Lil and/or Sophie. They're modern women - for those days, obviously (and maybe even for our days, who'll say) - and they have a clear idea of what society (and its viewpoint on women) is like and what it should actually be. But everything becomes much more explicit now, with the introduction of the suffragettes. That element too is nicely interwoven with the rest of the story, and from I know Woodfine paints a correct picture of them. In these days, with feminism once again riding the high waves, you'd think that it would be romanticised a bit, but that's clearly not the case here. 'Terrifyingly' accurate!
9.7/10
The cover - it's green! Very apt, of course, considering the mystery of the book, but it looks just terrific anyhow as well! This is my favourite one so far. (Although I'll immediately say that The Midnight Peacock will top this one too...) It's just a bit of a shame that they've changed the title style and turned it into the black-on-white text in a plate instead of the old coloured lettering in gold. But, well, that's just a minor matter.
The book resembles Book 1 a bit more, I think. It's much more centered around Sinclair's once again, and about the upper-class regions of London. Don't worry - there are still enough links with the East End. Woodfine dives into art, specifically paintings, for this book, a wholly different world of anything we've seen so far. Lil's family is expanded. Other characters are introduced while older ones pop up (although it's a shame that Veronica isn't around). A big amount of time is given to Leo, the new character. She is rather interesting, but the downside of it all is that Sophie and Lil are much less present compared to Books 1 and 2. Several chapters go by without them making an entrance.
The author is playing with the series-long plot a bit, here - and as a result of that, with the reader as well. It's clear that everyone thinks Sophie is overthinking it, always on the lookout for the Baron. As for myself, I can assert that I was very certain at the start of The Painted Dragon that of course the Baron would be featured... but in the end even I started second-guessing myself. Was I right or wrong? That's a spoiler I'm not telling, you'll have to read the book (or another review) to find out. Whatever the outcome, let me tell you it's masterfully done, as always.
This book also introduces a much clearer feministic viewpoint. It has always been there, of course, but up to now it was more of an undercurrent, some quick opinions from Lil and/or Sophie. They're modern women - for those days, obviously (and maybe even for our days, who'll say) - and they have a clear idea of what society (and its viewpoint on women) is like and what it should actually be. But everything becomes much more explicit now, with the introduction of the suffragettes. That element too is nicely interwoven with the rest of the story, and from I know Woodfine paints a correct picture of them. In these days, with feminism once again riding the high waves, you'd think that it would be romanticised a bit, but that's clearly not the case here. 'Terrifyingly' accurate!
9.7/10
June 30, 2023
Чудовий підлітковий детектив з літнім вайбом. Прочитала за 2 дні на одному подисі.
Одним словом, задоволена.
10/10💛
Одним словом, задоволена.
10/10💛
November 3, 2022
3.5 stars, another quality entry in the 1909 London mystery series featuring the magical (not literally) Sinclair's department store. I think the suspense factor has increased in each successive book. Looking forward to the final installment, #4.
February 20, 2017
This author can write, it's as simple as that. Her writing flows so easily and her scene setting is superb. I felt myself transported back to 1909 London without a hiccup.
This is a story that I loved. The strong female lead characters appealed to me as they will to girls aged 9+ and even young teenagers. Another element of the story that may appeal to specific girls is the focus on art. A few of the main characters, namely Leo and Jack, meet at a prestigious art school. Furthermore, the crime that is committed in this story is the theft of a priceless piece of art. So, middle graders with a flair for art or who love painting and drawing will especially like this book, although I'm not saying that its appeal is limited to only those readers with a particular interest in the arts.
This is a story about a couple of female detectives who need to crack the case of a stolen painting which has been stolen from the exhibition hall at a large department store. The writing and story is reminiscent of Enid Blyton and this author definitely knows how to set up a mystery. I loved some of the characters, especially Leo who was so interesting and sweet. I also thought that Lil was great and her brother Jack. One thing I didn't like was how obsessed Sophie was with the Baron. The whole Baron thing I found a little boring but it wasn't bad enough to detract seriously from the story. I hadn't read the first few books in the series and this didn't turn out to be a problem and so it is possible to read this book as a standalone. Overall, a lovely read.
My rating: * * * *
Many thanks to the author, Katherine Woodfine, the publishers Egmont Publishing and NetGalley for my review copy.
This is a story that I loved. The strong female lead characters appealed to me as they will to girls aged 9+ and even young teenagers. Another element of the story that may appeal to specific girls is the focus on art. A few of the main characters, namely Leo and Jack, meet at a prestigious art school. Furthermore, the crime that is committed in this story is the theft of a priceless piece of art. So, middle graders with a flair for art or who love painting and drawing will especially like this book, although I'm not saying that its appeal is limited to only those readers with a particular interest in the arts.
This is a story about a couple of female detectives who need to crack the case of a stolen painting which has been stolen from the exhibition hall at a large department store. The writing and story is reminiscent of Enid Blyton and this author definitely knows how to set up a mystery. I loved some of the characters, especially Leo who was so interesting and sweet. I also thought that Lil was great and her brother Jack. One thing I didn't like was how obsessed Sophie was with the Baron. The whole Baron thing I found a little boring but it wasn't bad enough to detract seriously from the story. I hadn't read the first few books in the series and this didn't turn out to be a problem and so it is possible to read this book as a standalone. Overall, a lovely read.
My rating: * * * *
Many thanks to the author, Katherine Woodfine, the publishers Egmont Publishing and NetGalley for my review copy.
February 23, 2017
The best kind of children’s book: one big and little kids can enjoy! 4/5.
This review was originally posted on my book blog.
The Mystery of the Painted Dragon is the third of Katherine Woodfine’s Sinclair’s Mysteries and is every bit as enjoyable as the first two installments in the series.
I love these books. They are fun mysteries set in London at the start of the twentieth century. Our amateur sleuths are two independent young ladies – Lil and Sophie – who are smart, resourceful and tenacious. For me, how they take care of themselves and each other is the best thing about these stories. This book has added girl power with the appearance of the Suffragette movement, making the feminist message all the more obvious.
That said, I’m sure readers of both genders will enjoy these books as the male characters are given plenty to do, getting along well with Lil and Sophie as their friends, with only a light hint of romance for the future.
The Mystery of the Painted Dragon, like its predecessors, gives us a self-contained mystery while also continuing an ongoing story-line about Sophie’s parents and the series’ mysterious Moriarty-style bad guy, The Baron. The stakes aren’t quite as high for Lil and Sophie in this book, but the puzzles they have to solve are still intriguing and we’re treated to a locked-room mystery too.
Overall: don’t dismiss these mysteries as children’s books and so not for you. If you must, buy them for your daughter, son, niece, nephew or grandchild (hell, buy them for the neighbours’ kids), then sneakily read them yourself!
This review was originally posted on my book blog.
The Mystery of the Painted Dragon is the third of Katherine Woodfine’s Sinclair’s Mysteries and is every bit as enjoyable as the first two installments in the series.
I love these books. They are fun mysteries set in London at the start of the twentieth century. Our amateur sleuths are two independent young ladies – Lil and Sophie – who are smart, resourceful and tenacious. For me, how they take care of themselves and each other is the best thing about these stories. This book has added girl power with the appearance of the Suffragette movement, making the feminist message all the more obvious.
That said, I’m sure readers of both genders will enjoy these books as the male characters are given plenty to do, getting along well with Lil and Sophie as their friends, with only a light hint of romance for the future.
The Mystery of the Painted Dragon, like its predecessors, gives us a self-contained mystery while also continuing an ongoing story-line about Sophie’s parents and the series’ mysterious Moriarty-style bad guy, The Baron. The stakes aren’t quite as high for Lil and Sophie in this book, but the puzzles they have to solve are still intriguing and we’re treated to a locked-room mystery too.
Overall: don’t dismiss these mysteries as children’s books and so not for you. If you must, buy them for your daughter, son, niece, nephew or grandchild (hell, buy them for the neighbours’ kids), then sneakily read them yourself!
February 2, 2020
These books always feel comforting to read, and I feel like the quality of the story stays very consistent. They're not the most complex mysteries, but the way the characters interact and talk to each other is compelling enough to keep me reading. I'm more interested in how they'll solve the mystery than what it is.
This book introduced new characters, but they all fit together with the existing cast of characters perfectly. I also liked that more minor characters from the previous book appeared in this one to help out occasionally.
It was cute as always, and I'm happy to keep reading these books whenever I need something light and fun.
This book introduced new characters, but they all fit together with the existing cast of characters perfectly. I also liked that more minor characters from the previous book appeared in this one to help out occasionally.
It was cute as always, and I'm happy to keep reading these books whenever I need something light and fun.
November 4, 2023
4.5 Stars! Only knocked half a star off due to the mystery being a bit easier for me to me to guess this time. Oh but what FUN! I adore the characters, including returning faves like the Lims. All the elements of the mystery and it’s varied aspects of resolution were a blast too. Excited to start Book 4 right away!!
Read
December 8, 2025The more I read of this series, the less they hold my interest. With this book I figured what was going to happen right at the beginning. Granted it is written for a much (much) younger audience but I found myself skimming some pages. I'll put this aside but am unsure if I'll pick it up again or read the next book in this series which I already have.
May 5, 2019
Немного чересчур прямолинейное, но славное чтение
May 10, 2020
3.5 stars
November 3, 2024
My favorite of the series so far but still not my fav as an adult reader - I would recommend this series to the target age
November 30, 2019
This is the third Sinclair Mystery in the series. A valuable piece of art is stolen from Sinclair's department store and it is down to the gang to solve who is the thief is.
I was delighted to see a return from the Lim family who were all introduced in the previous novel. The Painted Dragon stars another heroine Leo, an 'afflicted' young girl who has begun studying at the Spencer Institute for Art. I loved Leo's character who is quiet and reserved but her traits compliment her and are useful when solving the mystery. Katherine just keeps on gifting us with loveable characters. Although Leo walked with a cane and had limitations, she wasn't written in a pitiful way. Leo's disability was part of her character but it wasn't the main focus. There was so much more to her.
Do not be put off by the fact the Sinclair Mysteries are middle grade, I am twenty-four and can't get enough. I will be ordering the next instalment immediately.
Although I guessed who was behind the mystery, it was exciting to see it all unfold with the same suspense as the previous two books.
I was delighted to see a return from the Lim family who were all introduced in the previous novel. The Painted Dragon stars another heroine Leo, an 'afflicted' young girl who has begun studying at the Spencer Institute for Art. I loved Leo's character who is quiet and reserved but her traits compliment her and are useful when solving the mystery. Katherine just keeps on gifting us with loveable characters. Although Leo walked with a cane and had limitations, she wasn't written in a pitiful way. Leo's disability was part of her character but it wasn't the main focus. There was so much more to her.
Do not be put off by the fact the Sinclair Mysteries are middle grade, I am twenty-four and can't get enough. I will be ordering the next instalment immediately.
Although I guessed who was behind the mystery, it was exciting to see it all unfold with the same suspense as the previous two books.
February 18, 2017
The third book in this series, and I loved it so much. A dragon painting disappears, we have new characters (I loved them all), sweet illustrations (plus one for Sophie and Lil), and lots more!
As some of you might recall (if you read my reviews), the previous book brought a new character (and also some side characters) to the mix. I didn't like the new character.
In this one we also have a new character (and some new fun side characters), the mystery revolves around her and paintings. I loved Leo from the start. I even noticed that I was sad when we got to other parts of the book. I just wanted more and more Leo. Leo was such a strong, good girl, and I was just cheering and hoping that she would continue drawing, painting, making art in general. Not stop because of all the stuff that is happening to her.
Lil was definitely another favourite of mine, then again, she is just too awesome. Being an actress (and getting famous more and more), and also doing the detective stuff, and also work side jobs. Wow. Plus I loved seeing more of her family, in this case, her brother!
Plus I love how Lil still stands firm, tells it as it is. As I also said in the other book's review, I just love how she acts, it isn't like she is from that age, but from this age.
Sophie was quite fun, and she is still a very likeable character, but her constant Baron Baron Baron stuff, did not only annoy her friends, but also me, the reader. I get that the Baron is important, I get that the Baron did some really bad stuff, but really? Is it necessary to focus so much on someone?
The painting, and the whodunnit . Eh. I knew from the moment that that person asked for the painting that he was the one doing stuff. Not really a spoiler, it is just so clear from that point that I don't even care to put something like spoiler around it. It was a bit boring. I kept hoping for a new twist or turn, and I was frustrated with the characters taking so long. It is a shame, I love books which keep me on my toes, not immediately give me the right suspect immediately.
As with the previous book we have little parts in between the story which tell us about the dragon paintings. Since there are more than one of those. I definitely liked those little pieces, as it gave more insight in the dragons and what was going on with them.
Mei and her family also make an appearance, and I have to say I have a higher tolerance for Mei in this book. It was quite nice to see her around, and also see her help out.
Also as with the previous book, there is some romance, and I was really delighted to see that one popping up. It does fit with the ages of the characters.
What more? Oh yes, I want to visit Sinclair's! Sooooooo much. I wouldn't mind spending some days in that store. Visiting the millinery, the book store, the candy store, and all the other fun stores. *daydreams*
The ending was pretty great, well the actual ending that is, not the ending to the mystery. I am so happy for Lil and Sophie, they deserve this, and I hope it will mean more, and even bigger mysteries for them. Congrats girls!
The cover is once again gorgeous, I am glad that they don't suddenly decide to change, as so many other series sadly did. The cover is supershiny, and I just the various details that one only truly spies when they have read the book.
All in all, this was a great read with fantastic new characters (more Leo please), a mystery that was pretty decent (even if it was predictable), and much much more! Highly recommended!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
As some of you might recall (if you read my reviews), the previous book brought a new character (and also some side characters) to the mix. I didn't like the new character.
In this one we also have a new character (and some new fun side characters), the mystery revolves around her and paintings. I loved Leo from the start. I even noticed that I was sad when we got to other parts of the book. I just wanted more and more Leo. Leo was such a strong, good girl, and I was just cheering and hoping that she would continue drawing, painting, making art in general. Not stop because of all the stuff that is happening to her.
Lil was definitely another favourite of mine, then again, she is just too awesome. Being an actress (and getting famous more and more), and also doing the detective stuff, and also work side jobs. Wow. Plus I loved seeing more of her family, in this case, her brother!
Plus I love how Lil still stands firm, tells it as it is. As I also said in the other book's review, I just love how she acts, it isn't like she is from that age, but from this age.
Sophie was quite fun, and she is still a very likeable character, but her constant Baron Baron Baron stuff, did not only annoy her friends, but also me, the reader. I get that the Baron is important, I get that the Baron did some really bad stuff, but really? Is it necessary to focus so much on someone?
The painting, and the whodunnit . Eh. I knew from the moment that that person asked for the painting that he was the one doing stuff. Not really a spoiler, it is just so clear from that point that I don't even care to put something like spoiler around it. It was a bit boring. I kept hoping for a new twist or turn, and I was frustrated with the characters taking so long. It is a shame, I love books which keep me on my toes, not immediately give me the right suspect immediately.
As with the previous book we have little parts in between the story which tell us about the dragon paintings. Since there are more than one of those. I definitely liked those little pieces, as it gave more insight in the dragons and what was going on with them.
Mei and her family also make an appearance, and I have to say I have a higher tolerance for Mei in this book. It was quite nice to see her around, and also see her help out.
Also as with the previous book, there is some romance, and I was really delighted to see that one popping up. It does fit with the ages of the characters.
What more? Oh yes, I want to visit Sinclair's! Sooooooo much. I wouldn't mind spending some days in that store. Visiting the millinery, the book store, the candy store, and all the other fun stores. *daydreams*
The ending was pretty great, well the actual ending that is, not the ending to the mystery. I am so happy for Lil and Sophie, they deserve this, and I hope it will mean more, and even bigger mysteries for them. Congrats girls!
The cover is once again gorgeous, I am glad that they don't suddenly decide to change, as so many other series sadly did. The cover is supershiny, and I just the various details that one only truly spies when they have read the book.
All in all, this was a great read with fantastic new characters (more Leo please), a mystery that was pretty decent (even if it was predictable), and much much more! Highly recommended!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
December 17, 2023
3,25⭐/5
Jak to często bywa w tego typu seriach, w końcu musi nadejść moment, w którym dana historia zwyczajnie zaczyna nudzić, a pomysły na jej rozwinięcie zaczynają gasnąć. Tak jest w przypadku serii o tajemnicach domu handlowego Sinclairs. W „Szmaragdowym smoku” próżno szukać satysfakcjonującej opowieści i interesujących, dobrze rozbudowanych bohaterów. Formuła zwyczajnie autorce się wyczerpała.
Na tle poprzedniej części, „Szmaragdowy smok” wypada bardzo kiepsko. Co prawda, akcja nadal jest wartka, główna zagadka kryminalna w pomyśle wygląda bardzo dobrze, jednak wykonanie i rozwinięcie akcji średnio autorce wyszło. Klimat powieści jest bardzo podobny do poprzednich części, w tekście nadal widać i czuć zainteresowanie Woodfine epoką wiktoriańską i brudnym Londynem, ale to zupełnie nie wystarczyło, by „Szmaragdowy smok” czymkolwiek się wyróżniał. Owszem, sama koncepcja na tę część była ciekawa, ale ostatecznie okazało się, że do niczego to nie doprowadziło, nadal autorka nie rozwiązała głównej zagadki związanej ze znajomością Barona z rodzicami Sofie, a jedynie zrobiła sobie lepszy podjazd pod kolejną książkę, która w mojej ocenie zapewne będzie jeszcze bardziej naciągana niż „Szmaragdowy smok”. W tej części mamy przedstawiony jeszcze raz ten sam schemat, co bardzo męczy czytelnika i drażni ze względu na to, że zmierza to donikąd. Równie dobrze książka mogłaby nie powstać, można ją przeskoczyć i przeczytać część czwartą, by poznać zakończenie całej serii. Ponownie Woodfine nakreśliła kolejnych bohaterów (Leo i Jacka), którzy są ciekawi, wpływają na fabułę i zachowanie głównych bohaterek, ale przez wprowadzenie nowych postaci, te wcześniejsze tracą wiele na rozwinięciu, nie są bardziej rozbudowani, a wręcz ponownie robią te same błędy, nie ponosząc za nie konsekwencji (choć na plus pojawienie się znanych z poprzedniej części Songa i Mei). To bardzo denerwuje, zwłaszcza, że autorka mogła napisać to o wiele lepiej. Sophie straciła swoją osobowość i wręcz zachowywała się jakby nagle przestała myśleć chcąc tylko za wszelką cenę dowiedzieć się prawdy o przeszłości swoich rodziców i ich związku z Baronem. Zupełnie nie kupiłam całej historii i wręcz męczyłam się czytając ją. Mam nadal jednak nadzieję, że finał serii wynagrodzi mi zaznane rozczarowania i w końcu autorka wjedzie na odpowiednie tory i dowiezie to, co powinna.
Jak to często bywa w tego typu seriach, w końcu musi nadejść moment, w którym dana historia zwyczajnie zaczyna nudzić, a pomysły na jej rozwinięcie zaczynają gasnąć. Tak jest w przypadku serii o tajemnicach domu handlowego Sinclairs. W „Szmaragdowym smoku” próżno szukać satysfakcjonującej opowieści i interesujących, dobrze rozbudowanych bohaterów. Formuła zwyczajnie autorce się wyczerpała.
Na tle poprzedniej części, „Szmaragdowy smok” wypada bardzo kiepsko. Co prawda, akcja nadal jest wartka, główna zagadka kryminalna w pomyśle wygląda bardzo dobrze, jednak wykonanie i rozwinięcie akcji średnio autorce wyszło. Klimat powieści jest bardzo podobny do poprzednich części, w tekście nadal widać i czuć zainteresowanie Woodfine epoką wiktoriańską i brudnym Londynem, ale to zupełnie nie wystarczyło, by „Szmaragdowy smok” czymkolwiek się wyróżniał. Owszem, sama koncepcja na tę część była ciekawa, ale ostatecznie okazało się, że do niczego to nie doprowadziło, nadal autorka nie rozwiązała głównej zagadki związanej ze znajomością Barona z rodzicami Sofie, a jedynie zrobiła sobie lepszy podjazd pod kolejną książkę, która w mojej ocenie zapewne będzie jeszcze bardziej naciągana niż „Szmaragdowy smok”. W tej części mamy przedstawiony jeszcze raz ten sam schemat, co bardzo męczy czytelnika i drażni ze względu na to, że zmierza to donikąd. Równie dobrze książka mogłaby nie powstać, można ją przeskoczyć i przeczytać część czwartą, by poznać zakończenie całej serii. Ponownie Woodfine nakreśliła kolejnych bohaterów (Leo i Jacka), którzy są ciekawi, wpływają na fabułę i zachowanie głównych bohaterek, ale przez wprowadzenie nowych postaci, te wcześniejsze tracą wiele na rozwinięciu, nie są bardziej rozbudowani, a wręcz ponownie robią te same błędy, nie ponosząc za nie konsekwencji (choć na plus pojawienie się znanych z poprzedniej części Songa i Mei). To bardzo denerwuje, zwłaszcza, że autorka mogła napisać to o wiele lepiej. Sophie straciła swoją osobowość i wręcz zachowywała się jakby nagle przestała myśleć chcąc tylko za wszelką cenę dowiedzieć się prawdy o przeszłości swoich rodziców i ich związku z Baronem. Zupełnie nie kupiłam całej historii i wręcz męczyłam się czytając ją. Mam nadal jednak nadzieję, że finał serii wynagrodzi mi zaznane rozczarowania i w końcu autorka wjedzie na odpowiednie tory i dowiezie to, co powinna.
August 25, 2020
My favourite part of this series is definitely meeting Katherine Woodfine's charming supporting characters. In the last book, we met the lovely Mei and the Lim family. In this one, we meet aspiring painter Leonora Fitzgerald (whose need to get around with a crutch doesn't define or disable her) - as well as the dashing brother of one of our heroines, Jack Rose.
The dark criminal conspiracy at the heart of this series continues to reveal itself as Sophie and Lil turn to the mystery of a priceless stolen painting - one in a series of dragon-inspired artwork by a long-dead painter.
As always, a really cracking final act full of action and adventure, as Sophie and Lil set into motion their most elaborate plan yet to solve a mystery that the authorities can't seem to figure out.
Enjoyed the moments with the Suffragettes too, underscored by the final decision by Sophie and Lil not to let any man - not even their eponymous boss, Mr. Sinclair - make decisions about who they are and will be.
Must admit that these books work better for me in theory than execution though. Nothing wrong with it, per se, but Woodfine's writing tends towards the serviceable for me, especially in its more repetitive, exposition-heavy moments.
3.5 stars
The dark criminal conspiracy at the heart of this series continues to reveal itself as Sophie and Lil turn to the mystery of a priceless stolen painting - one in a series of dragon-inspired artwork by a long-dead painter.
As always, a really cracking final act full of action and adventure, as Sophie and Lil set into motion their most elaborate plan yet to solve a mystery that the authorities can't seem to figure out.
Enjoyed the moments with the Suffragettes too, underscored by the final decision by Sophie and Lil not to let any man - not even their eponymous boss, Mr. Sinclair - make decisions about who they are and will be.
Must admit that these books work better for me in theory than execution though. Nothing wrong with it, per se, but Woodfine's writing tends towards the serviceable for me, especially in its more repetitive, exposition-heavy moments.
3.5 stars
April 19, 2021
Boy is this series good for what ails me! I love each book so much, but this may have been my favorite. I was delighted to see Mei Lim and her family make a reappearance (and other characters from Book 2 briefly too). I love the additions of Leo and Jack in this book. The pacing of this book was particularly well crafted, I thought, and the last big scuffle was so wonderfully written for the careful reader, so many things had to be in place to pull it off. Each book is satisfying in itself, but also sets up the continuing mystery plot lines for the next book (and the spin off series). I’m heading right into the fourth book now.
I just remembered that there are two loose ends from this book (Tremayne and Pennyfeather) that I am curious about for Book 4. Will they get picked up again? Were they red herrings? Mistakes?
I just remembered that there are two loose ends from this book (Tremayne and Pennyfeather) that I am curious about for Book 4. Will they get picked up again? Were they red herrings? Mistakes?
July 25, 2020
Quite an enjoyable read. I started reading The Painted Dragon without having read the first two books in the series - didn't matter at all. Characters' previously established relationships are well explained as well as any prior events relevant to this plot. And I'll definitely be starting the series from the beginning now.
Aimed at readers 9+ and well written for this age group but still an enjoyable read as an adult.
As historical fiction it was also generally a good read - a diverse cast of characters appear without any of the kind of derogatory language you find referring to them that you can find in modern-written historical detective series (I'm looking at you Miss Fisher..).
I would definitely recommend for young readers who enjoy a good mystery.
Aimed at readers 9+ and well written for this age group but still an enjoyable read as an adult.
As historical fiction it was also generally a good read - a diverse cast of characters appear without any of the kind of derogatory language you find referring to them that you can find in modern-written historical detective series (I'm looking at you Miss Fisher..).
I would definitely recommend for young readers who enjoy a good mystery.
June 15, 2021
When a priceless painting is stolen, our dauntless detectives, Miss Sophie Taylor and Miss Lillian Rose, find themselves faced with trickery and deceit on all sides!
Be amazed as the brave duo pit their wits against a fiendish puzzle! Marvel at their cunning plan to unmask the villain and prove themselves detectives to be reckoned with - no matter whet danger lies ahead. And will Sophie find the truth about what really happened to her parents.
I loved this book and recommend it for 9+. It is very thrilling and a joy to read. I couldn't have wanted a better book
Be amazed as the brave duo pit their wits against a fiendish puzzle! Marvel at their cunning plan to unmask the villain and prove themselves detectives to be reckoned with - no matter whet danger lies ahead. And will Sophie find the truth about what really happened to her parents.
I loved this book and recommend it for 9+. It is very thrilling and a joy to read. I couldn't have wanted a better book
August 13, 2025
really cute & quick read, love a mystery and love a story that takes place in London. didn’t realize this was part of a series until I was almost done with it lol, still was able to follow everything though. seems like a good book for kids/teens.
June 11, 2017
Another great installment of a great kids series.
June 5, 2021
Read- June 2021 for Whatever-A-Thon
- Bit annoying that they didn't figure out The Baron was involved until the end but still rather enjoyable.
- Bit annoying that they didn't figure out The Baron was involved until the end but still rather enjoyable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 176 reviews