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Katie Watson and the Painter's Plot
***DOWNLOAD THE AUDIOBOOK FREE! See inside for details***
Sherlock Holmes meets Shakespeare in this time-travel murder mystery with a twist of magic.
Eleven-year-old Katie is sure her summer is doomed. Sheltered because of her injuries from a horse riding accident, she longs to break free on an adventure like the ones in her favourite detective novels.
Instead, she’s stuck with Nan and Pop whose idea of adventure is touring old houses. But Otterly Manor isn't just any old house...
When Katie discovers a secret chamber with a magical painting, she falls - literally - into a perilous adventure beyond her imagination.
Whisked back in time to the reign of James I, Katie makes an ally in Princess Sophia who helps her navigate the strange new world of superstitions, prim manners and very uncomfortable clothes! But Sophia and Katie’s fun soon plummets into danger when murder strikes at Otterly Manor. With the murderer on the loose and Sophia’s family threatened, can Katie prove her detective skills before life at Otterly Manor is ruined forever? Or could it cost her the chance of ever getting back home?
This action-packed journey highlights the power of bravery and sacrifice when motivated by friendship. Readers of historical adventures, mysteries and horse stories will find delicious surprises in store.
“For readers with an imagination, this is a perfect page turning book to snuggle up with." - Tamsyn Alston, aged 12
Who is this book for?
Readers of mysteries such as Robin Stevenson's Murder Most Unladylike series, Katherine Woodfine's The Sinclair Mysteries, Sophie Cleverly's Scarlet & Ivy series, and Enid Blyton's classic Famous Five adventures will get their detective thinking caps on...
Readers of historical adventures by Eva Ibbotson and Emma Carroll will fall in love with the rich but ever-so-strange world of the past...
Lovers of Epic Adventures by the likes of Abi Elphinstone and Katherine Rundell will be holding on to their seats...
And Horse and equestrian enthusiasts should saddle up and get ready for this emotional ride!
Sherlock Holmes meets Shakespeare in this time-travel murder mystery with a twist of magic.
Eleven-year-old Katie is sure her summer is doomed. Sheltered because of her injuries from a horse riding accident, she longs to break free on an adventure like the ones in her favourite detective novels.
Instead, she’s stuck with Nan and Pop whose idea of adventure is touring old houses. But Otterly Manor isn't just any old house...
When Katie discovers a secret chamber with a magical painting, she falls - literally - into a perilous adventure beyond her imagination.
Whisked back in time to the reign of James I, Katie makes an ally in Princess Sophia who helps her navigate the strange new world of superstitions, prim manners and very uncomfortable clothes! But Sophia and Katie’s fun soon plummets into danger when murder strikes at Otterly Manor. With the murderer on the loose and Sophia’s family threatened, can Katie prove her detective skills before life at Otterly Manor is ruined forever? Or could it cost her the chance of ever getting back home?
This action-packed journey highlights the power of bravery and sacrifice when motivated by friendship. Readers of historical adventures, mysteries and horse stories will find delicious surprises in store.
“For readers with an imagination, this is a perfect page turning book to snuggle up with." - Tamsyn Alston, aged 12
Who is this book for?
Readers of mysteries such as Robin Stevenson's Murder Most Unladylike series, Katherine Woodfine's The Sinclair Mysteries, Sophie Cleverly's Scarlet & Ivy series, and Enid Blyton's classic Famous Five adventures will get their detective thinking caps on...
Readers of historical adventures by Eva Ibbotson and Emma Carroll will fall in love with the rich but ever-so-strange world of the past...
Lovers of Epic Adventures by the likes of Abi Elphinstone and Katherine Rundell will be holding on to their seats...
And Horse and equestrian enthusiasts should saddle up and get ready for this emotional ride!
242 pages, Paperback
First published November 30, 2017
151 people are currently reading
276 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
September 1, 2020
This was such a lovely traditional kind of story and a real page-turner, the characters were nicely drawn, the story rattled along at a good pace, I enjoyed the feel of the book and would definitely read another one in the series.
March 23, 2018
I received this book from the author for the purpose of this review. All comments and opinions are entirely my own.
Taken back to the history of the house she is visiting for the summer, Katie finds herself stuck in the midst of a murder mystery that only she seems to be able to solve. With the help of her friends, and her Sherlock Holmes book, she sets out to discover what really happened at the King's banquet...
Katie Watson and the Painter's Plot is such a great book, especially for those girls who can't get enough of Nancy Drew or Trixie Belden! Drawing inspiration heavily from Arthur Connon Doyle's The Hound of the Baskervilles, young readers are introduced to classics such as Sherlock and Shakespeare, while also finding themes such as time-travel and magic that are so popular in their currently available books.
The story itself is fast paced and full of twists and turns and Katie and her friends are sure to capture the hearts of any of her readers, young or old! I can honestly say that this is a book that I wish I'd have had as a middle-grader and I know without a doubt that it would be a childhood favorite if I did have a copy!
The faith and morals that are presented in this book do not classify it as a "Christian" book, but fellow Christian readers will certainly enjoy Princess Sofia's faith, even amidst the trials she faces. There is absolutely no cursing and the content is completely clean.
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it very highly!
This is a LiteratureApproved.com review!
Taken back to the history of the house she is visiting for the summer, Katie finds herself stuck in the midst of a murder mystery that only she seems to be able to solve. With the help of her friends, and her Sherlock Holmes book, she sets out to discover what really happened at the King's banquet...
Katie Watson and the Painter's Plot is such a great book, especially for those girls who can't get enough of Nancy Drew or Trixie Belden! Drawing inspiration heavily from Arthur Connon Doyle's The Hound of the Baskervilles, young readers are introduced to classics such as Sherlock and Shakespeare, while also finding themes such as time-travel and magic that are so popular in their currently available books.
The story itself is fast paced and full of twists and turns and Katie and her friends are sure to capture the hearts of any of her readers, young or old! I can honestly say that this is a book that I wish I'd have had as a middle-grader and I know without a doubt that it would be a childhood favorite if I did have a copy!
The faith and morals that are presented in this book do not classify it as a "Christian" book, but fellow Christian readers will certainly enjoy Princess Sofia's faith, even amidst the trials she faces. There is absolutely no cursing and the content is completely clean.
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it very highly!
This is a LiteratureApproved.com review!
December 27, 2018
This book is perfect for and mystery or adventure lover who likes to venture out of their normal life back in time. Katie Watson and the rest of the characters are very well created and easy to connect to. Despite it being aimed at younger readers, I (age 15) loved it and became thoroughly invested in the story. I can’t wait to read the next one!
To top it off the author, Mez Blume, is a wonderful person who I have recently had the pleasure of getting to know.
I would recommend this book to anyone, particularly those looking to go on an adventure!
To top it off the author, Mez Blume, is a wonderful person who I have recently had the pleasure of getting to know.
I would recommend this book to anyone, particularly those looking to go on an adventure!
February 5, 2018
Really enjoed it
A lovely book with time travel through a painting. Dastardly plots, accusations of witchcraft and curses, a false painter, two young heroines, what is not to enjoy?
A lovely book with time travel through a painting. Dastardly plots, accusations of witchcraft and curses, a false painter, two young heroines, what is not to enjoy?
April 15, 2019
5/5*
This book was wonderful. A heart-warming story with likeable characters. I loved all the historical details, I felt as though I was stepping through the painting as well as Katie herself. If I had any crit it would be that the actual antagonist/conflict of the book seemed to happen very quickly, though I really enjoyed its resolution. I also thought the ending itself was slightly abrupt for me & possibly could've done with a little expanding in how Katie related to her family, esp the dynamics at the beginning of the novel.
However that didn't spoil my enjoyment in the least! I absolutely loved this book as an adult & I'm sure I would've loved it even more as a child. I think the sequel has come out now & can't wait to see 'what Katie did next'!
This book was wonderful. A heart-warming story with likeable characters. I loved all the historical details, I felt as though I was stepping through the painting as well as Katie herself. If I had any crit it would be that the actual antagonist/conflict of the book seemed to happen very quickly, though I really enjoyed its resolution. I also thought the ending itself was slightly abrupt for me & possibly could've done with a little expanding in how Katie related to her family, esp the dynamics at the beginning of the novel.
However that didn't spoil my enjoyment in the least! I absolutely loved this book as an adult & I'm sure I would've loved it even more as a child. I think the sequel has come out now & can't wait to see 'what Katie did next'!
January 12, 2018
This was SO cute. I actually did enjoy it as an adult, but my 10 year old self would have LOVED it. I bought this because I knew Mez Blume when she was a kid herself. But I don't give false praise for mediocre books! Truth: She did a great job on this. It was creative and fun and even a little bit educational. ;) I'm very excited for her and proud of her efforts!
I'd recommend this to young readers around 9-10 years of age. But like I said, I did have fun with it too - so you never know! Lol The kindle edition is .99 right now and it's totally worth it. 👍
I'd recommend this to young readers around 9-10 years of age. But like I said, I did have fun with it too - so you never know! Lol The kindle edition is .99 right now and it's totally worth it. 👍
October 8, 2019
I loved this! I thought it was a perfect middle-grade book. It combines two of my favourite genres, time slip and mystery, plus it has a wonderful dog, a fierce horse, a gracious queen. The two girls at the heart of the story make splendid friends despite their differences and show much courage and resolve. The story surprised me several times and was occasionally almost too exciting. I appreciated its having a proper ending rather than an abrupt wrap-up after the climax. Highly recommended.
December 13, 2017
Loved this book - compelling characters and page-turning adventures. You feel like you are Katie: utterly absorbing descriptions of both the locations and the history, without being too heavy. Particularly enjoyed the initial meeting of Sophia Matilde Hedwig Brunswick Lüneburg and Katie - highly amusing dialogue.
Shall be wholeheartedly recommending to parents and children alike!
Shall be wholeheartedly recommending to parents and children alike!
March 5, 2018
Probably more like three and a half stars. Started out a little rocky. I thought the girl's pity party a bit over the top. Maybe needed more intro to the family and the background info before jumping into the main issue. After she fell into the past, things got better and the characters were more likable. I appreciated the focus on faith and living out your life to reflect your values.
November 15, 2018
This book was so much fun to read. I adore time travel stories and this children's/young adult book was an absolute pleasure. Lots of mystery, suspense and a clean read that left me feeling good. Highly recommended!
January 1, 2021
I’m sorry - I tried but I just couldn’t get into this book.
I wanted to - the main character is Katie WATSON - but I just found the pace laboured and awkward.
I stopped about a third of the way in.
I might go back to it one day, but I’m not sure.
I wanted to - the main character is Katie WATSON - but I just found the pace laboured and awkward.
I stopped about a third of the way in.
I might go back to it one day, but I’m not sure.
June 17, 2023
I didn’t realize this was a Christian book until I was halfway through it. I was pleasantly surprised because I typically find modern Christian fiction to be heavy handed or unrealistic, but I thoroughly enjoyed this one.
CC: mentions drinking, murder, forced marriage
CC: mentions drinking, murder, forced marriage
February 9, 2018
Delightful. Certainly on the younger side of YA, but fun to read. Kind of like Outlander for kids.
March 1, 2019
that was really cute
March 8, 2019
J'ai adoré. C 'est frais ,amusant, instructif et original. Je suis retombée en enfance , au temps où je lisais "le club des cinq" ou les " Alice ".
September 13, 2020
Katie gets sent back in time. She discovers she's sent back to help Sophia and her family. Katie uses her detective skills to help solve the mystery.
March 27, 2021
Audiobook : 3.75
March 30, 2021
Adorable
What a lovely story. Great characters, fantastic plot and would suit adults and children alike. I can't wait to read the next Katie Watson adventure.
What a lovely story. Great characters, fantastic plot and would suit adults and children alike. I can't wait to read the next Katie Watson adventure.
August 25, 2021
I'm sure this book was ,wasn't for pre-teens but I really enjoyed it and couldn't predict the twists and turns that happened! I'm looking forward to completing the trilogy.
February 24, 2018
It was ok more for a younger readers .
August 13, 2018
Very good YA historical book, despite not really liking time travel books, this was thoroughly enjoyable - ended up reading more about Queen Anne, of of the few queens I know little about!
February 5, 2024
Reading aloud to students is an extra delight. They would not let me put the book down - my poor throat was dying, but it was worth it.
//
An excellent beginning to Katie Watson's adventures... time-traveling through paintings?? heck yes! buckle up fellow readers, because the tales only get even better from here!
//
An excellent beginning to Katie Watson's adventures... time-traveling through paintings?? heck yes! buckle up fellow readers, because the tales only get even better from here!
June 28, 2024
The author of this book lives in my town and I got a signed copy of it 2 years ago but kept putting this book off but now I don't understand why
March 8, 2019
A rollicking romp back in time with just enough depth to keep the predictability fun. Read my full review: https://reedsy.com/discovery/user/car...
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews