Night Ride into Danger

by Jackie French

From one of Australia's best-loved storytellers comes an exciting mystery adventure story set in 1874 about the Cobb & Co.



It's a dark and dangerous journey for the Cobb and Co night mail coach, but when his coach-driver father is injured, young Jem Donovan must take the reins.

Surely a boy like Jem can't handle a team of four horses and guide the coach on a rough bush track through fog and untold dangers?

But there are six passengers on the coach tonight, each with a secret.

And if Jem can't get them all to their destination by morning, the seventh secret could be deadly ...

Genres: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Historical, Middle Grade, Fiction, Australia, Mystery

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2021

About the author

Jackie is an award-winning writer, wombat negotiator and the Australian Children’s Laureate for 2014-2015. She is regarded as one of Australia’s most popular children’s authors, and writes across all genres - from picture books, history, fantasy, ecology and sci-fi to her much loved historical fiction. In her capacity as Australian Children’s Laureate, ‘Share a Story’ will be the primary philosophy behind Jackie’s two-year term.

Reviews

[Anna Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyable Australian historical fiction. Filled with action-packed adventure and mysterious characters, the story raced along and taught me a lot about life on the Cobb & Co route in the 1800s.

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in 19th century New South Wales, Night Ride into Danger is an entertaining and intriguing historical adventure targeting independent young readers and a perfect example of fiction building historical understanding of our past. The lives, mysteries, and hidden truths about the passengers on board the Cobb & Co coach are artfully unpacked through the eyes of young Jet as he accompanies his father, the whip (driver) to Goulburn on the mail run. With deadlines to meet to catch the train to Sydney - passengers and mail - the straightforward journey becomes increasingly hazardous after a series of calamities and the threats.

Jackie French has skilfully woven historical details and captured the life, transport, prejudices and cruelties of colonial times. The story is followed by interest discussion explains a number of salient points within the story and to support the colloquial language in the text. The audio performance is excellent with authentic voices and expressive presentation.

2020 CBCA Notable book for Younger Readers.

[Denise Newton · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://denisenewtonwrites.com/?p=2820

Night Ride into Danger
Jackie French


From Australia’s amazing Jackie French comes another book that tantalises with a gripping story while immersing readers in the sights, sounds, smells and figures from Australia’s past.
Night Ride into Danger is guaranteed to be enjoyed by middle grade readers who like a mix of history, adventure and mystery.

[Grace · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was a little disappointing. While the story itself contains interesting facts about the Cobb and Co coaches in Australia from the 1800s, and is a good snapshot of that time period, I felt the ending did not match the storyline, or the time period, well. I found the story hard to follow at times - the sentences were quite long and wordy.
The endpages are quite interesting and look at some facts that were fictionalised and incorporated into the story.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally enjoyed the audio book, as it was so well read. Once again, Jackie French has written an exciting story, this time dealing with Cobb &Co. The characters are lively and many are not who they pretend to be. Weaving a made up story with so many facts makes you wish it was all true.

At the end of the story there is quite a lengthy explanation of Cobb & Co, and how it functioned as it opened up regional Australia to travellers.

[Evan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A young reader's Aussie historical fiction full of intrigue, mystery, and adventure. The pacing is quick (much like the horse coach itself) and as the twists soon unravel, so too are greater coming-of-age themes and lessons about courage, compassion and finding your moral compass. It's a great insight into life during the mid-1800's, and well-worth a read.

[Debbie Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jackie French is an exceptional writer and this is an entertaining and interesting read. A fictional account of a historical occurrence is what she does best, and this story of a Cobb & Co driver and his son, and one fateful journey give a real insight into Australian life in the late 19th century.

[The Book Squirrel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great Australian historical adventure for ages 10+.
I really enjoyed it! The characters were distinctive and well developed, and the plot was within the realm of believable.

I would read it aloud to a grade 4/5 class.

There are historical notes about Cobb & Co etc.

[Jean Nicholson · Rating 4 out of 5]

i had read a lot of Jackie French's wombat books and decided to see what else she wrote. Our library classed it as Junior Fiction and History. I really enjoyed this book and it's semblance of history of Cobb & Co. Jackie also gave re resources at the end

[Sherry Mackay · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not one of her best. The last third was better. Had more plot and characterisation.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good historical adventure. Jackie French is the queen of this genre with good reason. Recommend for 8+ readers who like a good pace.

[Becc Hof · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a joy to be reading through the 2022 CBCA younger readers notables list! A fantastic story with a heartwarming ending of life as as CObb & Co Coach driver.

[Cat {Pemberley and Beyond} · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well dang this hit hard!

[Emily Dennehy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good story about a bit of history I knew very little about! I really enjoyed how all the characters had their secrets and as the story progresses we find out more and more about each of them

[Geni Kuckhahn · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a dark and dangerous journey for the Cobb & Co night mail coach. But, young Jem Donovan isn't afraid. He's helped his father deliver the coach and its passengers safely dozens of times before. With six mysterious characters packed into the coach, this is sure to be an exciting ride.
But an accident causes the carriage to tip, leaving Jem's father gravely injured. To get help for his Paw and the passengers safely into Goulburn, Jem must take the reins.
Can Jem get everyone to their destination safely? And which passenger will pose the greatest threat?
It isn't as easy as it might sound. Jem's not a skilled Whip yet; he's never had to handle five horses, especially at night. But he must persist. Each of his six passengers has a secret, and if Jem can't get them all to their destination by morning, the seventh secret could be deadly…
Wow, does this one pack a punch! Night Ride into Danger was written by the illustrious Jackie French, so, naturally, it was going to be brilliant. She dips into Australian history, weaving it into her story so seamlessly that readers are left with a firm insight into class, racism and the immigrant experience of the mid-1800s.
French is a master of catering mature stories to a young audience, touching on essential topics in a way that is relatable to her readers.
Furthermore, French's author notes provide deeper insight into the history, the people and the language she uses in the novel. These notes allow readers to contribute to a more extensive discussion, perfect for primary school learning.
Night Ride into Danger is suspenseful, surprising and hopeful - a must-read for anyone aged 8+.

[A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great historical insights into stage coach Cobb & Co. (including technical at the back).
Nice characters