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The Travelling School Mysteries #1
Libby and the Parisian Puzzle
‘A delightfully fast-paced, intricately-plotted story full of adventure and cakes! It kept me guessing till the end. I LOVED it!’ – Emma Carroll
Mystery-lover Libby is excited but nervous when she’s sent to join her aunt Agatha’s extraordinary travelling school in Paris. Just when she is starting to find her feet Aunt Agatha is arrested, accused of a daring jewel robbery. Can Libby and her new best friend Connie find the real thief in time to save her aunt?
Mystery-lover Libby is excited but nervous when she’s sent to join her aunt Agatha’s extraordinary travelling school in Paris. Just when she is starting to find her feet Aunt Agatha is arrested, accused of a daring jewel robbery. Can Libby and her new best friend Connie find the real thief in time to save her aunt?
288 pages, Paperback
First published March 3, 2022
4 people are currently reading
182 people want to read
About the author
Jo Clarke
2 books14 followersJo is an award-winning book blogger and primary school librarian. Her blog, BookloverJo enables her to indulge her love of reading children's books and she is particularly drawn to illustrated fiction. In her role as school librarian she runs regular book groups and creative writing classes. She is actively involved in the children's book community and has been involved in judging both the British Book Awards and Blue Peter Book Awards.
Growing up she liked nothing better than reading mystery and boarding school stories by torchlight, when she should have been fast asleep. Her love of these books has inspired her to write her first lower middle grade novel, Libby and the Parisian Puzzle which will be published by Firefly Press in April 2022.
She lives in Hampshire with her husband, two daughters and three cats.
Growing up she liked nothing better than reading mystery and boarding school stories by torchlight, when she should have been fast asleep. Her love of these books has inspired her to write her first lower middle grade novel, Libby and the Parisian Puzzle which will be published by Firefly Press in April 2022.
She lives in Hampshire with her husband, two daughters and three cats.
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November 27, 2021[Disclaimer: I edited an early draft of this]
A delightful Middle Grade detective adventure set in Paris, these precocious sleuths captured my heart (and made me long for some French pastries!). I can't wait for the next installment.
A delightful Middle Grade detective adventure set in Paris, these precocious sleuths captured my heart (and made me long for some French pastries!). I can't wait for the next installment.
January 9, 2022
Fabulous little mystery/detective middle grade novel. Enough intrigue but not too scary. Really enjoyed it!
March 4, 2022
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.
Just look at that cover! Just look at that blurb. I just couldn’t resist this one, but since it was a wish I just knew I had to prepare for disappointment (I generally never hear of wishes after I wished). But then, a few hours later. A mail! And yes, this girl danced in happiness.
In this book we meet Libby, a girl who loves mysteries and is about to find herself deep into an exciting mystery featuring a teacher of hers and her aunt. I just loved the mystery in this book and I had fun trying to figure out things. From the whodunnit (was it that person or maybe not) to who are those people Libby keeps seeing on the street who are super suspicious to what will be stolen next and some other things. It was very fun to read and I found that I just couldn’t put the book down.
Next to a fun mystery we also have something else that had me delighted and that had me wanting to step inside the book, and that was the whole travelling school that Libby goes to. A school that is now for a term in Paris. I just love the sound of a school that goes around the world and stops for a term in countries. In this book we see a lot of Paris. From food to the Louvre (which I would love to visit but probably never will as I am not into how busy it is) to the opera and more. Of course, at least I am assuming, there is also normal lessons next to all the fun and French ones. I just wanted to be part of that.
Oh, and at times I just wanted to hug Libby. Because of her mum.
I loved Libby’s friendship with Connie and I hope we see much more that in the next books. I love that Connie is at times saying no to Libby or telling her to stop going too far. Which I think Libby needs. XD
But there was one thing that just made me sad. One of the big reasons I picked up this book was because of Becka Moor and her illustrations and sadly this copy has very little of them as they haven’t been added. 🙁
All in all, I definitely want this book on my shelves and I hope that Jo Clarke will be writing a lot more books about Libby and her mystery/adventures. I am all in for that!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
Just look at that cover! Just look at that blurb. I just couldn’t resist this one, but since it was a wish I just knew I had to prepare for disappointment (I generally never hear of wishes after I wished). But then, a few hours later. A mail! And yes, this girl danced in happiness.
In this book we meet Libby, a girl who loves mysteries and is about to find herself deep into an exciting mystery featuring a teacher of hers and her aunt. I just loved the mystery in this book and I had fun trying to figure out things. From the whodunnit (was it that person or maybe not) to who are those people Libby keeps seeing on the street who are super suspicious to what will be stolen next and some other things. It was very fun to read and I found that I just couldn’t put the book down.
Next to a fun mystery we also have something else that had me delighted and that had me wanting to step inside the book, and that was the whole travelling school that Libby goes to. A school that is now for a term in Paris. I just love the sound of a school that goes around the world and stops for a term in countries. In this book we see a lot of Paris. From food to the Louvre (which I would love to visit but probably never will as I am not into how busy it is) to the opera and more. Of course, at least I am assuming, there is also normal lessons next to all the fun and French ones. I just wanted to be part of that.
Oh, and at times I just wanted to hug Libby. Because of her mum.
I loved Libby’s friendship with Connie and I hope we see much more that in the next books. I love that Connie is at times saying no to Libby or telling her to stop going too far. Which I think Libby needs. XD
But there was one thing that just made me sad. One of the big reasons I picked up this book was because of Becka Moor and her illustrations and sadly this copy has very little of them as they haven’t been added. 🙁
All in all, I definitely want this book on my shelves and I hope that Jo Clarke will be writing a lot more books about Libby and her mystery/adventures. I am all in for that!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
October 28, 2021
What a sleuthing adventure! Absolutely adored the characters of Libby and Connie and their uncovering of the mystery in the streets of Paris. The setting was well-evoked and reading this had me craving macarons, hot chocolates and the Paris skyline. Like following a trail of breadcrumbs, or can we make those macaron crumbs, this mystery was brilliantly fun to expose the true culprit of the crime. With sprinklings of humour, and a solid sense of truth and friendship at it’s heart, I can’t wait for more books in the series!
July 26, 2022
LIBBY AND THE PARISIAN PUZZLE is a super fun mystery about a missing broach and Libby's attempts to prove her aunt's innocence - all while visiting the city of Paris.
Having read a fair few murder mysteries recently, it was so nice to read a mystery that wasn't about a murder. Libby's aunt is going to prison if Libby can't figure it out and so there's still plenty of tension propelling this tory along (this book proves you don't need a murder victim to be a compelling mystery!) It also just felt like a nice change, something different.
I liked that two very suspicious people were set up. I had a hard time working out if one was a red herring (and if so, which one) or if they were both in on it together (and if so, how they were linked.) Two major suspects felt like a good number for a book this size. If there had been only one, it would have been less puzzling, but it being only two meant there was plenty of time to make them both deeply suspicious and yet not certain what they're part was in it all.
Also the idea of a travelling school! How fun does the idea of a school that takes place in a different city each term sound?! The mystery happens around Paris landmarks and it makes for a great setting.
The illustrations! Having read a lot of YA recently, coming back to MG meant I got to return to the world of illustrations and they really add something special to books. You get to see the characters and action and clues (as a non-visual person, this is SO helpful!)
This is the start of a series, and I am looking forward to the next instalments (also looking forwards to perhaps getting to know Noah and Sebastian better - they were certainly my favourite of he secondary characters as bundles of energy. I am hoping for a mystery one day where they get drawn into the investigations.)
Having read a fair few murder mysteries recently, it was so nice to read a mystery that wasn't about a murder. Libby's aunt is going to prison if Libby can't figure it out and so there's still plenty of tension propelling this tory along (this book proves you don't need a murder victim to be a compelling mystery!) It also just felt like a nice change, something different.
I liked that two very suspicious people were set up. I had a hard time working out if one was a red herring (and if so, which one) or if they were both in on it together (and if so, how they were linked.) Two major suspects felt like a good number for a book this size. If there had been only one, it would have been less puzzling, but it being only two meant there was plenty of time to make them both deeply suspicious and yet not certain what they're part was in it all.
Also the idea of a travelling school! How fun does the idea of a school that takes place in a different city each term sound?! The mystery happens around Paris landmarks and it makes for a great setting.
The illustrations! Having read a lot of YA recently, coming back to MG meant I got to return to the world of illustrations and they really add something special to books. You get to see the characters and action and clues (as a non-visual person, this is SO helpful!)
This is the start of a series, and I am looking forward to the next instalments (also looking forwards to perhaps getting to know Noah and Sebastian better - they were certainly my favourite of he secondary characters as bundles of energy. I am hoping for a mystery one day where they get drawn into the investigations.)
January 11, 2022
Libby is excited when she is sent to Aunt Agatha's travelling school, currently residing in Paris, but nervous about being away from her mother. However, Libby and her new friend, Connie, soon find themselves wrapped up in a mystery that's perfect for detective-minded Libby. When her aunt is arrested, the girls have to work hard to find out the truth.
This is a fun, easy-to-read middle grade. It features a suitably clever plot for the target audience, giving many hints along the way so, as an adult reader, it is clear who the villain of the story is but not the how or why. The extravagance of this travelling school does help with suspending disbelief as to some of the finer plot points, like the amount these children are left to wander around Paris, but this is also a consideration that comes from being an adult reading middle grade literature.
It does deliver a rather clichéd depiction of Paris and French culture (like people carrying baguettes), which is fine but predictable. As such, I would note that this book does rely on some knowledge of simple French terms and/or good inference from context skills, such as for 'frites' and 'gendarme', in order to aid comprehension.
Libby gets one good Sherlock-detection style moment as she deducts details about Connie but that's all. This element seemed like it would be more prevalent, especially after how much this is described at the start. Instead, it felt that Connie was far more proactive in her thinking than Libby, so the plot progressed but Libby wasn't always adding to it.
This was a perfectly nice read and one that I'd happily share with young readers, especially if there are further books to turn this into a series.
This is a fun, easy-to-read middle grade. It features a suitably clever plot for the target audience, giving many hints along the way so, as an adult reader, it is clear who the villain of the story is but not the how or why. The extravagance of this travelling school does help with suspending disbelief as to some of the finer plot points, like the amount these children are left to wander around Paris, but this is also a consideration that comes from being an adult reading middle grade literature.
It does deliver a rather clichéd depiction of Paris and French culture (like people carrying baguettes), which is fine but predictable. As such, I would note that this book does rely on some knowledge of simple French terms and/or good inference from context skills, such as for 'frites' and 'gendarme', in order to aid comprehension.
Libby gets one good Sherlock-detection style moment as she deducts details about Connie but that's all. This element seemed like it would be more prevalent, especially after how much this is described at the start. Instead, it felt that Connie was far more proactive in her thinking than Libby, so the plot progressed but Libby wasn't always adding to it.
This was a perfectly nice read and one that I'd happily share with young readers, especially if there are further books to turn this into a series.
April 2, 2022
Heists and high jinks, macarons and machinations - all set against the magical city of Paris. A galloping adventure, with a perplexing puzzle at its heart, this book will be much loved by younger fans of the mystery genre.
January 24, 2022
Debut author Jo Clarke makes a triumphant entry to the lower middle-grade market with the start of a new detective adventure series about a travelling school, which will be illustrated by Becka Moor. The series promises adventures in different cities around the globe, and this first one is set in Paris.
One of the highlights of the story is how strongly the sense of place comes through. The dreamy scenes of the Parisian skyline provide a backdrop for a detective adventure in which macarons are never far from the thoughts of the main characters. If you've never had the chance to fall in love with the sights, sounds and tastes of Paris, you will be charmed by the city's delights after reading this story. I imagine that the further globetrotting adventures in the series will carry a similarly brilliant introduction to different cities around the world and this is something to look forward to as the series rolls out. I can also see the collectible nature of the series being a big hit with younger readers.
A second highlight is the gentle mystery element behind the plot. Just the right amount of peril for a younger audience combined with a fun boarding school element and enough clues to keep the predictions rolling makes for a perfect stepping stone into the detective fiction genre for the younger end of the middle-grade market.
I really enjoyed this story and the author's expertise as a librarian and book blogger shines through in hitting just the right spot for the intended age of the book's audience. With themes of friendship and loyalty, a positive tone and a good sprinkling of fun, the story is likely to be a big hit with lower KS2.
Thank you to the publisher for sending us an early review copy. Our review features on our Spring 2022 Ones to Watch list: https://www.booksfortopics.com/post/o....
One of the highlights of the story is how strongly the sense of place comes through. The dreamy scenes of the Parisian skyline provide a backdrop for a detective adventure in which macarons are never far from the thoughts of the main characters. If you've never had the chance to fall in love with the sights, sounds and tastes of Paris, you will be charmed by the city's delights after reading this story. I imagine that the further globetrotting adventures in the series will carry a similarly brilliant introduction to different cities around the world and this is something to look forward to as the series rolls out. I can also see the collectible nature of the series being a big hit with younger readers.
A second highlight is the gentle mystery element behind the plot. Just the right amount of peril for a younger audience combined with a fun boarding school element and enough clues to keep the predictions rolling makes for a perfect stepping stone into the detective fiction genre for the younger end of the middle-grade market.
I really enjoyed this story and the author's expertise as a librarian and book blogger shines through in hitting just the right spot for the intended age of the book's audience. With themes of friendship and loyalty, a positive tone and a good sprinkling of fun, the story is likely to be a big hit with lower KS2.
Thank you to the publisher for sending us an early review copy. Our review features on our Spring 2022 Ones to Watch list: https://www.booksfortopics.com/post/o....
March 17, 2022
Libby has been packed off by her Mum to boarding school. She’d much rather go with her Mum on an adventure to Ecuador, but at least her new school seems promising. Mousedale’s Travelling School, run by her Aunt Agatha, moves to a new place each term; and this term, they’re in Paris. Paris! Museums, galleries, the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, Montmartre... and the food, too. Crusty bread and soft cheese. Hot chocolate and croissants for breakfast. Macarons!
But what Libby likes most of all is a mystery, and she’s barely set off for Paris before strange events begin to unfold, with mysterious strangers, exotic jewellery, and mysterious notes pique her curiosity. With her new friend Connie, Libby begins her investigation...
Libby and the Parisian Puzzle moves on at a cracking pace, with twists and turns and red herrings a-plenty. Paris makes a splendid setting for the mystery, and Clarke obviously has a love for the city, its culture, and its food. The best sandwich I ever had was a Camembert baguette after a long morning spent walking around the Louvre in 1990 (yes I remember it well after all these years) so the museums and food of Paris gave this book an extra attraction for me.
Becka Moor’s cover and interior illustrations accompany the story perfectly, and while her character drawings capture the personalities of each person perfectly, it was her version of the Mona Lisa in chapter 5 that definitely gave me a good chuckle.
Let’s hope for lots more adventures with Libby and the Travelling School.
But what Libby likes most of all is a mystery, and she’s barely set off for Paris before strange events begin to unfold, with mysterious strangers, exotic jewellery, and mysterious notes pique her curiosity. With her new friend Connie, Libby begins her investigation...
Libby and the Parisian Puzzle moves on at a cracking pace, with twists and turns and red herrings a-plenty. Paris makes a splendid setting for the mystery, and Clarke obviously has a love for the city, its culture, and its food. The best sandwich I ever had was a Camembert baguette after a long morning spent walking around the Louvre in 1990 (yes I remember it well after all these years) so the museums and food of Paris gave this book an extra attraction for me.
Becka Moor’s cover and interior illustrations accompany the story perfectly, and while her character drawings capture the personalities of each person perfectly, it was her version of the Mona Lisa in chapter 5 that definitely gave me a good chuckle.
Let’s hope for lots more adventures with Libby and the Travelling School.
January 24, 2022
The first book in Clarke's new series is a delight in all senses of the word. Carefully plotted with clever plot hints and twists throughout, Clarke evokes a true sense of the backstreets and boulangeries of Paris while also developing her main characters and driving her mystery to a satisfying end for all concerned.
Libby, slightly disgruntled and upset at not being allowed to accompany her mum on her travels as usual, starts her adventure by travelling to her aunt's school in Paris. Unlike traditional schools, this particular school travels around, allowing the pupils to experience the different cultures of locations all over the world.
We find ourselves travelling with Libby as she travels under the Channel Tunnel and arrives in Paris. She soon settles into her new school and meets another new pupil, Connie, who also has a few secrets of her own.
The duo quickly become aware that something is not quite right with the new teacher at the school and there are various other goings on that lead them to suspect that a mystery is happening right under their noses! By joining together, they decide to find out what is happening.
Clarke's book is a wonderful mix of clever plotting and subtle characterisation that left me wanting more. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series!
Libby, slightly disgruntled and upset at not being allowed to accompany her mum on her travels as usual, starts her adventure by travelling to her aunt's school in Paris. Unlike traditional schools, this particular school travels around, allowing the pupils to experience the different cultures of locations all over the world.
We find ourselves travelling with Libby as she travels under the Channel Tunnel and arrives in Paris. She soon settles into her new school and meets another new pupil, Connie, who also has a few secrets of her own.
The duo quickly become aware that something is not quite right with the new teacher at the school and there are various other goings on that lead them to suspect that a mystery is happening right under their noses! By joining together, they decide to find out what is happening.
Clarke's book is a wonderful mix of clever plotting and subtle characterisation that left me wanting more. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series!
December 11, 2021
I absolutely adored this! Libby is such a wonderful character, so many relatable aspects and such fun too. I loved Libby and her personality, who couldn't fall in love with such an intriguing character, with a love of reading mysteries and wanting to use her own detective skills to solve a crime a little too close to home.
Connie is the perfect friend and companion and enjoyed how her own story unfurled whilst the girls found clues and tried to put all the pieces of the puzzle together.
The setting is fab, and has such great potential as a travelling school, it will be interesting to see where Libby heads to in future adventures.
My only complaint... this book made me hungry! So many lovely pastries, the perfect accompaniment to Libby and Connie's crime solving antics.
Can't wait to read more of Libby's adventures!
Perfect for fans of authors such as Serena Patel, Robin Stevens or Sophie Cleverly.
Connie is the perfect friend and companion and enjoyed how her own story unfurled whilst the girls found clues and tried to put all the pieces of the puzzle together.
The setting is fab, and has such great potential as a travelling school, it will be interesting to see where Libby heads to in future adventures.
My only complaint... this book made me hungry! So many lovely pastries, the perfect accompaniment to Libby and Connie's crime solving antics.
Can't wait to read more of Libby's adventures!
Perfect for fans of authors such as Serena Patel, Robin Stevens or Sophie Cleverly.
December 21, 2021
When Libby's mum has to go to South America for work, Libby is sent to Paris to join her aunt's travelling school. But when Aunt Agatha is accused of a stealing a valuable piece of jewellery, Libby and her roommate Connie must investigate the mysterious events and unmask the true criminal. In between visiting famous Parisian landmarks and eating plenty of macarons - of course!
Libby is a delightfully inquisitive detective and I loved the idea of a travelling school. It's a brilliant setup for a series of books - each featuring the sights and sensations of a new city.
'Libby and the Parisian Puzzle' is ideal for fans of Annabelle Sami's 'Agent Zaiba' series - perfectly pitched for younger children who love mystery stories but aren't quite ready for the scarier murder mysteries. Jo Clarke's librarian expertise is clear - this is definitely one I'll be buying for the school library!
Libby is a delightfully inquisitive detective and I loved the idea of a travelling school. It's a brilliant setup for a series of books - each featuring the sights and sensations of a new city.
'Libby and the Parisian Puzzle' is ideal for fans of Annabelle Sami's 'Agent Zaiba' series - perfectly pitched for younger children who love mystery stories but aren't quite ready for the scarier murder mysteries. Jo Clarke's librarian expertise is clear - this is definitely one I'll be buying for the school library!
March 8, 2022
What a wonderful story. Old-fashioned sleuthing with daisy-fresh characters and a backdrop that is full of romance and patisserie goodies. Libby and Connie's friendship, as students at a travelling school, is terrific - their engaging, playful dialogue will definitely have kids giggling - and the drip-feed of clues is just perfect for readers to do a little of their own investigating. For yes, there has been a crime! And it's one that leads Libby through the landmarks of Paris and into her own world of curiosity, and what fun it is to go along for the ride. Unless they've just passed me by, there has been a real lack of traditional, crime capers for kids and I think this is the perfect welcome back. Whispers, snapshots, mysterious rendez-vous, scurries and shimmies down drainpipes... and a box or two of macarons.... Libby and the Parisian Puzzle has it all. I gobbled it up in one sitting.
August 22, 2022
I really enjoyed this, the first travelling schools mystery. The characters were fun, with a great relationship between Libby and Connie that felt lively and realistic. The mystery is one of the strongest parts of this book, and it totally drew me in with all the shiny jewels and mysterious people meeting all over Paris.
Once the pieces began to fall into place, I was still gripped, wondering how it was all going to play out. The sense of place is also really strong, drawing on a wide range of Parisian sites, food and landmarks to really give the feeling that the city is an important character in the story. I'm interested in seeing how this is continued in future books in the series.
Oh, and the whole thing left me absolutely craving pastries!
Once the pieces began to fall into place, I was still gripped, wondering how it was all going to play out. The sense of place is also really strong, drawing on a wide range of Parisian sites, food and landmarks to really give the feeling that the city is an important character in the story. I'm interested in seeing how this is continued in future books in the series.
Oh, and the whole thing left me absolutely craving pastries!
January 14, 2024
This is a lower middle grade mystery book, first in a new series featuring a school that travels the globe. Coming in at right around 200 pages, this book is highly illustrated and really fills a gap for younger middle grade readers who want more to a story than Cam Jansen or A to Z Mysteries, but aren't quite ready for no illustrations yet.
The mystery is not hard to figure out and there are a few loose ends that don't quite get resolved, but there are quite a few fun characters, an overarching mystery that continues into the next book, and the traveling school makes for a really fun and unique setting.
I think this is a great option for that 5-10 age range, especially if you are looking for a book for an advanced reader that is younger and wants mystery without being scared. As a mystery lover, this was a bit of a miss for me (3 stars), but considering the target audience will let a lot of my complaints slide, I am rounding up for my review.
The mystery is not hard to figure out and there are a few loose ends that don't quite get resolved, but there are quite a few fun characters, an overarching mystery that continues into the next book, and the traveling school makes for a really fun and unique setting.
I think this is a great option for that 5-10 age range, especially if you are looking for a book for an advanced reader that is younger and wants mystery without being scared. As a mystery lover, this was a bit of a miss for me (3 stars), but considering the target audience will let a lot of my complaints slide, I am rounding up for my review.
November 22, 2021
A much-anticipated book from Jo Clarke and such a delight to read!
Filling a gap in the market, this was a lovely adventure story with a detective twist for slightly younger middle grade readers. Libby's mother is away working and so she goes to Paris to her Aunt's travelling school (a great set-up for a whole series!). When things start going missing, and her Aunt is accused of being the thief, Libby sets out to investigate and to clear her name.
Reading as an adult, from the start you have a pretty good idea of who the thief is, but not how or why and so the pleasure was in working out what was going on. I think children might take a little longer to catch on and they'd love picking up on the clues and hints to help Libby solve the mystery.
It was really well written and illustrated and would be a great read-aloud to any class or at bedtime.
Filling a gap in the market, this was a lovely adventure story with a detective twist for slightly younger middle grade readers. Libby's mother is away working and so she goes to Paris to her Aunt's travelling school (a great set-up for a whole series!). When things start going missing, and her Aunt is accused of being the thief, Libby sets out to investigate and to clear her name.
Reading as an adult, from the start you have a pretty good idea of who the thief is, but not how or why and so the pleasure was in working out what was going on. I think children might take a little longer to catch on and they'd love picking up on the clues and hints to help Libby solve the mystery.
It was really well written and illustrated and would be a great read-aloud to any class or at bedtime.
January 31, 2024
Libby and the Parisian Puzzle is about a young girl who is going to live with her aunt Agatha in Paris. It is here that she enrolls in a travelling school where she meets a new friend named Connie. While school is taking place, her aunt Agatha is accused of a crime and put in jail. Libby and Connie must now help solve the mystery so that they can clear her aunt’s name. This novel had themes of friendship and family. I really enjoyed reading this book. I love a good mystery story and this one did that quite well! Although I think that the mystery could have been a little more difficult to solve, I liked that it kept me wanting to continue reading until the end.
April 4, 2022
This book is such a Parisian delight! Libby has joined her aunt’s amazing travelling school while her mother is overseas. She’s excited to explore the city and make new friends, absorbing the city’s art and culture. But in a twist, her aunt is accused of a jewellery heist. It’s up to Libby and Connie to solve the mystery and bring the real criminal to justice. A charming and fun tale for all aspiring detectives.
March 21, 2022
Pitched perfectly this is a great mystery story for early independent readers. Obvious to adults but not children, the author places the clues nicely along the way. It’s a very fun set up with a travelling school which gives lots of scope for more books in the series.
I would highly recommend it for a fun lively read.
I would highly recommend it for a fun lively read.
April 5, 2025
Honestly, it’s not so bad. I like mrs Browne, but libby is so weird you know that feeling when you have to solve something on your own but smirking all the time and imitating little children that’s libby. Libby and Connie solved the mistery of the missing brooch and found it turns out it was mrs Browne after all. Oops sorry otterly white!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2022
Excellent story for the younger reader. If your young family member enjoys trying their ganf at detective work this is the book for them. Just the start of many more books hopefully from this new Children's author.
March 7, 2022
3.5 stars. Lovely little mystery story set in atmospheric Paris. If you're looking for a good detective story set in boarding school for slightly younger children that's not too frightening (theft, not a murder mystery), this one's for you!
March 13, 2022
A Parisian puzzle par excellence!
A lovely mystery that Libby and new best friend Connie have to solve. Good twists, great pace and a fab concept that will see Libby's school travelling to different places, with plenty more adventures to come. Can't wait for book two.
A lovely mystery that Libby and new best friend Connie have to solve. Good twists, great pace and a fab concept that will see Libby's school travelling to different places, with plenty more adventures to come. Can't wait for book two.
April 29, 2022
Merveilleux! Libby & The Parisian Puzzle by Jo Clarke is packed with brain-tickling clues and friendships and ooh la la adventures!😀💫 A perfect read for young readers (and detectives) 💛 Fun illustrations by Becka Moor
December 27, 2022
What a fun book! I would have loved this when I was 12 - two best friends solving mysteries?! Yes please! I love the travel factor as well. Again my 12 year old self is quite envious. Can I please go to a travelling school?
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October 16, 2025[Disclaimer: I edited an early draft of this]
A delightful Middle Grade detective adventure set in Paris, these precocious sleuths captured my heart (and made me long for some French pastries!). I can't wait for the next installment.
A delightful Middle Grade detective adventure set in Paris, these precocious sleuths captured my heart (and made me long for some French pastries!). I can't wait for the next installment.
March 6, 2022
Omg I loved this book! I loved the tour of Paris I got to have, while seeing the mystery unfold. Can’t wait for the second one!
March 12, 2022
A delightfully warm-hearted detective tale, seasoned with mystery, mayhem and a marvellous dose of macarons!
April 21, 2022
Nice cozy mystery for kids 😍📖😍
October 24, 2022
A fun easy to follow mystery for kids.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews