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Diamond Brothers #8
Where Seagulls Dare
A book in the Diamond Brothers series. A hilarious new story about the world’s worst detectives, by the bestselling author of the Alex Rider series, Anthony Horowitz.Private investigators Tim and Nick Diamond haven’t had a case for three months and are down to their last cornflake. So when a glamorous woman comes into their office offering them a pile of cash to find her missing father, they think Christmas has come – only it turns out they are the turkeys! Before they know it, they are caught up in a case involving bike-riding hitmen, superhackers and a sinister far right organization, the White Crusaders. The Diamond Brothers are in the soup and in it over their heads. With thrills and spills, and jokes on every page, this new Diamond Brothers novel will have young readers howling with laughter.
256 pages, Paperback
First published June 2, 2022
13 people are currently reading
147 people want to read
About the author
Anthony Horowitz
345 books21k followersAnthony Horowitz, OBE is ranked alongside Enid Blyton and Mark A. Cooper as "The most original and best spy-kids authors of the century." (New York Times). Anthony has been writing since the age of eight, and professionally since the age of twenty. In addition to the highly successful Alex Rider books, he is also the writer and creator of award winning detective series Foyle’s War, and more recently event drama Collision, among his other television works he has written episodes for Poirot, Murder in Mind, Midsomer Murders and Murder Most Horrid. Anthony became patron to East Anglia Children’s Hospices in 2009.
On 19 January 2011, the estate of Arthur Conan Doyle announced that Horowitz was to be the writer of a new Sherlock Holmes novel, the first such effort to receive an official endorsement from them and to be entitled the House of Silk.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/anthon...
On 19 January 2011, the estate of Arthur Conan Doyle announced that Horowitz was to be the writer of a new Sherlock Holmes novel, the first such effort to receive an official endorsement from them and to be entitled the House of Silk.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/anthon...
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 12, 2022
Where Seagulls Dare is the latest book in the Diamond Brothers Private Detectives series from author Anthony Horowitz. In this latest edition, the Diamond brothers are on the case of a missing man – Alistair Nightingale who has been reported missing to them by his supposed daughter, Jane Nightingale.
It’s not long though before the brothers are in serious danger and being warned to walk away from the case, but the brothers don’t give up that easily. Or more is the case that they have already spent most of the money they have been paid to find Alistair.
This is the first book in the series I have read but it worked fine as a standalone. It is full of humour, quips, one-liners, and silly moments, as well as action, adventure, and mystery.
The storyline is perfect for middle-graders and with all the proceeds going to charity what is there not to love about this book. It was a story planned in lockdown to give children some light relief and fun and it certainly does just that.
Overall, a fab book that I can see being a massive hit with its readers.
It’s not long though before the brothers are in serious danger and being warned to walk away from the case, but the brothers don’t give up that easily. Or more is the case that they have already spent most of the money they have been paid to find Alistair.
This is the first book in the series I have read but it worked fine as a standalone. It is full of humour, quips, one-liners, and silly moments, as well as action, adventure, and mystery.
The storyline is perfect for middle-graders and with all the proceeds going to charity what is there not to love about this book. It was a story planned in lockdown to give children some light relief and fun and it certainly does just that.
Overall, a fab book that I can see being a massive hit with its readers.
November 18, 2022
Absurd. Hilarious. Every sentence contains a bad pun. So many jokes that it became a bit exhausting to read at time! But the ludicrous plot, cartoonish characters and the many twists and turns made this a thoroughly fun read. 4 stars.
November 3, 2022
This brought back a lot of nostalgia for me. For me, Anthony Horowitz writes the best kids books- hands down. Equal parts funny and ridiculous, with some fab quotes and a fast moving plot that kept me turning the pages. I may have been reading through the rose tinted glasses of childhood, but I loved this one.
February 8, 2025
Read: August, 2022
Reread: February: 2025
Read this with my kids and loved it! Thank you Anthony Horowitz for writing another Diamond Brothers instalment. They are hilarious and we love them.
Reread: February: 2025
Read this with my kids and loved it! Thank you Anthony Horowitz for writing another Diamond Brothers instalment. They are hilarious and we love them.
August 21, 2022
This is the first paperback about the Diamond Brothers Detectives that I read. I found it really funny, written with a great sense of humour.
Nick’s brother Tim is the world’s worst detective.
I found it really funny how Tim and Nick get simple words mixed up, and have to be corrected about the true meaning.
Tim is the only person who his younger brother knows that could finish an Agatha Christie novel and still not know who did it.
Jane Nightingale claims her father has gone missing and wants Tim and Nick to find him.
When Tim and Nick are looking for clues in Jane’s father house, they both run into a bit of trouble and have to hide, from some guys with guns, that got into Janes father’s house who are looking for a powerful device that plugs in a computer. Can Tim and Nick find Jane Nightingales father? What I didn’t expect was a little twist in the story.
The author Anthony Horowitz, is very kind hearted, as all the royalties from this book are going to charity Suffolk Home Start that supports children and families across the country.
Where Segulls Dare began as an entertainment during lockdown, with so many children stuck at home, he thought he would write something to cheer them up. He posted the first seven chapters free on his website.
I would like to thank Walker Books for sending me this paperback to read and review.
August 26, 2022
Smart, great references, great detective brother duo.
It's been years since I read a Diamond Brothers book, but it all came back to me. Horowitz has created a perfect pair of brothers for readers: the elder is absolute the dimmest lightbulb ever found in a bargain bin. He takes everything literally, says just the wrong thing, makes everything worse. This means the youngest, smarter brother has to solve everything, run rings round him and generally be a bit of a hero.
And so we have Nick and Tim Diamond on yet another case. A missing father, who is a computer whizz wanted by bad people to do bad things (here a slightly simplified but relevant 'getting rid of foreigners to give Britain back to the British' evil villain).
There are traps, near death experiences, twists, cable cars, bulldogs, and gags coming out of Tim's dim ears.
Endlessly light-hearted and ludicrous, this pair are perfect for KS2 and KS3 readers who like fast-paced stories with mysteries and jokes. There are Alex Rider references for Horowitz fans too. Would love to see this made into a TV series.
With thanks to Walker Books for providing a sample reading copy.
It's been years since I read a Diamond Brothers book, but it all came back to me. Horowitz has created a perfect pair of brothers for readers: the elder is absolute the dimmest lightbulb ever found in a bargain bin. He takes everything literally, says just the wrong thing, makes everything worse. This means the youngest, smarter brother has to solve everything, run rings round him and generally be a bit of a hero.
And so we have Nick and Tim Diamond on yet another case. A missing father, who is a computer whizz wanted by bad people to do bad things (here a slightly simplified but relevant 'getting rid of foreigners to give Britain back to the British' evil villain).
There are traps, near death experiences, twists, cable cars, bulldogs, and gags coming out of Tim's dim ears.
Endlessly light-hearted and ludicrous, this pair are perfect for KS2 and KS3 readers who like fast-paced stories with mysteries and jokes. There are Alex Rider references for Horowitz fans too. Would love to see this made into a TV series.
With thanks to Walker Books for providing a sample reading copy.
June 12, 2022
i would never recommend a series enough. it may be for children but in my 18 years of life i have never read a more enjoyable series. all these books can be read as a standalone with the occasional reference that may make you lost but it has nothing to do with the plot. really liked how horowitz added which reference was from what book. made me relive the old plots while reading the new one.
these books were what made me start reading more and i could never thank my year 5 teacher enough for that.
the jokes are witty and honestly are a lot of my dads humour. the plots are easy to follow with enough points to let your figure things in your own if you wish.
read it in one sitting and i will most likely read again like all the other books in this series.
i could not recommend the dining brothers series more.
these books were what made me start reading more and i could never thank my year 5 teacher enough for that.
the jokes are witty and honestly are a lot of my dads humour. the plots are easy to follow with enough points to let your figure things in your own if you wish.
read it in one sitting and i will most likely read again like all the other books in this series.
i could not recommend the dining brothers series more.
April 14, 2025
Ahhh Diamond Brothers my beloved. I always loved this kind of absurd comedy-mystery type book as a kid and was a big fan of the brothers back then. How wonderful to discover a new one was written in lockdown - and for charity no less!
I think this book really captures the charm of previous books and delivers a wild and entertaining romp filled with laughs, silly wordplay, groan-inducing moments and a lot of fun. This book is fun. I hope to reread it's predecessors in due time as well as this has really rekindled an old flame in my heart.
Interesting to see more modern aspects in the world of the Diamond brothers now too, and the commentary/conflict was very pertinent and handled appropriately for kids. A fantastic thing to see.
I think this book really captures the charm of previous books and delivers a wild and entertaining romp filled with laughs, silly wordplay, groan-inducing moments and a lot of fun. This book is fun. I hope to reread it's predecessors in due time as well as this has really rekindled an old flame in my heart.
Interesting to see more modern aspects in the world of the Diamond brothers now too, and the commentary/conflict was very pertinent and handled appropriately for kids. A fantastic thing to see.
September 26, 2023
Nick is the younger brother who is clever. Tim is the older brother who is handsome but really dumb.
They were trying to find a famous hacker zEbra. And the M15 got involved using them as bait.
It is funny and good for teenagers and adults who like to laugh at silly jokes.
There are bad guys who ride motorcycles and also corrupt police helping the bad guys.
What the bad guy wants the hacker to assist him to take over the world. it is mad.
The bad guys also know about the Diamond brothers and try to kill them. In a trap that is good and fun to escape from.
I just like this series so much.
They were trying to find a famous hacker zEbra. And the M15 got involved using them as bait.
It is funny and good for teenagers and adults who like to laugh at silly jokes.
There are bad guys who ride motorcycles and also corrupt police helping the bad guys.
What the bad guy wants the hacker to assist him to take over the world. it is mad.
The bad guys also know about the Diamond brothers and try to kill them. In a trap that is good and fun to escape from.
I just like this series so much.
December 27, 2023
Absurd and so funny.
I've only read one Diamond brother short story (The Double Eagle Has Landed) and thought I'll give this a try.
It is very obviously a children's book but it was short and a fun listen.
I've only read one Diamond brother short story (The Double Eagle Has Landed) and thought I'll give this a try.
It is very obviously a children's book but it was short and a fun listen.
June 5, 2022
Very humorous. I actually found myself giggling through some sections of the book. Great for middle-grade readers!
December 31, 2022
An explosive comeback of the Diamond Brothers!
February 10, 2024
this book made the time setting of this series a bit confusing and I can’t believe I’ve finished them all now tbh
I didn’t see everything coming this time so it was a bit more exciting
I didn’t see everything coming this time so it was a bit more exciting
July 26, 2024
An absolute delight to listen to it, hilarious!
The world most stupid detective (person in general) and his little brother is going to help MI6 with rescuing mission!
The world most stupid detective (person in general) and his little brother is going to help MI6 with rescuing mission!
November 20, 2024
Read on audio 12-21 April. Very funny.
April 28, 2025
you know what? despite how much tim pissed me off, i enjoyed reading this
but also
tim can get fucked
but also
tim can get fucked
June 16, 2025
i like the ebding6. I guessed the double agent and who the real zebra is. the police scene was surprising.
September 27, 2022
This review first appeared on my blog - https://nsfordwriter.com - on 26th September 2022.
I'm a big fan of the Diamond Brothers detective series so I was very happy when a new adventure was published - the first novel since South by South East (1991) and the first story of any length since The Greek Who Stole Christmas (2007). The proceeds of this new book are going to charity.
It goes without saying that I really enjoyed Where Seagulls Dare, although the sense of time is amusingly odd. The book is clearly set in our current decade, but the events of The Blurred Man (2003) are noted as happening only a few months ago. Anyway, the narrator Nick has been a young teenager ever since the first book, The Falcon's Malteser (1986). He should be approaching his fifties by now, while older brother Tim - the world's worst detective - might be collecting his pension! But I love that these characters are timeless.
The story is that the Diamond Brothers are tasked with finding a missing tech genius. They run into a gang of thugs and everything goes pear-shaped very quickly, as it turns out that they need to infiltrate a far-right organisation who plan to control the UK. Unlike the other books in the series, this one has interior illustrations. They are by Mark Beech, whose style is very similar to that of Tony Ross, the cover illustrator. I liked the pictures as they were suitably madcap.
Action, fast pace, clever plotting and puns galore, as always in this series. There was even a sly reference to the Alex Rider books. If you haven't read any Diamond Brothers, you can still begin with this one as everything is explained, but I would recommend starting from the beginning. They're not just for kids, either, as there are references to detective and thriller films that only adults would know.
I'm a big fan of the Diamond Brothers detective series so I was very happy when a new adventure was published - the first novel since South by South East (1991) and the first story of any length since The Greek Who Stole Christmas (2007). The proceeds of this new book are going to charity.
It goes without saying that I really enjoyed Where Seagulls Dare, although the sense of time is amusingly odd. The book is clearly set in our current decade, but the events of The Blurred Man (2003) are noted as happening only a few months ago. Anyway, the narrator Nick has been a young teenager ever since the first book, The Falcon's Malteser (1986). He should be approaching his fifties by now, while older brother Tim - the world's worst detective - might be collecting his pension! But I love that these characters are timeless.
The story is that the Diamond Brothers are tasked with finding a missing tech genius. They run into a gang of thugs and everything goes pear-shaped very quickly, as it turns out that they need to infiltrate a far-right organisation who plan to control the UK. Unlike the other books in the series, this one has interior illustrations. They are by Mark Beech, whose style is very similar to that of Tony Ross, the cover illustrator. I liked the pictures as they were suitably madcap.
Action, fast pace, clever plotting and puns galore, as always in this series. There was even a sly reference to the Alex Rider books. If you haven't read any Diamond Brothers, you can still begin with this one as everything is explained, but I would recommend starting from the beginning. They're not just for kids, either, as there are references to detective and thriller films that only adults would know.
June 21, 2022
This was my first adventure with the Diamond Brothers, although it forms part of a wider series. Fortunately, you can dip in and out of any of the books in any order and it wouldn't be a problem. Horowitz really captured me as a younger reader with his Alex Rider novels - it has everything you would want, with mature themes and a protagonist with enough about him to stick with you for a large scope of books. Diamond Brothers has compelling writing, but it leans more towards a silly narrative so would be better suited to young teenagers or older children who prefer to avoid the more mature themes.
In this episode, there's a tech genius missing in action and the Diamond brothers want to solve the case - the only trouble is that they're being hounded by a gang who aren't much fun to be bothered by. It is investigative fiction at it's most fun - you'll have to suspend your disbelief, but you had to for Scooby Doo too and that was always a winner!
So, a nice addition for younger readers but not as impressive as his other work.
ARC provided from the publishers in exchange for an honest review.
In this episode, there's a tech genius missing in action and the Diamond brothers want to solve the case - the only trouble is that they're being hounded by a gang who aren't much fun to be bothered by. It is investigative fiction at it's most fun - you'll have to suspend your disbelief, but you had to for Scooby Doo too and that was always a winner!
So, a nice addition for younger readers but not as impressive as his other work.
ARC provided from the publishers in exchange for an honest review.
October 15, 2025
I will never not rate a Diamond Brothers' book 5 stars! This is the best thing to have come out of Covid 19. Thank you Anthony Horowitz for this amazing gift. This book was a throwback to my childhood :)
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews