The Street Art Mystery
Sharna Jackson
Puffin

It’s nearly the end of the holidays and Margot (narrator), Wesley and Josephine have planned an exciting weekend before they start secondary school. Nothing they insist, will get in the way of their plans in London; it’s going to be a big adventure. However, when they’re staying in Notting Hill with Margot’s mum and her new boyfriend, Teddy, something happens that they can’t possibly ignore. The three children follow clues across West London on the trail, they hope, of a very creative murderer and also some amazing street art.
From skate parks and tower blocks to canal towpaths, their investigations take them to the Notting Hill Carnival where they become part of a float. Can the three connect up all the bits of evidence in time to solve this mystery?

I’d not read Sharna’s previous novel but I certainly will do so now and I recommend that readers around the age of Margot, Wesley and Josephine read this twisting, turning story.

You vs The Poison Plot
Josh Hicks
Walker Books

It’s up to the reader to decide how this, the first instalment in the author’s new interactive mystery series unfolds. On the eve of the school talent show (the biggest event of the year) the drama teacher, Mr Rosso collapses suddenly – poisoned maybe?
You the reader, as the school newspaper’s main investigative journalist and editor, must crack the case. You’ll need to make the right decisions, decide who to interview, what evidence you collect, where you explore, watch out for red herrings and eventually unravel the mystery before tomorrow’s show.

With a wealth of clues to follow, characters to profile and avenues to take, humour that prevents things getting too heavy, as well as lots of black and white illustrations, many acting as puzzles or clues. this book is just right for fans of graphic novels and comics, especially murder mysteries and choose your own adventure stories. Prepare to be gripped from the outset.