The Vanishing Young of Rydal Cave

LoveReading4Kids Says

Strange lights in the sky spark a mystery with code breakers and aliens. It’s winter and in this fifth standalone Lakeland mystery Mae and Isla join the neighbourhood in marvelling at an unusual Northern Lights display that sends everyone’s devices on the Fritz. Thus begins a mystery that again requires the sisters unique observation skills, learning about code breaking, dolphins and two unusual new Americans residents.

Mae and Isla’s unique communication ability is commonplace by this fifth book and helps them to work together to figure out the puzzle of the lights and the messages. It also helps to keep the story moving quite quickly, as they share thoughts and reactions to events as they happen, instead of requiring discussions about them later.

The Vanishing Young of Rydal Cave has a wintry and festive feel, and the Lake District setting is explored again with a procession out to choose the sheep for the Clear Lawn Nativity. We also see a visit from Granddad and Grumbo, who teach the sisters about their investigative ancestors' work in the area during the war, as well as showing Isla and Mae how to build a radio.

This is a mystery that will appeal to readers who have an interest in history, spies and alien communication. In this series Mae and Isla are keen and observant investigators with opposed personalities that work together well. Their connection emphasises their teamwork throughout the books as they allow each other to use their strengths to collect clues and work out the puzzles in front of them with only a little sisterly griping.

The shorter chapters are suitable for newly independent readers, or those looking for a quick read. The maps at the beginning of each book highlight the key areas for that particular mystery, readers could compare each one to see where they’ve been before. The illustrations throughout bring the characters to life while also sharing Isla’s drawings directly with the reader.

Charlotte Walker, A LoveReading4Kids Ambassador

About The Vanishing Young of Rydal Cave

When curious blue rays light up the sky over Cockermouth in a mysterious pattern, young sisters Mae and Isla Donaldson face shape-shifting adversaries. With the help of their irascible Granddad, the girls discover how to break a secret code and unlock the truth about a group of special agents who disappeared from a Lake District beauty spot while investigating UFOs. The girls must prove their suspicions about the glamorous new people in town before it’s too late.

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