"An enthralling mystery set in the jungles of India that explores the history of independence and human rights within a thrilling read."
February 2026 Book of the Month
This is a stunning new novel by Piu Dasgupta, author of the equally amazing Secrets of the Snakestone. This is a story that will enthrall readers from the first page. Roma Moreau is aspiring to be the first woman to study at Bengal Medical College. Here Roma meets a huge amount of adversity and misogyny and must find it in herself to persevere in order to be successful.
Even Roma’s own father heavily discourages her from attempting this feat. We know that the character of Roma is based on real women that Piu researched for this novel and she represents the very real struggle of women not only in India but around the world who fought for their independence and basic human rights.
During her studies, Roma doggedly unravels a mystery surrounding the mythical golden monkey. Vowing to return it to its home in the Himalayas, Roma stumbles upon a mysterious map and embarks on a dangerous journey filled with thieves, deadly snakes and a magical gem that contains terrifying power.
Unlike Pia’s first novel which is largely set in France, The Golden Monkey Mystery takes us to the jungles of India and is set a full generation before and is just as engaging, interesting and thrilling to read.
Pia’s ability to take readers to another time and place is second to none, this is a series of novels that many students in the school library I manage will treasure because it’s a great way for them to see themselves in the literature that they take in and to put themselves in other people’s shoes. Books like The Golden Monkey Mystery are also effective tools in teaching (in a non heavy-handed way) how important it is to recognise the struggles of our ancestors in order to fully appreciate the luxuries we are able to experience today.
I loved this novel and highly recommend it for everyone.
A thrilling adventure set in the jungles of India from the Waterstones Children's Book Prize shortlisted author of Secrets of the Snakestone.
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the best books for 9-12 year olds · the best books for teenagers
A thrilling adventure set in the jungles of India from the Waterstones Children's Book Prize shortlisted author of Secrets of the Snakestone. A lost monkey.
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed The Golden Monkey Mystery and determined it is suitable for children aged 9-12 years old
The Golden Monkey Mystery features in the following genres: Featured Books for 9+ readers, Featured Books for 11+ readers, Books of the Month, Recommendations, Star Books, Adventure Stories, Fantasy / Magical, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Children’s / Teenage fiction: General, modern and contemporary fiction, Children’s, Teenage and Educational
Paperback. £7.19, down from the £7.99 cover price. In Stock.
The Golden Monkey Mystery was written by Piu DasGupta and published by Nosy Crow
The Golden Monkey Mystery has 222 pages
£7.19, reduced from £7.99. In Stock.
