Riddle Gully secrets by Jen Banyard

Fremantle Press, 2016. ISBN 9781925163957
(Age: 8-11) Adventure, Humour, Bushrangers. Seemingly homeless boy, Dan, attracts the interest of Riddle Gully's earnest young reporter, Pollo di Nozi who sees the lack of interesting material a challenge. Dan camps with his father, Twig, in the bush surrounding the town, not needing the comforts of town or city to survive. Their connections with the greedy Major Bullock, links them with Diamond Jack and the bushranger's hidden treasure. American 'gold-diggers', Pooky and Curly, stir the pot, developing a sense of danger when Pollo, Will and their friends are chased in the bushranger's caves.
This is a clever, funny novel for mid to upper primary people which touches on real situations making readers think about what they would do in their place, and along with strong characters, makes this a fast paced read. A terrific mystery novel, this book is the third in the series.
Fran Knight