The mystery of the clockwork sparrow by Katherine Woodfine

The mystery of the clockwork sparrow bk. 1. Egmont, 2015. ISBN 9781405276177
(Age: 11-14) Recommended. Mystery. Thriller. Fabulous for fans of mysteries and adventure this sparkling story set in the beautiful rooms of a gorgeous new department store will tantalise with its plucky heroines, brave young boys and evil villains. Sophie and Lil both work in Sinclair's which is going to open with a grand fanfare and a wonderful collection of jewellery and artifacts, including a clockwork sparrow that plays tunes at random. When it is stolen, suspicion falls on Sophie and with her friends Lil, Billy and Joe, she sets out to find who has stolen it.
This is a ripping adventure story, with some breathtaking moments as the four friends face the most dastardly villains in London. The setting of the Edwardian store Sinclair's, with its clothing departments and restaurants, courtyards and basements, provides a grand background for the youthful sleuths to track down clues and face enormous danger.
This is a fun and compelling read, and is sure to please readers who want some excitement and adventure in their reading or those who enjoyed Murder most unladylike by Robin Stevens. It is followed by The mystery of the jewelled moth, and I am sure our intrepid detectives will once again face the danger of the criminal underbelly of London.
Pat Pledger