Feel the Fear (Ruby Redfort, Book 4)

Lauren Child may have made a name for herself in creating picture books and the brilliant Charlie and Lola but she writes just as distinctive books for older readers. What I enjoy most about the Ruby Redfort series is finding a central character who delights in action and using her natural intelligence as she cuts her own very individual path through the world. Here's a worthy girl lead character - and one that it would be great to see more boys picking up to read! (although they might find the girl on the cover off-putting, which is a shame). Ruby Redfort is 13 and determined to stay on the books of the Spectrum agency as a trainee spy. Unfortunately, Spectrum has labelled her a liability after her last mission when she nearly got herself killed several times; she is now on trial. Can Ruby solve the mystery of a tight-rope walking, invisible thief and uncover the reason behind the peculiar thefts of a pair of tap shoes and a book of poetry - AND get herself back onto Spectrum's books? The Ruby Redfort books offer plenty of action but lots to think about, too, and are a great introduction to the crime thriller genre for confident readers aged ten years plus. 528 pages / Ages 10+ / Reviewed by Anna Glinn

Suggested Reading Age 9+