The Skeleton Puzzle (Goldfish Boy 3)

By Author / Illustrator

Lisa Thompson

Genre

Mystery & Detective

Age range(s)

Publisher

Scholastic

ISBN

9780702322655

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

11-09-2025

Synopsis

The young detectives of Chestnut Close - Matthew, Melody and Jake - are back to solve another twisty mystery!

When a long-buried skeleton is found in Old Nina's garden, the kids are set on discovering who it is, how it got there and who was responsible. Then Old Nina's long-lost son turns up, with his own kid in tow, which should be a cause for celebration. But are the pair really who they are claiming to be - or are they imposters? As Matthew, Melody and Jake investigate, they dig up jaw-dropping secrets and uncover a plot to stash some priceless jewels on the Close... a page-turning, twisty mystery set in the world of huge bestseller The Goldfish Boy.

Also in the series: The Goldfish Boy (book 1); The Graveyard Riddle (book 2)

The Times has called Lisa Thompson "one of our most inventive writers for children". PRAISE FOR LISA THOMPSON BOOKS Goldfish Boy: "This empathetic debut is a middle-grade whodunit with a very special heart." Kirkus. "a heart-warming tale" Books for Keeps. The Light Jar Shortlisted for the Children's Book Awards 2019, Books for Older Readers Category: "bags of empathy to a deftly plotted tale" The Guardian. "A hugely endearing boy hero." The Times. The Day I Was Erased: "Lisa Thompson's light touch in delicately exploring emotional wellbeing means the story can be enjoyed by younger children and teenagers alike and can help begin important conversations about memory loss, parental discord and the meaning of friendship." BookTrust

Reviews

Louisa

From Lisa Thompson comes another brilliant, page-turning mystery story. I was so pleased to review this, and it lived up to my (high) expectations.

When Jake and his dog Wilson are helping tidy up an elderly neighbour's garden, they uncover a long-buried skeleton. Jake is sure it has nothing to do with Old Nina herself but how could it possibly have got there? He and his friends Matthew and Melody decide to find out. A trail of clues twists and turns; they unearth secrets, lies and the story of a daring jewel theft. Then Old Nina's long-lost son appears with a son of his own. Jake can't be as happy for her as he wants to be - he can't shake the suspicion that they might be impostors. Could he be right?

In The Skeleton Puzzle, Lisa Williamson combines the gripping storyline with an exploration of the challenges that some children face. Jake's mum is wrestling with depression, and he is desperate to find her some help. But he dare not tell his friends or ask the neighbours, for fear that her dark hints that he will be taken from her might come true. He's doing his best to cover up the problem as well as care for his mum - but everything is threatening to unravel at any moment. This adds a layer of emotional, empathetic depth to the excitement of the story.

As with previous books in this trilogy, which began with The Goldfish Boy, much of the narrative is told through convincing and carefully-constructed dialogue. This makes the serious topic into an engaging and accessible read and the ending is hopeful rather than bleak.

The Skeleton Puzzle will appeal to a wide audience of young readers who like real life stories of children muddling through life. Try recommending it to fans of the Wimpy Kid series who are ready for a step up in emotional and literary challenge.

336 pages / Reviewed by Louisa Farrow, teacher