Violet and the Smugglers

Violet Remy-Robinson is all set to solve her third mystery, in this action-packed adventure. Violet and her best friends Art and Rose are invited on a summer sailing trip in Europe with Uncle Johnny on board his boat Il Taratuga. The adventure starts in Greece when Violet, always on the lookout for a new mystery to solve, notices a strange parcel delivered in the dead of night to the captain of the old tourist boat moored nearby. They have read about a gang of diamond smugglers bringing gems from North Africa into Europe, could they have stumbled upon something? The sailing trip arrives in Venice, where Violet meets up with the rest of her family including Grand-mere, who is a wonderful ebullient and resourceful character. The trail leads them to the Opera House and La Bellissima, a very famous Italian opera singer, who has set a trend of pet diamond-encrusted tortoises. Could she somehow be the ringleader of a tortoise smuggling gang? When their friend PC Green lets them down, only having eyes for the beautiful La Bellissima, the children have to try and solve the mystery themselves. Going to see the Opera becomes a real adventure, and a fast dash to the station to rescue Rose brings the culprits to justice. This is a charming mystery for young readers with fast pace and exotic settings. Venice is described beautifully with the Opera, Ice cream parlours and singing gondoliers. Violet is a wonderfully brave and determined heroine, ably assisted by her friends Art and Rose. There is a strong cast of other well described characters including Grand-mere with her dog Alphonse, the bumbling but well intentioned PC Green and of course truly excellent villains. This story is perfect for younger readers with beautiful illustrations by Becka Moor that help to guide them through the story. The book is an attractive package that will appeal to fans of Goth Girl, Ottoline and the Witch War books. 208 pages / Ages 7/8+ / Reviewed by Caroline Gosden, school librarian.

Suggested Reading Age 7+