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booksandlemonsquash's review
4.0
I received this book from the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
This series really is wonderful! Honestly, I just want to go on awesome train trips around the world. They are so full of love for trains and mysteries, it really shines out from the books.
I felt that this was a little more contrived than the first two, but only in the sense that the crime feels a little engineered. Which is forgivable, as I doubt the series would work if Hal and Nat just went for a plain old train ride ;) Aside from all that, it was great to see Hal work his magic on another mystery. And also to see a friend that was less than convinced (at least at first!) by his snooping, and to see a detective who respects his skills.
I also found that I sort of figured out who would die and then who did it reasonably fast - though I didn't get why as you don't get the hint til close to the reveal. I never mind that though as they are so fun and well laid out. And the characters are all so wonderful. Even the unlikeable ones!
The safari element felt great as well - really respectful of the animals and explaining about hunting and endangered species. And I obviously loved Chipo, as he's adorable!
I was pleased to see that the galley had the illustrations in, as they really help make the books, and are honestly so fantastic.
We also got a teeeeeeeny sneak peek at the next book and I think it will be another corker - I'm liking the set up already.
4.5 stars.
This series really is wonderful! Honestly, I just want to go on awesome train trips around the world. They are so full of love for trains and mysteries, it really shines out from the books.
I felt that this was a little more contrived than the first two, but only in the sense that the crime feels a little engineered. Which is forgivable, as I doubt the series would work if Hal and Nat just went for a plain old train ride ;) Aside from all that, it was great to see Hal work his magic on another mystery. And also to see a friend that was less than convinced (at least at first!) by his snooping, and to see a detective who respects his skills.
I also found that I sort of figured out who would die and then who did it reasonably fast - though I didn't get why as you don't get the hint til close to the reveal. I never mind that though as they are so fun and well laid out. And the characters are all so wonderful. Even the unlikeable ones!
The safari element felt great as well - really respectful of the animals and explaining about hunting and endangered species. And I obviously loved Chipo, as he's adorable!
I was pleased to see that the galley had the illustrations in, as they really help make the books, and are honestly so fantastic.
We also got a teeeeeeeny sneak peek at the next book and I think it will be another corker - I'm liking the set up already.
4.5 stars.
creativelifeofliz's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
This was a really fun mystery adventure! Overall, this mystery had a darker tone than the previous books in this series, but still very good and interesting.
amanda_lind84's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
callisto_ursus's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
girlreading's review
4.0
never though a children’s mystery series set on trains would become a comfort read for me and yet here we are…
another fab instalment in this gloriously fun series, I can’t wait for more adventures.
another fab instalment in this gloriously fun series, I can’t wait for more adventures.
meganmetca1fe's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
mattisonsbooknook's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0