Reviews

A Recipe for Trouble by Sarah Todd Taylor

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paradise_library's review

4.0

This was such an absolute delight! Baking, mild peril and puzzles – what more do you need in a book?

Alice Éclair reminded me a little bit like Harriet the Spy, but next level adventurer. Alice may be young, but she is already a talented pastry chef and puzzler. Her uncle drops in from time to time to deliver cryptic messages for her, but why is he testing her?

Finally, Alice has a proper adventure and a chance to tackle thieves, mischief makers and more. During this time, we meet some excellent characters and start to figure out exactly what’s going on. Red herrings, twists and turns keep readers’ attention throughout, with a nice amount of delectable delights as well.

Older readers may need to suspend belief at how such a young child achieves all of this, but overall this book is super readable, visual and exciting – a must for children and adults everywhere!

sarahmfz09's review

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adventurous lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

3.5

stitchsaddiction's review

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adventurous funny mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? N/A
Loveable characters? N/A
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.0

This is a fun read set in 1930s Paris with our lead protagonist, Alice Eclair, who works with his mother in their patisserie. But she's not just an incredible teenager when it comes to being able to create masterpieces in cake form, but also as one of the finest (and youngest) spies in Paris.

The world building is wonderful, and Sarah Todd Taylor brings it all to life from the descriptions of the delicate creations the Eclair ladies make to Paris itself. We're in the era that would be known as the Great Depression, and I liked how there are also hints of what is happening in the nearby country of Germany with the rise of Hitler. This attention to detail is so important, especially in children's books, as it helps set the scene even in fiction.

From her patisserie, we then find ourselves travelling with Alice on the ‘Scarlett Express’ as she strives to protect France.

There's mystery, and there's intrigue, Alice Eclair is written so well, and I love her desire for truth and for doing the right thing. She's strong, and she's kind - a character who children will enjoy reading about, and her belief and way of living is often the way we want our children to be like.

I'm so glad I was given the opportunity to review this, and I hope it's a series many children will love.