A rip-roaring children's thriller
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I read this book for the first time when I think I was about 10 or 11. A neighbour who worked for a publisher gave it to me. I'm so glad she did. I've read the book many times over the years and it never fails to charm. It captures an essence of the period so exactly, without lapsing into complicated political theory over salient issues such as the Cold War. Yes, the main protagonist (and amateur detective), February, is rather precocious, but the story keeps rollicking along at a terrific pace and the period details, such as descriptions of the family gathering around the 'wireless' and the children's visit to the local 'aerodrome' are priceless. I recently found my old, battered and much beloved copy and am glad to be able to put my hand to it again to cheer me up on sleepless nights.
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The delightful twists in Friday's tunnel!!
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Don't worry - no spoilers! I first picked this book up second hand, in a penguin edition, attracted by the Ardizzone-style illustrations. I was immediately captivated by the eccentric family and the wicked humour. Although it has a 1950s setting, the children, who are busy solving the mystery of their journalist Dad's disappearance, are funny and convincing. The many plot twists and little details both about writing and illustrating are equally entertaining. I was delighted to discover it was available to buy as I thought it long out of print.
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