There's always a sense of calm that comes across me when I open a new book from one of my favourite authors. Katherine Woodfine is definitely one of those. From the first book, I knew that Sinclairs was one of those book places where my imagination can feel at home.

As always, the mystery that Woodfine created was as always thrilling and compelling, but I did feel a little disappointed that I figured it out so easily. I felt that this one was fairly obvious. Maybe it was just me. It didn't effect my enjoyment of the book too much, but I expected more from Woodfine.

I love how it ended. It makes me really interested to see how the next book turns out.

I have contacted the publisher explaining why I am unable to review this book.

Alright, alright, you've got me! It's impossible to keep it hidden any longer. Yes, I knew about The Clockwork Sparrow. Yes, I saw The Jewelled Moth. But I did not read either of them.

I have to confess.

This is the first time I've read anything by Katherine Woodfine. For shame, it's true!

Rest assured, though, it certainly won't be the last.

Whilst I can't comment on how this book compares to the previous two in the series, what I can say is this: The Painted Dragon is excellent. To read the third book as a standalone and feel that nothing is missing is one thing; to enjoy it so immensely is another.

However you come to read The Painted Dragon - whether enticed by the excitement surrounding its predecessors, drawn in by the striking cover, or captivated by the premise - you will not be disappointed. In this latest part of The Sinclair's Mysteries, Sophie and Lil return to face trouble, solve crimes and take tea, joined by a handful of hugely likeable friends. And then, of course, there are the villains. Each character fits perfectly in the early-20th century setting, rich with period detail and convincing language. What's more, each one feels instantly familiar, yet is also original and enthralling.

The Painted Dragon's first real voice especially, that of Leonora Fitzgerald, is a refreshing mix of modern thinking and historical charm. This is reflected in the book itself; running through the storyline are matters readers will identify with today. Here we have a story not only about smart, impassioned young people taking action, about art, about solving mysteries, but also about equality, about courage and about fighting for what is right.

What could be more relevant than that?

Whilst this story might be over (or is it?), there are plenty of questions left unanswered. What Katherine Woodfine achieves so well is that trademark of the finely-crafted mystery novel: to keep you guessing and to keep you coming back for more. The next instalment of The Sinclair's Mysteries will undoubtedly be brilliant, too - we can only hope it sheds a little more light on the mysteries surrounding Taylor and Rose.

Set in Edwardian London, with the action focusing on the young employees of grand new department store Sinclairs, they're jolly romps of the kind I loved when I was 10. They worked less well for me as an adult reader than the superlatively plotted Wells & Wong books, but you'll still be rooting for our heroines Sophie and Lil as they race across rooftops, foil dastardly plans, and recover lost works of art.

This is the 3rd book in the Sinclair Mysrery Series.

When a priceless painting is stolen, Sophie & Lil are on the case. Faced with forgery, trickery and deceit from all angles. Will the brave duo be able to sole the mystery?

Gosh, how I liked this book. It look me back to my childhood reading Enid Blyton. It's written in the same style as Enid Blyton's mystery books and I'm sure it will be a hit with children (and adults) age 9+.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Egmont Publishing and the author Katherine Woodfine for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A great well written page turner for primary age children. Just the right amount of suspense, no graphic violence, a bit of history thrown in - what more can you ask? Although I read the first in the series, I didn't read the 2nd, but it didn't matter. The book acts as a stand-alone as well as providing fans with another detective adventure.

Another fun mystery from Sophie and friends! I enjoy this middle grade dectective mystery series, it reminds me of reading Enid Blyton as a child. I think this is great for boys and girls aged 9-14, but older people will certainly enjoy it too

This summer, I read the first book in the Sinclair Mystery series. It was my first new Middle Grade book in a decade, and I was really excited to find something that was a genre I love, in a historical setting (also LOVE), just with younger protagonists. The third book in the series, The Mystery of the Painted Dragon is no different from the first in the lovely vibes it gave me, and the pure rush of enjoyment I get from reading a mystery, and solving it along with the protagonists.

Katherine Woodfine knows how to put together a great mystery, one with interesting characters, a devious hidden plot and historical markers that always put a smile on my face.

While I haven’t read the second book in this series, that didn’t detract from my ability to recognise a recurring villain. If anything, it makes me want to rush out and buy the sequel as soon as possible!

I loved the familiar characters of Sophie and Lil, who have come a long way in capability since the first book, and the introduction of Leo was fabulous – not only was she an amazing artist, but she was also differently abled, walking with a crutch and I’m giving this book major ticks for including diverse ability representations. I don’t often read about a physically challenged protagonist, and this encourages me to seek them out more often.

Fast paced and intriguing, the third book in this series is definitely a winner, although I did prefer the debut for it’s focused setting of the department store. Sophie and Lil were still employees there, of course, but the art school took centre stage and while that was interesting, it wasn’t what I was expecting! Still, I’m really looking forward to the fourth book after the finale of this, and how the format may change!

The latest adventure for the team at Sinclair's dept store. Full of intrigue and period detail. Yet another triumph.

An excellent mystery for MG readers, in the best tradition of Sherlock Holmes. Sophie and Lil are part time mystery solvers and when a priceless painting goes missing and a young girl is pushed onto train tracks narrowly escaping death, they just have to get involved. Lots of clue solving, break ins and dashing around London ensue with the girls teaming up with existing friends and making new allies along the way. The story is fast paced , exciting and shows just how important working as a team can be. An enthralling read for young would be sleuths.

The Painted Dragon by Katherine Woodfine
Publication Date 9th February 2017

Another fantastic romp through Edwardian London, as Sophie and Lil set out to catch a thief. When the King's painting is stolen from the exhibition at Sinclair's department store, our intrepid detectives help Leo clear her name and keep her safe from the real thief. But is The Baron back? Sophie isn't as sure as the rest that he really is gone for good…

Once more, we are transported back in time, through the eyes of the cleverly crafted characters so that we see more than one London. From Leo's nervous awe at gaining a place at the renowned Spencer Institute we get to visit The Café Royal, and finally get to meet the Suffragettes.

With dastardly villains, courageous friends, and plot twists aplenty, The Painted Dragon is the best Sinclair Mystery yet.

Great for fans of Nancy Drew, Goth Girl, and Murder Most Unladylike.