Book 2 in the series
This is a fun mystery adventure story with engrossing writing
A highly satisfying sequel with characters that I love from book 1

Another exciting mystery starring Harrison "Hal" Beck and his Uncle Nat, but this time we have gone stateside!! Hal and his uncle have travelled all the way to the United States of America to travel on the California Comet, but once again, Hal finds himself embroiled in a mystery, but this time involving a kidnapping.

I loved the first book, The Highland Falcon Thief, so much for the atmosphere and setting, and the sequel amplifies it with this new, fresh and exciting setting! The descriptions of the outside views, the mountains and even the train itself transforms this into a real reading experience and I couldn't help but picture myself on the train with them.

The writing was again engrossing and intriguing and I just had to know how the kidnapping unfolded and who was behind it. I wasn't supposed to read this right now but I picked it up just because I've been dying to read it since finishing the first book back in January, and before I knew it, I'd found myself at the end.

A highly satisfying sequel with characters I have really grown to care for. I love the 'Adventures on Trains' series for its constant refreshing of the setting and I can never predict what's going to happen next with Hal and his Uncle Nat. One of my favourite middle grade mysteries series now, and it has me itching to go on a train again!

Another wonderful adventure on a train! I shared this book with children in school and they absolutely loved it! After reading the first in this series they were over the moon that there was another adventure coming! The constant questioning, guessing and ultimate outcome kept the children hooked throughout!

Another brilliant instalment of the Adventures on Trains series, I loved the continuation of Hal and Uncle Nat's journey and relationship, a really gripping mystery which was a tough one to figure out!

Another brilliant trains adventure. This one kept me on my toes and the reveal genuinely shocked me. Cannot wait for the next instalment in this series.

I appologuse for not reading this sooner. I ended up reading my signed copy from Waterstones along with the Audiobook.

This was another great mystery/adventure story. The 2 reoccurring characters of Hal and Uncle Nat are again believable. This time we have Mason and Hadley who join Hal in trying to solve this case. Both are likable and you can understand how easy it was to become fast friends. Whilst with middle grade I always say you have to hold back on any disbelief. These stories are meant to bed far fetched and fantastic. It takes us back to our childhoods and how wonderful it is to see it through a child's eyes. I loved this one despite guessing most of the twist. It was a fantastic second story and I have already preordered the next in the series. I reccomend this to young and older readers and I throughly enjoyed my time on the California Comet!

I absolutely loved this book as much as the first one.
Me and my son read this one together. The discussions we had about the characters and who it could be was great. We were so addicted we read it as soon as we got back from the school run.
The adventure and the mystery is just so much fun. We can not wait for the next one!

Love M G Leonards Beetle boy series so was super excited for this! Another great adventure for the 9-12 children (and the 30 year old children) to embark upon. Perfect for fans of Robin Stevens and those children who love a whodunnit.

I read the first book in the Adventures On Trains series, The Highland Falcon Thief earlier this year and loved it. So, it would come as no surprise that I was incredibly excited to read book two – Kidnap On The California Comet. I couldn’t wait to see what adventure and crime Hal would have to solve next.

Kidnap On The California Comet follows Hal and his Uncle Nat as they travel across the pond to board the California Comet, a train which would take them on a three-day journey from Chicago to San Francisco. Hal, who is very excited about taking another train journey with his Uncle, wonders what adventure he will have this time and when the daughter of a billionaire entrepreneur is kidnapped, it’s up to Hal to try and solve the mystery and uncover the kidnapper before their journey is up.

Just like its predecessor, Kidnap On The California Comet was such a fun, fast-paced mystery that had you wanting to read on and know more through each page. I found myself utterly captivated by this conundrum and just found myself not wanting to stop reading, so much so that I finished it in one sitting. The writing is so vivid and what I found stood out was the accurate descriptions of the train and it’s journey, including the technical side. I am in awe of Leonard and Sedgman’s knowledge of trains and the research that must have gone into the rail journey on the American coast is admirable. I also feel that many children that read this book may find themselves wanting to know more about trains and the journeys they make.

The mystery in Kidnap On The California Comet was just as intriguing as the mystery in The Highland Falcon Thief but on a whole bigger scale. You get minuscule clues from the very start and it’s like you as the reader need to start trying to solve the crime alongside Hal from the get-go. The fact we get introduced to a bunch of sceptical suspects adds to the riddle and I did find myself thinking that all of them were the kidnapper at one point or another. The kidnapping plot itself was executed extremely well and I will admit that I was shocked when we finally found out who was behind it. Also, once the kidnapper is revealed you start to piece together all the clues that were scattered throughout the book, which is a unique touch.

There were so many unique characters in Kidnap On The California Comet from the magic loving siblings, Mason and Hadley, who befriend Hal to the feisty, mystifying journalist Zola. These characters were, in my opinion, more interesting and distinctive from the characters we met in The Highland Falcon Thief. Despite many of them just being secondary characters, I did feel like I got to know them all on a one to one basis. My favourite character by far in both books has to be Uncle Nat. He’s so supportive of Hal and his eagerness to solve the mystery. They have such a close-knit bond and it’s heartwarming to see in middle grade fiction.

Kidnap On The California Comet, was overall, an incredible sequel to what is becoming one of my favourite middle grade mystery series. I cannot wait for book three to find out what mystery Hal and Uncle Nat will be solving next.

I absolutely loved the first book in this series so was a bit nervous about whether this would live up to expectations. It did!
M G Leonard is a brilliant story-teller and the pace and crafting of this adventure kept me gripped for the whole journey. With a host of compelling characters skilfully drawn, I travelled on the train, experienced the thrills and disappointments, and the ending? Well I certainly didn't expect it!

Another exciting mystery starring Harrison "Hal" Beck and his Uncle Nat, but this time we have gone stateside!! Hal and his uncle have travelled all the way to the United States of America to travel on the California Comet, but once again, Hal finds himself embroiled in a mystery, but this time involving a kidnapping.

I loved the first book, The Highland Falcon Thief, so much for the atmosphere and setting, and the sequel amplifies it with this new, fresh and exciting setting! The descriptions of the outside views, the mountains and even the train itself transforms this into a real reading experience and I couldn't help but picture myself on the train with them.

The writing was again engrossing and intriguing and I just had to know how the kidnapping unfolded and who was behind it. I wasn't supposed to read this right now but I picked it up just because I've been dying to read it since finishing the first book back in January, and before I knew it, I'd found myself at the end.

A highly satisfying sequel with characters I have really grown to care for. I love the 'Adventures on Trains' series for its constant refreshing of the setting and I can never predict what's going to happen next with Hal and his Uncle Nat. One of my favourite middle grade mysteries series now, and it has me itching to go on a train again!

There isn't much to say about this book except it was brilliant! It is just as good as the first in the series (if not better) as the characters are more developed and doesn't need the build up like the first book needed.

Great if you like Murder Most Unladylike or High Rise Mystery. Cannot wait to see what else the author does with this series.

KIDNAP ON THE CALIFORNIA COMET is another cosy mystery set on a train full of illustrations that help solve the mystery. I love the mix of pictures and prose to tell the story, because it really helps to visualise the characters and setting

Hal makes two new friends, Hadley and Mason. The twins have such a fun dynamic, with their teasing and brimming energy.

I loved the magic tricks (and explanations) that Hadley introduces. All the tricks help build into the finale, and I loved seeing them all play into it - if you keep your eyes peeled, you can spot them all and predict how the scene falls out thanks to the foreshadowing.

I did guess the solution to the crime very early on, said it aloud to the friend I was sitting with and - lo and behold - I was right. There's one very specific line that gave it away. I think it's because it's a bit of a common plot idea, and there are lots of clues to reinforce it throughout.

In this sequel, Hal is in the United States - and I was giggling a lot at his comments on the differences. The voice really brings out how the differences of the smallest things can really catch you out. The setting is <em>much</em> more impressive than in the first book when they hit the Rockies, and the dynamics of a public train make it a less closed-room feel - and thus the stakes are higher because the kidnappers could have escaped.

There's a lot of scope left over for more stories, and I think there are some more to come? I'm hoping so, as I love the cosy mystery feel.

Having read and thoroughly enjoyed the first in the series by this talented writing partnership, (The Highland Falcon Thief) I was thrilled to be given an e-ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I couldn't wait to open it's inviting pages and it flew straight to the top of my TBR pile. I read it on my kindle but I have ordered a copy from my local bookseller (@BooksTales) so that I can read it again and get the full impact from the amazing illustrations by Elisa Paganelli - there is a beautiful map on the opening pages that sets the tone for the rest of the book and had me researching the places for the three day train journey that Hal and Uncle Nat take across America.

The story wastes no time getting started on the iconic train journey from Chicago to San Fransisco aboard the Californian Comet. Hal makes friends on the platform and the mystery begins with little clues and snippets being dropped like a paper trail for the reader to follow and reflect on. The pace keeps up throughout, tonking along like the train journey Hal and his Uncle have embarked upon. The cast of characters are compelling and develop along with mystery keeping you enthralled throughout. Uncle Nat and his sage advice as a responsible adult to his nephew is beautifully done, even though he likes to have fun just as much as his nephew and their relationship is an enviable one. Hal's skills with a pencil are pivotal to solving the mystery and I love the nickname that his new found friends label him with. There are references to their experiences on the Highland Falcon which ties the stories together but both adventures can be read independently of each other without losing any of the magic created by M.G. Leonard and Sam Sedgman.

Fantastic story notwithstanding, what is a really major part of the book for me is the detailed accurate descriptions of the train, its carriages and its technical specifications. This children's book, aimed at 8-11 year olds, has been written with such love and attention to detail that it hardly seems fair to pigeon hole it as just a middle grade fiction read, I wouldn't want to limit its audience in this way - it would be doing a disservice to everyone involved in its creation. The awe and wonder that Hal and his Uncle must feel as they drink in the majesty of the Californian Comet is palpable, I could see it through their eyes and wanted to be on the journey with them just to take in the spectacle and scenery.

Anyone who enjoys a good mystery, pacy story, cracking cast of characters and sumptuous descriptions will love this book and be left waiting for the next instalment. Long may this series continue!

Kidnap on the California Comet is available from Macmillan Children's Books on 3rd September 2020 - Thank you NetGalley for my ARC.

Hal is back and this time he and his uncle have headed to California to journey on the comet from Chicago to San Francisco. The trip begins smoothly but quickly picks up pace when a billionaire's daughter goes missing. Along with his new-found friends, Hal is soon on the case. Like the fist book, this is a gripping read, and very much an Agatha Christie-style mystery for children. The illustrations, as in the first book, are wonderful and really help to enhance what is already a great plot. A must read ... and it's great to hear that the 3rd book in the series, Murder on the Safari Star, will be out in February next year.

I loved the Highland Falcon Thief, so was very excited to read the second Adventures on Trains text, and I was not disappointed!
The same attention to detail, excitement and mystery are wrapped up in the pages of the story, following Harrison Beck on a journey across America. From the opening chapters set in Chicago train station, ever detail of the railways is brought to life in beautiful, sumptuous detail. I loved how the train carriages were vividly described, and the route across the states became perfectly imaginable.
As a lover of old fashioned sleuthing stories, I was fully engrossed in the plot - with billionaires, kidnapping, and a trail of clues and plot twists to follow, this book will have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish!

I read this book to my son as his bedtime story and every night he asked me to read more!

He found it adventurous, thrilling and exhilarating!

The story is the second in the series and we haven’t read number 1 but it didn’t matter. We will be sure to read the first one now.

Hal is taken to America by his uncle Nat who is a fellow train lover. On the journey Hal makes some great friends and also becomes embroiled in a kidnapping!

Hal’s awesome drawing skills help him use his detective skills to solve the mystery.

A great read.

M.G. Leonard and Sam Sedgman deliver another mystery masterpiece. Fans of Highland Falcon Thief will equally love the Kidnap on the California Comet. Just like its prequel, this story is gripping from start to end - hooking the reader with its Sherlock Holmes-style twists and turns. Its mystery theme is fantastically upheld throughout with you second guessing what will happen next all the way. Eliza Paganelli's illustrations are not only wonderful, but having them be the product of the main protagonist making them so integrally brilliant throughout. The dedication and commitment from Leonard and Sedgman to accuracy and real-life relevance further adds to the book's wonder.

Overall, a wonderful book - which would be a fantastic complement to any schools study trains, innovations or inventions.

M.G. Leonard and Sam Sedgman are back in another 'Adventure on Trains,' mystery in the fast paced and furious, 'Kidnap on the California Comet.' Following on from the success of solving the case of the missing jewels, Hal is thrilled to be invited to join his uncle, Nat, aboard the California Comet on a trip from Chicago to San Francisco. When one of the passengers, a billionaire's daughter is kidnapped right before his eyes, Hal finds himself unintentionally caught up in another mystery. But something isn't quite right, can he uncover the truth before the journey ends? This book was everything I hoped it would be, the 'Adventure of Trains,' series is fast becoming one of my favourite mystery series. I love how the journey itself adds to the drama with time ticking away as you watch the scenery disappear into the distance knowing that the nearer you get to your destination, the less time you have to solve the mystery. The excitement of travelling aboard these exceptional trains is wonderfully compelling, Elisa Paganelli beautiful illustrations brings to life these magnificent machines superbly. I wish more middle grade adventures were illustrated, it definitely enhances the readers' experience. Another thrilling and fabulous mystery that kept me guessing right to the dramatic end.

I haven’t read the first book in this series but it had such good reviews I was keen to read this one. Although there are references to the previous book it was possible to enjoy this story on its own.

Hal is travelling across America by train and he witnesses a kidnapping. Someone on the train must be responsible and along with his new friends, he sets out to find out who. The story is a good mystery adventure, with a host of interesting characters.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.