I have been obsessed with middle grade recently, so when I stumbled upon Mystery of the Night Watchers' blurb, I instantly fell in love. I've never read a historical middle-grade novel before, so I was really excited to read this one. Thankfully, I wasn't disappointed. MOTNW was everything I wanted and more.

Mystery and history if written in an engaging manner, always make up an amazing plot. Mystery of the Night Watches exactly made me feel that way. From the very beginning of the story, I was mesmerized by Nancy's life. The author's writing style is so descriptive, I could clearly picture everything that was happening in the story, even though the characters were from a different time. I felt as if I was traveling ​with Nancy on her journey to discovering secrets about her family.

The female characters were so wonderfully written, They were my favorite part of reading this book. With middle-grade novels, readers always think that they will never find inspiring characters, but they are so, so wrong. - and this book exactly proves that. I was fascinated by how Nancy stood up for what she believed in. I loved reading about her and learned so much from her bravery. Don't even get me started on the plot twists and unpredictable reveals. I loved everything about this gem of a novel.

5/5 stars. Can't recommend it enough.

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Age recommendation: 8-12

I've been eyeing books by A.M. Howell for a while now and I'm glad I finally took the plunge as I've been introduced to a wonderful world of historical fiction.

'If he wasn't ill, then why had they come all this way to Suffolk? Nancy occasionally wondered whether adults must think children rather stupid to believe everything they were told. But today she had realized for the first time that perhaps she should not believe anything that adults told her, particularly members of her own family, which was a very worrying turn of events indeed. Something peculiar was going on and she was determined to work out what.'

1910. England is taken by the Halley's comet fever. But Nancy is more preoccupied with her mother, whose behaviour has been rather peculiar - she often finds her in the garden gazing at the night sky or staring the 'unremarkable table clock in the hallway'. And then mother does something completely out of character - she takes Nancy and her sister, Violet, off school and they travel to Suffolk to visit a grandfather that their mother has never told them about! Once there, the girls are given very strict instructions not to leave the house and stay away from the windows as no one is supposed to know that they're there. So many secrets! And so little answers.

When Nancy discovers an observation room on top of the house and finds that her mother and grandfather have been sneaking out in the middle of the night, she decides to seek some answers for herself. Will she be able to solve the Mystery of the Night Watchers?

'Mystery of the Night Watchers' is an enthralling read with plenty of twists in the plot. I was gripped from the very first page and, just like Nancy, I wanted to get all the answers. I really enjoyed exploring Cupola House and I think that A. M. Howell created a cast of very interesting characters. The book opens up discussions on traditional gender roles in Edwardian times and lends itself into great writing opportunities.

And now only one question remains - which A.M.Howell's book shall I read next?

Thank you to @netgalley and @usborne_books for the ARC of this book.

I wasn’t initially gripped by this one but then I really got hooked and I’m really glad I persevered with it.
This book is for fans of a place called perfect.
The secrets in the village are kept so well that it makes a great adventure in a new place mysterious but exciting.
Defo a good read.

I received am ARC of this book from NetGalley and Usborne in exchange for an honest review.

This book is set in 1910, during the passing of Halley's comet. It follows the life of Nancy and her sister Violet. As the comet draws nearer to earth, their mother suddenly whisks the girls halfway across the country to visit a grandfather they have never met. Far from explaining this strange decision, the mystery grows deeper as the girls are told they must remain hidden during their stay, yet Nancy's mother and grandfather are sneaking out during the night. All of this intrigue, set amidst the superstitions and scientific wonder of the comet's passing leads to a very atmospheric read!

As mentioned above, I really loved the atmosphere of anticipation and wonder the author created in this book. The excitement some felt at witnessing what, for many, would be a once in a life time event, contrasted with those who sealed up gaps in windows and bought gasmasks and anti-comet pills!
Similar to a previous book I have read by this author, I was impressed by her attention to detail in historical accuracy. The fact that the book is set in Bury St Edmunds and you can actually walk the streets and see many of the buildings written about in the story adds to its charm. I also liked the mentions of the women's suffrage movement and the way it was linked to Nancy standing up for what was right without violence, like the suffragists.

The plot was well thought out and had the right degree of complexity with lots of clever clues dropped for you to pick of if you were looking. I guessed some parts but other reveals surprised me, in a good way. For me, the villain was less menacing than I've encountered in other books and so I was never overly worried for the characters. However, overall I enjoyed my time reading this book.

I would recommend it to readers 8+ who enjoy historical fiction and mystery stories.

I found this to be an enjoyable middle grade historical mystery with an engaging heroine in Nancy. Set in 1910 at the time of the appearance of Halley's Comet, Howell has skilfully woven the fears and concerns of the time into her story about injustice and speaking out. Surrounded by sudden uncertainty and lies, Nancy is determined to discover what's happening and if possible help and I found her a strong and convincing character. What I felt was the books great strength was in how it looked at fear and silence, how a bully can hold power only so long as the bullied keep quiet, thinking they are alone when in reality they are rarely the only ones. It has also made me want to revisit Bury St Edmunds!

This was a really exciting historical fiction story for children that had some very brave female characters and fantastic settings.

Set in Leeds in 1910, Hailey's Comet is just passing the Earth and there is general concern amongst the population about what will happen as the planet passes through the comet's tail. Nancy and her sister Violet are woken in the middle of the night by their mother and taken to Suffolk to visit their Grandfather, who they believed to be dead, and help him with his observations of the comet.

The mystery didn't go in the direction I was expecting - to give any more information would be giving spoilers for the plot - but I was intrigued by the characters, their links to the town and the beautiful house they stay in. It was a highly original story that took some really exciting twists and turns - it was a real page turner and one that I am sure will go down well with fans of mysteries and historical settings. I particularly enjoyed reading a book for children set in Leeds and Suffolk - made a nice change from reading books set in the South.

The author's note at the end also really added to the story - I loved hearing about the inspiration for the book and the locations it was based on. Definitely worth reading!

Halley’s comet is heading into the Earth’s orbit and society is divided between the disaster-mongers selling their anti-comet pills, feeding off fear of the unknown, and the (with hindsight) ‘sensible’ and fascinated who seek out observatories to catch a glimpse of this natural phenomenon.⁠ Nancy and her sister are uprooted from their home by their mother to stay with her grandfather in Suffolk. No-one will tell her anything!! Nancy is going to get to the bottom of all these mysteries one way or another, for her sense of justice wins over every time!! - Nicci

I love historical fiction and was thrilled to have the opportunity to have an early read of A. M. Howell’s latest book. In The Mystery of the Night Watchers, Howell brings her home town of Bury St Edmunds to life in an evocative tale of a search for family truths.

May 1910 and the days prior to the passing of Halley’s Comet are providing much discussion, some are in fear of it, others are excited by it. Nancy’s mother has become fascinated with the comet but has also began acting increasingly strangely and Nancy is exceptionally taken aback when she finds herself and her sister, Violet, whisked away from their home in Leeds and taken to stay with a grandfather in Suffolk whom they have never met.

With no explanation, the girls are given very strict rules to abide by and are left feeling confused. Why are they here? Why are they not allowed out? Why are they not allowed up to the cupola to look out of the telescope? Why do her mother and grandfather keep sneaking around in the middle of the night? Nancy is determined to find out but to do so she will have to dig deep into her family’s past and she could endanger those most dear to her…

With strong themes of family, friendship and bullying, The Mystery of the Night Watchers is a gripping mystery read set against the backdrop of the appearance of Halley’s Comet that easily had me hooked from first page to last. The short and snappy chapters slowly unravel the mystery that only gets deeper and more interesting as the story goes on. Readers are in for plenty of twists, turns and surprises and just when you think you’ve got it all figured out something unexpected happens.

Whilst the comet is a mystery in itself - very little was really understood about it at the time with people resorting to gas masks and anti-comet pills in order to survive the supposedly toxic gases that could be found in its tail - Nancy finds herself at the heart of a much bigger mystery that will see her uncovering secrets and lies from the past and terrible wrongs against her family.

Not one to stay quiet and lay low - which very much went against the societal norms for women in the early 1900’s -, Nancy is a feisty and fearless protagonist who has a clear sense of right and wrong and is determined to right the injustices from the past, even if it means breaking the rules and taking great risks. Just as the women in the suffragette movement were using their voices to invoke wider changes within society, Nancy finds herself on her own girl power mission, having to battle against a ruthless and power hungry mayor whose own ethics and morals have become somewhat compromised and who is threatening to add more hurt to her family. Raised by a mother who is part of the suffragette movement and a father who fights for truth and justice within the legal system, Nancy is more than up to the challenges she faces and this truth seeking, wrong-righting girl with big aspirations is a wonderful role model.

Like Emma Carroll - one of the best in the business when it comes to middle-grade historical fiction, Howell has the ability to transport the reader back in time and to bring alive a historical period and I admire her skill for being able to turn historical events into enthralling reads for children (and adults). Through beautiful atmospheric prose, readers find themselves immersed into the early 1900’s and it easy to imagine walking along the cobbled streets and popping into the haberdashery, wine merchants and apothecary. In fact, you do not just have to imagine, you can take a walk around Bury St Edmunds and see some of the sights that feature in the story - a ‘tourist map’ is included at the start of the book and further information is provided at the end.

Luckily for readers, A. M. Howell’s books come round much more frequently than Halley’s Comet and her fourth book comes out in 2022.

Recommended for 9+.

With huge thanks to A. M. Howell and Usborne for the advanced reader copy that I received via NetGalley.

My thanks to Usborne Publishing and NetGalley for a review copy of this book.

Mystery of the Night Watchers is a Children’s/Middle Grade historical mystery; set in 1910 during the period when Edward VII had just died and Halley’s comet was in the earth’s vicinity again. At the time rumours were rife that noxious gases released at the comets tail would be deadly to humans and many were purchasing gas-masks and ‘anti-comet pills’ to protect themselves. Alongside were comet enthusiasts watching the skies keenly every night and organizing ‘comet parties’. These events form the background to our story.

As the book opens, we meet twelve-year old Nancy Rivers and her seven-year-old sister Violet preparing to leave for school. Violet’s father and Nancy’s stepfather is a solicitor while her mother (and the girls) try to do their bit for the suffragettes. But when Nancy and Violet leave with their mother as usual, Nancy finds to her surprise that they are not headed to school but to Bury St Edmonds—to visit their grandfather who they had been told was dead. But this is not the only strange thing. When they get there, to the intriguing Cupola house, the girls are told that they must stay indoors, keep curtains drawn and be seen by no one. Their grandfather who is an apothecary stays in as well, and his shop is visited by no one with the exception of young Burch the son of the haberdasher, who does errands for him. Their mother has merely told them that she must help her father, a keen astronomer, watch Halley’s Comet. Nancy overhears the town’s mayor talking down to her grandfather and on another occasion pretty much threaten him, but her grandfather reveals nothing except telling her to avoid the unpleasant man. Nancy realized even before really arriving there that there is much more to the story for why would their usually truthful mother suddenly lie to them; why has she been keeping her family a secret all this time? Nancy’s suspicions are further heightened when she sees her mother go out at night. With help from Burch, Nancy begins to look into the mystery herself, while events surrounding the comet’s sighting play out alongside. Things soon take a turn for the worse spelling more trouble for the family. Can Nancy find answers in time?

This was so much fun to read with an engrossing mystery and likeable characters. I enjoy historical mysteries generally though I haven’t read many children’s historical mysteries. I really enjoyed the setting of this one—the excitement surrounding the comet’s sighting, the celebrations and alongside the frenzy among those who feared its effects were very well-captured and provided a great backdrop. Alongside the suffragette movement and women’s education at the time, confining them to household roles are also explored.

Nancy made for a great heroine with a strong sense of right and of justice. She is also brave and does all she can to protect those she loves, and her parents have helped her understand the power of speaking up. I also enjoyed the exploration of her relationship with her sister Violet in the book. Violet is much younger than Nancy and has very different interests and when we start out story, she gets herself and Nancy into a fair bit of trouble (I found her a little annoying because of this), but as the book goes on, we find there is more to her than we see on the surface. Burch too was very likeable; with his great interest in science and the comet and his good heart because of which he is ready to help Nancy grandfather (shunned by all others), and then also Nancy herself whenever she needs it.

Besides the background and characters, the mystery itself I found to be a very engrossing one. The author does a great job of building up the suspense and making us wonder what the family’s secret is that they have had to stay hidden and away from society for so long. As one reads on, one does pick up a few clues about some elements but I didn’t really guess what the matter was going to turn out to be about at all so the book kept me reading right till the end.

I also loved the descriptions of Cupola House (which is real) and the little illustrations in the book.

This a really enjoyable story which can be read not just by middle graders but younger readers as well, and adults like me who enjoy children’s fiction from time to time will also find this a great read!

Thank you so much to Usborne Books and netgalley for the earc to read and review.

The story follows Nancy and her sister violet during 1910 as the Halley’s Comet is coming. Her mum filled with hidden secrets uproots the girls to stay with a strange grandpa they’d never known about before.

This was such an exciting book and had so many secrets and lies to unravel whilst reading, strong children who stand up for themselves, family mystery, overcoming bullying and honestly so much more. I really loved our leading lady she was very deterred, brave and stood up for what was truly right she’s an amazing protagonist.

The Halley’s Comet is something I knew nothing about at all so was intrigued from the start, I loved reading how the author used different views and experiences for how people reacted to it passing by earth, some were fearful, some were precaution-ate and others adored and celebrated it.

I really enjoyed reading this book and know it’s a book that older middle grade readers would really enjoy and get so immersed into and just want to figure out all the answers to what is really going on.

A brilliant read with a good mystery and also gaining an insight into this period of time in history and related issues. As a consultant to primary schools, I am always on the lookout for new texts to recomend, which inspire reading and writing. This book is now on my website and I will be sharing with the schools I work with.

Nancy has always known a life in Leeds until one day her mother whisks her away to Suffolk, the place of birth. Set in 1910 around the sightings of Haley’s Comet, Nancy becomes embroiled in a local drama.

I really enjoyed this novel, the story is well paced and the characters are well described. Despite the historical time period the story has a modern feel to it. I’ll certainly recommend this at school.

An added bonus for me was the fact this is set in Bury St.Edmunds, a town that I grew up near.

Thanks to netgalley and Usborne Books for giving me the opportunity to read an arc of this in exchange for a fair review.

Sorry not for me, DNF (did not finish) at 100 pages. Just couldn't get gripped enough to want to read further, found it very slow, failed to peak my interest.

I really enjoyed A M Howell's first book, Garden of Lost Secrets, however this didn't quite live up to that one for me.

It was, as ever, fascinating to read where Am Howell's inspiration had come from and this, combined with her research and personal interest really enriched the historical aspects of the book, as well as the setting,

I enjoyed reading about everyone's attitudes and ideas about the coming comet and wanted to visit the cupola and observatory and try the telescopes.

Likewise, I was really drawn inyo the mystery of why Nancy, Violet and their mum had suddenly upped sticks and arrived at the home of a grandad she'd previously known nothing of. The initial scene setting and build up was great and full of suspense and intrigue.

However, I soon started to have my suspicions about was going on and while the characters were likeable enough, I didn't really root for them and felt like I wanted more from them.

Overall it was an enjoyable enough read and one I'd happily recommend to younger readers looking for a l historical mystery.

Thank you to @usborne_books for allowing me to review mystery of the night watchers by A.M Howell this book had me intrigued from the cover when I saw it on @netgalley loved the characters and the mystery of this book and loved all the interactions. I would recommend this to anyone who loves historical middle grade and mystery plots reading it in one sitting was such an enjoyable way to spend a Saturday when it was not very nice weather although the book cover drew me it was the plot that kept me reading out July 8th uk

This historical mystery for middle grade readers is set in 1910 just before the appearance of Halley’s Comet. Nancy (age 12) and her younger sister Violet are whisked away mysteriously by their mother to Suffolk where they sneak into a house with a cupola– and meet their Grandfather they didn’t even know existed. There are family secrets, bizarre actions, dastardly villains, clueless adults and courageous children. I especially enjoyed the links to the suffrage movement and the inclusion of the historically accurate mixed public reaction to the comet which included anti-comet pills and gas masks as people were worried about the comet’s effects.

Children who enjoy historical mysteries like Caroline Lawrence’s Roman Mysteries, Phillip Pullman’s Sally Lockhart series of Emma Carroll’s books will enjoy this book. It is aimed at the 8-10 age range so younger than the students I work with, but it will appeal to Year 7’s and 8’s looking for an easy and enjoyable read.

MAY, 1910. As the blazing Halley’s comet draws close to the earth, Nancy is uprooted to start a new life in Suffolk with a grandfather she has never met. With every curtain drawn shut, Nancy is forbidden from leaving her grandfather’s house: no one must know that her or her mother are there.

Yet, when Nancy discovers the house’s secret observatory, she watches her mother and grandfather creep out every night… Where are they going? And why mustn’t any of them be seen? Why does the Mayor hate her grandfather? As the mysteries pile up, Nancy has to bring dark secrets from the past to light – even if doing so will put her own life at risk.

A.M. Howell has done it again. A very enjoyable, mysterious, quick-paced adventure with many secrets being revealed to Nancy about her family as she investigates what her mother and grandfather are up to. Some of the secrets she is happy to discover, a couple not so much. The story is about family, the secrets they keep (and the reasons why), trust, power (how not to use it) and standing up for what you know to be the right thing, no matter how difficult it is or who it is you are standing up against. Sometimes you can be surprised by who else will stand with you once you start.

Anyone who knows me, knows I love a map in the front of a book. A.M. Howell doesn’t disappoint, featuring a map of 1910 Bury St. Edmunds as brought to life by Nancy and friends.

I confess that the cover initially drew me to this wonderful book because the artwork by Saara Katarina Söderlund is beautiful. I am, as many are, guilty of indeed judging a book by its cover and when it came to this particular book? I was right to do so as it is one of my favourite books of 2021.

Howell's writing is wonderfully descriptive and the characters she has created are so well written that you feel as though you are in pre-war England and filled with the excitement and fear that must have been felt at the the thought of witnessing Halley's comet crossed the skies above.

Now, you would believe it is this that is central to our tale, but no... this phenomenonal event is the backdrop to the wonderful mysteries that unfold for Nancy, her little sister Violet, and their new friends in the Suffolk village they are whisked away too.

As every mystery is unveiled, the reader is brought further into the tale and left wanting more.. a new clue, just another chapter to learn a little bit more about why Nancy and Violet have been brought away from all they know and why their Mother keeps secrets and doesn't tell the whole truth to Nancy's questions.

Mystery of the Night Watchers is amazing, the tale unfolds in such a wonderful way that you're left eager for more. Nancy is a brave and strong main character and Violet a true sweetheart who looks up to Nancy and is desperate to help. I didn't want it to end, but when it did? I had loved every moment of the tale.

An enjoyable children’s mystery set at the beginning of last century. Short, pacy chapters. So nice to have a strong female character as the lead.

A.M. Howell has written yet another beautifully enchanting and engaging tale that will enrapture all who read it. My daughter is a huge fan and said that she felt totally lost inside the book, she read it in one sitting and said that the real world seemed strange after she'd finished.