Libby and the Parisian Puzzle by Jo Clarke is an absolute delight. Full of spark and intuition, it celebrates the fact that kids can do anything – including outsmarting the adults who think they’re more clever. This fast-paced mystery overflowing with clues took me back to my love of Nancy Drew mysteries as a child. Libby and her new friend, Connie, are so observant and challenge the reader to keep up with them as they race around Paris finding evidence, identifying suspects and finally solving the puzzle.

Libby is used to an adventurous life. Having travelled all over with her mum, she’s a bit disappointed that she isn’t able to go with her this time. Mum is headed for Ecuador and Libby is going to Paris to attend her aunt’s boarding school. This is no ordinary school! Each term it moves to a different place giving students opportunities to learn about the culture of their new location. One of the most important aspects of this culture is the food! Libby samples so many delicious Parisian delights making readers more than a little bit hungry in the process. It would be a good idea to have some hot chocolate and pastries on hand when reading this book! French language is also sprinkled throughout giving it a really special flair.

This new twist on a boarding school story is refreshing. Warm and joyful, this is a happy adventure and Libby is a new friend right from the first page. I can’t wait to share this book with my mystery-loving daughter! I’m looking forward to Libby’s next adventure already!

Thank you to Firefly Press for this wonderful book!

Loved this book! A most mysterious mystery, full of intrigue, Parisian charm, page-turny magic, and just the right amount of SCRUMPTIOUS FOOD*!!! With amazing art from Becka Moor.

(*This might sound like a really minor point but it means a huge deal to me that the food was almost all vegetarian (everything except one tiny thing)! All my life I've jolted out of the story when an author goes deep into describing a supposedly delicious meal and it's basically a meat-fest and I just can't connect. Feels like there's so little vegetarian food rep in children's books so this was just an absolute delight! Finally, a book where I can actually share in the foodie joy. I realise this part of my review is bigger than the punchy important part but it's important to me. I finally feel included.)
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I absolutely adored this! Libby is such a wonderful character, so many relatable aspects and such fun too. I loved Libby and her personality, who couldn't fall in love with such an intriguing character, with a love of reading mysteries and wanting to use her own detective skills to solve a crime a little too close to home.

Connie is the perfect friend and companion and enjoyed how her own story unfurled whilst the girls found clues and tried to put all the pieces of the puzzle together.

The setting is fab, and has such great potential as a travelling school, it will be interesting to see where Libby heads to in future adventures.

My only complaint... this book made me hungry! So many lovely pastries, the perfect accompaniment to Libby and Connie's crime solving antics.

Can't wait to read more of Libby's adventures!

Perfect for fans of authors such as Serena Patel, Robin Stevens or Sophie Cleverly.

A great mystery for 7+, plenty of twists and turns with good pace to keep the interest of young readers alongside plentiful illustrations.

Libby loves reading about mysteries and when she is sent to live with her aunt she finds she has one to of her own to solve.

Libby's aunt runs a school that moves around to different countries each term, and while in Paris her Aunt Agatha is arrested for theft. Who is the real thief and will Libby be able to save her aunt?

I liked the book which gave hints along the way to who the real culprit is but keeps the reader drawn into the story until the end.

I like the friendship that developed between Libby and Connie and how they each learnt things from each other.

A totally delightful crime story for the middle grade reader. Full of fun and yet a real sense of mystery and intrigue. This is a brilliant start to a new series and I am looking forward to joining Libby and her friends on further adventures.

A much-anticipated book from Jo Clarke and such a delight to read!

Filling a gap in the market, this was a lovely adventure story with a detective twist for slightly younger middle grade readers. Libby's mother is away working and so she goes to Paris to her Aunt's travelling school (a great set-up for a whole series!). When things start going missing, and her Aunt is accused of being the thief, Libby sets out to investigate and to clear her name.

Reading as an adult, from the start you have a pretty good idea of who the thief is, but not how or why and so the pleasure was in working out what was going on. I think children might take a little longer to catch on and they'd love picking up on the clues and hints to help Libby solve the mystery.

It was really well written and illustrated and would be a great read-aloud to any class or at bedtime.

Detective stories are tricky to get just right for younger readers. There needs to be enough peril to make it exciting while staying clear of over complicated plots and scenes the targeted audience might find upsetting. "Libby and the Parisian Puzzle", the first in the series and Jo Clarke’s début, is absolutely spot-on. The idea of a travelling school is inspired and promises many more exciting adventures ahead, and Libby is a great heroine. She is impulsive, which sometimes gets her into trouble, and she makes mistakes, but she is also loyal and loving, all qualities that make her look very real and will ensure that readers will relate to her. I loved the focus on museums and art, which brought something different from other books set in the City of Light.
Detective stories are really popular and "Libby and the Parisian Puzzle" offers a brilliant introduction to the genre to young readers. Highly recommended!

A joyful adventure that must be shared!

This book has a bit of everything - mystery, mischief, family and friendship. When Libby’s aunt is wrongly accused of theft Libby knows she has to prove her innocence. With the help of her new friend Connie and an unlikely assistant will they manage to uncover the truth?

I would definitely recommend this book as a shared read as well as for independent readers.

I am looking forward to the next instalment already.

Libby and the Parisian Puzzle is a brilliant detective story for budding sleuths who like to think there’s a mystery wherever they go.
Libby is an observant girl who loves reading mystery stories. She normally goes travelling with her mum for her work, but this time she is going to stay with her Aunt Agatha in Paris instead. Aunt Agatha runs a ‘travelling school’ that changes location every term. Libby is apprehensive as she has never been to school before and her trip doesn’t get off to the best start when she arrives in Paris and Aunt Agatha isn’t at the train station to meet her. However, Libby bumps into Miss Browne, who happens to be a teacher at her aunt’s school. Libby soon makes friends with Connie who is also new at the school and they soon find themselves wondering if there is a mystery to solve after all.
The chapters are short and snappy, making it an ideal introduction to chapter books. The book is full of humour and packed with action, as well as plenty of clues to spot along with Libby. I can’t wait to solve another mystery with Libby!

Libby and The Parisian Puzzle is a fast-paced read filled with fun and mystery! I loved hearing about Paris and the sights. I can't wait to see where the girls go next and what the mystery will be.

Review to come Feb 22nd on blog/goodreads.

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.

Just look at that cover! Just look at that blurb. I just couldn't resist this one, but since it was a wish I just knew I had to prepare for disappointment (I generally never hear of wishes after I wished). But then, a few hours later. A mail! And yes, this girl danced in happiness.

In this book we meet Libby, a girl who loves mysteries and is about to find herself deep into an exciting mystery featuring a teacher of hers and her aunt. I just loved the mystery in this book and I had fun trying to figure out things. From the whodunnit (was it that person or maybe not) to who are those people Libby keeps seeing on the street who are super suspicious to what will be stolen next and some other things. It was very fun to read and I found that I just couldn't put the book down.

Next to a fun mystery we also have something else that had me delighted and that had me wanting to step inside the book, and that was the whole travelling school that Libby goes to. A school that is now for a term in Paris. I just love the sound of a school that goes around the world and stops for a term in countries. In this book we see a lot of Paris. From food to the Louvre (which I would love to visit but probably never will as I am not into how busy it is) to the opera and more. Of course, at least I am assuming, there is also normal lessons next to all the fun and French ones. I just wanted to be part of that.

Oh, and at times I just wanted to hug Libby. Because of her mum.

I loved Libby's friendship with Connie and I hope we see much more that in the next books. I love that Connie is at times saying no to Libby or telling her to stop going too far. Which I think Libby needs. XD

But I am sadly deducing 0.5 stars because the illustrations were mostly missing from the book. And well, one of the two reasons I wished for this book was for the amazing Becka Moor illustrations that I love so much. And then I don't get them. :| Maybe I will re-read this book one day and then up my rating, but for now it is part of the reading experience and I was disappointed.

All in all, I definitely want this book on my shelves and I hope that Jo Clarke will be writing a lot more books about Libby and her mystery/adventures. I am all in for that!

What a sleuthing adventure! Absolutely adored the characters of Libby and Connie and their uncovering of the mystery in the streets of Paris. The setting was well-evoked and reading this had me craving macarons, hot chocolates and the Paris skyline. Like following a trail of breadcrumbs, or can we make those macaron crumbs, this mystery was brilliantly fun to expose the true culprit of the crime. With sprinklings of humour, and a solid sense of truth and friendship at it's heart, I can't wait for more books in the series!

I really enjoyed this, the first travelling schools mystery. The characters were fun, with a great relationship between Libby and Connie that felt lively and realistic. The mystery is one of the strongest parts of this book, and it totally drew me in with all the shiny jewels and mysterious people meeting all over Paris. Once the pieces began to fall into place, I was still gripped, wondering how it was all going to play out. The sense of place is also really strong, drawing on a wide range of Parisian sites, food and landmarks to really give the feeling that the city is an important character in the story. I'm interested in seeing how this is continued in future books in the series.
Oh, and the whole thing left me absolutely craving pastries!

Libby's mum is heading to Ecuador for work and, for the first time, she is going alone so Libby is being sent to Paris to stay with her Aunt Agatha at the school she runs. Travelling by train, Libby knows that her Aunt will be meeting her at the Gare du Nord, however, when she arrives, she is nowhere to be seen; fortunately, the lady in the carriage with her turns out to be Miss Browne who is due to start at the school as a teacher. The pair share a taxi and life at the boarding school begins. Daily life comprises trips to the major landmarks as well as projects and art activities. However, following one of these excursions, her Aunt is arrested on suspicion of stealing a valuable jewelled broach and it's up to Libby and her new roommate, Connie, to discover the truth of the theft before it's too late.

Set in Paris, Libby and the Parisian Puzzle did not disappoint when it came to leading me around one of my favourite cities! From a trip on a baton mouche to a day at Le Louvre, I felt as if I was wandering around the city with Libby and Connie. And oh, the food! Jo certainly knows how to make your mouth water! With frequent descriptions of hot chocolate, pastries and macarons, I can guarantee you will be craving a sugar fix at several points during the book (you may want to stock up before you start reading!). I love Paris and have been trying to head back for some time but, after reading this, I feel like I've had a fix to keep me going until I can head back in person.

Libby is wonderful character and you get to know her from the very first page. Naturally curious and delightfully chatty, she loves a mystery and is hooked on her Isobel Investiagtes books. She's nervous about being separated from her mum but loves the idea of being in Paris with her aunt (who wouldn't be excited about being at a boarding school in Paris where you spend your days exploring the city?!) and settles into the school quickly. This is undoubtedly helped by the arrival of her roommate, Connie, who appears nervous when we first meet her and has clearly been sent to the school in order to become more ladylike. Fortunately, Connie has other ideas and she and Libby become firm friends who are united in their quest to get to the bottom of the jewellery theft.

I should also mention the school: Mousedale's Travelling School. Imagine being part of a school where you move to a different place every term? Their time in Paris is spent visiting the major landmarks and experiencing life in the most beautiful city - every day would be an adventure. Different for Libby as she has never been to school but also nowhere near the same as school-life as we know it, I can only imagine how many readers will long to enrol at Mousedale’s as they read the book, and I'm already excited to know where they will be next term!

I have known Jo through Twitter for some time so when I discovered that she was writing a book, I was incredibly excited. To have been able to read an early NetGalley copy has been a privilege and an absolute thrill, and Libby and the Parisian Puzzle most definitely did not disappoint! It's a perfect blend of mystery and adventure, combined with a great feast of French delicacies and lashings of hot chocolate! Perfect for fans of Murder Most Unladylike, this is a series that is going to be a huge hit with readers and I can't wait to share it in school. I'm also now desperate to dive into book 2!

Released on the 3rd March, this is a book you are going to want to pre-order!

Well… what a book. This is right up my street. I love a middle-grade mystery novel and this really didn’t disappoint. Libby and the Parisian Puzzle follows Libby who attends a school like no other. A school which travels from country to country, so I am really looking forward to where Jo takes them next….

I love the friendship between Libby and Connie. They are so different but become the best of friends and as young detectives they certainly bounce off each other to help get the job done! These young detectives are clever and I have a feeling they will be solving lots of mysteries whilst they are at the travelling school.

Including French within the book was also clever, it really helped to bring the book to life and will support young readers with their language learning.

I have a feeling this series is going to be a best-seller. Young readers are going to love this and the idea is very clever. I loved learning about Paris and the main sights, I really felt like I was there and it is a city I have always wanted to visit.

I am super proud of Jo for writing this book and following her journey as a writer she is an inspiration.

Reader, you will not disappointed by this book and once published every primary and high school library needs to have plenty of copies available. I know they will be flying off my shelves….

This book is perfect for all those young mystery lovers out there, especially fans of Murder Most Unladylike by Robin Stevens, Scarlet and Ivy series by Sophie Cleverley and The Sinclair and Taylor and Rose Mysteries by Katherine Woodfine.

A huge thank you to the publishers, Firefly Press, for approving my request me read an advanced copy of Libby and the Parisian Puzzle on Netgalley to read and review on my blog.

You can buy this fabulous book from all booksellers, online and of course using any independent local bookshop.

Jo Clarke has a debut children’s book hitting the stands in March and I am so lucky to have had a chance to read it via Netgalley this weekend. Having followed her journey of writing the book, I know just how much heart and soul Jo has poured into this story. I am happy to report that it is entirely evident just how much thought, planning, and plotting has taken place.
Libby is a young girl about to embark on a solo journey to Paris to attend her Aunt Agatha’s school. Not a normal,boring or archaic boarding school, but a travelling one. Each term, Mousedale’s Travelling School and students pack up to a new destination. Alongside normal lessons, the students become engrossed in a new culture, language and society, learning much more than they’d expect.
Libby’s train journey to Paris is rather uneventful but as an aspiring detective, she is clued in to her surroundings and makes mental notes of items of interest. These may not seem important to begin with but at some point, they will play their part.
Libby and her new roommate, Connie, immediately hit it off and become great friends. It is easy to like Libby’s chatty and friendly personality and she is certainly someone I would love to be friends with.
Miss Browne, who happened to be on Libby’s train journey is also new to the school and although perfectly nice, there is something suspicious in her behaviour. When a theft threatens Libby and the school, she knows she needs to start pulling the puzzle pieces together!
A real page turner, this is a perfect mystery for aspiring sleuths and with plenty of twists and suspicions being cast, it is easy to get caught up in Libby’s enthusiasm for solving a crime.
Libby and Connie are a brilliant detecting duo, sure to inspire young readers to be extra observant lest a mystery fall into their paths.
When reading this, I highly recommend having some snacks handy…preferably hot chocolate with all the trimmings, macarons and croissants…we are in Paris after all!
I can’t wait to see what happens next…I do hope there are several more being plotted, planned and penned!

Writers, in common with a great many teachers, seem to very often suffer from Imposter Syndrome – that feeling of doubting your capabilities and talents, and fearing being unveiled as a fraud with little ability to carry out one’s chosen career choice. For debut authors, who have nothing published against which they can compare the reception of their latest title, I imagine that terror must be even greater, and how much more might it be when you are someone who is as well known in the book-reading community on Twitter as Jo Clarke.

As someone who has championed, and continues to champion, so many wonderful children’s books, I am hoping that the reception this title is currently receiving and the positive comments from those fortunate enough to have read it will, at least in part, go some way to convince her that this too is a great book – one which is charming and delightful, and which has left me hungry for more adventures from her young heroine Libby.

We first meet Libby as she says goodbye to her mother who is off to Ecuador for work, while Libby travels via the Eurostar to Paris to be cared for at her Aunt Agatha’s school. Having been educated until this point by her mother, Libby wonders what it will be like to be part of a school, but this is one like no other as it is a travelling one, which moves its location on a regular basis.

As the train sets off on its journey, Libby passes the time watching some of the other passengers before settling down to read her new Isobel Investigates book, featuring her favourite detective. Reaching the French capital, Libby is initially worried that her aunt is not there to greet her, but finds herself taken under the wing of a new teacher to the school who introduces herself as Louisa Browne before shepherding Libby into a taxi to complete their journey.

After being warmly welcomed by her aunt and settling in, Libby’s fellow students arrive the following morning and she soon makes friends with fellow new girl Connie. Together with the other pupils, the two of them enjoy a series of trips out to the various attractions Paris has to offer until following one trip out her aunt is arrested on suspicion of the theft of an expensive piece of jewellery from an exclusive jewellers. Can Libby and Connie work together to prove Aunt Agatha’s innocence? Will they be able to find out who the real culprit is? And if they can’t, what will happen to the travelling school – and to Libby?

There are plenty of stories set in schools, but none is quite like this one. The idea of a travelling school with no bricks and mortar base of it own is a genius one, as the action is not limited to its location but can – and does – take place absolutely anywhere. Although many children will not be familiar with Paris, that does not matter in the slightest as they will recognise landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre from films and TV and will easily imagine those locations thanks to the wonderful narrative that the author has created here.

I have yet to meet a child who doesn’t enjoy a mystery story and for younger or more sensitive readers who are not ready for the Murder Most Unladylike series or High Rise Mystery books, this would be perfect. Certainly for those children in my class who have worked their way through the Adventures on Trains reads, this is one that I will be recommending very highly once I have got hold of a proper copy to add to my little library shelf. As with those books, the story is packed full of clues for the reader to spot in order to solve the crime but many of them are hidden in plain sight and will be missed. That does not matter in the slightest as this is destined to be one of those favourite books which children turn to over and over again, meaning that they will be able to keep an eye out for them on a repeat read and have the smug satisfaction of knowing they are one step ahead of our young sleuth.

This is such a brilliant read, delightful and charming, but not syrupy or condescending to its target audience. Perfect as a shared read for more confident Year 3s or as an independent one for more confident children in Year 4 upwards, I am hugely looking forward to receiving my pre-ordered copy when it arrives. Enormous thanks go to publisher Firefly Press and Net Galley for my advance read ahead of publication on March 3rd next year. A magnifique 5 out of 5 stars.

I adored everything about this book. Set in Paris, Libby finds herself trying to clear he aunts name. The school setting was cute, the descriptions of Paris were amazing and I really craved macarons and hot chocolate whilst reading it. A wonderful book and I cannot wait for a book 2 (hopefully!!).