Book Review – Murder on the Safari Star by M.G. Leonard and Sam Sedgman
Murder on the Safari Star by M.G. Leonard and Sam Sedgman (Adventures on Trains #3)
Mystery and Thrillers | Middle Grade | 256 pages
Published on 4th February 2021 by Macmillan Childrens Books
Synopsis
Join Hal and Uncle Nat as they plunge straight into an exciting mystery – this time while on Safari!
All-aboard for the third amazing journey in the bestselling Adventures on Trains series from M. G. Leonard and Sam Sedgman, illustrated throughout by Elisa Paganelli.
Uncle Nat is taking Hal on the journey of a lifetime – on a Safari Train from Pretoria to Victoria Falls. Drawing Africa’s amazing wild animals from on board a spectacular steam train described as a luxury hotel on wheels, should be enough excitement for anyone. But something suspicious is happening on board the Safari Star and when a passenger is found mysteriously killed inside a locked compartment, it’s up to Hal, along with his new friend Winston and his pet Mongoose, Chipo, to solve the murder mystery.
My rating:
Review
I received this book from the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
This series really is wonderful! Honestly, I just want to go on awesome train trips around the world. They are so full of love for trains and mysteries, it really shines out from the books.
I felt that this was a little more contrived than the first two, but only in the sense that the crime feels a little engineered. Which is forgivable, as I doubt the series would work if Hal and Nat just went for a plain old train ride 😉 Aside from all that, it was great to see Hal work his magic on another mystery. And also to see a friend that was less than convinced (at least at first!) by his snooping, and to see a detective who respects his skills.
I also found that I sort of figured out who would die and then who did it reasonably fast – though I didn’t get why as you don’t get the hint til close to the reveal. I never mind that though as they are so fun and well laid out. And the characters are all so wonderful. Even the unlikeable ones!
The safari element felt great as well – really respectful of the animals and explaining about hunting and endangered species. And I obviously loved Chipo, as he’s adorable!
I was pleased to see that the galley had the illustrations in, as they really help make the books, and are honestly so fantastic.
We also got a teeeeeeeny sneak peek at the next book and I think it will be another corker – I’m liking the set up already.
4.5 stars.
Buy Murder on the Safari Star by M.G. Leonard and Sam Sedgman from Waterstones.
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8 Comments
amyjanealice
Ooohh while this doesn’t necessarily sound like my cup of tea but I’m glad that you enjoyed it 🙂
BookMeSomeTime
I’m saving this title for when my little ones are older 🙂
Lorraine
I feel like I missed out on the opportunity to read so many MG books when I was younger and need to read them now!
Ellie
MG isn’t my thing but this sounds like a great read for anyone who does enjoy MG!
Nicola Chard
I have the first book on my TBR and really excited to start it. So glad you enjoyed it!
Booksandlemonsquash
Ooh I hope you love it as much as I did
Kirsty
Oooooh this sounds super fun!!!
Sarah @ SWB
I read and loved the first one, I’ve got the second and this one sitting on my shelves waiting to be picked up, glad to see you enjoyed it!