It jumped up and licked his face.Heel! shouted the dog handler, and the dogs scrabbled back to him. WINNER of the 2020 Woman & Home Magazine Book Award for Best Childrens Adventure Story. Adventures on Trains remains one of my favorite ongoing middle-grade series. Kidnap on the California Comet - Book Two. As suspicions and accusations run high among the passengers, Harrison investigates, uncovering a few surprises along the way. This series of four books is based on a real train or route, from the historic to the ultra-modern, to create a classic-feeling mystery adventure series for thrill-seekers, code breakers, He herded them through the carriage, following Lady Lansbury.I wonder what their names are, Hal said.Thats Baron Wolfgang Essenbach, Uncle Nat said, and his youngest son, Milo.Hal thought his uncle had meant the dogs, until an imposing man with dark, gray-streaked hair wearing a midnight-blue waistcoat stepped onto the train. Lets go to the observation car and wave Kings Cross goodbye.Text copyright 2020 by M. G. Leonard and Sam SedgmanIllustrations copyright 2020 by Elisa Paganelli, The Highland Falcon Thief: Adventures on Trains #1. What do we do?We live, eat, and sleep in one of the finest trains ever created, Uncle Nat said, and we stay out of trouble. Uh, how did that head steward man know your name?This isnt my first trip on the Highland Falcon, Uncle Nat said. Suspicion gradually moves from person to person with everyone becoming a suspect. Two bulging-breasted pigeons strutted toward him, pecking at the floor.Colin Beck kicked out his leg. Adventures on Trains is a major mystery series from the prize-winning M.G. Similar books by other authors: You really engage with Hal as a main character and the plotting was well thought out and executed. 1 Aire Street, Leeds, LS1 4PR, Here are the instructions of how to enable JavaScript in your browser. As suspicions and accusations run high among the passengers, Harrison investigates, uncovering a few surprises along the way. Such a good book! Written by: M. G. Leonard, Sam SedgmanNarrated by: Jot DaviesSeries: Adventures on TrainsLength: 6 hrs and 47 mins. Authorfy has a series of videos, a scheme of work and other suggested activities for the classroom based on The Highland Falcon Thief which will go live on 30 January. Will Hals detective skills be up to the task or, with he and Lenny sneaking about up and down the train, will suspicion turn on them instead? Home / Thats claretthe shade of the royal familys livery. Rights have been sold in Albania, Catalan, China, Czech, Denmark, France, Greece, Italy, Iran, Japan, Korea, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Russia, Spanish, Sweden and Turkey. It's up to Hal, his keen observation, and his skill as a budding sketch artist to uncover the real jewel thief, clear his friend's name, and return the diamond necklace before The Highland Falcon makes its last stop. But when a precious jewel goes missing, Harrison and his new friend Lenny find themselves at the centre of . Billionaire train enthusiast August Reza has invited Harrison Beck and Uncle Nat on the maiden voyage of the Solar Express the winning design of his Rezas Rocket competition. But as their train leaves Stockholm, Hal and Uncle Nat realize they're being followed by a sinister figure, and Hal's powers of observation are tested when Uncle Nat's past comes back to haunt him. Harrison Beck and his Uncle Nat are enjoying the final . It means a lot.Not wanting to stare, Hal looked down at Ernest Whites newspaper.There was a fuss behind him as Lady Lansbury swept into the dining car.Ghastly people! She threw her hands in the air. He saw his father put a protective arm around his mother. Rankings for middle school, high school, and college athletes. Full of adventure and excitement with Train facts aplenty. No way! Hal couldnt wait to tell his best friend, Ben, about this. There are so many more amazing railways journeys in other parts of the world yet to be explored in these stories (Japan, India, the famous Trans-Siberian railway in Russia) that I hope this series can continue for many more books yet to come, but for now, I encourage you to pick up the first three Adventures on Trains books, beginning with The Highland Falcon Thief, for your own middle-grade readers, especially if they also happen to be train enthusiasts. She bent down, putting her hand to his cheek. Steam escaped from hidden pipes, hissing threateningly. This will not affect your buying experience or the cost of any products you order. He was seated at one of the tables reading a newspaper through half-moon spectacles. They said dogs were expensive and a big responsibility. The Highland Falcon Thief was a unique, charming and wonderful read. For anyone who loves trains and crime. . Right, weve got to get a move on. You might even enjoy yourself.I wont. Hal looked up through the glass roof of the station at a cloudy sky. But as the train makes its way to Scotland, a priceless brooch goes missing, and things get interesting. Kirkus Reviews"Fans of madcap adventures and anthropomorphised sidekicks will enjoy this fast-paced series opener." Harrison finds himself in the middle of the operation with his friend Lenny who is the train drivers daughter and a stowaway. It could only be one person. I loved the mystery throughout and trying to find clues yourself to solve who the thief was! This rip-roaring page turner about a group of strongminded young sleuths is reminiscent of Enid BlytonsFamous Fiveseries. We dont want to miss our train.Hal struggled to speak. The French translation of The Highland Falcon Thief has won Switzerland's prestigious Prix Enfantaisie 2022! As of today, I think that Murder on the Safari Star is my favorite of the Adventures on Trains series so far. Hal and his Uncle Nat are riding aboard the luxurious but now slightly run-down Safari Star where they can witness Africas amazing wildlife right from their windows, but one of their fellow passengers, millionaire Mervyn Crosby is more interested in shooting the animals than in simply observing them. He lives in London and is a lifelong train and mystery enthusiast. He wasnt wearing the right clothes for walking on a red carpet.Tickets, please, a uniformed guard said. Harrison Beck and his Uncle Nat are enjoying the final journey of the Highland . Illustrator: Elisa Paganelli. My only problem is that get some unanswered questions. "The Highland Falcon Thief" Adventures on Trains is a major mystery series from bestselling authors M.G. I was so pleased when I got the invitation. The old mans eyes filled up. This was such an amazing book. Well this book includes a made up train that is unbelievable a boy who doesnt like trains but changed on this journey and a mysterious jewel thief, This is one of the best books that I have ever read. He wasnt posh enough for this train.The curtain of the window twitched, startling him. The streamlined nose of the loco dipped like a hawks beak. Hear whispers in the dining car, find notes in the library, and unknown passengers among the luggage as you help Harrison to solve the mystery aboard one of the world's grandest trains. On his first day aboard the train, Hal meets an interesting young stowaway. ?Hal and Nat take the night train to Berlin and go undercover. Also, the railways plotted out by the authors is quite accurate, even if the part of the line that goes all the way up to Balmoral has been closed for quite a while. I loved steam trains when I was younger. This is the first book in the exciting Adventures on Trains series, ideal for independent readers who enjoy a good, old-fashioned mystery. Im busy. After the excitement of his adventures aboard the Highland Falcon Thief, Harrison Beck can't wait for the opportunity to go on another amazing train journey. Leonard and Sam Sedgman with illustrations by Elisa Paganelli. Im ready.A crowd of people were gathered by the platform entrance, jostling for position.Lets not dawdle on the red carpet, Uncle Nat said, striding toward them. Ross Welford, author of Time Travelling With a Hamster"A thrill-ride of a mystery, guaranteed to be one of the most fun, atmospheric page turners of 2020." He was thin, had neatly trimmed straight hair, and wore thick-framed tortoiseshell glasses. Read more about Clifftoppers: The Arrowhead Moor Adventure. Is this your boy?My nephew, Harrison.Hal smiled politely.I have a grandson called Harrison. Ernest shook his hand. I wanted to stay and help Dad take care of Mom.Uncle Nat put his hand on Hals shoulder and leaned down. By contrast, Dad was a jumble of circles. This is combined with a very interesting, well-paced story so that, even if you aren't a massive train nerd, I guarantee that you'll still enjoy the book. As the passengers begin to turn on each other, Hal vows to get to the bottom of the mysterybefore the train gets to the end of the line. WINNER of the 2020 Books Are My Bag readers awards for Childrens Fiction. To the engine! As they marched along the platform, Uncle Nat threw out his hand. Please note: This post contains affiliate links. The Highland Falcon Thief was a fun adventure of a novel with an interesting mystery, unusual setting, and a great cast of characters. Who by? Moms metal chair scraped against the concrete floor as she got up.Nat! she cried, waddling around the table and throwing her arms around her older brother.Careful, Bevyoull knock me over. Uncle Nat put down his battered leather suitcase and umbrella, hugging her. How nature books can inspire families to discover the mental health benefits of being o 'It is really nice to see the pure enjoyment children get from reading': The Queen Cons Adventures on Trains: The Highland Falcon Thief. But as the train makes its way to Scotland, a priceless brooch goes missing, and things . I loved this book.I liked the way Hal and Lenny are willing to do whatever it takes to stop the thief: that is true determination. His parents drew back, waving and smiling as Uncle Nat pulled him across the concourse. Highlands Trail Guide Introduction 10/19/20 Major HT reroute between Black Rock Forest and Schunemunk State Park: Due to the closure of trails across Metro North RR at Schunemunk Mountain State Park and the resulting road walk which had grown to 4.6 miles to get to the new trail head, the Highlands Trail has been rerouted between Black Rock Forest and Schunemunk Mountain. I love this book. School Library Journal"If I didn't already devote most of my waking hours to beetles, reading this book would make me want to . Hal held out the white card with his name on it. . The Highlands Trail HT_JessupTrail_Schunemunk.jpg The Highlands Trail highlights the natural beauty of the New Jersey and New York Highlands region, and draws the public's attention to this endangered resource. There are many scenes exploring the majesty of the African landscapes and creatures (as someone with a snake-phobia, I found that a few of these made for pretty uncomfortable reading) but also plenty more action and adventure too. Australian child genius Boaz won with his hybrid locomotive, driven by hydrogen fuel cells and solar power. Much more fun. The constant twists, turns, and misdirection keeps readers guessing until the guilty are revealed. The Highland Falcon Thief. Publishers Weekly, starred review"Leonard unravels the madcap plot in sporadic bursts of frenzied action and humor. You could get a free audio download of The Highland Falcon Thief by M G Leonard and Sam Sedgman with a 30-day Audible free trial at Amazon.co.uk. Some of the happiest moments of my life were on this train. He turned back to Uncle Nat. Im fine.Nathaniel, good to see you. Dad was on his feet, grabbing Uncle Nats hand and shaking it. Contact Falcon Living Real Estate today to buy or sell real estate with door monitored by tv in Barrington, IL! Sierra Knight! Sponsored. He felt the engraving of Saint Christopher, staff in hand, child on shoulders. Perfect for readers of 8 to 12 and brilliantly illustrated in black and white throughout by Elisa Paganelli.Billionaire train enthusiast August Reza has invited Harrison Beck and Uncle Nat to travel on the maiden voyage of the winning design of his Rezas Rocket competition. When theyd told him he was going to have a little sister, hed asked how they could afford another human but not a dog, especially since children were an even bigger responsibility than a dog. It's up to Hal, his keen observation, and his skill as a budding sketch artist to uncover the real jewel thief, clear his friend's name, and return the diamond necklace before The Highland Falcon makes its last stop. How are you, pet? He put down his pen.Mom, I dont want to go with Uncle Nat. The big problem is that the US doesn't have a high enough population (and especially a high enough population DENSITY) to justify something like this. However, picking up this book brought all these memories back. Kidnap on the California Comet is the second outing for twelve-year-old Hal and his travel journalist uncle Nat and, unsurprisingly, sees them head to the United States. Middletown NY - NORTH STREET STORE FRONTS DURING BLIZZARD . Australian child genius Boaz won with his hybrid locomotive, driven by hydrogen fuel cells and solar power. Itll give you indigestion. She laid her hand on his sleeve. You can read a tease of Sabotage on the Solar Express at the end of Danger at Dead Mans Pass. Can Hal find the saboteur and stop the runaway train before disaster strikes? There's Steven Pickles, a multi-millionaire railway owner with no concept of 'politeness' or 'an indoor voice'. Hello? A fantastic plot involving a jewel thief and many of high society Harrison's drawing skills and eagle eyed perceptions help solve the mystery, as friendships blossom and the true characters evolve. First stop is The Highland Falcon Thief, a breathless train journey full of deceptions, puzzles and clues to solve. In The Highland Falcon Thief: Adventures on Trains #1, a middle-grade series starter from MG Leonard and Sam Sedgman, a young boy is swept up in an investigation to uncover the perpetrator of a. I absolutely loved this book! The illustrations are integral to the story and develop it beautifully. Shes a movie star.Sierra Knight is one of the guests, Uncle Nat replied. I was also thrilled to see that two more as yet untitled books are in the pipeline for 2022, set in Australia and Norway respectively. Are you well?Yes, Mom replied, her eyes darting to Hal. This page was last edited on 12 August 2020, at 12:36. A minor trigger warning for . Legend has it the Kratzensteins, a family of rich and powerful railway tycoons, are cursed, but there is no such thing as a curse, is there . I cant wait to get the next one. A breathless train journey full of deceptions, puzzles and clues to solve. I absolutely adored this one. Leonard and Sam Sedgman Illustrator: Elisa Paganelli. CHAPTER ONETICKET TO RIDEHarrison Beck pulled a pen from the pocket of his yellow jacket, deftly turning it over his index finger so it was nib down, and began to draw in the central margin of the newspaper spread across the table. The Beetle Series by M G Leonard some of the authors' previous work. A fabulous adventure book, well paced and very exciting. Welcome, Harrison Beck, to the final journey of the Highland Falcon.CHAPTER TWOTHE HIGHLAND FALCONThe first thing Hal saw was a glittering greenhouse on wheels. Adventures on Trains is a major mystery series from the prize-winning M.G. After the excitement of his adventures aboard the Highland Falcon Thief, Harrison Beck can't wait for the opportunity to go on another amazing train journey. So when his Uncle Nat invites him aboard the California Comet, the iconic three-day train journey from Chicago to San Francisco, he leaps at the chance to travel. Hal turned and saw a woman sashaying along the red carpet in a forget-me-not-blue dress. You might catch a glimpse of the kraken.The kraken isnt real. Hal didnt believe in sea monsters; he was nearly twelve.Really? But as the train makes its way to Scotland, a priceless brooch goes missing, and things are suddenly a lot more interesting. The Boundless by Kenneth Oppel another thrilling train adventure for similarly-aged readers. Four minutes behind schedule already.Hal felt a jolt and a thrill as the train began to move. The story moves quickly, and the characters are both wacky and entertaining." He's also aided by Lennie (short for Marlene) Singh, the daughter of the Highland Falcon's driver who stowed away on the train. Youll be a good boy for your uncle, wont you?Yes, Mom.What route is the Highland Falcon taking, Nathaniel? his dad asked.Well be traveling up the east coast to Balmoral, where well stop for lunch tomorrow, before looping round Scotland and back down the west.Hals dad nodded. Harrison Beck reluctantly joins his travel-writer Uncle Nat for the last journey of the royal steam train, The Highland Falcon. My favourite character would have to be Hal. My one quibble is with the illustrations, as while they're very charming, they are not wholly accurate to the tale - for example, dogs described as samoyeds in the text look like a completely different breed, and outfits are illustrated differently to how they are described. Things get even more interesting when the royal prince and princess board for the last leg of the journeybecause the princess's diamond necklace is soon stolen and replaced with a fake! It is a cooperative effort of the New York - New Jersey Trail Conference, conservation organizations, state and local governments, and local businesses. GeekDad: Geek Daily Deals April 14 2021: Big Sale on Best Learning Electronic Teaching Toys Up To 49% Off Today! The locomotive sighed out a puff of steam, as if it were alivea dragon, ancient, powerful, and ready to fly.CHAPTER THREEDIAMOND DOGSGentlemen. The train guard appeared. There will be plenty of opportunities to look after her when were back. As we chuff down the tracks, well be able to enjoy the late-summer colors of the countryside or gaze out at the North Sea. Can he solve the mystery of the jewel thief and catch the culprit before they reach the end of the line? Your dadll look after me. She undid the silver chain that hung around her neck. This made the story far more enjoyable for me personally, and I also appreciated the secondary plotline regarding wildlife conservation and the work of reserves in combating illegal poaching. First stop is The Highland Falcon Thief, a breathless train journey full of deceptions, puzzles and clues to solve. Our sleeping compartment will be somewhere in these guest carriages.Whats that one? Hal pointed ahead to a carriage with gold-rimmed windows.The royal carriages, said Uncle Nat. Ned's peaceful and kind, and a great soul. When Hal reluctantly accompanies his Uncle Nat on the final journey of the Highland Falcon, an iconic royal steam train, he is anticipating a dull, uneventful trip - but Lenny, the train driver's daughter, is a huge rail enthusiast and has stowed away . Shortlisted for the 2021 UKLA award ages 7-10, Shortlisted for the 2021 Juniper Book AwardsShortlisted for the 2021 Lancashire Fantastic Book AwardsShortlisted for the 2021 KSC Book AwardsShortlisted for the 2020 North Somerset Teachers Book Award, Longlisted for the 2021 Blue Peter Book AwardsLonglisted for the 2021 Berkshire Book Awards. Fantastic.Hal looked at the metal and wondered if his uncle wasnt a little bit crazy. This story was exciting and very readable and I can see why it is so frequently in demand! Im allergic to them.Ernest White. Uncle Nat crossed the carriage and grasped the hand of an old man wearing a gray wool suit. Can he solve the mystery of the jewel thief and catch the culprit before they reach the end of the line? Journeying into the never ending night of the arctic winter, our railway detectives must outsmart an assassin in their most chilling adventure yet, in which nothing is as it seems. 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. My favourite characters are Harrison Beck and his uncle Nathaniel. ), a stowaway - and a jewel thief! Are you excited about our steam-powered adventure?Hal shook his uncles hand and nodded, but he wasnt going to say yes, because that would be a lie. But what if you need it?You can give it back to me when you get home. She fastened the necklace and then fussed with his jacket, pulling out the hood where it had gathered under his rucksack. Isnt that dangerous on a moving train?Of course. I first thought this book will be good and incredible which is the same thing I thought when I read the book! I couldnt put this book down! It was a fast moving story, with lots of information about steam trains, but I thought it was a little lacking in suspense. My personal favourite character would be Harrison Beck. See the floral motif around the royal crest? Ive told him to give you space when you need to work.Uncle Nat was a travel writer, and hed agreed to bring Hal along with him on a work trip, while Beverly Beck went to the hospital to have the baby.Absolutely. He didnt want to be packed off on a train journey with a weird uncle he only ever saw at Christmas. Do as your uncle says, and well see you in four days.Were going to have fun. Uncle Nat picked up his suitcase, hooked his umbrella over his arm, and took hold of Hals hand. This is an okay book which reveals clues as the story moves on. I was so intrigued by some of the terminology and train information that I researched water troughs and watched videos of the action! Well leave the stage for those who like the spotlight.Looking down at his yellow jacket and faded blue jeans, Hal felt a jolt of panic. Hes an interesting man.Hal made a face. This is the dining car, where well eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and where we board the train, through those double doors.A tall man in a burgundy suit with gold buttons and gold-trimmed pockets and lapels stepped forward.Mr. Hal tried to help, pulling one out from under a table. You can read chapter one of Kidnap on the California Comet at the end of The Highland Falcon Thief. I was the head steward on the royal train for forty-seven years. He sighed. M.G. Who invited those parasites?Evening. Steven Pickle greeted them with a nod. She looked tired. Get away. He grunted. From a Scottish Highland steam train to an African safari locomotive, these lively books take readers on thrilling world travels, with plenty of intriguing secrets to be uncovered. Almost everyone on board from his wife and daughter to crime novelist Beryl Brash, actor Patrice Mbatha, and activist Satsuki Sasaki has a grudge against the immensely rude media magnate, but are any of them prepared to resort to murder? Shes quite mysterious at the start but then at the end shes an inspirational problem solver, when the Hal rescues her from the luggage cage. The High Plains are generally flat . Thefts are committed. What happens on a grand tour, Uncle Nat? A very impressive woman.Do you think shell bring her dogs on the train?I hope she doesnt, said a reedy voice. Shes a lovely-looking locomotive.Im going to miss you. Hals mom hugged him. You see that red? His Mum is having a baby so Hal is left with his uncle, Nathaniel Bradshaw. Im a travel writer, but my specialty is trains. Leonard and Sam Sedgman, a contemporary detective story set aboard a Royal train taking its final journey around Great Britain. Inside he could see lush green tropical plants.What kind of train has a greenhouse?Thats an observation car, Uncle Nat said with a grin. You can read more book reviews or buy The Highland Falcon Thief by M G Leonard and Sam Sedgman at Amazon.com. This is a great book for anyone who likes mystery, trains or adventure. I found the crime here far more difficult to solve than in the previous book (I didnt figure this one out until only a few chapters from the end, although, looking back, Im kicking myself for not spotting something that now feels obvious). Harrison Beck reluctantly joins his travel-writer Uncle Nat for the last journey of the royal steam train, The Highland Falcon. First stop is The Highland Falcon Thief, a breathless train journey full of deceptions, puzzles and clues to solve. Billionaire train enthusiast August Reza has invited Harrison Beck and Uncle Nat to travel on the maiden voyage of the winning design of his Rezas Rocket competition.