Books in Mystery series

Mrs. McGinty is dead and everyone suspects James Bentley, her slightly shifty lodger. In fact, James is facing a trial for an almost certain open-and-shut case. But Superintendent Spence is suspicious enough to ask for Hercule Poirot’s assistance. Soon, the seemingly simple situation turns into a complex web of lies and hidden identities. Novelist Ariadne Oliver (Agatha Christie’s alter ego) joins the hunt to find the real murderer in this irresistible whodunit brought to life by popular Christie reader Hugh Fraser.

Normally, a mere outbreak of petty thefts in a youth hostel wouldn’t be enough to interest the great detective Hercule Poirot. However, the warden of the hostel is sister to Poirot’s secretary Miss Lemon, and concern for her sister is interfering with Miss Lemon’s typing abilities. Poirot finds himself with an intriguing puzzle on his hands, and before long, murder increases the mystery. The fastidious Belgian sleuth is brought to life by the voice of veteran British actor Hugh Fraser.

Ideal to engage reluctant boy readers aged 7-12. The Mystery Mob series has been written specially to appeal to boys and to develop reading enjoyment and reading stamina. Each book follows the story of a gang of six adventurous (sometimes too adventurous!) boys as they get into scrapes and unravel mysterious happenings. The unintimidating format and friendly design help motivate boys to pick up a book and continue reading through the whole series. A non-fiction section at the back features quizzes, jokes and fun facts so you can find out more about what the Mystery Mob have been up to. Interest age: 7-12 Reading age: 7-8