PLUM AND WOO BY LISA SIBERRY

Friends Hannah Plum and Patti Woo are back on holiday together with Hannah’s dad, Byron and Patti’s mum, Tulip. Their parents came together over their love of birdwatching and so the girls get another chance to not only spend proper time together, but also, perhaps do a little detecting.

 While at an antiques fair, Hannah comes across a pile of things donated from a local grand old home. A beautiful hand painted fan with the words – “For love that’s ever true, meet where secret roses bloom” catches her eye and she can’t resist buying it. From this moment on the adventure begins. Hannah is approached by a woman who wants the fan too and is just a tad pushy about it.

 The girls decide to check out Crabtree Hall, the home of the previous owner of the fan and discover that Lady Hope Crabtree died under tragic circumstances in 1869. They meet the current Lord Crabtree who seems to be having trouble with a destructive ghost. He has called in a Obscuro, a psychic to help get rid of the scary spirit.

 Hannah and Patti agree there is more going on here that it seems and begin to collect information and clues. The girls must do their sleuthing away from their parents as they have been forbidden to detect and get into trouble – this however, does not stop them. The tragic death of Lady Hope and the hints of a secret lover urge the girls on and into more mysterious events. Finally, with the help of a new friend and clever deduction, the girls solve the mystery of the Fatal Fan.

 Lisa Siberry’s third instalment of the Plum and Woo series is a great adventure for younger middle grade readers. Her descriptions of Hannah and Patti’s conflicting personalities and interests are lively portrayals of the quirky ways that friendships work. The girls are loyal and brave and just a little bit naughty – a winning combination.

 For Ages: 9 - 12 years

Number of Pages: 288

Published: August 2022 Hardie Grant

Themes: Friendship, family and betrayal