5 historical mysteries

These books all take you back in time to join young detectives solving intriguing cases.

Gaslight

by Eloise Williams

(Firefly Press)

In this exciting story set in the world of Victorian theatre, it’s 1899 and Nansi is working at TheEmpire, where she hopes to earn enough money to hire a detective to find her lost mother. But when Constance and Violet join the theatre, Nansi’s world is turned upside down.

The Sinclair’s Mysteries: The Midnight Peacock by Katherine Woodfine (Egmont UK)

In Edwardian London, Christmas has come to Sinclair’s department store. But among the festivities, Sophie and Lil are on the trail of sinister secrets. As the

Sinclair’s Mysteries reach their conclusion, can our heroines and their friends foil a plot that threatens disaster at the New Year’s Eve Ball?

Wild Boy

by Rob Lloyd Jones

(Walker Books)

Wild Boy leads a lonely and miserable life in a Victorian freak show. A boy covered entirely in hair, he’s exhibited as a monster. When he’s accused of a murder, things get even worse for him, but with the help of a new friend, he attempts to root out the real villain.

Goth Girl and the Sinister Symphony by Chris Riddell (Macmillan Children’s Books)

Inthefinalbookinthe Goth Girl series, Ada Goth has another spooky mystery to solve. Lord Goth has arranged a music festival at Ghastly-Gorm Hall, but there are surprises in store – as well as some unusual houseguests. This fabulously illustrated mystery tale is a real treat.

The Case of the Deadly Desperados by Caroline Lawrence

(Hachette Children’s Group)

It’s 1862 in the US’s Wild West, and 12-year-old P.K. Pinkerton has arrived in Virginia City – a dangerous town full of gamblers, gunmen and shady goings-on. Armed with only a Smith & Wesson seven-shooter and a talent for disguise, P.K. sets up as a detective – and mystery and adventure soon follow.