By Janice Hallett (author) Part of the A Box Full of Murders series
"Mixing whodunnit mystery with innovative interactive elements, this middle grade novel of detection is a sure-fire winner for 8+-year-olds who enjoy getting stuck into stories."
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Prefaced by an enticing invitation that sets an appropriately interactive tone (“This book is for you, because you dare to open the box”), Janice Hallett’s A Box Full of Murders takes a classic children’s mystery concept into fresh territory. Told through a mix of text messages, maps, newspaper cuttings, diaries and other documents, and propelled by the perspective of siblings Ava and Luke, it sees a decades-old murder mystery play out at gripping pace as readers are invited to solve a crime alongside the siblings.
After finding a mysterious box of documents in their father’s attic, inquisitive Ava and Luke can’t help but throw themselves into figuring out who was responsible for an unsolved murder. As things turn out, it seems the case is still playing out in the present day, as the siblings make connections between a 1980s campaign to save Chalfont Woods from being developed into a toxic waste processing factory (at great cost to rare ecosystems and wildlife, including the red-backed shrike), a scout camp that took place in the woods, and on-going incidents.
All that considered, A Box Full of Murders is ideal for fans of Robin Stevens , 8+year-olds who enjoy pacey interactive adventures that extend beyond the page, and those who are interested in environmental themes.
The first children's mystery from number-one-bestselling author of The Appeal, Janice Hallett, perfect for fans of Robin Stevens and Rhian Tracey.
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The first children's mystery from number-one-bestselling author of The Appeal , Janice Hallett, perfect for fans of Robin Stevens and Rhian Tracey.
When siblings Ava and Luke discover a mysterious box of papers in their dad's attic they are instantly intrigued. And, as they read through letters, diary entries, newspaper cuttings and notarised secret recordings, they realise that a decades-old, still unsolved, murder case is unfolding right in front of them . . .
Determined to discover what really happened, Ava and Luke turn detective to try and crack the case. But soon they realise that the killer might still be out there - and might be closer than they think...
YOU know the facts. YOU have all the clues. Can YOU solve the mystery before they do?
Also available: Death at the Museum
'Pure catnip for budding young sleuths' - The Telegraph
Janice Hallett studied English at University College London and spent several years as a magazine editor, winning two awards for journalism. She then worked in government communications for the Cabinet Office, Home Office and Department for International Development. After gaining an MA in screenwriting at Royal Holloway, she co-wrote the feature film Retreat and went on to write the Shakespearean stage comedy NetherBard , as well as a number of other plays for London's new-writing theatres. Her debut adult novel, The Appeal , was a Sunday Times bestseller, a Waterstones Thriller of the Month and Sunday Times Crime Book of the Month. Her adult second novel, The Twyford Code , was published in 2022 and was an instant bestseller. Her debut children's novel, A Box Full of Murders , was the bestseling children's mystery of 2025 and shortlisted for the Books Are My Bag Reader Awards.
When not indulging her passion for global travel, she is based in West London.
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The first children's mystery from number-one-bestselling author of The Appeal, Janice Hallett, perfect for fans of Robin Stevens and Rhian Tracey.When siblings Ava and Luke discover a mysterious box of papers in their dad's attic they are instantly intrigued. And, as they read through letters, diary entries, newspaper cuttings and notarised secret recordings, they realise that a decades-old, still unsolved, murder case is unfolding right in front of them . . .Determined to discover what really happened, Ava and Luke turn detective to try and crack the case.
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed A Box Full of Murders and determined it is suitable for children aged 9-12 years old
A Box Full of Murders features in the following genres: Featured Books for 9+ readers, Featured Books for 11+ readers, Debuts of the Month, Recommendations, Adventure Stories, Crime & Mystery, Stories about Family and Friends, Activity and Puzzle Books, Children’s / Teenage fiction: Interactive adventure stories, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Children’s, Teenage and Educational, Children’s / Teenage general interest: Hobbies, quizzes, toys and games, Children’s / Teenage: General interest, Shortlisted for The Week Junior Book Award
Paperback. £8.09, down from the £8.99 cover price. In Stock.
A Box Full of Murders was written by Janice Hallett and published by Puffin an imprint of Penguin Random House Children's UK
A Box Full of Murders has 457 pages
Yes it is part of A Box Full of Murders series
£8.09, reduced from £8.99. In Stock.
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