Laura Marlin Mysteries 1: Dead Man's Cove [Hardcover]

'An absorbing novel that will hold the imagination of young readers and keep them guessing throughout' -- Jake Hope THE BOOKSELLER 'A refreshing Cornish mystery adventure with a traditional, almost Blytonesque feel, but a thoroughly modern and tenacious heroine' -- Fiona Noble THE BOOKSELLER "There was never a dull moment, and Lauren St John captures the eeriness and mystery of the story magnificently... In a world obsessed with vampire tales, is Lauren St John set to bring back the nation's love for a good old detective story? Judging by this book, it seems definite!" -- Amy Naylor, age 14 "Dead Man's Cove has in many ways the feel of a traditional adventure mystery, with clear-cut villains, clues and false trails and a dramatic climax. But Laura is a thoroughly modern girl... a pleasure to read" THE BOOK BAG "Feisty orphan Laura Marlin is rescued from her life in a children's home by her mysterious uncle Calvin. Laura loves everything about her new life in Cornwall but soon realises that it is full of secrets. Laura's sharp observation and her passion for amateur investigation sets her on the path of some great adventures during which she discovers why her new friend suddenly no longer wants to see her, the secret world of her uncle and why she is never allowed to go to Dead Man's Cove." -- Julia Eccleshare LOVEREADING4KIDS 'With vivid descriptions and a page-turning plot this is the perfect children's summer read, especially for those lucky enough to frequent the magical coastline of Cornwall' -- Octavia Karavla WATERSTONE'S BOOKS QUARTERLY "... clear, warm-hearted storytelling..." -- Amanda Craig THE TIMES "Here is a heroine I wanted to be friends with. Funny, clever and brave, she shines like a shiny thing... I loved everything about this book. The writing is excellent, the story is clever and full of twisty turns, our main character is charming and likable and the supporting cast of characters are more than just walk-ons... It is clever writing. Lauren St John is definitely - in my opinion - a master storyteller, keeping plot and pace steady, letting us run with Laura..." -- Liz de Jager MY FAVOURITE BOOKS "It's gripping, hugely entertaining and has something special about it - I just can't put my finger on it. Lauren St John has written a beauty with this one! My only criticism is that it wasn't longer. I was left yearning for more!" -- Ryan Woods EMPIRE OF BOOKS "There's something so traditionally Blyton-like about the title of this book that it demands to be read - and so it should be... this simply ticks all the right boxes. The first in a warmly-awaited series." -- Sally Morris THE DAILY MAIL "Secret messages, dubious strangers, night-time expeditions, kidnapping and a brave dog who is the heroine's soulmate are all very Enid Blyton, but the crimes are more up to date, and the prose, with it's insights into Laura's psyche and its atmospheric descriptions of the Cornish coast, is a cut above...St John's best work of children's storytelling to date" -- Nicolette Jones THE SUNDAY TIMES "Laura Marlin's first detective adventure set along the mysterious crags of the Cornish coastline is both exciting and swift, as well as thoughtful" -- The Bookseller Crow FAMILIES SOUTH EAST 'It has enough intrigue to keep independent readers engaged, and is a pleasure to read aloud to the under 10's, especially those just back from a seaside holiday' -- Daisy Bridgewater DAILY TELEGRAPH - MAGAZINE 'A good read' THE SCHOOL LIBRARIAN "Mind gripping! It was different from other books and I couldn't put it down. It was all good and someone that likes twists in stories would enjoy this. The ending was really good and unexpected. The characters were believable. I would love to read other books by this author. I read a lot of mystery books and this is one of the best!" TEEN TITLES

When orphaned Laura Marlin moves from a children's home to live with her uncle in Cornwall, she longs for a life of excitement just like the characters in her favourite detective novels. A real life adventure is on hand as she is deposited at her uncle's spooky house ...Why does her uncle, Calvin Redfern, forbid her to go to Dead Man's Cove? What's the truth about Tariq, the silent Indian boy who lives with the flamboyant Mukthars? Who is J? Who has left the message in a bottle for Laura to discover? Mysteries abound and who better to solve them than Laura Marlin, ace detective? Accompanied by her trusty companion, Skye, a three-legged husky, the dog she's always wanted, Laura's adventures begin in this first captivating mystery, winner of the 2011 Blue Peter Book of the Year Award.