Book 2 in the series
This is a fun mystery adventure story with engrossing writing
A highly satisfying sequel with characters that I love from book 1

Another exciting mystery starring Harrison "Hal" Beck and his Uncle Nat, but this time we have gone stateside!! Hal and his uncle have travelled all the way to the United States of America to travel on the California Comet, but once again, Hal finds himself embroiled in a mystery, but this time involving a kidnapping.

I loved the first book, The Highland Falcon Thief, so much for the atmosphere and setting, and the sequel amplifies it with this new, fresh and exciting setting! The descriptions of the outside views, the mountains and even the train itself transforms this into a real reading experience and I couldn't help but picture myself on the train with them.

The writing was again engrossing and intriguing and I just had to know how the kidnapping unfolded and who was behind it. I wasn't supposed to read this right now but I picked it up just because I've been dying to read it since finishing the first book back in January, and before I knew it, I'd found myself at the end.

A highly satisfying sequel with characters I have really grown to care for. I love the 'Adventures on Trains' series for its constant refreshing of the setting and I can never predict what's going to happen next with Hal and his Uncle Nat. One of my favourite middle grade mysteries series now, and it has me itching to go on a train again!

Another wonderful adventure on a train! I shared this book with children in school and they absolutely loved it! After reading the first in this series they were over the moon that there was another adventure coming! The constant questioning, guessing and ultimate outcome kept the children hooked throughout!

Another brilliant instalment of the Adventures on Trains series, I loved the continuation of Hal and Uncle Nat's journey and relationship, a really gripping mystery which was a tough one to figure out!

Another brilliant trains adventure. This one kept me on my toes and the reveal genuinely shocked me. Cannot wait for the next instalment in this series.

I appologuse for not reading this sooner. I ended up reading my signed copy from Waterstones along with the Audiobook.

This was another great mystery/adventure story. The 2 reoccurring characters of Hal and Uncle Nat are again believable. This time we have Mason and Hadley who join Hal in trying to solve this case. Both are likable and you can understand how easy it was to become fast friends. Whilst with middle grade I always say you have to hold back on any disbelief. These stories are meant to bed far fetched and fantastic. It takes us back to our childhoods and how wonderful it is to see it through a child's eyes. I loved this one despite guessing most of the twist. It was a fantastic second story and I have already preordered the next in the series. I reccomend this to young and older readers and I throughly enjoyed my time on the California Comet!

I absolutely loved this book as much as the first one.
Me and my son read this one together. The discussions we had about the characters and who it could be was great. We were so addicted we read it as soon as we got back from the school run.
The adventure and the mystery is just so much fun. We can not wait for the next one!

Love M G Leonards Beetle boy series so was super excited for this! Another great adventure for the 9-12 children (and the 30 year old children) to embark upon. Perfect for fans of Robin Stevens and those children who love a whodunnit.

I read the first book in the Adventures On Trains series, The Highland Falcon Thief earlier this year and loved it. So, it would come as no surprise that I was incredibly excited to read book two – Kidnap On The California Comet. I couldn’t wait to see what adventure and crime Hal would have to solve next.

Kidnap On The California Comet follows Hal and his Uncle Nat as they travel across the pond to board the California Comet, a train which would take them on a three-day journey from Chicago to San Francisco. Hal, who is very excited about taking another train journey with his Uncle, wonders what adventure he will have this time and when the daughter of a billionaire entrepreneur is kidnapped, it’s up to Hal to try and solve the mystery and uncover the kidnapper before their journey is up.

Just like its predecessor, Kidnap On The California Comet was such a fun, fast-paced mystery that had you wanting to read on and know more through each page. I found myself utterly captivated by this conundrum and just found myself not wanting to stop reading, so much so that I finished it in one sitting. The writing is so vivid and what I found stood out was the accurate descriptions of the train and it’s journey, including the technical side. I am in awe of Leonard and Sedgman’s knowledge of trains and the research that must have gone into the rail journey on the American coast is admirable. I also feel that many children that read this book may find themselves wanting to know more about trains and the journeys they make.

The mystery in Kidnap On The California Comet was just as intriguing as the mystery in The Highland Falcon Thief but on a whole bigger scale. You get minuscule clues from the very start and it’s like you as the reader need to start trying to solve the crime alongside Hal from the get-go. The fact we get introduced to a bunch of sceptical suspects adds to the riddle and I did find myself thinking that all of them were the kidnapper at one point or another. The kidnapping plot itself was executed extremely well and I will admit that I was shocked when we finally found out who was behind it. Also, once the kidnapper is revealed you start to piece together all the clues that were scattered throughout the book, which is a unique touch.

There were so many unique characters in Kidnap On The California Comet from the magic loving siblings, Mason and Hadley, who befriend Hal to the feisty, mystifying journalist Zola. These characters were, in my opinion, more interesting and distinctive from the characters we met in The Highland Falcon Thief. Despite many of them just being secondary characters, I did feel like I got to know them all on a one to one basis. My favourite character by far in both books has to be Uncle Nat. He’s so supportive of Hal and his eagerness to solve the mystery. They have such a close-knit bond and it’s heartwarming to see in middle grade fiction.

Kidnap On The California Comet, was overall, an incredible sequel to what is becoming one of my favourite middle grade mystery series. I cannot wait for book three to find out what mystery Hal and Uncle Nat will be solving next.

Another exciting mystery starring Harrison "Hal" Beck and his Uncle Nat, but this time we have gone stateside!! Hal and his uncle have travelled all the way to the United States of America to travel on the California Comet, but once again, Hal finds himself embroiled in a mystery, but this time involving a kidnapping.

I loved the first book, The Highland Falcon Thief, so much for the atmosphere and setting, and the sequel amplifies it with this new, fresh and exciting setting! The descriptions of the outside views, the mountains and even the train itself transforms this into a real reading experience and I couldn't help but picture myself on the train with them.

The writing was again engrossing and intriguing and I just had to know how the kidnapping unfolded and who was behind it. I wasn't supposed to read this right now but I picked it up just because I've been dying to read it since finishing the first book back in January, and before I knew it, I'd found myself at the end.

A highly satisfying sequel with characters I have really grown to care for. I love the 'Adventures on Trains' series for its constant refreshing of the setting and I can never predict what's going to happen next with Hal and his Uncle Nat. One of my favourite middle grade mysteries series now, and it has me itching to go on a train again!

There isn't much to say about this book except it was brilliant! It is just as good as the first in the series (if not better) as the characters are more developed and doesn't need the build up like the first book needed.

Great if you like Murder Most Unladylike or High Rise Mystery. Cannot wait to see what else the author does with this series.

KIDNAP ON THE CALIFORNIA COMET is another cosy mystery set on a train full of illustrations that help solve the mystery. I love the mix of pictures and prose to tell the story, because it really helps to visualise the characters and setting

Hal makes two new friends, Hadley and Mason. The twins have such a fun dynamic, with their teasing and brimming energy.

I loved the magic tricks (and explanations) that Hadley introduces. All the tricks help build into the finale, and I loved seeing them all play into it - if you keep your eyes peeled, you can spot them all and predict how the scene falls out thanks to the foreshadowing.

I did guess the solution to the crime very early on, said it aloud to the friend I was sitting with and - lo and behold - I was right. There's one very specific line that gave it away. I think it's because it's a bit of a common plot idea, and there are lots of clues to reinforce it throughout.

In this sequel, Hal is in the United States - and I was giggling a lot at his comments on the differences. The voice really brings out how the differences of the smallest things can really catch you out. The setting is <em>much</em> more impressive than in the first book when they hit the Rockies, and the dynamics of a public train make it a less closed-room feel - and thus the stakes are higher because the kidnappers could have escaped.

There's a lot of scope left over for more stories, and I think there are some more to come? I'm hoping so, as I love the cosy mystery feel.

Hal is back and this time he and his uncle have headed to California to journey on the comet from Chicago to San Francisco. The trip begins smoothly but quickly picks up pace when a billionaire's daughter goes missing. Along with his new-found friends, Hal is soon on the case. Like the fist book, this is a gripping read, and very much an Agatha Christie-style mystery for children. The illustrations, as in the first book, are wonderful and really help to enhance what is already a great plot. A must read ... and it's great to hear that the 3rd book in the series, Murder on the Safari Star, will be out in February next year.

I read this book to my son as his bedtime story and every night he asked me to read more!

He found it adventurous, thrilling and exhilarating!

The story is the second in the series and we haven’t read number 1 but it didn’t matter. We will be sure to read the first one now.

Hal is taken to America by his uncle Nat who is a fellow train lover. On the journey Hal makes some great friends and also becomes embroiled in a kidnapping!

Hal’s awesome drawing skills help him use his detective skills to solve the mystery.

A great read.

M.G. Leonard and Sam Sedgman are back in another 'Adventure on Trains,' mystery in the fast paced and furious, 'Kidnap on the California Comet.' Following on from the success of solving the case of the missing jewels, Hal is thrilled to be invited to join his uncle, Nat, aboard the California Comet on a trip from Chicago to San Francisco. When one of the passengers, a billionaire's daughter is kidnapped right before his eyes, Hal finds himself unintentionally caught up in another mystery. But something isn't quite right, can he uncover the truth before the journey ends? This book was everything I hoped it would be, the 'Adventure of Trains,' series is fast becoming one of my favourite mystery series. I love how the journey itself adds to the drama with time ticking away as you watch the scenery disappear into the distance knowing that the nearer you get to your destination, the less time you have to solve the mystery. The excitement of travelling aboard these exceptional trains is wonderfully compelling, Elisa Paganelli beautiful illustrations brings to life these magnificent machines superbly. I wish more middle grade adventures were illustrated, it definitely enhances the readers' experience. Another thrilling and fabulous mystery that kept me guessing right to the dramatic end.

I haven’t read the first book in this series but it had such good reviews I was keen to read this one. Although there are references to the previous book it was possible to enjoy this story on its own.

Hal is travelling across America by train and he witnesses a kidnapping. Someone on the train must be responsible and along with his new friends, he sets out to find out who. The story is a good mystery adventure, with a host of interesting characters.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

TOOT TOOT! It's been about six months since I read and reviewed The Highland Falcon Thief, the first release in the new Adventures on Train series by M.G Leonard and Sam Sedgman and brought to life by Elisa Paganelli. This has honestly been one of my favourite books of 2020 and so I jumped at the chance to view the second instalment via Netgalley.

All aboard the Californian Comet - ready and waiting to take you on an exciting trip across the USA. Hal can't wait to join his Uncle on a second rail adventure but his uneasy feeling that something isn't right proves true when his new friend and daughter of business billionaire, August Reza, is kidnapped. Armed with his sketchbook and some magical assistants, Hal tries to piece together some increasingly confusing clues but time is running out. Can he stop the kidnappers in their tracks or will his detective work be derailed?

This sequel is every bit as exhilarating and as charming as the first but on a grander scale and with higher stakes. M.G Leonard and Sam Sedgman's detailed knowledge of trains and specific research of the American coast to coast rail journey brings the story to vividly life - from the dramatic scenery to the sights, sounds and smells of life aboard a moving locomotive. The characters are wide-ranging, fun and larger than life and the mystery has enough twists and turns to make the unravelling journey satisfying, even if you manage to solve some clues along the way.

Hal, once again, makes a likeable, determined but frustrated protagonist. This time we know the answer to the kidnap lies somewhere in his sketchbook, but this element of the storyline makes it both fascinating and unique in its USP. 'Sherlock da Vinci' is on a mission and he is going to use his skills to the best of his ability.

I loved the character of Lenny in the Highland Falcon Thief but I think I liked Hadley and Mason more, with their American exuberance, impersonations and magic tricks. The theme of magic subtlety runs through the novel and becomes pivotal to the plot. The plot in itself is pacey and perfectly executed and, just as in the last book, there is a lovely mix of adult and child characters. Uncle Hal is his casual and supportive self but brings gentle back-up to the table when needed whilst Zola, Vanessa, Adie, Hadley and Marianne are super sharp and sassy female characters - although maybe not all good!

The writing style feels effortless and, for me, is as enjoyable as the story itself. It's tone and language flows as easily as the Missouri river, making the story accessible and easy to read. Before you know it, you've rattled from chapter to chapter as quickly as Hal races from carriage to carriage and are faced with another dramatic, nerve-shredding end alongside surprising revelations. The illustrations bring warmth and familiarity and Elisa Paganelli captures the characters brilliantly.

You don't have to like trains to enjoy this series but be prepared to have your mind changed. I may not be an expert on railways but I instantly wanted to go on this train journey. In fact, it's now on my bucket list, even I won't be doing it aboard the Silver Scout. What I'm trying to say is that this book has something for everyone; trains, scenery, sketches, mystery, magic and adventure. I'm thrilled that there's more on the way...

Murder on the Safari Star publishes in February 2021.

A big thankyou to Netgalley and Pan MacMillan for allowing me to review this book.

I had really enjoyed The Highland Falcon Thief and this was just as good. Harrison beck is a smart and very likeable hero and Uncle Nat works well with him. All the other characters were well developed and were convincing as both suspects and allies. I loved all the facts about American trains and they were skilfully woven into the story so the plot never faltered. I felt the mystery in this one was smarter than in the first and how Harrison solves through his observational sketches was great. Loved it.

I was so excited to read this but it had a lot to live up to given how good The Highland Falcon Thief was. I needn't have worried; it is another glorious whodunnit from the amazing pairing of MG Leonard and Sam Sedgman.
This time, Hal's gone international, journeying on an iconic American railway route. Hal has a strange feeling that not all is quite right while waiting to board the train but he can't quite place his finger on what it is. Soon, he encounters a hoard of suspicious characters aboard, leaving the reader constantly questionning each one. When a billionaire's daughter is kidnapped, Hal has to rely on his detective skills, drawings and the help of some new friends to solve the case. I really enjoyed the new characters introduced and Hal's new friends, brother and sister duo Hadley and Mason, proved worthy sidekicks. As usual, the amazing illustrations by Elisa Paganelli also added another dimension to the story and will enable readers to picture the characters and scenary clearly.
I loved the new train setting, which could be so limiting given the characters are confined to such a small space, but it really isn't. Such painstaking detail goes into bringing this train adventure alive, even down to the timings of the route, which also adds to the plot's momentum.
This was a masterful mystery and one that will keep children guessing until the end. Once again, when everything is revealed, all the clues and threads which have been woven throughout the story come together so cleverly. I can't wait to share this with the children when we are back at school - I know they will love it.

Oh my! Well, I devoured The Highland Falcon Thief and I thought that nothing could top that. However, I was absolutely wrong.

Hal and Uncle Nat are on the California Comet, which is based on a real train experience from Chicago to San Francisco. On board are a number of different people and Hal immediately befriends Mason and Hadley who are a simply wonderful double act. Hal also meeting up with Marianne, daughter of a billionaire / tech giant. It is the mysterious kidnap of Marianne that sets our sleuth off again, this time with Mason and Hadley in tow.

As with their previous book, Leonard and Sedgman created a wonderful, fast paced story that was simply unputdownable. I also adore the relationship Hal has with his uncle. The dynamic is wonderful and I adore the scenes with just the 2 of them. There were many little twists and turns that made me think and I adore the premise of the Adventures on Trains. I simply cannot wait to see what Hal and Uncle Nat get up to next.