Honestly, this series is so much fun! I love Zaiba so much, she is creative and intelligent and kind. And Poppy and Ali are excellent additions to the team. Daniela Sosa’s illustrations are genuinely beautiful and really help to bring the book to life.

This time our mystery is set at a school fete, where Zaiba and co have created a mystery trail (I want to take part in that so much!), and where someone has poisoned a cupcake! The mystery itself is so well played out, and the clues seem very realistic for something Zaiba could piece together but also aren't too simple. There is also a good use of the mystery trail while solving and catching the poisoner, which is a particularly nice touch. The Eden Lockett books are a fun addition too - continuing to give Zaiba ideas of how to proceed with her crime-solving.

Definitely worth reading the first book before this, as there are little spoilers throughout.

The ending is a little unrealistic due to the response of it all, but that's pretty minor compared to the utter enjoyment of the book.

I received this book from the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

Honestly, this series is so much fun! I love Zaiba so much, she is creative and intelligent and kind. And Poppy and Ali are excellent additions to the team. Daniela Sosa’s illustrations are genuinely beautiful and really help to bring the book to life.

This time our mystery is set at a school fete, where Zaiba and co have created a mystery trail (I want to take part in that so much!), and where someone has poisoned a cupcake! The mystery itself is so well played out, and the clues seem very realistic for something Zaiba could piece together but also aren't too simple. There is also a good use of the mystery trail while solving and catching the poisoner, which is a particularly nice touch. The Eden Lockett books are a fun addition too - continuing to give Zaiba ideas of how to proceed with her crime-solving.

Definitely worth reading the first book before this, as there are little spoilers throughout.

The ending is a little unrealistic due to the response of it all, but that's pretty minor compared to the utter enjoyment of the book.

4 stars.

I was lucky to be approved by Netgalley the second book in the Agent Zaiba investigates. This time Zaiba, her friend Poppy and younger brother Ali find themselves investigating a poison plot at their School Fete. I was not disappointed by this second book in fact it made me love the series even more that I decided to purchase the book and read it physically. I love the inclusiveness of the book , the messages it gives to readers and again the full illustrations help the story along. I can't wait for the next book in this wonderful series and yes it will be bought so for this reason I have to give this 4 stars.

We first met Agent Zaiba when she saved both some stolen diamonds and her favourite cousin's mehndi party. In this second outing she is a little closer to home and trying to run an activity at her school summer fete. Obviously, it is a detection-based activity and, in between setting it up she is watching her dad and brother compete in the baking competition. When a real-life crime occurs - poison in the cupcakes - Zaiba and best friend Poppy spring into action to work out who is to blame. There are lots of clues as the story develops, plenty of red herrings (not my favourite flavour of cupcake) and, hooray, a big helping of least favourite cousin Mariam. Add in some less than mature behaviours by many of the adults and this becomes a brilliant cosy crime caper for Key Stage 2 children...

Zaiba has always wanted to be a detective, like her Aunt Fouzia and her mum (who disappeared while on a mission and died when Zaiba was just a year old). Her younger brother Ali and best friend Poppy love investigating too, and together, they are ready to solve any mystery!

So when the newly appointed Head of the school chokes and keels over while judging the parent-child baking competition, in what appears to be a case of poisoning, agents Zaiba, Poppy and Ali spring into action. They know they have a very small window of time to go over the crime scene and investigate the case before the self-important police chief gets there and keeps them out. Will the children (including the baking competition finalists’ kids Mariam and Gabrielle) get to the root of the poisoning, prove their parents’ innocence and catch the would-be killer?

Things I liked about the book were Zaiba’s confidence, her clarity and surety about her non-traditional career choice, her preparedness for solving the case (she is very well read in crime and investigation, albeit from a series of crime novels) and how she is inclusive and does not look down on the relatively inexperienced detectives who have joined the case to help. I also liked how non-white people (Zaiba and her family are of Asian descent, the Mayor is shown as being Black British) were seen as and accepted as an integral part of a small village community in the UK. What I found a little difficult to digest was the very simplistic nature of what is supposed to be an investigation of attempted murder, a serious crime. While the kids do show a lot of determination and resourcefulness and crack the case, there is no atmosphere building, no tension created. At first, I thought I understood why this was so- the book is evidently meant for a young audience (8-10 years) and hence cannot be too scary or tense. But then I remembered the master who introduced me to the mystery genre when I was 9 years old- all rise for Enid Blyton- and realised that atmosphere need not always be nail-bitingly frightening. It can be gently, deliciously thrilling too. And that is why this book gets a 3.5 stars from me.

Cosy crime for kids! Love it!

Agent Zaiba Investigates: The Poison Plot is the second in the series which follows the exploits of the Snow Leopard Detective Agency - UK branch. In this instalment Zaiba, Ali and Poppy investigate the case of the mysterious poisoning of the headteacher during the baking competition at the school summer fete. With lots of suspicious characters and strange goings on will our intrepid team of detectives get to the bottom of the mystery before the police turn up to make a mess of things?

Full of great characters and red herrings to keep the reader guessing along the way, Agent Zaiba Investigates: The Poison Plot is highly recommended for 8+.

It’s the thirtieth Beckley School Summer Fete and Zaiba, our adorable British Pakistani main character, is in charge of the treasure trail. Of course Zaiba, being a detective in training, has transformed it into a detective trail.

“There were twists and turns, riddles and mysteries to crack - plus a list of likely suspects.”

Her father, Hassan, and younger brother, Ali, are keen to win the baking competition. Zaiba’s stepmother, Jessica, is going to be busy face painting, putting her artistic flair to good use.

Zaiba is proud of the work she and Poppy, her best friend, have put into making the detective trail perfect, although she’s eager for the opportunity to solve another crime.

“A crime will arrive when you least expect it”

Amidst the festivities there is indeed a crime taking place. Someone has been poisoned! Fortunately, the UK branch of the Snow Leopard Detective Agency are ready to find the clues, narrow down the suspects and solve this crime.

With plenty of people acting suspicious there are no shortage of suspects. Readers will enjoy sorting out the red herrings from the clues and trying to solve the case before Zaiba and the rest of the Snow Leopards do.

As you explore the school grounds with Zaiba both before and after the crime, you’ll come across plenty of clues, or are they? For starters, there’s environmentally friendly glitter, gardening that would make Morticia Addams proud, adults behaving badly and treasonous book vandalism.

And the person with a penchant for poison is … Nice try! You didn’t really think I’d spoil the reveal for you, did you?

I loved Daniela Sosa’s illustrations in the first book and continued to enjoy them here. The bunting above the chapter headings was an appropriate choice. I particularly liked the inclusion of some of Ali’s photos towards the end of the book, as he’d been taking plenty of photos throughout the day for the school newspaper.

I enjoyed hearing more about Eden Lockett’s books. Eden, a detective-turned-author, is Zaiba’s favourite author. I always get sucked in by the idea of fictional books within a book and usually wish they were real. The one I’m most interested in reading from this book is ‘The Clown’s Clue’. Revenge under the Big Top sounds like so much fun!

My only niggle was feeling like the person who committed the crime [SPOILER - essentially got away with it. Although it’s nice that all’s well that ends well, I hesitate when children’s books don’t really hold people accountable for bad behaviour, especially for actions that are criminal. Yes, the person who committed the crime won’t be thrilled about the consequences they do face but if someone gets caught poisoning someone, getting a warning from the Police doesn’t even feel equivalent to a slap on the wrist to me. - SPOILER]

Fun extras at the end of the story include some fictional book within a book love (an extract from an Eden Lockett book), tips for creating your own detective trail and advice from Zaiba’s ammi.

“If plan A doesn’t work, there’s a whole alphabet worth of letters left to try!”

I was thrilled to see Mariam, Zaiba’s least favourite cousin, at the fete. I’m still keen to get to know her better. I’m also greedy for more page time with Ali. During future investigations I hope I get to learn more about Zaiba’s ammi and hang out with Aunt Fouzia.

I’d recommend reading this series in order as there are a couple of spoilery bits about Zaiba’s first investigation scattered throughout this one.

The next mystery for the UK branch of the Snow Leopard Detective Agency to solve features a haunted house and I am definitely showing up for that investigation!

“Why wouldn’t anyone want to be a detective?”

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Stripes Publishing, an imprint of Little Tiger Group, for the opportunity to read this book.

Zaiba is absolutely adorable in this next mystery. She takes charge and I love that she’s a great leader AND takes the time to make sure her friends also get to speak up and have their moment to learn and be stellar kid detectives!

I loved the fun cake baking competition idea and all the little blues scattered throughout the book. Zaiba and the rest of the Snow Leopards are so fun! The deductions they make and lists they had were absolutely great!

This was just a great light, fun read that I just know middle grade readers would love! It’s refreshing and quick (I finished it in around two hours!) and has all the perfect elements for a mystery! Also, I love the artwork scattered between the the chapters! It really added to the story and made it even more enjoyable!

Also, the friendship between Zaiba and Poppy and Ali is so wholesome! This really is just a great book of friendship and teamwork!

If you enjoy murder mystery scavenger hunts, cake baking competitions, and *gasp* poison! You should definitely pick this up! You’ll find really smart kids that solve puzzles, sneaky adults that underestimate kids, acts of jealousy and passion, and amazing teamwork and friendships in this wonderful middle grade mystery!

A jolly detective story, perfect for 7+. Zaiba is inspired to be a detective like her aunt, and had set up a detective trail at the school dinner fete. Her dad, brother and aunt are taking part in the baking competition, which is interrupted by a poisoning! There are a cat if suspects, including the ambitious deputy head, a mysterious school governor and the caretaker. Zaiba has work with her friends and her unfriendly cousin to solve the mystery! A fun, light detective story with a believable contemporary setting. I particularly liked the illustrations and the happy family that includes a stepmother.

This book was received via Netgalley in return for an honest review.

The Poison Plot is the second book in the series ‘Agent Zaiba Investigates’. As the title suggests, this is a middle grade detective story, following Zaiba, her brother Ali and her best friend Poppy as they take on the role of detective.

The first book had them facing a diamond thief and in their next case, they are hunting for a poisoner at the school fete!

During a baking contest, the new headteacher of Zaiba’s school is taken ill after biting into one of the creations. Poison! But who is responsible? And will Zaiba’s first Detective Trail go to plan?

Zaiba and friends are a delight to read about. Zaiba in particular is a wonderful protagonist. She is passionate and determined and really intelligent. Her dream is to be a detective just like her Aunt and her mother (who died mysteriously before the story began). This is something that everyone around her accepts and supports - her Aunt places her as head of the Snow Leopard Detective Agency UK Branch and parents are happy for her to put her investigative skills to work. It’s such a pleasure to read a story where a young girl’s ambition is nurtured and encouraged from day 1.

Annabelle Sami writes mystery incredibly well. This story is a well plotted small town drama. The red herrings are well placed and the side plots are twisted well into the main investigation. The aspects that make it a children’s book, for an adult, are incredibly sweet, funny and introduces ideas of how to explore without anything getting too heavy for the target audience. This is a difficult line to tread but Sami does a brilliant job.

The whimsy and the thrill of finding out the truth is brilliant here. This is shown in the detective trail participants and how eager they are to play those roles. I honestly believe that a child reading this would easily be sucked into the world, just like I was, and would be inspired by the detective genius of Zaiba and the rest of the Snow Leopard Detective Agency UK Branch.

I especially like the details of Zaiba writing all the suspects down in her notebook and how they all work together to find the answers. The details of things that children just would have no idea about amused me, like the question of what exactly a school governor does (as someone who works in a school, I should really know the answer to this) and the level of dramatics that Zaiba and Poppy are willing to go to in their detective trail.

The art work by Daniela Sosa adds to the story. Beautifully created and depicting the clues, key events and our favourite protagonists. It really is a shame that we don’t keep illustrating books as the target audience gets older.

Agent Zaiba Investigates: The Poison Plot is a brilliant sequel in this mystery series. A pleasure to read with engaging characters and an enjoyable plot. For an adult, it is wholesome fun that I can easily devour in a day because I am so engaged. I am eager to read the third installment (The Haunted House??? Yes please! I need it in my life!) and any other works that Sami wants to put out into the world!

I am there for it all.

I really enjoyed the first book in this series, so I was excited to read this one. I wasn’t disappointed.

It was so much fun to come back to Zaiba and her pals. This time around, a teacher is poisoned during a baking competition, and the Snow Leopard Detective Agency - UK Branch is determined to solve the case before the police arrive! The plot is great, the characterisation is great, the setting comes through well, I just enjoyed myself so much. I particularly liked the developing relationship between Mariam, Zaiba, and Poppy. Oh, and the illustrations were delightful this time around too.

If you fancy a fun detective romp, carried out by a bunch of intelligent and appealing children, then this is the book for you. I’m hoping there will be many more in the series.

I was given a free copy of this book, my opinions are my own.

I had a grin on my face the entire time I was reading this book because oh my gosh was this the kind of book I would have LOVED as a kid! I was always really into detective stories, so I just know that little bookworm Fatima would have been so excited to read a detective story with a main character who's British-Pakistani. I haven't read very many middle-grade books since I was the target age myself, and the ones I have read have been (predictably) very white. I thought the representation was done really well in this book, with Urdu words and references to South Asian foods sprinkled throughout. Honestly, I think I'm way too excited about the existence of a fun children's book with a South Asian main character to provide a properly coherent review, but I'm so, SO glad that South Asian kids get to grow up with books like this and have fun, smart characters like Zaiba to look up to. I actually haven't read the first book in this series but I definitely will, and I will certainly be recommending it to anyone I know with middle-grade aged kids!

I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

My favourite British-Pakistani heroine is back and doing what she does best. After successfully solving the case of the missing diamonds, Agent Zaiba is desperate for another real-life crime to solve. And she doesn’t have to wait long…get ready for cup cakes and poison!

The whole community is excited for the Beckley School Summer Fete. It will be full of the usual stalls that families love; Soak the Teacher, Guess the Number of Sweets in the Jar, Hook-a-Duck, Tombola, Coconut Shy, Dog Show and most importantly for Hassan and Ali, the Baking Competition. Zaiba is particularly excited too, as she has the responsibility of organising the Treasure Trail which she has turned into a ‘Detective Trail’ to help train other potential agents.

When Ms. Goremain, the newly appointed headteacher, is poisoned during the ultra competitive Bake-Off, Agent Zaiba must put her detective skills into action. Taking inspiration from the detective stories by her favourite author, Eden Lockett, Agent Zaiba and her team of detectives set about to solve the cupcake mystery.

Agent Zaiba has her work cut out though. The crime scene is a mess and there are many suspects who all appear to have motive to harm Ms. Goremain. Someone is out for revenge and no-one is above suspicion.

What a great little mystery this is. It is an easy read and perfect for children just getting into longer detective and mystery reads. The story is accompanied by plenty of lively and imaginative illustrations by Daniela Sosa which are great fun and add additional interest.

The school setting is relatable to readers and makes the mystery feel very much believable. Pakistani culture is woven seamlessly into the narrative which will be welcomed by many readers as they see their own lives portrayed and a lead character who they can really relate to. I really enjoyed the references to the Mehndi party, sari, Eid, henna - which were relevant and provide insights into a culture that will be unfamiliar to many readers. It is also great to see a mixed-race family represented.

In amongst the cupcakes and crime there are messages of teamwork and friendship. It is ultimately Mariam and Zaiba, the two cousins, overcoming their differences and animosity towards each other to work together and becoming friends that helps solve the mystery. I also liked Zaiba’s connection to her deceased mother Ammi, whose notes are scribbled in Zaiba’s collection of Eden Lockett novels and help guide her in her detective work.

In addition to the story there is a lovely bonus section at the end that includes all manner of extras where readers will be able to learn some top detective tips, test their own detective skills, plan their own detective trail and bake Hassan’s famous Cardamom and Lemon Loaf Cake.

Amateur sleuths will have great fun trying to piece together the clues and trying to unravel the mystery. I am very much looking forward to the next case for Agent Zaiba and the Snow Leopard Detective Agency - UK Branch, Agent Zaiba Investigates: The Haunted House. Recommended for 8+.

It was hard to read the section on ‘Suspects and Motives Opportunity’ as the text on my Kindle wasn’t displayed correctly and was muddled.

With thanks to Netgalley and Stripes Publishing for the review copy.

Agents Zaiba, Ali and Poppy of the Snow Leopard Detective Agency (UK Branch) are back with a brand new mystery to solve, but this time, they're going to need help! The school fete descends into chaos after the new headmistress is poisoned in a baking competition. Can Zaiba solve her second case and clear her relatives' names? And is this mystery more complicated that it first seems?

Packed full of baking fun, teamwork and face paint, the follow up to Agent Zaiba Investigates: The Missing Diamonds is just as exciting and fun as the first. This is shaping up to be a really strong series which will be extremely popular with Middle Grade mystery fans.

Zaiba's bond with Poppy and Ali is very special, and Zaiba is clear throughout that she couldn't solve mysteries without her friends. In this story, she also has a more positive relationship with her cousin Mariam, which was so nice to see! I felt really sorry for Mariam in book one, so it was lovely to witness her getting involved in the detective fun this time around. All of my other favourite characters from book one were back too, even if some of them are only there via video call!

There are plenty of twists and turns in this story, but also lots of clues to keep young reader's guessing and to help them solve this mystery along with Zaiba. There are also some great puzzles, tips and games at the back of the book, which would be great for Summer Holiday entertainment, or to inspire some fun activities in school next year. I think reading about Zaiba will inspire lots of children to start detective agencies of their own. There's also a snippet from an Eden Lockett mystery, so readers can see Zaiba's hero in action. I love the way these stories inspire Zaiba throughout her detective work, and the link they give her to her Ammi is very special.

Sosa's illustrations are a delight again. She does a superb job of bringing Sami's words to life.

Overall, this is another must-read for mystery fans. Sami is fast becoming one of my favourite Middle Grade authors. I can't wait to see what she writes next.

Thank you Little Tiger for letting me review this story via NetGalley.

Agent Zaiba Investigates: The Poison Plot is the second brilliant book in the Agent Zaiba mystery series for children age 8+. The first, The Missing Diamonds, was published by Stripes Publishing in February 2020.

It’s the day of the school summer fete – Zaiba’s favourite day of the whole year! There will be treats, games and even a baking competition! She and her best friend, Poppy, are so excited to be organising the Detective Trail with costumes, clues and a chance for the other children to learn all about solving mysteries.

Zaiba has learned from her Aunt Fouzia, the best detective in Pakistan, that a crime might occur when you least expect it. Today is no different. It all goes wrong in the baking tent when someone is poisoned! Zaiba and the Snow Leopard Detective Agency (UK branch) spring into action and take on the case! Using their keen observation skills, Zaiba and her friends soon identify suspects, motives and opportunities to commit the crime. There is no shortage of clues and red herrings for them to investigate. In classic Agatha Christie, Sherlock Holmes and Nancy Drew style, these super sleuths waste no time unearthing mysterious behaviour and suspicious characters.

This story is a master class in using logic, wit and observation to make sense of the world around you. It is a celebration of being clever and using your brain to solve problems. The use of strong female characters provides fantastic role models for all children. They are powerful and intelligent, showing just how much they can achieve as the mayor, headteacher, medic and top detective. There is no question that girls can do anything. The diversity of the characters is another strength of the story. Friendship and community take centre stage as the children work together to solve the mystery.

The Agent Zaiba series promises to be a great collection of children’s mysteries – ones to be read again and again.

Thank you to NetGalley and Stripes Publishing for this fantastic book! It will be published in July 2020.

It was so wonderful to be back solving crime with Agent Zaiba and her friends and family. Since solving her first crime, she is now in charge of the Snow Leopard Detective Agency- UK Office and it is well deserved. She is clever, cautious and has superb instincts.
The school fete has arrived and Zaiba has created a Detective trail as an activity- ensuring she has checked all the clues, the path to follow and ensured nothing can go wrong. What she doesn't expect is an actual case needing to be solved- though she is always on the hunt for new cases and suspicious characters.
During the popular bake off, one of the judges- the new headmistress- gets poisoned. One of the cupcakes must have had poison in the icing- but who would want to poison the new headmistress? Was she the actual intended victim? With so many questions to ask, Zaiba must face facts and solve the mystery as her father and Aunt Raim were 2 of the 3 bakers in the tent. She needs to solve the mystery to ensure their innocence. It won't be easy but she, brother Ali and best friend Poppy have plenty of tricks up their sleeves. They also recruit two new members, cousin Mariam and son of the third baker, Gabriele.

With a cast full of brilliant characters and plenty of action, twists and turns, this second in the series is a welcome distraction from real life. One of my favourite parts of the book is "I trust the children of our school completely. She paused and gazed at Zaiba. This young detective is an especially bright student. I would like to hear her findings. Our children's voices are as important as our own"

I love that the headmistress, though feeling quite ill after the poisoning, is confident in Zaiba and her skills.

With a confidence beyond her years, Zaiba lays out all the evidence and finds not only the culprit but the type of poison as well. Nothing gets past Zaiba!

With a glimpse at the titles of Book 3 I am thrilled to see more from Agent Zaiba.