The famous five are back, but in a modern world. It was a good story and liked the link between the old famous five to the new age one, but it lacked adventure for me. It had the mystery that the children had to solve, but it was lacking for me. I would have wanted to see the new five to more, but I suspect that will come in the next book. It would appeal to children and I would recommend it. 3.5 stars
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy,

I loved the Famous Five as a child and I loved this book as an adult. It is so cleverly written, with throwbacks to the original books and the professor saying how children today are too mollycoddled to have the adventures George, Timmy, Dick, Ann and Julian had in earlier times. I don’t want to spoil any of the lovely surprises, so will just repeat what a brilliant book this is.

Loved the Famous Five as a child and Chris Smith’s nostalgic blast from the past is fabulous. I really enjoyed the clever link to the original series, the familiar setting and characters alongside a host of new explorers. A great story, felt a tad rushed at the end so not a perfect 5 stars for me but one I know that lots of children will enjoy reading.

One for our reading challenge, and The New Famous Five by @chrissmithstagram absolutely succeeded in making me feel young again!

I adored every second of this, the ‘flashbacks’ were pure perfection and captured the original five amazingly well for a new generation, and the use of the original setting of Kirrin and the island was so nostalgic. Lots of lovely Easter eggs for older readers and plenty of good old fashioned Famous Five adventures for a brand new set of children. You can absolutely tell that the author loved the original series and has done a wonderful job of creating a book which remains faithful while feeling new all at the same time.

Very excited that this is the first in a new series and although it’s rare for me to read a children’s book (or at least without reading/being read to my own children) this is a series I’ll be sticking with. An absolute joy!!

There are several generations who grew up on Enid Blyton; she and Roald Dahl were staples in every school library, and we all read about midnight feasts and dastardly villains with bated breath. Several authors have attempted to carry on her various series - Dame Jacqueline Wilson has an ongoing series set in the Faraway Tree, and there's a whole new series of Malory Towers. But this marks the first time anyone has touched Enid's flagship series, the Famous Five.

The story is split over two time periods, one current and one back in the Famous Five days. Language and behaviour in those sections are appropriate to the way the Five spoke and behaved, which is occasionally a problem in modern continuations! We learn a little about the fates of Dick, Anne and George, but nothing about Julian - perhaps Chris is saving that for the next book in the series! There is an ending to the story here, it's not a cliffhanger, but there's definitely room for the story to continue.

For those of us who like classic style adventures, with a touch of modern conveniences, this is one for you. Buy it to introduce your kids to the Famous Five, then surprise them with the original 21 volumes! (And when you're reading the originals, let me know - George had a sailboat, right? This thinks she had a motor boat!)

Book Recommendation: For another read with a touch of historical flavour, try The Sackville Street Caper by Alan Nolan. Set during the childhood of Bram Stoker, when he lived in Dublin, the book and its sequels feature him teaming up with Molly Malone to solve crimes and have run ins with other historical figures!

Movie recommendation: For a more modern take, Nancy Drew (the 2007 film) also revolves around a young detective uncovering mysteries, much like the new Famous Five's quest to find treasure and catch a thief. It’s light-hearted but full of intrigue, perfect for fans of both the book and the spirit of adventure.

Should you purchase this book expecting a continuation of the Famous Five series, you will quickly realise that this is an up-to-date story, with a different set of modern characters, apart from the original George, who is now a professor conducting experiments. This works in the sense that the spirit of the Enid Blyton originals is still here, Kirrin cottage, island, area for adventures are still here, but it is a new group of characters, who will take some getting used to, but your favourites will soon appear. They stay for several chapters as the writer brings what happened in the past to the current times. If you’re new to the Famous Five, you’ll not really notice anything wrong, but those who will only stand for the original stories may be surprised how good this is. It’s not for me to say if this is better than the original stories because this is decades later and the world has changed and so have the characters, clearly. You’ll need to leave the older memories in your head if you’ve read the originals, but I think most will be pleased how well this has captured new times.

Chris Smith's Five and the Forgotten Treasure is a delightful adventure that brings fresh excitement to both new readers and a little nostalgia for older readers that might have them returing to the Enid Blyton originals. This latest installment follows a new quintet on a treasure hunt that’s full of twists, turns, and unexpected surprises.

For newcomers, Smith’s engaging writing style and fast-paced plot make it a fun and easy read. The characters are vividly drawn, and the setting of Kirrin is rich with details that transport readers into the heart of the adventure. The narrative is laced with humor, mystery, and a sense of wonder that will surely capture the imaginations of young readers and those young at heart.

I requested this to share the universe of a childhood favourite with my child and out of emotional reasons - nostalgia.
Though, in my review, I wish to look at this book as a creative work on its own. Yes, we have an olde George, and there are certain similarities and inspiration from the original Famous Five, but the best aspect the two series shares is the adventure.
I cannot say that I liked all of the characters or the whole plot, but this was certainly an adventurous read for children.
3.5 for me, 4-4.5 for younger readers.

What a throwback to The Famous Five from my childhood! New characters are off on an adventure, skillfully aided by a familiar face. It has all of the usual: picnics, dogs, mystery, adults doing things they shouldn't be doing and plans. A brilliant story for fans of the originals and I'm positive it will encourage new readers to pick up the old stories.

The New Famous Five is great! The mix of new story and characters is nicely balanced with nostalgia and references to the original series. I'll definitely get these for my daughter.

As a child, I devoured the entire Famous Five series and often daydreamed about embarking on adventures of my own. I think the Famous Five were the books that really got me into reading. I’d also read the newer versions written by French author Claude Voilier which really kept close to the spirit of the original books. At the time, I didn’t even know which were the originals and which were the new versions! So I was happy to hear that a brand new series was coming out!
In this new version of the Famous Five, the children and their dog are not the same as the originals, though there is a connection between the two generations. Some familiar faces, such as George, make an appearance early on, and seeing her as an adult scientist still filled with a sense of adventure was lovely.
One small downside for me was the story within a story. A flashback to events from 50 years ago was an interesting touch, but I found myself wishing for a more nostalgic feel—perhaps a tale that more closely mirrored the adventures of the original Famous Five.
That said, I’m excited to see where this new series goes. It’s a great alternative for modern-day children, and it is still filled with treasure hunts and mystery maps. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for further titles!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. This is my honest opinion of the book. This review is available on Goodreads.

We really enjoyed this, me for the nostalgia and the children for the exciting storyline. A really good book to read together. Ties together the original stories and five to a new generation, great fun.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book.

This is a rare thing - a sequel/reimagining which is actually good. i am a sucker for versions of classic or popular books - Poirot , Pride and Prejudice, Wuthering Heights, Malory Towers, St Clare's etc., and they are usually very disappointing but this one isn't!

I particularly liked the start when you weren't sure if the book was set in the times of the originals or if it was more modern. I loved the description of the seaside village, it really came alive for me and I, too, was walking down the cobbled hill and up then up the hill to the woods, that was great.

i also enjoyed how the adventures of the old Five were alluded to and meshed in with new Five. It was good to find out more about the smugglers passages and the caves. A really good, nostalgic read, perhaps even a bit short. I loved the tantalising introduction at the end of another old friend.

I would say though that new boy is too cheeky for my liking and, unless my calculations are wrong, George must be in her mid 60s so she is very fit for her age. I know a lot of women in their 60s and I doubt that any of them could jump out of a window and sprint across a garden or use a rope ladder even without a dog under their arm.

Very enjoyable though and I would like to read the next one.

I was a little hesitant about a reboot of The Famous Five, especially being brought up to date, but this couldn't have been more perfect! Three children are sent to holiday with a hitherto unknown relative and get tangled up in righting a 50yo wrong.

It sublimely weaves the old stories into a new story so that nothing seems out of place. I hope there are many more to enjoy,after this glorious start.

I was a huge fan of The Famous Five as a child and an delighted to see this reboot. It went back to the past to the original crew and also introduced a new famous five team (with great appearances and references to the old team!). Looking forward to more mysteries!