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!