Fabulous Friends and Frightful Foes

Every once in a while I feel a strong urge to read the kind of books I enjoyed as a child. Put it down to feeling burdened by adulthood sometimes or the cosy nostalgia they arouse, I happily reach out for these books knowing they can wield magic and instantly take me back to those carefree childhood days with just the flip of a page. Those days of devouring Nancy Drew mysteries and a multitude of Enid Blyton’s series with adventure, picnics, and boarding schools blended into a captivating whole: the Famous Five, Secret Seven, and suchlike. 

When I heard of a new children’s author who promised a roller-coaster ride into the world of steadfast friends out to solve perplexing mysteries, I couldn’t resist humoring the inner child in me. And, I was not the least bit disappointed! Katherine Woodfine’s debut novel ‘The Mystery of the Clockwork Sparrow’ is a delightful romp through Edwardian London of the early 1900s and places the fabulous foursome (in this case) in the middle of exciting adventures with the Sinclair’s Department Store as their common meeting ground. While fighting dastardly villains, breaking codes, and relishing iced buns, the four friends try to do ‘the right thing’.

In addition, the book has a beautiful cover: a gold-embossed one dressed with quirky illustrations that infuse a lot of fun and invite you to step inside an enchanting world. Just look at this adorable cover! Would you not want to hold the book in your hands and trace the illustrations with your fingers? 

Welcome to the Sinclair’s Department Store! Located in Piccadilly and London’s largest shopping destination with over 100 departments, this is a ‘unique modern emporium open to the world’. Explore 8 floors of shopping goodies that can fulfil the desires of every mortal. Go beyond shopping and lose yourself in the experience of unparalleled luxury, gourmet dining, and exclusive lounges. After reading about this dream of a store, I couldn't help but wish for a Sinclair's where I live.

It is in this soon-to-be-opened haunt of London’s elite that recently orphaned Sophie applies for a job and starts to work for the Millinery department. Having lived a life in many ways similar to what her customers enjoy, Sophie bravely adjusts to the change in fortune and with remarkable resilience resolves to do her best as a shop girl. While working at Sinclair’s she befriends mannequin (fashion model in today’s times) Lilian Rose and porter Billy. She is also kind to vagrant Joe who is on the run from a dangerous gang 'Baron’s Boys' and is later provided shelter by Billy.

But soon things turn topsy-turvy when Sinclair’s is burgled of precious jewellery and a unique gem-studded clockwork sparrow. Sophie is placed under suspicion having entered the premises after closing time and is soon fired. Sophie’s misfortune propels her friends to prove her innocence and thus is born the fabulous foursome! Sophie, Lilian, Billy, and Joe unite to use their detective prowess and are soon chasing clues which lead them to none other than the Baron. But who is the Baron? No one has seen him and no one knows his real name. Will the four friends be able to prove Sophie's innocence?

I thoroughly enjoyed joining Sophie and her friends as they navigated their way to the truth while learning to be responsible and astute, and much admired their loyalty to each other. I have the second book lying in wait on my bedside table and am totally ready to embark on the next adventure in this light-hearted series, so adroitly laced with humor and lovingly wrapped in kinship.