Clutch
Binding: Paperback
Imprint: Walker Books
There's a thief in Aves Wood! M.G. Leonard, internationally bestselling author of Twitch, Beetleboy and Adventures on Trains, returns with the third gripping wildlife mystery for birdwatching detectives The Twitchers!
>> Twitch won the Sainsburys' Children's Book Award for Fiction 2021
>> Twitch won the CRIMEFEST Award for Best Crime Novel for Children 2021
>> "A twist-laden, thriller-like tale" Observer on Twitch
>> "A clarion call for environmentalists everywhere" Rob Biddulph on Spark
When the peregrine falcon nest is raided, Twitch realizes a thief is at work. Horrified, he and the Twitchers set out to catch the dangerous criminal, only to be ensnared in a deadly trap. Can they save themselves and stop the villain before anyone gets hurt?
Clutch is a thrilling spring mystery adventure about friendship, bravery and protecting nature, perfect for readers 9+ and for fans of Robin Stevens, Lauren St John and Jenny Pearson. It can be enjoyed as a stand-alone adventure or read as part of The Twitchers series.
Praise for The Twitchers:
“Leonard knows her audience and the jeopardy comes in flocks ... Find your nest, curl up and enjoy.” The Times, Children's Book of the Week on Twitch
"A twist-laden, thriller-like tale of a bird-mad boy, some bullies and an escaped convict hiding in the nearby woods." Observer on Twitch
"A skilfully crafted mystery adventure. A clarion call for environmentalists everywhere." Rob Biddulph, LoveReading4Kids on Spark
"A twisty crime drama as well as a persuasive story about friendship and nature." The Sunday Times on Twitch
"Simply genius." BBC Wildlife Magazine on Twitch
"Another pacy wonderful adventure steeped in the magic of nature and friendship.” Jasbinder Bilan on Spark
“Leonard has crafted an intelligent mystery from unlikely material, with bonus bird facts.” Irish Times on Twitch
“A winged masterpiece.” Maz Evans on Twitch
“Enthralling from beginning to end, it really touched my young bird-loving heart! Just wonderful!” Dara McAnulty on Twitch
“Twitch is an absolute triumph. The perfect blend of mystery and adventure, a winning hero with an eye for ornithological facts and a heart as big as the countryside, plus a cracking whipsmart plot, I think this is M. G. Leonard's best book yet.” Christopher Edge on Twitch
“Cracking characters, beyond pacy plotting and an ending that is almost Bugsy Malone-esque!” Phil Earle on Twitch
Creators
M. G. Leonard is an award-winning, bestselling writer of children’s books, as well as a member of Authors4Oceans. Her books are sold in 40 countries, and there is currently a TV series in development based on her Beetle Boy series. Her first picture book, The Tale of a Toothbrush, is out now. She is also co-author of the critically acclaimed Adventures on Trains series, and the author of The Twitchers, a mystery adventure series starring a group of birdwatching detectives. Before becoming a writer, M. G. Leonard worked as a digital media producer for the National Theatre, The Royal Opera House and Shakespeare’s Globe. She lives by the sea with her husband, two sons and pet beetles.
Reviews
This is another series that readers aged 9-12 will enjoy for its detective story quality and for the young heroes and heroines who are the central characters, their daring and intelligence will impress readers who discover this series. But scattered through the story are moments of fun and silliness, and also insights into observational science.
ReadPlus
Reading this book reminded me of my childhood enjoyment of Enid Blyton mysteries. As is typical of a well-written detective story, it had me guessing and wondering about the outcome of the mystery. I also enjoyed the interesting characters – both the adventurous and daring children and the eccentric adults suspected of egg thieving. The complexities of the children’s friendships and the different competencies that they bring to the mystery solving collaboration is interesting and relatable. There’s also humour and interesting facts about ornithology and animal preservation woven into the story.
Reading Time
High drama, dangerous adventure and night time stakeouts ramp up the tension and jeopardy in this fast-paced, cleverly plotted and brilliantly written mystery that will keep you guessing and perched on the edge of your nest. With red-herrings, twists, numerous suspects, alibis, motives and allegations, it has everything readers could want. The Twitchers are such a joyous group to spend time with and their shared love of nature, wonderful moral code, blossoming friendships and fierce resolve to look out for each other are all delightful… A thrilling springtime mystery! I cannot wait to see what summertime brings to Briddvale.
A Word About Books
