Publication Date: 1 August 2024

The Blurb

Trainee meadow witch Anwen is having a bad day – which gets much worse when a dead giant falls from the sky and destroys her village. But when she examines the body she discovers something interesting. This giant was murdered, which means a killer is on the loose!

Tasked with sending a message to the giant kingdom via beanstalk, Anwen and her nemesis, trainee sorceress Cerys, accidentally find themselves whipped up into the sky and deposited in the giants’ royal palace – where the king is missing. Using their perfect spy-size and witchy skills, the girls must track down his killer. But how can you investigate a murder mystery when you risk being stepped on by your suspects?

The Review

I am a huge fan of twisted fairy tales and I do love a good murder, so when I heard that P.G. Bell had a new book coming out that featured both, it went straight to the top of my must have list. And what a read it was – a magical murder mystery of mammoth proportions!

Set 100 years after The Great Beanstalk War, we arrive in Old Stump at the same time as the treaty that has been in place ever since is broken by a giant body falling from above. The plot twists and turns faster than a magic beanstalk, and kept me guessing until the very end. P.G. Bell’s ability to balance suspense with humour ensures that the story remains light-hearted even as the stakes are raised. The investigation is cleverly constructed, with clues and red herrings that had me trying to solve the puzzle alongside Anwen and Cerys.

The dynamic between the two girls is delicately balanced. Initially at odds, the two girls must navigate their differences and learn to cooperate to solve the mystery. Their evolving relationship adds depth to the story, showcasing the power of friendship and teamwork, and the importance of looking beyond first impressions. Peter’s portrayal of their reluctant partnership is both humourous and heart-warming, providing a strong emotional core to the adventure.

Once again, we are treated to spectacular world building both in Old Stump and in the Sky Kingdom. I would love to accompany Anwen and Cerys through the thin place to see the gigantic golden city for myself. The giants’ royal palace, with its grandiose and intimidating environment, is brought to life with vivid descriptions that highlight the sheer scale of the place from the perspective of the tiny detectives.

With its charming characters, inventive plot, and a setting that bursts with magic, The Beanstalk Murder is a tale that is both enchanting and exhilarating.

Great for fans of:

• Roxy And Jones: The Great Fairytale Cover Up by Angela Woolfe
• Bridget Vanderpuff And The Baked Escape by Martin Stewart
• The Dragon In The Bookshop by Ewa Jozefkowicz

Huge thanks to Usborne for sending me an early proof copy.