Angus and Martha live in a small beach town where nothing much happens – until a mysterioussecond‑hand shop materialises overnight. Before they know it, Angus and Martha find themselves caught up in an ancient conflict and a web of intrigue between Vikings and goblins of the Old Realm.

The Fourteenth Summer of Angus Jack is a classic adventure mystery which skilfully weaves Norse myth into a tale that is fresh and utterly compelling. It’s a great mix of nail-biting suspense and laugh-out-loud humour that lightens the story’s more sinister moments!

Jen Storer’s trademark wit, rich language, depiction of colourful larger-than-life characters and outlandish villains, and her empathy for her protagonists’ dilemmas are all in fine form here. Peppered with line drawings and wonderful full-page images, this is a book children are sure to love.

With lots of short chapters and a satisfying ending, it’s perfect for independent readers 8 years and up and definitely one to share with the whole family. Highly recommended.

Athina Clarke is the Children’s Buyer at Readings Malvern