Secret Seven: Mystery of the skull by Pamela Butchart

Hachette, 2018. ISBN 9781444941531
(Age: 7+) "When Peter discovers an old skull hidden in his bedroom, it's time for an urgent meeting of the Secret Seven. Setting off to investigate, the friends see a gigantic hole in the grounds of a local hotel. Could there be any connection between the two strange events? The Secret Seven are determined to solve the mystery. It's time to look behind the green door of the Secret Seven's shed again." (Publisher)
I was so excited to be given this book to review - a much loved author and series from my childhood! Pamela Butchart does not disappoint with her take on the series and I am sure a whole new generation will discover them. Surprisingly the series is set in the same world and time as the original but it has intertwined new mysteries. The addition of the illustrations by the very talented Tony Ross will be sure to please the reader. Of course things such as sandwiches, cake and midnight adventures feature heavily throughout the book and it took me right back to my childhood. The book does not feel the least bit dated in our modern world and I was impressed to see that the author stuck to the 50s and 60s - the time of the original series. Fans of Enid Blyton, mystery, adventure and stepping back in time will love this book. Ages 7 and up will rediscover or discover their own love of a truly classic series. The new cover will ensure it attracts the attention of a new generation.
Kathryn Schumacher