Stuck in the mud by R. A. Spratt

The Peski Kids, book 3. Puffin, 2019. ISBN: 9780143796350.
(Age: 8+) Recommended. Themes: Brothers and Sisters, Country Life, Competitions. Mud, mud, glorious mud, presenting the annual Currawong Mud Run Festival, where a huge muddy obstacle course is built throughout the town! The Peski kids return in another exciting, slightly dangerous, drama-filled story. While their mother (a spy) is still imprisoned in a rather horrible European jail, the family undergo some difficult changes. Ingrid the Swedish au pair from next door is about to be deported and Mr Peski has been talked into a pretend marriage to keep her in Australia. She moves into their home, much to the resentment of the kids. April and her rather aggressive little companion dog Pumpkin are also extremely upset when neighbour Loretta Viswanathan also moves in taking over April's bedroom.
All three siblings quickly become involved in the race preparations. Fin wins the opportunity to design the course with bulldozers, heavy machinery and mountains of mud to transform the town. April's temper sees her suspended from school and she joins the women's team run by an Olympic medallist keen to win the race. April's forced to run with the new student in her class who's vision impaired. Joe is tempted by baked goods from the local baker and bribes from the school staff, and he must win the race at any cost!
What could possibly go wrong on the big day? When the prize money is stolen in a well-planned bank robbery, which one of the Peski kids will step up and save the day?
R. A. Spratt's Stuck in the Mud delivers a fast-paced adventure, plenty of family drama, quirky characters and another Currawong community crazy event. Her humorous and witty style of writing make this another exciting addition to the series and a fantastic class novel for students in the Upper Primary. What's next for feisty Peski Kids? She adds a teaser - Near Extinction.
Rhyllis Bignell