A Talent for Trouble by Natasha Farrant
Published by Clarion Books on November 19, 2019
ISBN: 1328580784
Pages: 258
Genres: Adventure, Humor, Mystery
Goodreads

Alice Mistlethwaite loves to write stories. Her mother’s recent death weighs heavy on her. She lives with her unpredictable father and Aunt Patience in the family home in England. Soon Alice is sent off to boarding school in Scotland. She befriends, Jesse, another lonely student, and Fergus, a very bright student who loves making pranks. The three are assigned to the same orienteering team. Alice receives a letter and a package from her father instructing her to meet him on a small island off the coast. She convinces her team mates to go off the planned orienteering adventure and help her find her father. They end up on a dangerous adventure where each of their strengths and talents serve their efforts well. The characters are well developed and the plot moves quickly. The mystery surrounding the package and Alice’s father makes this a suspenseful story with humor and charm. Recommended for ages 10-12.
Reviewed by Kris Zuidema, retired school librarian, Standish