The Scent of Blood

Tanya Landman (author)

Walker Books, Australia: 2010; 110pp

ISBN: 978140323719

Genres: adventure, crime, mystery

Poppy Fields and her friend Graham find themselves dragged along on a 'family' trip to Farleigh Manor, a zoo with pretensions – and, it seems, a skeleton or three in the cages. When the two children find themselves first on the scene for a murder or two, they know they have to investigate.

The fifth in a series starring the perennially curious and perpetually nosey Poppy Field, The Scent of Blood may be a bit gruesome for some readers but provides a very readable story that will entertain those who enjoy a good murder mystery. Strong on narrative if light on character development, The Scent of Blood is peopled with eccentric personalities and a few of the less attractive realities of caring for animals in a zoo.

Crime/mystery has been an empty niche in the Australian children's market for some time and it's great to see a talented writer crafting books that will appeal to a significant number of younger readers. Teaming Poppy & Graham ensures that boys and girls will enjoy the stories.

Like this? Try Open For Business & High Crime in Milk Bay, or The Thieves of Ostia.