The Lizzie and Belle Mysteries: Drama and Danger

WINNER OF THE WEEK JUNIOR CHILDREN’S BOOK OF THE YEAR: BREAKTHROUGH AWARD

SHORTLISTED FOR THE WATERSTONES 2023 CHILDREN’S BOOK PRIZE

WINNER OF THE DIVERSE BOOK AWARD FOR CHILDREN’S BOOK OF THE YEAR

“Bringing Georgian London vividly to life, this is a wonderful historical mystery with two delightful heroines.” – Katherine Woodfine, author of The Synclair’s Mysteries series

A thrilling middle grade mystery series, perfect for fans of Robin Steven’s Murder Most Unladylike. Set in eighteenth-century London, with all the fun and zest of Hamilton and inspired by real Black British historical figures.

Twelve-year-olds Lizzie Sancho and Dido Belle are from different worlds – Lizzie lives in Westminster in her dad’s tea shop, while Belle is an heiress being brought up by her aunt and uncle at grand Kenwood House – but they both share a love of solving mysteries.

And when their eyes meet in the audience of the Drury Lane theatre one night, both girls are sure they’ve seen something suspicious on stage.

Lizzie and Belle soon find themselves on the trail of a mystery – and becoming best friends. But can they work out what’s going on in time to prevent a murder?

“"Bringing Georgian London vividly to life, this is a wonderful historical mystery with two delightful heroines. I can't wait to read the next instalment and find out what Lizzie and Belle will get up to next!" Katherine Woodfine, author of The Sinclair's Mysteries”

Praise for The Week Junior Children’s Book of the Year: Breakthrough Award:

“What a joyful, heartstopping, theatrical whirlwind of a book”

“Everything about this beamed magnificence and made my heart soar”

“Its originality and freshness comes from the way that real history and historical characters are cleverly incorporated into the story, putting Black history firmly at the centre.”

“Eloquent, clever, imaginative and fun”

“Kids will just hoover this book up”

“Black British Georgian history is effectively brought to life through characters based on real people, but it is the suspense and plot twists that keep the pages turning” – Sarah Keating, The Irish Times

‘This vivid theatreland mystery – whose atmospheric setting recalls Phillip Pullman’s The Ruby and the Smoke series – is deeply rooted in the abolitionist milieu and resonates sonorously today.’

The Observer, Chapter Books of the Month, 29th May 2022

‘I was hooked from the outset as Williams expertly takes the real life historical figures of two black Georgians Lizzie Sancho and Dido Belle and imagines them tackling a mystery of an attempted onstage murder! From the descriptions of the Jamaica Coffee House to the candle lit theatre chandeliers Georgian London is vividly brought to life. A must read for mystery fans.’

Joseph Coelho, Waterstone’s Children’s Laureate

“Bringing Georgian London vividly to life, this is a wonderful historical mystery with two delightful heroines. I can't wait to read the next instalment and find out what Lizzie and Belle will get up to next!”

Katherine Woodfine, author of The Sinclair’s Mysteries series

J.T. Williams studied English Literature at Cambridge University before becoming a primary school teacher. After teaching full-time, she became a programme manager at the Royal African Society leading creative writing schools workshops for the literature festival Africa Writes. Now a freelance educator and writer, she has won several prizes for her work.

Her debut short story appeared in The Very Merry Murder Club, edited by Robin Stevens and Serena Patel.

A thrilling middle grade mystery series, perfect for fans of Robin Steven's Murder Most Unladylike. Set in eighteenth-century London, with all the fun and zest of Hamilton and inspired by real Black British historical figures. Twelve-year-olds Lizzie Sancho and Dido Belle are from different worlds - Lizzie lives in Westminster in her dad's tea shop, while Belle is an heiress being brought up by her aunt and uncle at grand Kenwood House - but they both share a love of solving mysteries. And when their eyes meet in the audience of the Drury Lane theatre one night, both girls are sure they've seen something suspicious on stage. Lizzie and Belle soon find themselves on the trail of a mystery - and becoming best friends. But can they work out what's going on in time to prevent a murder?

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