Twitch

Author: M. G. Leonard

 WINNER OF THE SAINSBURYS CHILDREN'S BOOK AWARDS 202

 WINNER OF THE CRIMEFEST AWARD FOR BEST CRIME NOVEL FOR CHILDREN 2021

From the internationally bestselling author of Beetle Boy and the Adventures on Trains series, comes the first book in The Twitchers, a thrilling mystery adventure series celebrating friendship, bravery and the incredible world of birds, starring a birdwatching detective called Twitch!

Can a birdwatcher outwit an escaped convict?

Twitch has three pet chickens, four pigeons, swallows nesting in his bedroom and a passion for birdwatching. On the first day of the summer holidays, he arrives at his secret hide to find police everywhere: a convicted robber has broken out of prison and is hiding in Aves Wood. Can Twitch use his talents for birdwatching to hunt for the dangerous prisoner and find the missing loot?

Praise for Twitch:

“Leonard knows her audience and the jeopardy comes in flocks ... Find your nest, curl up and enjoy.” The Times, Children's Book of the Week

"A twist-laden, thriller-like tale of a bird-mad boy, some bullies and an escaped convict hiding in the nearby woods." Observer

"A twisty crime drama as well as a persuasive story about friendship and nature." The Sunday Times

"Twitch is a good old-fashioned adventure story that feels like a modern-day Secret Seven." BBC Wildlife Magazine

“A brave and thrilling new adventure from one of my favourite writers. I honestly didn’t put the book down until the very last, exciting, page-turn and I’m twitching for the next adventure!” Jasbinder Bilan

“Twitch is an absolute triumph. The perfect blend of mystery and adventure, a winning hero with an eye for ornithological facts and a heart as big as the countryside, plus a cracking whipsmart plot, I think this is M. G. Leonard's best book yet.” Christopher Edge

“One of those really, really good books … Recommended for readers around 8 to 12 years old, and grown-ups like me who still enjoy the delight of a great adventure story!” The Bookbag

Age Recommendation: 9-13