Sep24

The Wolf’s Howl: A Maven & Reeve Mystery Book 2 – A. L. Tait

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Penguin Australia

August 2021

  • ISBN: 9781761041792
  • Imprint: Penguin
  • RRP: $16.99
It has taken me some time to get to this review – though not to the book itself (thank goodness it’s finally the holidays!). I absolutely loved the first in this series, in my mind it’s like a junior version of Cadfael :-). A. L. Tait has a lovely knack of putting her readers right in the midst of these alternate histories whether adventure or mystery and her characters are always so engaging. Maven and Reeve are first and foremost cautious allies as they work together to solve the current problem. This particular one I found even more intriguing than the first and I suspect this more convoluted plot device might continue – and good-oh! I say.

Maven and Reeve have accompanied their respective mistress and master – the Lady Cassandra and Sir Garrick – on an important visit to a remote Airl and his region. Upon their arrival they discover that the long-standing and respected cook has disappeared (and as it would be – kidnapped), that the Airl’s guard are very strange in their organisation indeed and the entire surrounds of Glawn Castle are not only inhospitable but dangerous. Maven knows that the Beech Circle’s reach extends as far as this isolated landscape and wastes no time in calling upon her sisterhood.

There is plenty of intrigue, red herrings and the (now expected) nastiness from Anice, Lady Cassandra’s cousin and Maven’s nemesis, all happily resolved by the intrepid pair who may be lowly ‘servants’ but are both smart and resourceful.

I know my kiddos love A. L. Tait’s books and this series is going to take off rapidly now with this second episode launched. I highly recommend it for your readers from around Year 5 upwards.

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