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Kidnap on the California Comet: Adventures on Trains #2 Hardcover – February 23, 2021

by M. G. Leonard (Author), Sam Sedgman (Author), Elisa Paganelli (Illustrator)
4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 815 ratings
See all formats and editions
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In this second book of the middle-grade Adventures on Trains series, amateur sleuth Hal Beck travels to the U.S. with his uncle to ride a famous train―the California Comet―and stumbles on a new mystery to solve, in M.G. Leonard and Sam Sedgman's Kidnap on the California Comet...

After his adventure on the Highland Falcon, amateur sleuth Hal Beck is excited to embark on another journey with his journalist uncle. This time, they're set to ride the historic California Comet from Chicago to San Francisco.

Hal mostly keeps to himself on the trip, feeling homesick and out of place in America. But he soon finds himself drawn into another mystery when the young daughter of a billionaire tech entrepreneur goes missing!

Along with new friends―spunky 13-year-old Mason and his younger sister, Hadley―Hal races against the clock to find the missing girl before the California Comet reaches its final destination.

Previous page
  1. Reading age
    10 - 14 years
  2. Book 2 of 6
    Adventures on Trains
  3. Print length
    256 pages
  4. Language
    English
  5. Grade level
    4 - 6
  6. Dimensions
    5.55 x 1 x 8.55 inches
  7. Publisher
    Feiwel & Friends
  8. Publication date
    February 23, 2021
  9. ISBN-10
    1250222931
  10. ISBN-13
    978-1250222930
  11. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 5 Up-Hal Beck returns for another rollicking train adventure, this time set in the United States. Hal's uncle Nat has been asked to travel across America on the California Comet in order to cover an important press conference held by entrepreneur August Reza. Hal and Uncle Nat encounter a curious cast of characters as they board and travel the Comet. There's Uncle Nat's charming rival, Zola D'Ormond; August Reza and his equally eccentric daughter, Marianne; the mimic Mason and his younger sister Hadley; and shy Ryan with his boisterous, sports-obsessed father Gene. The plot kicks into high gear when Marianne is kidnapped. Can amateur detective Hal solve the mystery before they reach the end of the line? This smartly woven story is complex enough to capture the interest of young adults but written with approachable language suitable for a middle grade audience. The mystery is crafted in the vein of an Agatha Christie novel, with clues laid out for readers so they may solve the caper before detective Hal figures it out. VERDICT A suspenseful mystery ideal for readers transitioning from middle grade to young adult titles.-Tiffany Davis, Hudson Valley Community College, NYα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Review

A 2022 Edgar Award Nominee for Best Juvenile

Praise for The Highland Falcon Thief:

"M. G. Leonard and Sam Sedgman bring the classic mystery on a train bang up to date with a carriage-load of wit and suspense." ―Ross Welford, author of Time Travelling With a Hamster

"A thrill-ride of a mystery, guaranteed to be one of the most fun, atmospheric page turners of 2020." ―Lauren St. John, author of Kat Wolfe Investigates

"A runaway romp of a read." ―Piers Torday, author of The Lost Magician

"A fabulous fast-paced ride, packed with clues, illustrations and intrigue." ―Bookseller

"Illustrated with lively black-and-white drawings, this well-constructed, fast-paced mystery is the first volume in the Adventures on Trains series." ―Booklist

Praise for Beetle Boy:

"Debut novelist Leonard gives readers a rare glimpse into the world of insects, mixing adventure, mystery, and science to create a story that's much more than just a novel about bugs. Even the most squeamish will be charmed." ―Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Leonard unravels the madcap plot in sporadic bursts of frenzied action and humor. Overall, a charming and (at times) affecting romp through beetle land." ―Kirkus Reviews

"Fans of madcap adventures and anthropomorphised sidekicks will enjoy this fast-paced series opener." ―Booklist

"Engaging . . . The story moves quickly, and the characters are both wacky and entertaining." ―School Library Journal

"If I didn't already devote most of my waking hours to beetles, reading this book would make me want to . . ." ―Max Barclay, Coleoptera Collections Manager, Natural History Museum, London

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Feiwel & Friends (February 23, 2021)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 256 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1250222931
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1250222930
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 10 - 14 years
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 4 - 6
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 12.8 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.55 x 1 x 8.55 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 815 ratings

About the authors

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Previous page
  1. Elisa Paganelli

    Elisa Paganelli

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    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Elisa Paganelli was born in Modena (Italy) in 1985, and since childhood books have been her bestfriends.

    After completing artistic studies she made a career in advertising and has been the founder and owner of a small award winning design and trade business. She now lives and works in UK as a freelance Illustrator and Creative Designer, accompanied by her beloved pets.

    Elisa loves quietness, the wind and she truly feels home when in the wild nature.

    On her bedside table you’ll find a pile of psychology books, and very often one of her cats.

    Links:

    https://elisapaganelli.com/

    Instagram: www.instagram.com/elisapaganelli_illustration

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/elisaupsidedown

    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEvBHZNQ4cfIcOkQ2bSjJdQ

    Sito web: www.elisapaganelli.com

    See more on the author's page
  2. M.G. Leonard

    M.G. Leonard

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    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    M. G. Leonard has made up stories ever since she was a little girl. Back then, adults called them lies or tall tales, so she didn’t think to write them down. Now, she makes up stories about beetles, birds, trains or anything that sparks her imagination. Her books have been translated into over forty languages and won many awards. She is the vice president of the insect charity Buglife, and a founding author of Authors4Oceans. She lives in England, by the sea, with her husband, two sons, a fat cat called Kasper, a dog called Nell, and a variety of exotic beetles.

    See more on the author's page
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Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
4.8 out of 5
815 global ratings
Amazing!
5 Stars
Amazing!
Wow such an amazing sequel! There is so much action & adventure packed into such a short trip! So good. We are back w/Hal & Uncle Nat. This time they are traveling across America on the California Comet. This time there is a kidnapping to solve. We have some brand new friends for this trip as well. Marianne, & siblings Hadley & Mason. I absolutely loved the siblings. The girl is a magician & the boy is a master w/voices & impersonations. They help Hal, & have the adventure of a lifetime together. Of course a whole new train of interesting characters too, all who become suspects. I’ve really grown so fond on Hal & his Uncle, & just love taking these journeys by train w/them, & love seeing Hal work a case w/his drawings. It’s such a creative, fascinating idea. As an American, I loved seeing through Hal’s eyes how everything was so different to him, compared to where he’s from. From America itself, the feeling he got just being here, the food, & they way things were named differently even. This was full of so much mystery, suspense, adventure, & heart. I can’t wait to travel w/these 2 again, & all the friends they make along the way. I need a ton more books w/them! Lol I highly recommend. Also, another gorgeous cover w/just the most beautiful illustrations throughout the book.💜
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Top reviews from the United States

Belle’s Middle Grade
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing!
Reviewed in the United States on December 6, 2020
Wow such an amazing sequel! There is so much action & adventure packed into such a short trip! So good. We are back w/Hal & Uncle Nat. This time they are traveling across America on the California Comet. This time there is a kidnapping to solve. We have some brand new friends for this trip as well. Marianne, & siblings Hadley & Mason. I absolutely loved the siblings. The girl is a magician & the boy is a master w/voices & impersonations. They help Hal, & have the adventure of a lifetime together. Of course a whole new train of interesting characters too, all who become suspects. I’ve really grown so fond on Hal & his Uncle, & just love taking these journeys by train w/them, & love seeing Hal work a case w/his drawings. It’s such a creative, fascinating idea. As an American, I loved seeing through Hal’s eyes how everything was so different to him, compared to where he’s from. From America itself, the feeling he got just being here, the food, & they way things were named differently even. This was full of so much mystery, suspense, adventure, & heart. I can’t wait to travel w/these 2 again, & all the friends they make along the way. I need a ton more books w/them! Lol I highly recommend. Also, another gorgeous cover w/just the most beautiful illustrations throughout the book.💜
Customer image
Belle’s Middle Grade
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing!
Reviewed in the United States on December 6, 2020
Wow such an amazing sequel! There is so much action & adventure packed into such a short trip! So good. We are back w/Hal & Uncle Nat. This time they are traveling across America on the California Comet. This time there is a kidnapping to solve. We have some brand new friends for this trip as well. Marianne, & siblings Hadley & Mason. I absolutely loved the siblings. The girl is a magician & the boy is a master w/voices & impersonations. They help Hal, & have the adventure of a lifetime together. Of course a whole new train of interesting characters too, all who become suspects. I’ve really grown so fond on Hal & his Uncle, & just love taking these journeys by train w/them, & love seeing Hal work a case w/his drawings. It’s such a creative, fascinating idea. As an American, I loved seeing through Hal’s eyes how everything was so different to him, compared to where he’s from. From America itself, the feeling he got just being here, the food, & they way things were named differently even. This was full of so much mystery, suspense, adventure, & heart. I can’t wait to travel w/these 2 again, & all the friends they make along the way. I need a ton more books w/them! Lol I highly recommend. Also, another gorgeous cover w/just the most beautiful illustrations throughout the book.💜
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Ariel • The Book View
4.0 out of 5 stars A Great Sleuthing Book for All
Reviewed in the United States on March 3, 2021
This middle-grade mystery was the perfect read for sleuths both young and old!

I loved getting to know Hal, the new Sherlock Holmes for kids. He has a magnetic personality that helps him to make new friends (and colleagues?) wherever he goes. In this book, he's joined by two new characters who assist him in figuring out where our missing girl is, and who did the kidnapping.

Something I particularly loved about this book was that it was a mystery to me all the way through. There are just enough clues to help you feel like you're apart of the detective work, but it's all still coded enough where you don't solve the mystery right away.

As well, I was happy that this mystery was fun and somewhat light, even considering the subject of kidnapping. Many mysteries I read are dark and dreary, which I can appreciate sometimes, but I don't always want to have a dampened mood. Even when reading about darker, more serious themes. I appreciated the adventure this mystery brought to accompany its sleuthing.

I read this second one before I read the first, but I didn't feel like I was lost or missing pieces. I'm sure my experience could have been that enriched by reading the books in order, but you'll definitely be okay reading out of order if you need/want to.

Overall, I was so pleased by this book! I love a good mystery and this one was fun and immersive (and not too dark, which I really appreciate).

Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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Top reviews from other countries

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Laura C.
5.0 out of 5 stars Ottima lettura
Reviewed in Italy on February 22, 2024
Verified Purchase
Ottima lettura per ragazzi con termini e trama semplici.
Storia di amicizia e qualche mistero.
Ma anche un pensiero ai rapporti umani e familiari
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FeedMyReads
5.0 out of 5 stars 4.5 stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 21, 2023
Verified Purchase
When Uncle Nat arrives and asks if Harrison Beck wants to go on another train adventure it sounds like the perfect trip, he'll get to fly to America and then go on an amazing train with his uncle he loves spending time with but after the experience on Highland Falcon he knows a train journey isn't likely to be as simple as getting his ticket and just enjoying the ride.

During the trip on the California Comet we find Harrison has managed to make some friends with a few children onboard but when one of those friends disappears following a clearly witnessed kidnap can Harrison and his new friends come up with the answer to find what has happened and solve this mystery?

This is another well worked and clever story that is for children but can easily be read by adults as there is no dumbing down in the language or style of writing. There are a few little edit niggles that takes a little off the rating but overall this is a book I really did enjoy and can confirm that the other books in the series are on the kindle ready.
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Joanna
5.0 out of 5 stars Encantados
Reviewed in Spain on January 4, 2022
Verified Purchase
Esta serie de libros nos encanta. Ya estamos con el 4 libro. Este fue muy entretenido, a mi hija le encanta libros de misterio. Hay que tener buen nivel de inglés.
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Great mystery!
Reviewed in India on August 22, 2021
Verified Purchase
Fast-paced mystery for train lovers-- even adults can enjoy this book with their kids.
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AP
5.0 out of 5 stars An Adventurous journey through the US
Reviewed in Japan on December 3, 2022
Verified Purchase
It was an amazing book with indepth characters. Amazing read!
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