Earnestine, Georgina and Charlotte are back for their third definitely-not-an-adventure (although each book stands alone, so you don’t necessarily have to read them in order if you don’t want to).

This time, it’s strange lights in the sky, little grey men in the kitchen, and the devil in the village. Also, spies. And kidnapping. And pirates. And worse things, like spelling and grammar. Once more, the British Empire (or the whole of civilisation, even) is at risk, and only the Derring-Do Club can save the day, the Empire, and possibly all of civilisation.

My favourite sister is still Georgina; although she’s the quietest one, and the only sister who really doesn’t like adventures (no matter what Earnestine says), I think she is in some ways the strongest of the three. No matter what life (or the author) does to her, or expects of her, Georgina does what’s right. Plus, she’s the scientist of the trio: very cool.

I’ve said it before, and will doubtless say it again: these books are fun romps. Well-written, fast-paced, and dangerously addictive - but with some extra thinking in there, too, should you choose to read it that way.

Once more, David Wake has demonstrated his ability to tell a story that is even more satisfying than you think it will be going in (even with the high expectations I now have of him!) and I’m looking forward to the next book - a little snippet of which is included at the end of the kindle edition of this one. ( )