The Secret of Ragnar's Gold

When Joe's father is offered the use of a real castle for the school holidays, he and Joe are ecstatic. His mother is decidedly less so. In fact, she tells them that Joe's staying at home with his nan and they're off to cruise the Mediterranean with her old work colleagues. Neither Joe nor his father is impressed. However, when Joe's Nan tells him she can't come, he sees an opportunity. He doesn't pass on the message and then tells his friends about the castle and how his nan will be there to supervise them! Naturally, Lucy, Max and Charlie jump at the chance, and with their parents' permission, are soon heading off.

Once at the castle they settle in. Though there's no sign of Joe's Nan, they aren't too perturbed; he reassures them that she'll be there soon. In the meantime, they set off to explore and meet a local lady who tells them about the castle's history and the legend of Ragnar's Gold. Consequently, they're consumed with finding the treasure.

When Sherlock, the dog, falls down an old shaft while chasing rabbits, they discover a long-hidden box containing a clue to the treasure's location. But on its own it's not enough. Seeking inspiration in the overgrown family graveyard, Max discovers another clue hidden in plain sight. The clues lead to a network of secret passages, but on entering them, they discover they aren't the only ones looking for the gold. A gang of treasure hunters is hoping to find it and sell it off illegally overseas. 

The second book in the After School Detective Club series is just as good as the first! A ripping good yarn containing a skerrick of truth, which adds authenticity to the tale. As usual, it's Joe's lies which set the wheel in motion, with the gang really needing to question everything he says! Other than that, it's a fast-paced story with plenty of adventure, derring-do, and an heroic rescue—oh and buried treasure too! 

ancient castle, buried right-hand treasure, adventure, clues, friendship, history, thieves 

Not applicable.