Himalayan Kidnap
An excellent story, well told, which will appeal to children and adults alike. It provides a range of observations on the local environment, wildlife and peoples of Nepal to stimulate the reader's imagination and encourage further reading on this fascinating country. Looking forward to reading Alex and James' next adventure.
Himalayan Heist
This is an adventure story for adults and young adults. It is a breathlessly exciting page-turner, in the long tradition of quest stories.
The complex and shifting relationships of the three main protagonists – Alex and James, and their engaging girl companion Bim – are put to the test as they work their way through the beautiful and dangerous Nepalese landscape. They know what they have to do, but not what they will be required to face. Perils confront them at every turn, some natural, others man-made. The Nepalese landscape – presented in vivid and almost tactile clarity – can be beautiful, but also menacing.
In many adventure stories the characters are the main interest and the setting is little more than a lifeless backcloth; or the landscape is the writer’s real subject and the protagonists are anaemic stereotypes whose only purpose is to move the story forward. But here the characterisation is enmeshed within the action and the setting. Without noticing, readers find themselves caring about the characters, anxious when they are separated, comforted when they are reunited.
The author is a traveller. She writes about places and people she knows well, so there is an integrity in her writing and a total authenticity in the heft and feel of the story. So her accounts of the wildlife, the valleys and mountains and rivers, and the people the three main characters come across, have truth in them.
Victor Watson, editor of The Cambridge Guide to Children's Books in English
Himalayan Hideout
An enjoyable story; good fun, with a great pace, and the natural world woven into it without it being too obvious. Plus the author has a fantastic reading voice.
the audiobook
Himalayan Hostages
Two British boys meet up with their Nepali friend Atti, to rescue their parents from the clutches of kidnappers. They have to contend with dangerous wildlife, armed terrorists, crocodile infested rivers and hunger. This is an exciting yet believable tale of adventure, brotherly banter and dung fights.
The book is beautifuly illustrated with the animals that the children encounter.