Finding Wonder

Combining Lauren St John’s mastery for bringing the thrill of horse-riding to life and her consummate skill at writing mystery stories this superb adventure is pitched perfectly for a middle -grade audience.

In an instant Roo’s world has turned upside down; her beloved father has died leaving her an orphan but a winning lottery ticket found in his coat pocket has made her a millionaire overnight.  The only memento of her old life is a small model horse Fearless Fire that has been Roo’s lucky talisman throughout her childhood.

Together with her aunt Joni, they set off in Joni’s camper van following the advice of Roo’s Dad urging his daughter to ‘live every minute’.  Roo’s dream of buying her favourite champion showjumper,  Wonder Boy, is about to become reality as the horse is up for sale.  But before they can finalise the deal, Wonder Boy disappears and then shortly afterwards other rare and valuable horses begin to vanish too.  Could these mysteries be connected?   Joni and Roo think they are and decide to investigate themselves.    Travelling the length and breadth of the country following clues, Joni and Roo plus a little assurance from Fearless Fire uncover a web of mystery and intrigue and find themselves in great danger.

This is a thrilling, addictive read.  As with all Lauren’s stories there is always a deeper, more sensitive element and here the warmth of friendship and strength and loyalty of family bonds underpins this heartwarming story.  As ever the joy of riding, and Lauren’s passion for animals is portrayed with verve and vigour.