Thea Stilton and the Mystery on the Orient Express

Thea Stilton and the Mystery on the Orient Express by Geronimo Stilton (Scholastic Inc)
PB RRP $12.99
ISBN 978-0-545-34105-9
Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Thea is Geronimo Stilton’s sister, and a special correspondent for The Rodent’s Gazette. In The Mystery on the Orient Express, Thea tells the story of a group of young students - Nicky, Colette, Pamela, Paulina and Violet - and their adventure on that famous train.

Accompanying a precious wedding gown, (the historic Veil of Light being returned to its country of origin), the five mouselets mix with the rich and famous on a 1920’s styled journey. As the train makes its way from Paris to Istanbul they manage to foil the infamous cat burglar in his attempt to steal this beautiful treasure.

Being a reporter, Thea likes the facts and sprinkles interesting research throughout the story; about the Orient Express, holograms, Transylvania, and other aspects important to the narration.

Just as in Geronimo Stilton adventures, this tale is full of mice and cheese puns, outrageous plots, humour, clues, red herrings and wonderfully flowery language. ‘In the twitch of a whisker, the Thea Sisters had transformed themselves from modern day mouselets into roaring rodents from the 1920s.’

The large and colourful font and illustrations make it a fun and easy read for those moving from early readers to chapter books.