Kestrel is struggling with the clues he needs to keep their circus together. Everyone is relying on him, and he’s worried for their future.

They have arrived at a large city called Estermond and are all preparing to be ready for two weeks of daily shows. Madam Pauline has an act with her beloved poodles, but one is feeling poorly and isn’t performing at the moment. Madame Pauline asks Skye to take Pepper for a walk, but the dog escapes and Kestrel comes to help.

He is led on a chase across town and the circus staff are worried when he hasn’t returned in time for the show. What has happened to him and Pepper? Who is the stranger that knew Skye’s name?

The tension is slowly building in this illustrated NZ junior chapter book series. Someone in the circus has the answers, but Kes and Skye can’t figure out who. A new clue is revealed getting them a little closer to their goal of saving their circus.

Author – Maureen Crisp

Illustrator – Irina Burtseva

Age – 7+

Read a review for No.1 here

No.2 here

No.4 here

No.5 here

(Circus, Clues, Dog, Poodles, Mystery, Series, Kiwi, NZ, New Zealand)