What is Hunt for the Night Hawks about?
A 12 year old boy interrupts two men digging in his Nan’s field in the middle of the night. They are digging for Roman artifacts which they will sell on the black market.
Jake joins forces with two kids from Nan’s little town to track down these men and their gang (Night Hawks), as a deal made to a ghost who is connected to the artifacts.
Plot summary of Hunt for the Night Hawks (No Spoilers)
Jake is staying with his Nan in a small country town in his summer holidays. It is a break from the city and the recent loss of his dad. One night, he interrupts two men digging in the middle of his nan’s field, in the middle of the night. He is attacked, threatened, and left reeling by the encounter, but something else is even more startling. He begins to see a strangely dressed teenage boy, that no-one else can see.
He soon makes friends with a chatterbox local, and a girl who loves to follow nature. Jake shares his exciting tale which results in archaeologists taking over the field as there are indeed items of national significance. Again Jake sees the teenage boy. He learns that this boy is a ghost and his family are connected to the stolen artifacts.
Jake makes a deal with this ghost named Marcus Lucius Gallus, to get the stolen items back. This results in more dangerous events for Jake and his friends and also a betrayal that is hard to take.
Review
With short chapters and a larger font, this is a great read for emerging middle grade readers. These short chapters draw the reader through the book as the tension increases about the mystery of who is responsible for the Night Hawk gang, and all while a ghost is needing answers.
There is also a story thread of loss as both the main character and the ghost are grieving loved ones. This is effortlessly woven through the story, as Jake comes to terms with his grief, and finds his love for life again.
Hunt for the Nighthawks is perfect for those who love a mystery, action, and the added bonus of a wandering ancient ghost.
Book Style
177 Pages / 30 Chapters, numbered in Roman numerals
FAQ’s
What age is it for?
8+
Where & When is it set?
Rural England near Cambridge, South Central England / The present
What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?
Third person / Present tense
Is there Violence?
Yes
What genre is Hunt for the Night Hawks?
Middle Grade Mystery / Action
Themes
Mystery / Friendship / History / British Archaeology / Crime
Is it part of a series?
No
If you liked this, you might like:
The Strange Disappearance of Imogen Good
Author
Felice Arena
Publisher
Penguin Books Australia
(2026, Penguin Books Australia, England, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, Metal Detectors, Crime, Digging, Roman Artifacts, Skeletons, Mystery, Action, Small town, Gang, Betrayal, Grief, Ghost, History)