What is Nanny Tobbins and the Midnight Plan about?
Albertine’s special friend Blot is accused of stealing a rare and precious jewel from the Great Exhibition. He is thrown in the Tower of London. No matter how much Albertine’s father tries to help Blot with his own lawyer, Blot’s fate seems sealed. Albertine refuses to give up and calls on Nanny Tobbins’ ghost to help save her friend.
Plot summary of  Nanny Tobbins and the Midnight Plan (No Spoilers)
The Great Exhibition has been a brilliant success, and Albertine’s father and his friend the Prince are elated. Albertine’s home is much more settled with the exhibition being packed up, and her father not quite so busy. The only thing troubling nearly ten year old Albertine is her stepmother’s health. She has been ‘indisposed’ for some time, spending most of her time in bed.
Soon there is a much bigger worry. While the items at the new museum are packed up, something goes missing. To Albertine’s shock, a rare and precious diamond belonging to the queen has been found in her best friend Blot’s bag. It couldn’t possibly be true!
Albertine’s family have always been kind to Blot and they jump to his defence. But it’s a terrible offence and the Judge needs to make an example of him. Blot has been jailed in the Tower of London, and Albertine’s visits are full of worry for her friend’s welfare. Soon there is a deadline for Blot to admit to the theft and reveal who helped him, but he denies committing such a crime.
Albertine decides she can’t wait any longer for lawyers or judges to make the right decisions. She knows Nanny Tobbins will be just the person(ghost) to help save Blot. Making up plans along the way, Albertine gets closer and closer to the true villain. Suddenly she’s far too close, and in just as much danger as Blot!
Review
This is the sequel to R.I.P Nanny Tobbins, and has much more mystery, danger and excitement than the first episode. Solving a crime on her own is quite frightening, but Albertine is quite certain her friend is innocent. Walking London streets at night, summoning ghosts, breaking into premises with Nanny Tobbins’ help, and facing the villain herself make this a riveting read.
It can be read on its own, but will be so much more satisfying if read after the first book in the series. Based loosely on the royals of the time, there is also much mischief and fun along the way. Albertine is a sweet little girl, much loved and a little underestimated, by all those around her. A lovely surprise at the end helps smooth away all the worries she’s been full of throughout the book.
(An afterword explains Colonial Theft – Items stolen by the British Empire, including the diamond the book is based around. The villain may be easy to dislike, but his reasoning sparks questions in both character and reader.)
Book Style
320 Pages
FAQ’s
What age is it for?
Age – 8+
Where & When is it set?
Victorian London UK / 1851
What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?
First person / Past tense
What genre is Nanny Tobbins and the Midnight Plan?
Historical Middle Grade
Themes
Historical / Fantasy / Ghosts / Mystery / Friendship / Series
Is it part of a series?
Yes – Nanny Tobbins
- R.I.P Nanny Tobbins
- Nanny Tobbins and the Midnight Plan
Author
Lucie Stevens
Publisher
Harper Collins
Find the first book in the series here
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(2026, Sequel, Harper Collins, Charming, Sweet Character, Historical, Victorian London, Fantasy, Ghost, Mystery, Friendship, Series, Diamond, Crime, Theft, Colonial Theft, 1800’s, 1851, Animals, Dog)