A HISTORY OF MYSTERY (part 3) SERIES by Sharon Tregenza

 A HISTORY OF MYSTERY - the series.

Mystery series are a popular choice with children as most have a connected storyline with intertwining clues so that they can follow along with the plot from book to book.

A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket (real name Danial Handler) is illustrated by Brett Helquist. It's a gothic spoof and was also made into a movie. Unlike most mystery series this one takes the whole series of books to solve the mystery. In the meantime though there are plenty of mini mysteries and danger to entertain the reader. The narrator's voice is prominent here as he tells us about the plight of three orphans who are pursued by a guardian intent on stealing the family fortune from them. The mystery concerns who killed their parents and why. The books are funny and addictive.

The Roman Mysteries is a series of historical novels by Caroline Lawrence. The first book, The Thieves of Ostia, was published in 2001. The books take place in the ancient Roman Empire during the reign of Emperor Titus and detail the adventures of four children who solve mysteries and have adventures in Ostia, Rome. It was also made into a television series.

The Harry Potter books need no introduction and are an example of the frenzy that can be generated by a good read. Although often advertised as fantasy there is a strong element of mystery which is an important component of their popularity. 

Mysteries have been the reading choice of kids for many, many years. Although Enid Blyton died in 1968, she remains one of the most popular children's authors. More than half a million copies of the Famous Five books are sold every year. Blyton has sold more than five hundred million books and still features in many of the 'most borrowed books' list from libraries. 

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