Five Go To Smuggler's Top - Enid Blyton

Published by Hodder Children's Books/Audible, 2013. Originally published 1945.
Audiobook released by Audible 02-03-2017. Narrated by Jan Francis.
Book 4 in 'The Famous Five' series. Preceded by 'Five Run Away Together'; followed by 'Five Go off in a Caravan'.

In Book 4 of the Famous Five series, once again narrated with just the right tone of voice by Jan Francis, a storm damaging Kirrin Cottage leads to the four children being sent to Smuggler's Top to stay with Julian and Dick's school-friend 'Sooty'. Sooty's step-father is not a fan of dogs, but George sneaks Timmy along on the adventure, leading to a recurring sub-plot where the children must conceal Timmy's existence from all the grown-ups they encounter.

As is normal for a Famous Five book, the setting of Smuggler's Top is mysterious and contains numerous secret tunnels. The storyline is also reminiscent of previous books in the series, involving smuggling, suspiciously antagonistic adults, mysterious figures and even kidnapping - almost a 'greatest hits' of the series thus far. Sooty and his younger half-sister Marybelle join in on this adventure, with Sooty playing quite a major role, hosting the other children and helping to discover some of the secrets of his hometown.

Although some elements of the story may be a little predictable - the identity of the mysterious figure seen disappearing into a servant's room should be fairly easy for an adult reader to work out - this is still a fun entry in the series, with a few twists and turns to make things enjoyable. And Timmy gets to really help save the day.

Completed, with Elise, 8 August 2022.



(Elise Books)

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