Review: The Firebird Mystery

Jack Mason is an orphan, doing his best to survive in Sunnyside Orphanage, 'the gloomiest place in London'. His parents were trapeze artists who died tragically while performing. All he has to remember them by is a few circus tricks and his lucky compass. Life doesn't look like it has much to offer.

That's until Jack is taken on as the assistant of famous detective Ignatius Doyle. Jack's barely started his training when Ignatius is offered a new case: Scarlet Bell's father has disappeared and the reason could be part of a plot that threatens the future of the entire world.

The Firebird Mystery has all the hallmarks of classic Steampunk fiction. Gadgets and inventions abound (both steam-powered and otherwise), while twentieth-century history is given an interesting twist. It's an action-packed adventure, full of mad escapades, daring escapes, and inspired feats of deduction.

This is a fun page-turner, and with Darrell Pitt having signed an unprecedented eight-book deal with Text Publishing, Jack Mason is a character I look forward to seeing more of.

Title: The Firebird Mystery (A Jack Mason Adventure)
Author: Darrell Pitt
Publisher: Text Publishing, $16.99 RRP
Publication Date: March 2014
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781922147752
For ages: 13+
Type: Young Adult Fiction