Rendezvous in Russia by Lauren St John

This is the fourth book in the exciting Laura Marlin Mystery series (following Dead Man's Cove, Kidnap in the Caribbean and Kentucky Thriller) and I have really been looking forward to reading it. As always, the cover is beautifully illustrated and helps create exactly the right atmosphere for the book.

Laura is at home in St Ives, relaxing with her family, after defeating evil criminal gang The Straight As yet again. However, it isn't long before the action starts. A scene from a film called The Aristocratic Thief is being shot on the cliffs near Laura's home. Her three-legged dog, Skye, heroically rescues a young actress who has fallen from the cliff, which then leads to Laura and her best friend Tariq being invited to St Petersburg in Russia as a thank-you. Before they leave, they find out that the film has been plagued by problems since production started and that there have been several unexplained, and almost fatal, accidents.

When they arrive in Russia they are given a tour of a world famous art gallery by a mysterious Russian and soon discover that an enormous crime is being planned. Will Laura, Tariq and Skye be able to prevent it? Or will the Straight As finally get the better of them?

I have read most of Lauren St John's books, enjoying them all, and this is no exception! As ever, the story moves along at a great pace and introduces lots of interesting minor characters (the grumpy old actor given the starring role in the film was my personal favourite). I was also delighted that the evil mastermind behind the Straight As was finally revealed. There was one slightly disappointing part in the middle of the book when the mystery behind all the accidents on the film set was brought to a rather rushed conclusion, but the rest of the story is fantastic. I really hope that this isn't the last Laura Marlin book, but the way that the book ends suggests that it might be.

If you haven't read any of the Laura Marlin books yet, pop down to the library and borrow Dead Man's Cove. You won't be disappointed.

Thanks to Orion Books for the review copy. WEJS Book Club members will also publish reviews of this book as soon as school starts.

Mr Biddle.