This story is set unusually in Downing Street and the Houses of Parliament with the main character, Theo, being the Prime Minister's son. It was an interesting setting for a mystery novel and certainly sets it apart. My knowledge about politics is woeful so I actually found this enlightening, and it would hopefully encourage younger children to be interested in politics!

The plot itself was good with some twists and turns in regard to the 'thief' of the parliamentary mace, although I was a little surprised at how old Theo was as a main character for a middle grade book.

**Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read an advanced e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own **

Thank you Netgalley and A&A Press for the advance copy of Mystery in the Palace of Westminster by Sarah Lustig.

While I don’t read a lot of middle grade books. I do love a good mystery and the Mystery in the Palace of Westminster was the perfect mystery.

Theo Duncan is just an ordinary student. Except he also happens to be the son of the Prime Minister, Will Duncan.

When the parliamentary mace is stolen from inside the Houses of Parliament, Theo is determined to help his dad get it back. But he can’t do it alone. And when help is offered, there’s a problem. It comes from the new girl at school, Sammy Jhor, who’s a supporter of the opposition party.

Theo and Sammy form an unlikely team to spy on government officials, sneak through the corridors of Downing Street and pursue the thief through the Palace of Westminster.

But when the evidence points to suspects at the highest levels of government, finding the thief could threaten Will Duncan’s leadership.

Can Theo and Sammy put aside their differences to find the mace – and the thief – before the government is brought to its knees?

Theo Duncan was the perfect main character. I enjoyed watching him grow throughout the book and even stand up to his dad. I felt for Theo. Having your dad as the Prime Minister would be exceedingly difficult and he made it.

The supporting cast were also good. I really enjoyed Theo’s friendship with Sammy. I still didn’t get a complete feel for Theo’s sister. She always seemed mad, and I wasn’t sure if there was a reason or if she was a young teen girl that was grumpy. I would like that to be explored later.

I enjoyed reading about the Parliamentary process something that I was not familiar with (although in a few places it made the story a bit slow).

The mystery kept me guessing. There were a lot of suspects and while I thought I had figured out who did it a few times I was thrown by the other clues.

Overall, this is a perfect read for someone that loves mysteries young and old. If you are going to have your child read it, I would recommend someone over ten just because it might be too much for a younger child. I think my daughter would love this series when she gets a little older.

Have you read Mystery in the Palace of Westminster? Or any middle age books? If this sounds like something you would like to read, get your copy on May 26th.

Excellent middle Grade mystery book. The story centres around the Prime Ministers son and how he solves the problem of the missing mace. Excitingly paced to keep the attention of reluctant readers.

I received an ARC of, Mystery in the Palace of Westminster, by Sarah Lustig. This book was an enjoyable read. Perfect for middle schoolers. Theo and Sammy were really good characters.

I was surprised that Theo's fifteenth birthday is only two months away. Based on the premise, I assumed that he would be 9-12 years old. It just doesn't sound like an upper middle-grade plot. And if the protagonist is practically fifteen, it's almost young adult.

Me and my 5 year old loved reading this togeather, the was a normal kid before his dad became the prime minister, one day on a school trip everything chnaged. Its fast paced enough that my son didn't get bored but detailed enough for me to really enjoy it as an adult also.

Would definitely read more by this author

One of middle book grade that I enjoy read as grow up too. The plot and story kinda slow but fun with adventurous action and hints of good mystery. I adore the MC Theo. My son enjoying reading this book so much.

Thanks Netgalley for providing me with this copy.

A middle grades mystery set in England. Theo is the Prime Minister's son. His life used to be normal until his dad became PM. Things get stranger when there is a robbery of the Mace in Westminster. Theo is determined to solve the case to help out his dad.

This was a cute mystery. There were slow points but overall it was good.

I adored this book, it was just the sort of book that I liked to read as a child. It was mysterious and full of adventure, with a n great setting and great characters. I loved it,