Cirrus@Austlit

'Tan and the Chosen Few have another mystery on their hands... The 'stonies' (stone animal statues) around Peppercorn Valley have been mysteriously disappearing. But who would steal them? What could the thief want with a stone emu or flamingo? This mystery is truly baffling! It's a good thing Tan has the mind of a Great Detective... A brilliant chapter series for fans of Alice-Miranda, Judy Moody and The Famous Five. Ages: 8-12' (Publisher's blurb)

'Tan Callahan, Great Detective, is back in a series that has been described as 'interesting, exciting and excellent!' Tan has never been fond of the old machinery shed. It's dusty and airless, full of dark secrets and bad memories. There's a mountain of junk in there too, broken chairs, sideboards, couches, books and overcoats. But worse still is the creepy portrait of an unnamed little girl. She has cold, dark eyes and a gloomy face. And if the girl isn't scary enough the china doll she's holding looks downright malicious. Tan vows to avoid the shed and the portrait at all costs. But when Great Aunt Aggie comes to stay, Tan discovers there's a whole lot more to the portrait than she ever imagined. There's a whole lot more to Great Aunt Aggie, too.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'The next adventure in the best-selling Truly Tan series. Ages: 8-12 Verity Crisp's cousin has come to Peppercorn Valley. Her name is Ophelia Crisp, she is nearly ten and she has messy hair. She is also sullen, secretive and shrouded in mystery. Before long Tan has reasons to suspect that Ophelia is a thief. But a Secret Spy should never jump to conclusions, so Tan sets out to build Ophelia's profile - and discover once and for all if she is a criminal. Tan's investigations lead her deeper into the secret life of Ophelia Crisp and, when Ophelia disappears, it is up to Tan to piece the clues together and find her before it is too late. Ages: 8 +' ' (Publication summary)

'Way out in the country, Mrs Topple is Tan's closest neighbour. But Mrs Topple has gone on a cruise and Tan is in charge of security at the Topple cottage.

'Tan is also looking after the garden and watering the plants. But mostly she's in charge of security. Which is just as well because something suspicious is going on.

'A strange car has been coming and going and a shadowy figure has been spotted snooping around. And now Tan has noticed items moving around in the garden - on their own!

'As tensions mount, Tan decides a stake-out is in order. Little does she know she is walking straight into a trap.' (Publication summary)

'It is winter in Peppercorn Valley and Tan and her very best friend Gloria go to a bonfire. At school. At night.They also go on a lantern walk and spy on Journeys End.

'Journeys End is the creepiest house in Peppercorn Valley. And the old ladies who live there have painted weird symbols all over the outside walls.

'What could the symbols mean? And is the house haunted and if so, are the old ladies in danger?

'Tan has a hunch they are, but this mystery is complicated and she is baffled!'

Source: Publisher's blurb.