Mystery. Adventure. Homework.

Welcome to the World of the Lakeland Mysteries®

Welcome to the Lakeland Mysteries community page where avid readers of the adventures of the Donaldson girls get a chance to go behind the scenes and discover more about their favourite characters and the beautiful locations in the Lake District where they live. You’ll read what fans around the world have got to say about their favourite Lakeland Mysteries books and have the opportunity yourself to write reviews for publication in these pages.

Discover the books
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Journey Through The Books

Tales of Secrets Revealed and Adventures Survived

The Fire on Slate Fell
Wolf of Ennerdale
The Lad in the Lane story cover art
The Mystery of the Chemic Tavern
The Vanishing Young of Rydal Cave
Reader Reviews of the Fire on Slate Fell

Reviews by Readers around the world – Young and Old

★★★★★
“Very enjoyable read.  Clever plot involving treasure hunters, misplaced artefacts and mysterious fires on the fells. Are the bikers goodies or baddies? Can the girls solve it?  Of course, they can and way ahead of the adults who aren’t even aware there is a mystery to solve.”
David ThomasFather of three and keen fell walker
★★★★★
‘In this exciting mystery, two remarkable sisters watch the events around them and wonder why nothing is necessarily what it appears to be. Their natural curiosity and clever creative skills are put to the test as they try to put the pieces of the puzzle together. A thoroughly enjoyable Lakeland adventure that rattles along with its unique twists and turns."
Janet LewisRetired, Scotland
★★★★★
"This story is wonderfully written and illustrated. It captured the attention of my 6-year-old granddaughter who identified with the amateur detectives. She improved her vocabulary with new words, always a bonus. Good read indeed."
Danni Roberto/Evie Collacott aged 6Great-grandmother & great-granddaughter, Canada
★★★★★
“A well-written tale that engages the reader from the very start and that cannot help but make you look forward to the next Lakeland Mystery.”
Terry PryseDeep sea diver, Bermuda
★★★★★
“Move over Enid Blyton! With their telepathic powers and sharp eyes, sleuthing sisters Mae and Isla Donaldson get on the trail of a missing Cumbrian treasure trove. Fast paced, this fun read features bikers The Fells Angels, crooked curators and dodgy detectorists. The mystery unravels in the streets of Cockermouth and only Mae and Isla can figure out the vanishing Fire on Slate Fell!” 
Katriona WadeRetired BBC Radio Producer
★★★★★
“I thoroughly enjoyed The Fire on Slate Fell and it left me wanting more! I just loved the characters especially Isla & Mae and their secret communication!  It is written in such a descriptive way; it transported me straight to the Lake District with all its beauty. The Lakeland Mysteries are the 21st Century’s answer to the Famous 5.”
Philippa HaftkeMother of two, Kent
★★★★★
“Join two extraordinary girls, Isla and Mae, as they unravel a mystery involving a peculiar white van, a phony fire, and hidden treasure. Through their silent communication and clever observations, these sisters engage readers from start to finish. Perfect for curious and imaginative children with a passion for solving mysteries.”
Judith LankaEducationalist, Zurich
★★★★★
“I really enjoyed The Fire on Slate Fell! It’s a satisfying mystery with an old-school touch. Reminded me of the Nancy Drew series I read when I was younger, but the story is well pitched for an adult reader right to the end.”
Deirdre de WijzeMother of two, The Netherlands
★★★★★
“These two sisters are natural detectives; Isla with her talent for drawing exactly what she sees, and Mae with her word memory cues that help her keep track of clues. Their ability to communicate without speaking make for an engaging pair to solve another mystery. Enjoy the twists and turns of this Lakeland Mystery where intrigue on the fells gives an authentic touch to this adventure story. The one scene that might be considered scary depending on the age of the reader is deftly handled and quite short.”
Mary BredinEmmy nominated Executive Producer best known for her children’s series “True and the Rainbow Kingdom” and co-creating “Pickwick Pack” on Disney
★★★★★
“In this, the first of the “Lakeland Mysteries” series, we meet Mae and Isla, indomitable sisters who share ‘electric thoughts’.  Mae is rational and pragmatic, Isla is spontaneous and artistic, both are passionate for fair play.  When a gang of bikers arrive in Cockermouth and strangers appear, seemingly to coincide with a presentation at the girls’ school by the curator of the local museum, things are about to change - and not for the better.  With a baffling plot, perplexed parents and puzzled police, can Mae and Isla work quickly to uncover a crime hidden in plain sight?  Narrated fluently at pace, this is a book which adventure lovers everywhere will enjoy.” 
Elizabeth HolmanPoet, Mother of 6, Switzerland
★★★★★
“This book is amazing and it’s now one of my favourite books because of all the descriptions and mystery.”
Belle Kelly, 8Young Writer
★★★★★
“A thrilling read about two intelligent sisters trying to solve a puzzling mystery. An unexpected twist in the story makes it exciting and fun. The next book is already on my to-read list!”
Charlotte Goldwyn, 11Falkner House School
★★★★★
‘A well-told story about two special sisters who help to solve an utterly original mystery. Set in the beauty of the Lakes, this cleverly crafted adventure is both fast paced and fun. A wonderfully enjoyable read. I can’t wait for the next book in the series’.
Janet LewisRetired, Scotland
★★★★★
“Great fun and gripping, I read it at pace wanting to find out was going to happen next.  The characters are engaging and the family touches including the sibling positive/negative interaction bring a wry smile of recognition.  It turns out that the children are smarter than the adults.  A joy to read.”
David ThomasFather of three
★★★★★
“With vivid and evocative descriptions echoing another era, The Wolf of Ennerdale is an engaging story. It reminds me of Nancy Drew mysteries but with broader world implications, from diamond mining to cutting-edge technology. The two sisters are wonderfully real and their ability to communicate through their thoughts sparks the imagination. Marvellous descriptions make this story stand out from run of the mill children’s fare; however, dealing with topical issues such as blood diamonds would make this a good read for the older child.”
M. BredinEmmy nominated Executive Producer best known for her children’s series “True and the Rainbow Kingdom” and co-creating “Pickwick Pack” on Disney
★★★★★
“I thoroughly enjoyed this clever mystery. The characters are vividly drawn and almost leap off the page, while the fast-moving plot makes it a real page-turner. It can be enjoyed by adults as much as by younger readers.”
Steven HankeyEnglish teacher
★★★★★
“Can't remember when I last read an adventure book for non-adults. Can't remember when I turned the pages so fast. Mae and Issy are my new heroes.”
John Nicolson, 59Father of three
★★★★★
“A beautifully written and richly layered tale of suspense and adventure, set in the heart of the Lake District with a setting as vivid as its characters. Immersive, thrilling and utterly compelling.”
Luis Abbou PlanisiAuthor
★★★★★
“JUST finished reading this wonderful book in one sitting! I could NOT put it down! I thoroughly enjoyed every single page! And I LOVE it! It is so lively and well-paced - the plot was intriguing and thought-inducing, the technical aspects were explained clearly and rivetingly, and it flowed briskly from incident to incident. I believe these are the reasons it was so engaging and such a page-turner!”
Rebecca BradyEditor, author, mother of two
★★★★★
“Completely entertaining read that held my interest throughout. I enjoyed the captivating characters especially the cheeky and precocious youngsters who were particularly amusing playing detective.  Great fun book for young and old.”  It is so lively and well-paced - the plot was intriguing and thought-inducing, the technical aspects were explained clearly and rivetingly, and it flowed briskly from incident to incident. I believe these are the reasons it was so engaging and such a page-turner!”
Danni RobertoBibliophile, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother
★★★★★
“A thrilling adventure, the story is well-written and engaging. Fast paced, one is pulled into the atmosphere of this story from the very start. It is exciting, the “good” characters make it against all odds and there’s a happy ending.  It is so lively and well-paced - the plot was intriguing and thought-inducing, the technical aspects were explained clearly and rivetingly, and it flowed briskly from incident to incident. I believe these are the reasons it was so engaging and such a page-turner!”
Yola CiechanowskaTeacher, mother of four
★★★★★
“A rip-roaring adventure with an ingenious plot and enigmatic characters, the story swiftly draws us in to the lives of the empirical Mae and her artistic sister Isla. Evocatively set against the Cumbrian landscape, the author gives us a touchingly humorous portrait of children both fascinated and frustrated by the adult world, yet determined to unravel the secrets of those around them.  A thoroughly enjoyable read in which nothing is as it seems!”  
Elizabeth HolmanMother of 6
★★★★★
“The Lad in the Lane is super exciting to read. I love the characters and especially all the drama in it.”
Belle KellyAged 8, Young Writer, London
★★★★★
“If you want a wonderland mystery, mixing the imagination of children with the power of illustration, then this is a book for you. If you don't, still buy it - buy the Series - because it does something else which all creative art should do. It takes you from where you were to where the author wants you to be - whether or not you wanted to go there! It works.”
Michael SmithCompany Director, West Sussex
★★★★★
“The hooting of an owl as a storm recedes is the backdrop to another intriguing Lakeland Mystery. Two sisters with special skills explore the tangled web of local family legends to try to work out who did what to whom, when and why. A well written story that engages the reader from start to finish.” 
Janet LewisRetired, Scotland
★★★★★
“Full of fun and adventure. The wonderful Cumbria countryside is there in all its glory, but the two sisters are the stars of the show. This is a real page turner; you even want to hear more of the dastardly baddies and their plots.”
David ThomasFather of three
★★★★★
“A truly Cumbrian story! I really like the way Warren Cabral uses Wray Castle and Cockermouth to weave another mystery for the telepathic sisters Isla and Mae to solve. Could the ghostly lad in the lane be based on the owl-hooting boy in Wordsworth’s ‘The Prelude’? Intriguing…” 
Katriona WadeMother of three, Shropshire
★★★★★
“The Lad in the Lane has the right mix of adventure and mystery. It’s adult subject matter of greed is presented in a way the young reader can follow, with fun historical facts as a bonus. The two young heroines capture the reader's enthusiasm to keep reading. The clever little intuitive dog is a funny addition to the story. It's a five-star read.” 
Danni RobertoBibliophile, mother, grandmother and great mother, Canada
★★★★★
“Warren Cabral does an excellent job in blending the ordinary with the extraordinary, particularly when it comes to the more supernatural elements. A perfect introduction for children to more complex real-life narratives combined with a controlled and nuanced narrative style. I could see this being used as teaching materials, especially for those learning English as a second language.”
Lu AcevedoWriter and ESL Tutor, Mexico City
★★★★★
“The well-drawn characters of the young sleuths, who are both quirky and whip-smart, and the uniquely local nature of the mystery they solve, make this a great read! It was thoroughly enjoyable. I learned quite a bit about the Lake District, too. The psychic bond between the sibling detectives adds a magical touch to their relationship.”
Kathryn WinterChicago
★★★★★
“Follow the absolutely marvellous sleuthing sisters, Mae & Isla, along with Reggie, the family's faithful pooch, as they sniff out clues in this wonderful romp around the Lake District with as many twists and turns as the well-travelled paths around Windermere.”
Keith MadeirosActor & singer, Peterborough
★★★★★
“The loving and complementary relationship between the sisters is not only fun but utterly endearing. It is very reminiscent of the old classics, but with a notable modern twist that gives both creativity and intelligence a chance to shine. The prose is sure to delight both children and adults alike, as the language is both evocative and accessible to readers of all levels.”
Lu AcevedoWriter and ESL Tutor, Mexico City
★★★★★
“A sparkling adventure blending family drama and an intriguing mystery into one irresistible read. Follow sisters Isla and Mae as they unravel the secrets of strange brews, eccentric artists, grimy mischiefmakers and a series of strange events in a tale that is unexpected, hilarious and just a bit off-beat. Two of the sharpest detectives you’ll ever meet - can’t wait to join them on their next adventure.”
Sally McNishMother of 4, dog lover, London
★★★★★
“‘Families are a funny business,’ and get a bit wild when Isla and Mae are on the case, sorting out the problems of the adults, with their extraordinary secret skills. They may be young but with keen observation and imagination, they can peer into the tangled lives of the people of their community. When the whole town comes down with disgusting tummy troubles, the girls’ mental focus is sharpened, and the case is on!”
John ZuillActor and father, Australia
★★★★★
“The two sisters’ first taste of shandy leads them awry and headfirst into a mystery amongst complex and colourful characters. Clever, sharp, and connecting the dots far quicker than the adults…these are certainly two children who should not be underestimated!”
Natasha SharmaAccountant, London
★★★★★
“Really enjoyed this fast-paced mystery with its delightful heroines, ingenious plot twists and vivid sense of place. Follow Isla and Mae, two very different sisters, as they investigate mysterious Lakeland happenings and with the help of their secret mental link, run rings round well-meaning but oblivious adults. Bright children who enjoy words and ideas will love it. This is a great series which manages that rare combination of being both subtly educational and laugh out loud funny. Very much looking forward to the next adventure.”
Serena CoxMother of two, London
★★★★★
“Warren Cabral has written a charming, tightly woven mystery in The Mystery of the Chemic Tavern, in his Lakeland Mysteries series. The story is set in the quaint town of Cockermouth and follows telepathic sisters Mae and Isla as they investigate a strange illness linked to a local tavern. The plot moves along quickly, and the writing is easily accessible, with the illustrations by Corryn Webb adding a vibrant visual layer. Ideal for young readers and cozy mystery fans, this is a polished and engaging read that balances intrigue with heart.”
Gaynor GallantTeacher, mother of 2, Brighton
★★★★★
“Warren Cabral's latest book in his humorous and refreshing sleuthing series introduces eccentric Aunt Mary to the family ensemble when she comes to stay. Sisters Mae and Isla Donaldson think their only challenge is putting up with an unwanted guest over Guy Fawkes. But when explosions (that have nothing to do with gunpowder) afflict the beer-drinking villagers of Cockermouth, there’s a mystery to be solved. Charming and imaginative, this is fun, fast paced and beautifully written.”
Catherine ZuillEditor, Writer & Online Producer, Sydney
★★★★★
“It was good to be back in the company of Mae and Issy - in a challenging puzzler which turns on a vital piece of art history. My favourite detectives!"
John NicolsonFather of three, Berlin
★★★★★
“I enjoyed The Mystery of the Chemic Tavern. Aunt Mary is quite a character, who lends some comedy to the proceedings! I also love how the girls communicate. Their “power” is not presented like something weird but in a normal way, so the girls seem credible and likeable.”
Deirdre de WijzeMother of two, The Netherlands.
★★★★★
“If you’re looking for a mystery that will have both children and adults hooked, The Mystery of The Chemic Tavern by Warren Cabral is a must-read. This clever story follows two sisters who share a special connection as they uncover a strange illness spreading through their town — all somehow linked to the local brewery’s beer. Or is it? The mystery unfolds with just the right mix of suspense and fun. Parents will appreciate the smart, layered writing and Mr. Cabral’s light-hearted, whimsical turn of phrase. Perfect for young readers who love adventure, secrets, and a good twist, The Mystery of The Chemic Tavern is a delight from start to finish.”
Paul WoolgarLawyer, Cornwall
★★★★★
“Another great story about Mae and Isla! I love the relationship between the sisters: the sibling rivalry is relatable, yet they always come together to solve a mystery, setting a good example to us all. If you are reading together with your child, your young reader will appreciate the pages with charming illustrations and short text.”
K. StubbsReading tutor and mother of two, Bermuda
★★★★★
“In what may be my favourite of the series, Warren Cabral brilliantly blends the fantastical, the extraterrestrial, and the local. From Isla and Mae’s wonderful relationship to the entertaining cast of secondary characters and villainous foes, coupled with the blending of the Sci-Fi and the Gothic, this is ‘The Lakeland Mysteries’ firing on all creative cylinders. A wonderful read from cover to cover.”
Lu AcevedoWriter and ESL Tutor, Mexico City
★★★★★
“When an enigmatic light show over Cockermouth baffles the ever-curious Donaldson girls, they just can't resist starting another investigation. With tales of missing people, mysterious communications and a new arrival to the village who seems too good to be true, this spellbinding story is packed with twists and turns, gripping you right until its unexpected end.”
Katherine GBiologist, mother of one, Zurich
★★★★★
"The Vanishing Young of Rydal Cave is a cerebral children's mystery, filled with both humour, and dark and unexpected twists. Cabral presents some deep musings on communication, morality, and innocence, while keeping the prose accessible to young readers. We move jauntily from chapter to chapter, as fascinating concepts go "zinging" across the page."
Jonathan FrithSinger-songwriter, Bermuda
★★★★★
“When unique sisters Mae and Isla put their heads together sparks fly and the adventure begins in this magical sci-fi story of intrigue and villainy.  Perfect for young minds to indulge their imaginations and adults too who love to read bedtime stories to them.”
Carol BirchDirector and playwright, Bermuda
★★★★★
“Warren Cabral weaves together history, science, and adventure in a spooky, fast-paced story that challenges Mae and Isla to unravel a decades-old mystery involving secret Cold War projects, UFO sightings, and a pair of unforgettable new neighbors. The clever sisters must rely on their intelligence, wit, and courage to uncover the truth — and to protect their town before the past repeats itself. A great romp for young readers and their parents, or grandparents.”
Geoffrey BonnycastleCreative Director and Entrepreneur, California
★★★★★
“The back and forth between the sisters drives the plot at a steady pace, each leapfrogging on the other’s ideas to reach their conclusions. The scientific explanations scattered through the book ensure understanding without bogging down the story. A fun read, with several threads left dangling that demand another book in the series!
Jeremy ScrimesTeacher, father of three, Zurich
★★★★★
“Mae and Isla are two young, quirky sisters testing the boundaries with their loving parents. On the surface just a normal modern family, except we discover that Mae and Isla share a very special secret, and everything is not as it seems in their small English town. An exciting and fast-paced story that is hard to put down. Looking forward to the next installment!”
Richard DeversonFather & engineer, Zurich
At home with Mae, Isla, Jim and Penny

Tips, thoughts and travels with the Donaldson family

Litpick Book Reviews

The Wolf of Ennerdale Yet again, Uncle Bill has decided to show up unannounced at the Donaldson family’s home, hoping he can stay a few days with them like he has done in the past. The morning after his arrival, the message ‘Is it safe’ is fingered in the condensation on the glass of the kitchen window.  No one understands

The Lakeland Mysteries Receive the LoveReading4Kids Seal of Approval

We’re delighted to share that The Lakeland Mysteries series has been officially recognised by LoveReading4Kids, one of the UK’s leading book discovery platforms for young readers. Each title in the series has been awarded the prestigious LoveReading4Kids Seal of Approval, marking the books as recommended reads for children who love adventure, curiosity, and a touch of mystery. LoveReading4Kids praised the series for its blend

Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards Silver Medal for pre-teen fiction

Wilton Books is proud to announce receiving a silver medal in the 2025 Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards for “The Fire on Slate Fell, Book 1 in The Lakeland Mysteries series.   The Award committee said:  “Your book stood out among hundreds of entries, and our judging team was truly impressed by its quality, creativity, and impact.”

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