
The Mystery of the Chemic Tavern
After the arrival of monstrous Aunt Mary, much of Cockermouth falls ill with a mysterious stomach bug. On a hunch from one of their aunt’s crazy drawings, telepathic sisters Mae and Isla Donaldson follow a trail of ambition and despair that leads to the door of a famous family, exposing the darkness within. Is this one secret too many?
Meet the Donaldson girls – primary schoolers and detectives. Mae, clever and very, very proper. Isla, a wild, artistic soul most at home wandering the fells of England’s beautiful Lake District. They are united by an uncanny ability to share their thoughts.
Explore Book 4 Locations

Location Name
- Old Bank House
- Trout Hotel
- Clear Lawn Primary School
- Higham Hall
- River Derwent
- Jennings Castle Brewery
- Whinlatter
- Spout Force Waterfall
- Scawgill Bridge
- Brewers’ Fayre
- Sainsburys Cockermouth
- Lorton
- Castlegate House Gallery
- Mitchell’s Sunday Market
Coordinates
- 54.66395969734187, -3.3640305356376925
- 54.66361270536631, -3.3685701313891823
- 54.661820427984786, -3.367552688101797
- 54.67245894590061, -3.2644482806457935
- 54.664186424118085, -3.3692918335207844
- 54.66466798585569, -3.3626358179942955
- 54.609544190858514, -3.227738471135204
- 54.609198832857224, -3.2227319082916766
- 54.60832028074599, -3.226564724259023
- 54.65214284208715, -3.3716115045006534
- 54.662083, -3.364944
- 54.61794624411377, -3.300574544280684
- 54.66505006927449, -3.360554316147757
- 54.65318000371994, -3.3761474603245145
Reviews by Readers around the world – Young and Old
★★★★★
“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.”
Michael SmithMother 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
If you would like to send in a review of your favourite Lakeland Mysteries book or have a fan event for our newsletter, please send it to
fans@lakelandmysteries.com