The Vanishing Young of Rydal Cave

When curious blue rays light up the sky over Cockermouth in a mysterious pattern, young sisters Mae and Isla Donaldson face shape-shifting adversaries. With the help of their irascible Granddad, the girls discover how to break a secret code and unlock the truth about a group of special agents who disappeared from a Lake District beauty spot while investigating UFOs. The girls must prove their suspicions about the glamorous new people in town before it’s too late. This thrilling story is part of the Vanishing Young of Rydal Cave series.

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.

Photos - The Vanishing Young of Rydal Cave in Real Life.

Explore Book 5 Locations

Location Name

Old Bank House
Main Street Cockermouth
All Saints Church
All Saints Manor
New Bookshop
Banks Hardware Store
Maryport
Nemesis Boxing Club
Clear Lawn Primary School
Watch Hill
RAF Silloth
Skinburness Marshes
Rydal Cave
White Moss Carpark
Trout Hotel
Sainsburys Cockermouth

Coordinates

54.66396, -3.36403
54.66388, -3.36456
54.66325, -3.35976
54.66275, -3.35980
54.66394, -3.36377
54.66436, -3.36168
54.71442, -3.49447
54.71520, -3.49717
54.66182, -3.36755
54.67496, -3.30544
54.86907, -3.36875
54.88393, -3.32199
54.44338, -2.99650
54.45005, -3.00352
54.66361, -3.36857
54.66208, -3.36494

Map Links

Reviews by Readers around the world – Young and Old

★★★★★

“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.”

★★★★★

“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.”

★★★★★

"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."

★★★★★

“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.”

★★★★★

“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.”

★★★★★

“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!

★★★★★

“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!”

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