Clem Fatale Has Been Betrayed

London, 1951. One spring night, a jewel heist by the notorious Spider Gang is interrupted by the police, and boss Jimmy Fatale goes missing. Twelve-year-old Clem – and Spider Gang member –is determined to find her dad. So, with the help of her new kidnap victim and wannabe sidekick Gilbert, Clem races through the criminal underworld, desperate to uncover the baddies who have her dad. But the thing about hanging out with villains is that they’re often willing to double-cross you. Just who can Clem trust? And will she ever give Gilbert a cool gangster name? 

This unusual crime mystery is a breath of fresh air. Unlike 1950s London, which is brought to life brilliantly in all its grimy, dodgy underworld details. From nightclubs to cafes to safe houses, Clem and Gilbert hold their own against adult criminals, and yet all the content is appropriate for the age group. Similarly, though in a gang, Clem and her boss are goodies at heart. This is great fun, with cracking dialogue and humour.