Clem Fatale Has Been Betrayed

🕵️‍♀️💼👦💰

by Eve Wersocki Morris

★★★★

At a glance

Things I loved:

✍🏼 Author: Eve Wersocki Morris

🎨 Illustrator: Honie Beam

📅 Release Date: 3rd April 2025

📚 Book type: Illustrated chapter, 240 pages

🌟 Reader level: Growing

🕵️‍♀️ Fun, easy-to-follow crime plot
😂 Great balance of humour and danger
🏙️ Brilliant London setting throughout
📚 Subtle WWII and Blitz references
🎨 Engaging illustrations break up text
✏️ Simple vocabulary for growing readers

Dive Deeper

My Thoughts...

I first heard about Clem Fatale Has Been Betrayed when a pupil was sent it by the fabulous Rebel Reading Society, but it wasn’t until I saw it at a book festival in St Austell that I actually picked up a copy myself. I’ve always had a soft spot for London crime stories and knew it would be right up my street!

In this book, Clem Fatale—sharp and street-smart—is betrayed during her biggest heist yet, leaving both her father and the loot missing. As if things can’t get any worse, she ends up accidentally-on-purpose kidnapping the son of a rich man. However, the two soon form an unlikely duo, becoming partners in crime as they navigate double-crosses and London’s shady underworld deals.

I absolutely love the easy-to-follow plot of this book, which has a brilliant balance of humour, danger and plot twists! The London setting is also super fun—from dark backstreet alleyways to enormous aristocratic estates—and the 1951 backdrop offers subtle insight into the Blitz, WWII, and post-war Britain.

Another highlight is the illustration style by Honie Beam, with occasional full-page pictures that break the story up nicely. The vocabulary is also pretty simple, which makes it a great choice for growing readers!

🌟I would absolutely recommend this book to children who enjoy adventure, a bit of crime, and a taste of London history—but nothing too intense or violent!🌟

Blurb

London, 1951: Clem Fatale, the youngest crook in the city, is on a mission to find her dad. Jimmy Fatale, notorious jewel thief and leader of the Spider Gang, has gone missing and with him the greatest prize in London: the Fool's Canary.

Along with her prisoner and/or sidekick Gilbert (depends who you're asking), Clem sets off on a rip-roaring chase through the London underworld. Racing through dodgy dives, glamorous nightclubs, greasy spoons and secret alleyways, Clem and Gilbert are soon pursued by a host of friends and foes.

Will Clem find her father in time? Or will the most sinister villain this side of the river put a stop to all her plans?