Mystery of the Night Watchers Review

This Mystery of the Night Watchers Review will cover a description of the book, my thoughts and recommendations for use within your home school. Mystery of the Night Watchers is written by A.M. Howell, the award-winning author of The Garden of Lost Secrets and The House of One Hundred Clocks.

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Plot

When twelve year old Nancy is abruptly moved from her home to stay with a grandfather she does not know and for a reason she does not understand, she could not have foreseen the adventures which lay ahead. Set during the Edwardian Era, in May 1910, with excitement building over the imminent arrival of Halley’s comet, an uprooted Nancy attempts to settle into her new home.

This proves to be tricky. For some reason, she mustn’t show her face. Her grandfather draws the curtains, shuts the doors and insists she stays within the walls of his house. But from the secret observatory of the house, Nancy watches each night as both her grandfather and mother steal out into the dark. What are they doing? And why must they do it at night under the cloak of darkness? As the mysteries grow, so must Nancy’s courage.

Read More! Our Suffragette Unit Study and particularly our Edwardian Era end-of-unit presentation are worth a read and offer many hands-on activities to really bring your history study alive!

Mystery of the Night Watchers Review: What did I think?

This is an historical novel set during the Edwardian times. It has 137 pages, accounting for 38 chapters. I would say children as young as eight could enjoy it as there is nothing distressing in the book (it is not a murder mystery!). As a book, its story stands alone. It is not a part of a series. The paper back contains a handy dandy map:

A Novel Where History Meets Science

The widely anticipated appearance of Haley’s comet is the centre of the story and even plays a part in solving the mystery. Howell cleverly ties in historical attitudes towards comets: the fear of the unknown and questions regarding its safety, with particular reference to the possible noxious nature of Halley’s gaseous tail! This may be a cool read along if you are studying astronomy. Other fun historical observations are also mentioned. For example, the suffragist movement is mentioned regarding Nancy and her sister embroidering handkerchiefs for the suffragist ladies. Additional notes are included at the back of the book.

I love to use historical novels in our history unit studies. In fact, they make up a huge part of the children’s learning. So my Mystery of the Night Watchers Review has to include its educational possibilities. This book is a perfect read aloud or read alone for an Edwardian Unit Study. It is a particularly good addition to learning about the Suffragette movement.

Read More! Another great book which ties in nicely with the suffragette’s theme is Secret Suffragette

Just as an aside, if you are trying to teach your child metaphors and similes, Howell smatters many of both throughout her writing. These examples would be perfect to add to your child’s Literary Device Book.

Would I recommend?

This is a book which covers so many themes. From the more scientific Halley’s Comet, to the historical Suffragists and everything in-between! Themes such as friendship and sisterhood, morality and justice, against the backdrop of a thrilling mystery, laced with a little danger, make this a great book for homeschoolers.

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