Shock for the Secret Seven

Reviewed on 9th August 2025

The Secret Seven are so bored that infighting has become a regular occurance, particularly between Peter, whose temper has reached extreme levels, and Jack, who is starting to realise that he may well actually be better off spending time with his sister Susie, who is clearly cleverer and more personable than most of his friends. Until a dog thief starts up business in the town, and the remaining Six are required to don their SS badges again and hunt down the enemy of the people.

It's a weird balance of a book. It's one of the best mysteries of the series, with lots of action, lots of clues, lots of investigation, and a really nice resolution (although the kids could be more present for the final action). But coupled with it almost feeling like the characters are fed up of being the archetypes that Blyton has created for them.