The London Eye Mystery

Excellent story, told by Ted who has a “syndrome” and whose brain is “wired differently”. Fascinating to read how he sees things and manages to work out what has happened to his cousin. Would definitely recommend others read this book; couldn’t put it down!!

W3ndy50

Written from the point of view of 12 year old Ted I loved his explanations as to how his Asperger syndrome brain works differently, running in its own unique operating system. Although not actually labelled as such in the book as Asperger’s syndrome it appears that this is what Ted has been diagnosed with. Characters within the book call it his ‘syndrome’ whilst Ted himself explains that his syndrome causes his brain to operate in a different way from other peoples. Ted is clearly very intelligent and although often very single minded he understands that he can see things differently and offer a different perspective to others. Cleverly written with clearly a great deal of research into Asperger’s and how young people deal with not only the challenges it brings but also the positives of being able to look at things differently. It’s a simple plot and works beautifully, the characters are authentic and feel real, especially Ted and his sister Kat. Teds voice shines throughout the book as he uses his differences to view and see things differently from those around him.

SarahC39

Star Reviewer

Great fun and such an enjoyable book which really helped to see the point of view of a neurodiverse person.

MrsRatters

This was a fantastic book! It was a very gripping read and I struggled to put it down. The action starts on the first page and doesn't stop until the end. It is told from the point of view of a neurodivergent boy and gives great insight into how having a different way of looking at things can be a huge asset. The book explores family relationships, especially in times of stress. But mainly, it is a great mystery story with lots of twists and turns. I would highly recommend this to anyone who loves a good mystery.

mreeves

I really enjoyed this book, read in one afternoon. I enjoyed the way that the author suggested that Ted has a special need but it is never said directly. The story line was intriguing and I wanted to read on. A good read for anyone in Year 4 to 6.

HHorner

Absolutely gripping. I loved this book. It was so insightful. The main character was autistic and the amazing way he was portrayed showed so much understanding and care. The story was exciting and fast paced. I can’t wait to find out how one of my school reading groups found it. They were already reading it walking out the door.

JoolsG14

It was superb to read a story written through the eyes of a child who has a diagnosis. Very thought provoking!

Joanna Farbon

Really enjoyed this book as it kept you reading to find out how the mystery unravelled. Loved Ted as the main character and his non neurotypical view of the world. Only hesitation for using it with a class is the slight suggestion, as the anxiety builds about the boy who has disappeared, that he has been taken by someone which in turn raises the question of who would take a child and the older sister gives 'sex stuff' by way of an explanation. You would just want to be aware that was coming for a class book but brilliant independent read. Devoured it in a day.

cathcollings

A fabulous mystery with a great protagonist. Ted is a wonderful main character and, told in first person, you get a real insight into how he feels and how it is to have a 'funny brain that runs on a different operating system from other people's'.

purple8383

‘The London Eye Mystery’ by Siobhan Dowd In Siobhan Dowd’s ‘The London Eye Mystery’ we have a seemingly unsolvable conundrum: a boy – Salim – enters a pod for a trip on the London Eye, but when the pod returns, he has vanished. His cousins Ted and Kat become amateur sleuths, and set out to find him, while their respective families are plunged into crisis and chaos. Dowd’s skilfully-crafted plot is packed with clues, and we are guided through these by its narrator, Ted, who has Asperger's Syndrome. The insights afforded him by his autism are central to solving the mystery. Before Salim’s disappearance, Ted confides to his charismatic cousin that he doesn’t like being “different”; and loneliness and isolation are themes pervading much of the story - affecting other members of his family, too. However, although Ted often struggles to communicate and empathise with others, he quickly forms a bond with Salim, who accepts him, liking him immediately. This later gives Ted the determination and courage to journey out into a potentially hazardous environment - London - in his search of Salim. While Ted understands that his brain “works on a different operating system”, he comes to realise that this is one of his special strengths. Throughout the book he has an ability to interpret life in a refreshingly unique way, to notice things others have missed or overlooked, and to process changes and nuances of atmosphere – the weather, especially, with which he is obsessed. And we are privileged to share this with him, first-hand. While this is primarily a mystery, Ted’s family - and especially his older sister - lie at the heart of the story. Kat is all impatience, propelling the plot forward through physical action; and Ted, while less dynamic, continually turns the facts as he understands them around in his head, searching for answers. Together they make a formidable team, and as the story progresses and they work towards a solution, their previously volatile relationship is transformed, and they gain greater mutual respect, understanding and closeness. Siobhan Dowd has not simply written an enjoyable and compelling mystery. She also explores wider, bigger things: disability, dysfunctional families, grief, bullying, racism – each handled with characteristic sensitivity, humour, compassion and infinite understanding. And this is why ‘The London Eye Mystery’ is now, deservedly, a classic.

loohawk

Adored Siobhan Dowd’s writing. Loved the character of Ted and the manner in which we’re given access to his ‘take’ on life. I’d worked out most of what happened but I was a little bit disappointed in the ending because it all happened so quickly...or rather, it was all wrapped up too quickly...

Library Lassie

Ted is a brilliant character whose brain works in a different way to most people. He is autistic. This is a very cleverly written mystery which I’ve been meaning to read for years. I read it today in one sitting as I couldn’t put it down.

cdadswell

I really enjoyed this book; it is a very engaging mystery. It was well-written with engaging and relatable characters. The mystery keeps the reader guessing until the very end (I didn't work out the solution!). I would recommend this book to Y6s.

Cadicat

great mystery

[email protected]

A gripping read! I have fallen in love with Ted and Kat. A tremendous mystery which tackles so many topics alongside that might be difficult to talk to children about explicitly i.e. family breakdown and autism.

MissN_18

A mystery with themes of family, friendship and loyalty. Ted and Kat's cousin Salim disappears after going on the London Eye. The police are baffled and Auntie Gloria is in pieces. Ted engages his genius brain and Kat asserts her adventurous spirit to find their cousin.

KirstenF

This is a really well written first person POV story. The characters are well padded and the main character's Aspergers is treated thoughtfully. The story itself is wonderfully unpredictable and it keeps you guessing to the very end. Would definitely recommend.

Wynnester25