The Curious Crime

The Curious Crime

A new novel set in a magical museum - out now!

Is curiosity a crime? Ree discovers the unfairness of being a girl in a male-dominated scientific world, where alternative ideas are swiftly squashed.

Enter a fantasy island where Phil the dodo and other unusual wild animals roam corridors, great halls and an underground network of passages of a magnificent museum and science academy. Prevented from following her creative passion as a stonemason, Ree is confined to cleaning the halls at night as a maid.

But then the murders start happening...  A determined scholar Henri and strong-willed Ree join forces to solve the mysteries and prove their innocence.

'In a strange, vast and wonderfully imagined museum, an apprentice sculptor and student scientist must solve a murder. Julia Golding has written a gripping helter-skelter story that will keep you guessing and start you thinking.'
Roger Wagner
Artist
'This story masterfully combines humour, mystery, and great scientific nuggets for readers to chew on as they follow the footsteps of an accidental hero thrown into a gripping story you won't be able to put down while the wheels of your mind keeps on turning.'
Michael E Sinatra
Professor of English, Université de Montréal
'The beauty of thought, the wonder of discovery, and the vivid descriptions of the museum are enthralling; all this amid the excitement and tension of a murderer on the loose.'
Dr Shaun Fitzgerald
Director, The Royal Institution

Teach Primary Magazine: ‘an intelligent, thought provoking adventure with real substance.’

Midwest Book Review: ‘Showcasing author Julia Golding’s impressive flair for originality and deftly scripted narrative storytelling, “The Curious Crime” is unreservedly recommended for school and community library YA Fiction collections.’

Are you curious enough to enter the greatest museum on earth? No one knows exactly where it will take them once they start exploring! You can order the book here.

Parents in Touch

The Curious Crime review

Sarah writes:

Reece is a girl in a man’s world, aided and abetted by her father. But a mistake means she is discovered working illegally, leaving her father banished and Reece demoted to working as a maid. Her carving takes her into a fantasy land where Phil the dodo and other unusual wild animals roam corridors, great halls and an underground network of passages of a magnificent museum and science academy. But sinister happenings are afoot and murders to solve the mysteries and prove their innocence. The book puts the reader in awe of those who make scientific discoveries, and of the brilliant ways their minds work; Reece is a strong character, determined not to give in to those who would hold women back. It’s a fascinating story, mixing science and fantasy, and encouraging discovery and pushing the boundaries. Brilliantly written, I really enjoyed this.