Trying to keep on top of the pile of physical books I’ve been lucky enough to receive sometimes seems like a Sisyphean task – as soon as I’ve managed to read and review a few titles and think I might choose something from the pile of novels I’ve bought for myself, or been given by family members as presents, the postie will bring me more and so it goes on. Of course, I am not complaining about this – I am always hugely grateful for my post – but as the pile has steadily got bigger and bigger, I’ve found myself requesting fewer reads from NetGalley because I always feel guilty when I do. One title that there was no way I could ignore is this new middle grade thriller from Simon Fox, author of Running Out of Time and Deadlock, stories that are action-packed and enormously exciting and that I thoroughly enjoyed. Seeing his name on the cover, I immediately requested it and was delighted when I was approved, bumping it straight to the top of the pile. A story that swiftly hooks you in, this is another just-one-more-chapter read that at under 300 pages will be gobbled up by readers in Year 4 upwards and one that would make a brilliant film. Having been promised skiing lessons by his mother, Tom is disappointed that rather than her teaching him, he finds himself in a class alongside several other novices and partnered with someone much younger. After getting through the day, Tom and his partner take the chairlift to the top of the last run and look across a deep ravine to a large chalet sat by itself – Tom’s temporary home and a location that is accessible only by another chairlift – before reaching the top and skiing back down. Meeting with Emily, the chalet owner Eric’s daughter, afterwards and heading back, Tom goes to see his mother, who tells him that as scientist Eric’s chief of security, she is having to investigate a credible threat against him and that Tom will be attending ski school again the next day. When Tom is collected early from his lessons by Emily the following morning, Tom is annoyed with her behaviour towards him but this is very soon the least of his worries when, as they approach the chalet, they discover that Eric has visitors – a group of violent criminals intent on stealing his work. As he and Emily watch from a hiding place, the intruders’ actions cause an avalanche that cuts off the chalet containing their parents, who are now being held captive. With no one to turn to, Tom and Emily are his mother and her father’s only hope – can the two of them work together to free them and prevent Eric’s work falling into the wrong hands? Young readers will really take to Tom. Having been brought out to the mountain by his mother expecting to spend quality time with her on a skiing holiday, he very quickly realises that she is going to put her job first, leaving him feeling unloved and resentful. Thrown together with the older Emily, who also doesn’t want to be there and has no qualms about letting him know just how much she doesn’t want to babysit him, the two of them are left with little choice but to try to assume control not just for rescuing their parents but also stopping the gang of criminals taking Eric’s potentially lethal work for their own nefarious plans. With most of the narrative being set in and around the chalet, there is a palpable feeling of claustrophobia and tension throughout the story that ramps up as it progresses and with the chapters being fairly short and each one being filled with action and jeopardy, this is a title that even those who are less confident readers will enjoy and will want to continue reading to see exactly what happens next, making it a great choice for many in Year 4 upwards through into KS3. I thought it was absolutely brilliant and can’t wait to see what Simon Fox writes next.

Avalanche by Simon Fox Pub Date: 9th October 2025 This is an exciting, action-packed adventure that had me hooked from the start. Tom and his mum are staying at a ski chalet while she protects her boss, Eric, who is head of a biotech firm. A recent attempt on his life also endangered his daughter, Emily, who was in the car with him. As head of security, Tom’s mum feels responsible and throws herself into work to find out who was behind it, leaving Tom on his own. Things spiral out of control when Tom and Emily return to the chalet to find that an armed force has arrived, having kidnapped Tom’s mum and another employee. In the chaos, she is shot while trying to fight back, which triggers an avalanche. With the ski lift and communications down, and emergency services busy, only Tom and Emily are left to help their parents. But what can two teens possibly do to save their families? What follows is an action-packed, thrilling story full of suspense. The writing style is perfect for 10+ readers and ideal for Y5–6 classes as well as secondary schools. The subject and pace will keep even reluctant readers turning the pages. Simon Fox has created a gripping story with a strong central character, and the potential for more if he chooses. #Avalanche #NetGalley