The Highland Falcon Thief: questions to ask and activities to try
A priceless brooch vanishes on a royal steam train, and Hal must find the thief. The Highland Falcon Thief is a prize-winning train mystery.
What age is it for? The Highland Falcon Thief is best for ages 7–10. Good for: A jewel thief on a royal steam train.
The Highland Falcon Thief (M. G. Leonard, Sam Sedgman and Elisa Paganelli)
- Age
- 7-10
- Best for
- A jewel thief on a royal steam train
Read a chapter a night and keep a suspect list. Look closely at Hal's sketches for clues.
What it helps with
- Observation and deduction
- Trains and travel
- Bravery
- Mystery novels
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “Who is Hal?”
- “What is the Highland Falcon?”
- “What was stolen?”
- “Who were the suspects?”
- “What clues helped?”
- “Who did it?”
5-minute activities to try together
Suspect sketches
Draw the suspects like Hal does.
Train journey
Plan a real or imaginary steam train trip.
Free printables: The Highland Falcon Thief worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
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If your child liked this, try
Emil and the Detectives (Erich Kästner)
- Best for
- A boy and a gang of children catching a thief
- Age
- 7-10
Violet and the Pearl of the Orient (Harriet Whitehorn and Becka Moor)
- Best for
- An amateur detective and a missing pearl
- Age
- 7-10
Kate on the Case (Hannah Peck)
- Best for
- A young reporter solving a mystery
- Age
- 7-9
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 10 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.