A storm-locked Highland hotel on the Scottish moors at dusk
●Debut Novel · Ages 8–14 · Mystery

The Moorland
Mystery.

Trapped in a storm-locked hotel on the Scottish moors, two best friends must find a killer before the killer finds them — with only a stray cat, a stubborn Highland pony, and each other to rely on.

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Written at age 13A novel by Martha Kidston
Click to Reveal the Storm
Two friends approach the Highland Stormwatch Hotel at dusk
Case File 001
The Book

A murder, a storm,
and nowhere to run.

Two best friends. One locked hotel room. A knock at the door that changes everything.

Cut off by a raging storm with no signal and no way out, the guests of the Highland Stormwatch Hotel find themselves trapped. Somewhere among them is a killer.

Trust is a luxury they no longer have. With a growing list of suspects, they must piece together the truth before the storm—or the killer—strikes again.

Highland Stormwatch HotelLocked-room mysteryAges 8–14
Early Praise

What readers are saying.

First reactions from educators, teen readers, and mystery enthusiasts.

★★★★★
Aged 14

“Chilling yet touching”

This book will make you laugh and cry, with its impactful story, and Falcon’s unintentionally hilarious one-liners! It will send a shiver down your spine, but it feels homely, comforting, cosy. The references to ‘characters in a story’ really puts you in their world. The descriptions of the moor makes you feel like you’re actually there. It’s all so well written, you wouldn’t guess that the author was 13! It’s a beautiful and important story, and the writing definitely does it justice. Martha Kidston’s words will leave a lasting impact on anyone who reads this, it is truly remarkable.

VoirreyEarly Reader
★★★★★
Year 6 Teacher

“A lovely book to share with budding young writers”

With themes of friendship and adventure throughout, this is a great book for a young teen who enjoys a good murder mystery. It’s an enjoyable read, made special by the fact that it has been written by a young author. A lovely book to share with budding young writers with a passion for storytelling.

JennyEducator Review
★★★★★
Aged 16
“A gripping page turner — I loved it!”
CyanEarly Reader
★★★★★
Mystery Fan

“Great twists and turns... and a great cat!”

I really enjoyed this book, it has some great twists and turns! The characters have depth with interesting back stories to help you understand. Also, great cat name. I really liked the ending and how it was all wrapped up...

Reader ReviewEarly Reader
Martha Kidston, thirteen-year-old author of The Moorland Mystery
The Author
Written at age13

Meet Martha Kidston.

“Love the Earth, climb trees, be yourself, be creative — the only limit is your own imagination.”

Martha is thirteen years old and lives in Cambridge, UK with her parents and little sister. The Moorland Mystery is her debut novel.

A lifelong lover of crime fiction and the natural world, she set out to write the kind of mystery she wanted to read herself — fast-paced, atmospheric, full of humour, and unafraid to trust young readers with a real puzzle. She doesn't have any pets of her own, which didn't stop her imagining unforgettable characters into the story.

The Cast

Who you’ll be following.

Two girls, one cat with a detective’s instincts, and a hotel full of people who all have something to hide.

Falcon Greene
№ 01
The Detective

Falcon Greene

Notices what everyone else misses — objects, angles, the things people don't say. She prefers the thrill of the chase to the safety of sitting still.

Finn Carlton
№ 02
THE PARTNER IN CRIME

Finn Carlton

Reads people, not just clues. She is the one who has to decide how far she's willing to follow the shadows.

Purrlock Holmes
№ 03
The Third Detective

Purrlock Holmes

Borrowed in spirit from a cat Martha met at an animal shelter.

Inside the Story

The moor doesn’t forgive mistakes.

A glimpse of the world — from the illustrated pages of the book.

Falcon and Finn peeping round the corner
Falcon and Finn peeping round the corner
Storm, on the western ridge.
Storm, on the western ridge.
Falcon's notes, room 6.
Falcon's notes, room 6.
Horse on top of a hill
Horse on top of a hill
Classified

The case doesn’t end at the last page.

Hidden inside the book is a QR code that unlocks a real investigation online. Only readers who finish the book have everything they need to close the case.

Enter the Investigation →
Where to Buy

Get The Moorland Mystery.

Available now in paperback, hardcover, and Kindle eBook.

Amazon
Worldwide · Fast Delivery
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Barnes & Noble
US Bookstores
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Waterstones
UK Bookshops
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For Schools & Librarians

Bring the case into the classroom.

Free discussion guide, printable hotel floor-plan puzzle, and a class-wide entry point into the online investigation — built for readers aged 8–14.

Request the Schools Pack →
For Press

Press & review copies.

A 13-year-old debut novelist, illustrated throughout, with a real-world companion investigation. Get in touch for interviews, review copies, and press assets.

Contact for Press →
Follow the Case

Updates from Martha.

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