A thrilling adventure set in the jungles of India from the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize shortlisted author of Secrets of the Snakestone.
The Golden Monkey Mystery by Piu Dasgupta
Published by Nosy Crow Inc.; August 4, 2026
Genres: Middle Grade | Fiction | Historical Fiction
Pages: 240 Pages, paperback
Format: NetGalley Shelf App
Source: NetGalley
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Trigger Warnings: Suspense, Peril, Magic Curses, Mythology, Colonialism, Oppression
Rated: Middle Grade, Age 8-12
★★★★★ | 5 / 5
Summary
A lost monkey.
A cursed jewel.
A race through the jungle…
When Roma stumbles upon a rare golden monkey, she vows to return it to its hidden home in the Himalayas. But the path is riddled with ruthless bandits, prowling beasts, and the sinister power of the Snakestone – a jewel that stalks her dreams.
To make matters worse, Roma is forced to travel with Max and Arabella, two pampered children who seem more trouble than help. Only a mysterious map offers a chance of success – but with every step, pursuers of the Snakestone draw closer.
Can Roma unlock the map’s secret before the jungle swallows them whole?
My Review
Thank you, NetGalley and Nosy Crow Inc., for this advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
This was an exceptionally well-written novel for youth! I was pleasantly surprised by the writing and how it captured the characters’ personalities, the essence of the story, and the way the plot unfolded. The dialogue was exquisitely written, and I’m not sugar-coating it. Perhaps this was a rare treat in a novel, with the characters truly shining through their speech and actions.
From the prologue to the end of the story, I was in love. I really appreciate great writing, and I think this shines a light on what British-colonized India was like. Definitely a story for Grade 5+, as many around this age will want to learn more about that time period and have plenty of opportunity to use their research skills.
The other thing I loved was the artwork. Especially since it serves the greater whole of the story and ties everything together beautifully, along with the way the opening chapter pages are presented.
A grand adventure to save a monkey, return a cursed stone, deal with thieves and bandits, and find a place in the world is just part of what makes this story so wonderful. I highly recommend reading this for both children and adults alike. I could not stop turning the pages.
★★★★★ | 5 / 5
