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Chris Smith, Author
James Lancett, Illustrator
Series: The New Famous Five
Imprint: Hodder Children's Books
Publication date: January 1, 2026
Category: Crime & Mystery Fiction
ISBN: 9781444978759
‘A rip-roaring delight.’ Anna James
The Famous Five are back as a new group of kids head to Smuggler’s Top to crack their second mystery.
A brand-new adventure by bestselling author Chris Smith, inspired by Enid Blyton and featuring original and new characters.
Maddy, Fran, Tom and Gilbert can’t wait for their holiday with Professor George at Kirrin Cottage. But when they arrive, they realise George is missing.
They follow her to an old house called Smuggler’s Top, full of secret tunnels and ancient hiding places, where they discover a master criminal who must be stopped at all costs.
Chris Smith has dreamed of being an author ever since he was 8 and won a competition with his story Where Are The Brandy Snaps? Chris worked for many years as a newsreader and presenter on radio stations including Xfm and BBC Radio 1. He is the bestselling co-author of the Kid Normal series and lives in north London with his wife, their son and a cat called Mabel who can travel through time.
James Lancett is a London-based illustrator, director and yellow sock lover! As a child growing up in Cardiff he was obsessed with cartoons, video games and all things fantasy. As he grew up and became a lot more beardy these inspirations held strong and so he moved to London to study BA Illustration and Animation at Kingston University. He now works as an illustrator and animation director. He is known for his illustrations for Lightning Girl by Alesha Dixon, the Avengers Assembly graphic novels, Max Einstein by James Patterson and many others.