Double Trouble at the Dead Zoo

A thoroughly enjoyable page-turner, this warm-hearted and funny adventure is rife with excellent characterisation and a great mix of action and intrigue. Dublin city is lovingly rendered, making you think twice about some of its famous landmarks

-- Irish Examiner

the captivating narrative voice of young Bram Stoker, adventure seeker and aspiring author, pulls readers into the streets of Dublin city in the late 1850s, a setting as immersive and exciting as the story itself … Nolan’s fun story is full of wit and familiar faces … the sequel to last year’s Sackville Street Caper will have readers craving a third instalment

-- Irish Mail on Sunday

clever, funny and the perfect follow-up to The Sackville Street Caper, this fast-paced story is filled with mayhem, mysterious goings-on and friendship … Dublin, 1858 is well-drawn, filled with all the atmosphere of the time (and there’s a map!) bringing a unique curiosity that’s sure to give young readers incentive and desire to discover more history … Exciting, quirky, intriguing, mysterious and hilarious! I can’t wait for the next instalment!

-- Fallen Star Stories

I really enjoyed this book It gave me a jittery feeling in my stomach. I would think this book is suitable for ages 9 and up. At the start there are some complex words. I would recommend this book to people who like pirates, treasure hunts and secrets

-- Cordelia Craig, age 10 for Tertulia Books in the Mayo News

Set in Dublin in 1859, this is the second book in the popular series which combines adventure with history. When young Molly Malone and Bram Stoker meet a lonely boy called Sanjit in the ‘Dead Zoo’, Dublin’s Natural History Museum, they can see he needs a friend. But when his uncle is kidnapped, they must uncover the truth behind the dastardly goings-on and find the Rajapur Ruby. A fast-paced and funny yarn

-- Irish Independent, Sarah Webb

Children’s Book of the Week ... ‘brilliant … full of fun and excitement, it’s an ideal page-turning book for those aged eight to nine plus

-- Woman’s Way Magazine

fast, light, and fun … There are some delightfully quirky supporting characters who add to the general silliness … An engaging adventure from start to finish! 

rip-roaring adventure … very modern and fun, with strong friendships at its heart … of note are the excellent chapter titles and character names – expect much snorting at puns coming young (and old!) readers!

-- Children's Books Ireland’s Annual Reading Guide 2023

An 11-year-old Bram Stoker, future author of Dracula, and 10-year-old fishmonger Molly Malone team up as child detectives to thwart crime … Nolan, one of Ireland’s finest children’s authors, brilliantly imagines Victorian-era Dublin in these two gripping, edge-of-your-seat thrillers, which are full of laugh-out-loud moments, colourful characters that almost leap from the page and a hero and heroine that you can’t help but take to your heart

-- Paul Howard * Irish Times *

Alan Nolan’s The Sackville Street Caper introduces us to the young Bram Stoker who runs away from boarding school and meets up with Molly Malone, a street urchin and pickpocket in a fast paced fast adventure set in Dublin of 1868. The two of them join forces to thwart hoodlums and the evil Count and his plans to steal the Irish Crown Jewels. Bram and Molly’s gripping adventures together continue in Double Trouble at the Dead Zoo

-- Marita Conlon-McKenna * Irish Times *

Follow the adventures of best friends Molly Malone and Bram Stoker in old Dublin as a seemingly quiet day trip to the National Museum sees them become embroiled in a kidnapping and a pirate treasure hunt. The book is jam-packed full of colourful characters, intricate plots and plenty of excitement. There’s plenty to fire the imagination here

-- Irish Times

This clever and funny book is another delightful addition to the Molly Malone and Bram Stoker series. It's perfect for children who like mystery and quirky characters

-- Donegal