A Not-So-Serious Q&A for Very Serious Adults Looking for the Right Book
Q: I’m looking for a book series that’s clean, clever, and actually age-appropriate. Is that a thing anymore?
A: It is now.
The Tangle & Trouble Mysteries are written with readers aged 12–15 in mind. No swearing, no inappropriate content, and no eye-roll-worthy tropes. Just clever plots, hilarious disasters, heart, and the occasional biscuit-based sabotage.
Q: Is the main character someone I’d want my daughter/niece/student to look up to?
A: Meet Marlowe Bellamy.
She’s smart, in her own way. Fierce. Loyal. And doesn’t care about fitting in.
She’s the kind of girl who uses a jam tart as a distraction, fixes ancient tech with a teaspoon, and still checks in on her mum. She isn’t perfect, she’s wonderfully messy, but she never gives up.
She doesn’t rely on superpowers or flawless charm to solve mysteries. Instead, Marlowe leads with sharp wit, unshakable bravery, quick thinking, and a healthy dose of creative chaos. She’s unapologetically herself, flaws, flour smudges, and all. And it’s that honest, messy, wonderfully human mix that makes her so relatable, and unforgettable.
She’s real, and girls love her for it.
“Marlowe is my hope to inspire anyone out there who needs to know, mistakes are ok, chaos is welcomed and never underestimate your hidden brilliance!” – Moira
Q: Is it just for girls?
A: Not at all.
Rhydian, the Sheriff’s son with a rulebook in one hand and a slow-burning crush he’s completely ignoring in the other.
There’s sabotage. Secret vaults. Exploding inventions. A dog named Stubby who may or may not be the emotional glue of the entire series.
Rhydian also has hidden talents that may intrigue our male readers.
And yes, there are several notebooks involved.
Q: What reading level is it? What if they’re reluctant readers?
A: The series was absolutely created for reluctant readers.
The chapters are short, funny, and fast-paced, with cliffhangers that keep them reading “just one more.”
It’s ideal for:
- Tweens/Teens who love mysteries
- Readers who enjoy Enola Holmes, Lockwood & Co., or A Series of Unfortunate Events
- Teens who claim books are “boring” (until they meet Marlowe)
Q: Is it safe for the classroom/library/bedside table?
A: Completely.
No inappropriate romance. The interactions are kept light and awkward – the bread and butter fir most teenage encounters. No horror. No traumatising content.
Chock full of intelligent, witty, character-driven adventure with a strong moral compass, layered friendships, and laugh-out-loud moments.
Bonus: There’s a strong focus on critical thinking, resilience, and creative problem-solving.
Q: What makes this series different from the rest?
A: The voice. The chaos. And the heart.
Moira Rand’s writing has been praised for being laugh-out-loud funny while still deeply meaningful.
It treats young readers with respect — giving them complex mysteries, flawed heroes, and genuine emotional moments — without ever talking down to them.
Also, the dog gets his own council report log. And it’s glorious.
Q: How many books are there? Do they have to be read in order?
A: The Tangle & Trouble Mysteries is a 5-book series, best read in order, though each mystery is wrapped up per book.
Perfect for series fans and those who like a satisfying ending (with the promise of more chaos to come).
Q: Where can I get it?
A: E-books and paperbacks available On Amazon.co.uk.
Still unsure?
Try reading a single chapter from Book 1, The Case of the Clockwork Catastrophe.
Just one.
We dare you not to fall in love with Marlowe, Root for Rhydian, and be emotionally compromised by Stubby.
Because sometimes the right story makes all the difference.
Even for anyone who says they don’t like reading.
Moira Rand Books 