Kids’ author Pamela Butchart launched her first Secret Seven novel at Waterstones on Thursday — complete with a classic Enid Blyton-style picnic.
The Broughty Ferry author, 35, signed copies of her new book The Mystery of the Skull at the Commercial Street bookshop, with ginger beer and jam tarts on hand for those who came in to say hello.
It’s the first Secret Seven novel not to be written by Blyton — but with a host of positive reviews, Pamela admitted she’s “excited” for Blyton fans old and new to get their hands on the book.
“I can’t believe this is happening, to be honest. It’s really quite surreal,” she said. “It’s such a big responsibility because it isn’t one of my own series but I’m happy with it because I write for me and I write what I think is enjoyable to read.”
The Mystery of the Skull is set in the same time and world as the previous 15 Secret Seven novels, which are also being re-released.
It sees the gang attempt to solve the mystery of a skull that appears from nowhere in Peter’s bedroom.
More than 50 excited fans packed into the shop – some to see Pamela, others excited to pick up the Seven’s next adventure.
Among them was Craigowl pupil Jessie Gray, 9, who got Pamela to sign both her copy of the novel and her handmade autograph book.
She said: “I’ve got all of her books and I’ve read one of the Secret Seven ones. I’m really excited to get started.”
Suranee Abeysuriya, also 9, is already a big Blyton fan, having read all of the Famous Five books – but this will be her first Secret Seven.
“I like the fact they go on all these adventures. When I stop reading to have my lunch I just want to get back and find out what happens next,” she said.
While Pamela admits she had worried about how long-time Blyton fans would react to the book, the Harris Academy teacher says she is over any anxiety.
She’s already working on her next Secret Seven novel, The Mystery of the Theatre Ghost.
She said: “I just hope Enid Blyton would’ve liked it, and that her fans like it too. I’m aware of how important the book is to people my age because we grew up reading them.
“But as long as kids enjoy reading it, that makes me feel wonderful.”