I don't like the ever-increasing list of 'celebrity' authors of children's books and usually steer away from these 'names'. But I've succumbed here - just as the publishers intend, I'm sure - because I'm intrigued by the author. Alex Horne has enjoyed huge success with his BAFTA-winning 'Taskmaster' programmes on Channel Four. And I think you can hear his voice, his humour, in this story for middle-grade readers (aged 9-12).

A young boy called Trader (the name of Alex Horne's own grandfather), enjoys beachcombing at Bognor Regis. He and his grandpa enjoy the time they spend together and they always find a beautiful or special stone to add to their collection. 

One day Trader finds a particularly special stone and it unleashes a chain of events, revealing a secret that was meant to have been kept for ever.

Trader and his new friend Charlotte work together to solve the mystery of the treasure and ultimately bring a resolution they could never have imagined.

This is actually a really lovely story. It's warm, uplifting, charming. It's about family, friendship and righting wrongs. I didn't really want to enjoy it, but I did! The author's notes at the end did acknowledge the work of the editor and, indeed the team, who helped Horne with the writing of the book. And though his quirky view on life occasionally appears, the story is the thing. Very enjoyable.