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The Paradise Heights Miniature Railway Bust-Up
By Kate Solly
Table of Contents
About The Book
A cosy crime/mystery novel from the beloved author of Tuesday Evenings with the Copeton Craft Resistance and The Paradise Heights Craft Store Stitch-Up.
Something is amiss at the Paradise Heights Miniature Railway. And this suits Fleck Parker just fine – she’s on the hunt for a new puzzle to solve. Expensive equipment and supplies have disappeared and nobody knows why. Who could possibly wish harm on a community group delivering Sunday afternoon fun on a fleet of jolly little engines?
Fleck is frenetic as ever as she feeds a hungry baby, placates a cranky toddler, executes an (almost) on-time school run and investigates crime – all without losing her Wordle streak. Meanwhile, her best friend, Trixie, is scrambling to manage the Many Hands Society Craft Shop, where volatile volunteers are becoming a real problem.
Fleck has never met a puzzle she didn’t want to solve, and this one is just the ticket. Nobody suspects the cheerful mum asking questions at the railway as she tries to untangle the conundrum. But idyllic bushland and miniature villages hide a sinister mystery, darker and more complex than anyone imagined. Will Fleck’s attempts to derail the thief land her on the wrong side of the tracks?
Appearances
JUL 24
12:00AM
In Person
Learn MoreMiller's Homestead
The Parlour, Miller's Homestead, Dorrigo Dr & Melr
Boronia, VIC 3155
AUG 12
6:30PM
In Person
Learn MoreGrace Darling Hotel Cellar Bar
114 Smith Street
Collingwood, VIC 3066
About The Author
Photograph by Darren James
Kate Solly is a writer, mother of six and really quite good at getting the bubbles out of plastic book wrap. While most of her time is spent finding lost shoes and investigating what's making the car smell bad, Kate frequently escapes to write entertaining things. She has penned many articles, columns and reviews for various publications and is the author of Tuesday Evenings With the Copeton Craft Resistance and The Paradise Heights Craft Store Stitch-Up. When she is not writing, she enjoys starting crochet projects and never finishing them.
Product Details
- Publisher: Affirm Press (March 31, 2026)
- Length: 288 pages
- ISBN13: 9781922863058
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Raves and Reviews
'The puzzle-like plot is constructed along classic Agatha Christie lines: it’s cute, funny, and a bit frantic, yet raises more serious questions about motherhood, identity and mental health as the novel progresses.'
– The Age
'The smooth dialogue and deprecating humour carries the story, touching on mental health issues, disability and women’s poverty without becoming preachy.'
– ReadPlus
‘Kate Solly’s latest Fleck Parker mystery is as clever as it is charming – a winning, witty mix of kids, crafts, crime and quirky community antics. This series just keeps getting stronger.’
– Jane Tara
‘Clever, witty – charm for days! Reading a new Kate Solly is the literary equivalent of coming home.’
– Emma Grey
'A delightful story interwoven with mystery, humour and real insight. Heartwarming and genuinely uplifting.'
– Amanda Hampson
'Simply knowing Kate Solly has a new book out in the world is enough to make me smile. Kate’s books remind us that friendship and fun are the best antidote to a troubled world. This is the feel-good book we all need right now. Kate's stories are full of humanity, authenticity and love for humankind. Add in a mystery and railways and it's a winner.’
– Josephine Moon
'I devoured this book and loved every second of catching up with Fleck Parker – who, by now, feels like a dear friend. Kate Solly’s charming style of storytelling skilfully weaves amusing everyday moments, which make you laugh out loud, with mystery and intrigue, which keep you gripped. Having loved The Paradise Heights Craft Store Stitch-Up, I found it an absolute joy to go on another adventure with Fleck.'
– Rhianna King
'A delicious, funny and warm-hearted novel from the queen of crafty clues, Kate Solly. Friendships, family and handicrafts entwine with a mystery that only our heroine, Fleck, can unravel, along with her yarn. The Paradise Heights Miniature Railway Bust-Up is the perfect antidote to a care-worn world.'
– Mary-Lou Stephens
‘No one meddles better than Fleck Parker. If you love the cosy cleverness of an Agatha Christie, you will love this.’
– Kerryn Mayne
Resources and Downloads
High Resolution Images
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Book Cover Image (jpg): The Paradise Heights Miniature Railway Bust-Up
Trade Paperback 9781922863058
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Author Photo (jpg): Kate Solly Photograph by Darren James(0.1 MB)
Any use of an author photo must include its respective photo credit
Crochet Pattern
Learn to crochet your own miniature train engine – with either beginner or advanced patterns!
