This book features Joey Maynard and some of her family on holiday in their new chalet in the Austrian Tirol. They get to know the three Richardsons - Roger, Ruey and Roddy - who are staying in a small chalet nearby, mostly without any adult present.

Inevitably there’s much that’s old-fashioned and I rolled my eyes a little at some of the author’s oft-repeated phrases and values. But there’s a lot of warmth too: Jo and her husband Jack are relaxed parents who expect a lot of their children, but they treat them with respect too.

I enjoyed this book very much, reading it for the first time in probably twenty years. Recommended to anyone who enjoys the series; it makes a change from Brent-Dyer's school-based books. ( )