This book made a fine gift... sometimes it is just the thought that counts and there's no particular expectation of the actual reading being any good, but this passed muster. I did read some Famous Five as a child but was never a particular devotee, so I am not sure that nostalgia aspect of it was particularly significant for me. I certainly didn't find it as laugh out loud funny as some of the Ladybird parodies. But the story held together remarkably well without needing to spend a lot of time guessing who was the cypher for the real life character (not that a lot of time was needed for Julian, stuck on his zip wire)

There were quite a few amusing touches - the disapproval of the phone recharging machine, Uncle Quentin and Aunt Fanny's revelations about items they had stashed away, and Timmy's various contributions, particularly his casting vote.

A quantum of solace.

Donated to Oxfam

Bought in oxfam.
Quite gently entertaining.