“Hazel’s love of penguins always shines through on the pages”

When I heard the news that Hazel Prior would be completing her ‘penguin’ series, I was delighted that we would be finding out how it all ends of octogenarian Veronica McCreedy, the intrepid Penguin Ambassador.

I suppose it is only fair at this stage to declare a conflict of interests as Hazel is an occasional member of the book group I attend monthly, so it is difficult to be anything but complimentary about this latest offering from the Exmoor-based author.

Fortunately, I am not being biased in saying that this is a fantastic ending to the series as Hazel’s writing is always beautiful and she has once again given a masterclass in storytelling that glows from the page.

Once again this is a well-researched adventure and a heartwarming story about friendship. Hazel’s love of penguins always shines through on the pages and there is an important message about conservation amid the wonderfully described tale.

If you haven’t yet familiarised yourself with Hazel’s penguin trilogy, then this winter would be the perfect time to follow the call of the penguins and then be taken away with the penguins before finally finding yourself gone with the penguins.

Below is the blurb for this final instalment, to whet your appetite for what’s to come;

Still fiery and feisty at eighty-seven, Veronica McCreedy, the very first Penguin Ambassador, is determined to prove that nothing is impossible when you put your mind to it.

Eileen, Veronica’s ever-patient assistant, is content taking care of other people. But when a new adventure calls, it makes her question everything…

Ten-year-old, penguin-obsessed Daisy can’t wait to be reunited with Mrs McCreedy in her huge house by the sea for the school holidays.

When they discover that the local Sea Life Centre is under threat, the unlikely trio are determined to save it and the penguins that live there.

Inspired by the penguins and fuelled by Darjeeling tea and finger sandwiches, they embark on an epic fundraising walk. But soon, their mission becomes so much more and it might just lead each of them to a new beginning…

Gone With The Penguins is out now from Penguin (naturally!).