The Secret Formula

'The Bella Street Mysteries: The Secret Formula'

Available now at Amazon as a paperback and an ebook!

'Beneath the bright lights of New York City, gangsters and criminals scurry about like cockroaches on a day old pizza. The Gutson Gang has their sights set on stealing The Secret Formula for a perfume that makes the wearer irresistible. Doc Gutson, Johnny Sequins and Pauly Three Toes also want, cold, hard revenge and will stop at nothing to get it. But standing in their way are Bella Street, a cool, skateboarding champ and tech genius Felix Samson, a wannabe detective. Can Bella and Felix stop the evil trio, or will they both end up in the East River wearing cement shoes?'

Reviews for The Secret Formula:

'...it definitely deserves a five star rating it was a great children's book and any body would love it kid or not' Brad Taylor

'I think tweens who like fun adventure mysteries will love this book.' kdf 333

'A ripper of a thriller for kids!' Irina Dunn, Director, Australian Writers Network

'...it's a quick read, the pace of the book is great and its full of action. The author did well with developing characters without slowing the movement of the plot and I very much like following the plotline from the perspective of both the protagonist and antagonist.
The author doesn't hide anything from the reader either, she establishes the storyline early (the reader knows things that Bella has yet to figure out until later) but still adds in twists and suspense toward the finish. I'm impressed with the development of Felix and the Professor as interesting and endearing supplemental characters, and even Dick Gutson and the glimpse into his relationship with his sister.
Well done! Definitely a good read for an adolescent interested in a mystery/suspense story, and it does have a 'noir' feel about it, especially because of Felix's unique interest in criminal behavior.
Well done! And thank you.' Shinwell Johnson

'This book is great fun, and while the circumstances of the story (the very wealthy, the gangsters and the evil scientist) are a world away from the normal life of your average 13 year old the characters are still relatable and you get a real connection with Bella in particular. Based in Manhattan where you get a taste of the city life with Clare Havens' descriptions you can almost say you have been there. This story is fast paced and full of action as the story unravels. The characters are great, not too serious but deep enough to have an impact.
If you are after a great good guy versus bad guy story with mystery, a bit of crazy science, a couple of goons, brave and clued up kids and a whole lot of trouble, you will not be disappointed with A Bella Street Mystery – The Secret Formula. I found myself staying up too late to read more!' Angela Hall, Bug in a Book

Anna Branford, author of the bestselling Violet Mackerel books said ‘Bella Street and the Secret Formula was such a fun read! The pace is wonderfully fast and the writing so energetic ... A very enjoyable story!’

Maggie Topkis, Founder of the awesome Felony and Mayhem Press and Co-Owner of ‘Partners and Crime’ Bookstore in NYC said ‘Charming ... I recommend it.’

And best of all, 12 year old Jolie Wilson said ‘Best book I’ve ever read! I LOVED it and wish there was a movie ... VERY suspenseful.’

10 year old Bethany sent in this great review! Thanks, Bethany!

Where to find Bella.

You can go to Amazon for the paperback or kindle version. Alternatively, you can buy the paperback direct from me and I will sign it for you! Just email me! The ebook is currently $3.99 and the paperback is $12.99.

If you liked Bella Street you might like these!

Some of my favorite authors in the Noir genre are Dashiell Hammett and Raymond Chandler. Many of their books were made into movies starring my favorite actors of all time William Powell and Humphrey Bogart. Hammett and Chandler wrote books for adults but there are some great Noir-ish books out there for younger readers, notably by the incredible Anthony Horowitz.