Book Club: The Train of Dark Wonders
The Train of Dark Wonders, by Alex Bell and illustrated by Beatriz Castro, is Blue Peter's Book Club choice for October 2025. Settle in for a suitably spooky adventure, perfect for a Halloween read!
What did the Book Club think about The Train of Dark Wonders?
It's Halloween, so it's time for tricks, treats and... Haunted ghost trains?! Abby and some Blue Peter Book Club fans got together in the video above to discuss The Train of Dark Wonders.
"THIS IS THE BEST BOOK EVER!"
"If you love magic, this is the book for you."
Does that sound great to you? The read on, as you can find a sample of the first few pages of the book below!
What is The Train of Dark Wonders about?
The Train of Dark Wonders is bursting with imagination and creepy critters! Alex Bell's story takes hero Bess Harper and her friends on an unforgettable journey between worlds. Check out the synopsis:
Bess has always loved her grandfather’s collection of curiosities. So she’s delighted when she’s handed the keys to his Odditorium. But unless she finds a way to draw in the crowds, she’ll have to close its doors for good.
When a mysterious train pulls into town, bound for The Land of Halloween Sweets, Bess hatches a plan and sneaks onboard. She is soon discovered by Beau the puppeteer, Louie the violinist and Maria the fire witch. Eager to join their adventure, Bess sets out to search for the rarest sweet of all – the ghostly gobstopper.
But the land is ruled by the fearsome Candymaker. And beneath the sugary surface, things are more dangerous than they first appear...
Read a sample of The Train of Dark Wonders
About the author, Alex Bell
Alex Bell has written multiple books for young people, including Frozen Charlotte and The Polar Bear Explorers’ Club, which was a Waterstones Book of the Month! She has previously studied to be a lawyer, and lives in Hampshire with her husband, sons and demanding cats. 😻
Discover more with Bitesize
Are you searching for an in-depth look at the author Alex Bell's writing techniques?
Gain an understanding of what makes her vocabulary tell such an exciting story by checking out Bitesize's guide to The Train of Dark Wonders to learn more about her ambitious vocabulary and using italics for emphasis.
What other books are in the Book Club?
The excitement doesn't stop with The Train of Dark Wonders, keep watching Blue Peter to join the Book Club as we'll also be reading five more incredible books ranging from nature poetry, to fantastic fiction, to an actual astronaut's guide to space travel!
You can look forward to:
Guardians of the New Moon
The Cosmic Diary of a Future Space Explorer
Outside In
The Adventures of Rap Kid
Pablo and Splash
Join the Blue Peter Book Club!
If you loved reading The Train of Dark Wonders, or just love reading in general, the Blue Peter Book Club is the place for you!
Hang out with other book fans and discuss your favourite stories. Share your thoughts on the latest Book Club book, and maybe even your Blue Peter Book badge, too!
Find out how you can apply for the Blue Peter Book Club badge here.
Did a story make you laugh out loud, whisk you away on a thrilling journey, or introduce you to unforgettable characters? By sharing your book reviews you could earn this book-tastic badge.🤩
