3 Reasons Why You Should Read Nanny Tobbins and the Midnight Plan by Lucie Stevens

What’s the book about?

1851, London

Six months have passed since the grand opening of the Great Exhibition — and Albertine and her family couldn’t be happier.

But the season of good fortune ends abruptly when a Royal Jewel goes missing and Albertine’s friend, dearest Blot, is accused of its theft. Determined to prove Blot’s innocence, Papa launches an investigation. Yet despite his best efforts, the true thief cannot be found.

With time running short before Blot is imprisoned, Albertine hatches a plan. She will enlist the help of the grown-up with the sharpest eyes she knows: her ghost-governess, Nanny Tobbins.

Residing in the graveyard has, however, turned Nanny quite odd and managing her is rather difficult.

Will Nanny Tobbins’ presence assist Albertine in clearing Blot’s name, or will it make matters worse?

Recommended for: 

Ages 9+

Three reasons to read it: 

1. The mystery in Nanny Tobbins and the Midnight Plan feels urgent right from the start because Blot is accused of stealing a Royal Jewel and could be imprisoned if the real thief is not found in time. The investigation gives the story a fast pace, and it’s exciting watching Albertine try to outsmart adults and uncover clues before it’s too late. The stakes feel real because she isn’t just solving the mystery for fun. She’s trying to save her friend.
2. The setting makes the story feel magical and historical at the same time. Victorian London is already full of fog, secrets, strange inventions, and hidden corners, but the book adds ghosts and quirky fantasy elements that make it even more fun. The world around the Great Exhibition feels busy and exciting, like the city is changing rapidly while strange things happen behind the scenes. It creates the perfect atmosphere for a mystery involving missing jewels and ghostly governesses.
3. If you like stories where spooky and funny exist together, Nanny Tobbins and the Midnight Plan is the book for you! The book has ghosts, graveyards, suspicious thefts, and high-stakes investigations, but it’s warm and adventurous too. The comparison to Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow makes sense because both stories are full of quirky characters, mystery, and magical chaos that’ll keep you hooked with each passing page.

Buy a copy of Nanny Tobbins and the Midnight Plan here.

About the author:

Lucie Stevens is a children’s writer who grew up in a semi-rural area of Dharug Country, north-west of Sydney. After working in Australian publishing houses for many years, she moved to Berlin, where she helped make education outreach programs for the UK and European Space Agencies. Now, having resettled in Gadigal Country, Sydney, Lucie works as a freelance editor for NGOs and not-for-profit organisations. She has authored and co-authored several books for the education market, on topics ranging from mudlarks to Mars. Lucie’s debut children’s novel, R.I.P. Nanny Tobbins, was long-listed for the ARA Historical Novel Prize. She is a recipient of the 2025/26 Vaucluse House Creative and Cultural Residency, which provides her with a beautiful place to write in Birrabirragal Country.