Lights, Camera, Mayhem!

"Alan has crafted a classic adventure which feels fresh and fantastic. It feels like a combination of Sherlock Holmes and the Three Stooges. The 1930’s are expertly evoked and layered with a fast-paced and hilarious adventure featuring movie stars, mobsters and the plucky Grand Central Cinema Club gang. Alan never misses! Another surefire hit! Deserves to be a blockbuster book and movie!"

-- Eoin Colfer

Mystery, movies and mobsters, this fantastically fun book has it all

-- Leona Forde

a high-octane escapade that is a love letter to the Golden Age of Cinema. Nolan’s trademark humour is evident throughout the tale, with plenty of frenetic energy and a mystery element providing enough suspense to keep the pages turning

-- Children's Books Ireland's Best Irish Books of 2026

mayhem that kids just love …as parents, if you read an Alan Nolan book, you will be laughing

-- LMFM

Nolan’s trademark humour is evident throughout the tale. The dialogue is witty and accessible; thus, the cast of characters appear authentic, relatable and engaging. The action verges on slapstick, with the young friends thrown into increasingly absurd situations that mirror the frenetic energy of a film set. The plot embraces a sense of chaos that younger readers are sure to enjoy. Meanwhile, the mystery element to the story provides enough suspense to keep pages turning. Recommended for movie lovers aged 8+ who enjoy comedic adventures and historical fiction

-- childrensbooksireland.ie

A fantastic mix of thrills and charm blend together to create a truly wonderful read. Clever dialogue, great characterisation, humour that borders on slapstick and would fit beautifully in the films of the era (1930s) and a sense of peril feature steadily throughout the plot. There is a genuine feel for adapting to the little surprises that life throws at you along the way, while never losing track of your dreams and ambitions. Warm friendships are evoked as this rather unlikely group venture into unique challenges with curiosity, wit, and heart. And the “baddies” in this book may be threatening, but they are also clumsy, awkward and ridiculous. This makes for a tale that is intriguing, pacy, and accessible. Outrageously fun! I can’t wait for the next adventure of The Grand Central Cinema Club!

-- Fallen Star Sto