Reviewed by Fiona Ingram for Readers' Favorite

Max and Charlie's Highland Adventure by Wendy Leighton-Porter is another gripping adventure in a middle-grade series that will appeal to readers of all ages. Max is being sent on another special mission by the Guardians of Time, but on this occasion, he is not alone. He and Charlie end up traveling back to the Scottish Highlands in 1746, just in time to be part of the fateful Battle of Culloden that ended Bonnie Prince Charlie’s dream of taking back the English throne. It all starts when Charlie, best friend to twins Jemima and Joe, and their talking (yes, talking!) Tonkinese cat, Max, is sent to visit his great-great-Uncle Alastair, who lives in the Scottish Highlands. Charlie doesn’t know his elderly relative and is less than charmed because he’d planned lots of fun stuff with the twins over the school holidays. But Fate has other plans, and the twins and Max end up going with him. But that’s where things take a different turn. Usually, the trio ends up traveling back in time, having incredible adventures. However, this time, Charlie is singled out for a very special reason, and Max is part of a very special mission. It’s just them and an ancient watch and some incredible events… Are you ready?

Max and Charlie's Highland Adventure is the nineteenth book in Wendy Leighton-Porter’s Shadows of the Past series. I have read them all, so I am completely au fait with the backstory. However, readers need not fear they will be lost. The author succinctly puts everything into context and explains to the reader why the kids are even traveling back in time, how Max can speak, and why they are important in the grand scheme of things. The language is beautiful and descriptive, setting the historical scene with mystery, intrigue, plot and counterplot, deception, royal gold, and trickery. Young readers will enjoy every minute as the mystery unfolds and the clues are revealed, and they wonder if Bonnie Prince Charlie’s gold was real. They will be swept up in the fray of battle and will hope against hope that the prince wins. But the author does not sugarcoat history, and events unfold as they are meant to. The end of the book offers readers a glossary and historical notes to put the events and characters into context. This is very useful for educators who want to teach history with a dash of adventure and entertainment. I loved this book and the series. I am of Scottish heritage, and my father’s name was also Alastair, so this book is special. I encourage readers to start at the very beginning of the series and be taken on the adventure of a lifetime. With a talking cat by your side, you won’t go wrong with choosing the Shadows of the Past series.