Books On Board

David Schutte Books in Order

  • 10 Books
  • 1993 – 2005 Published

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Reading order
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How to Read David Schutte's Books

If you love traditional British children's adventure stories in the vein of Enid Blyton or Arthur Ransome, David Schutte's books are a perfect choice. The core of his work is the Naitabal Mystery series, which features a clever group of young friends who solve mysteries, decode secret messages, and outsmart local villains.

The recommended reading order is to follow the publication order. Because these stories are episodic, each mystery is self-contained. However, starting with the first book helps introduce the main characters, their group dynamic, and their unique secret language.

The Naitabal Mystery Books in Publication Order

Here is the complete order of David Schutte's children's mystery novels as they were published. Note that while some of these books are core Naitabal adventures, others shift genres slightly or focus on different mystery elements:

  1. Danger, Keep Out! (1993) – Originally published as Mud Pies and Water-Bombs, this debut novel introduces the Naitabals as they investigate a suspicious neighbor and search for stolen artwork.
  2. Wild Woods, Dark Secret (1996) – The group uncovers secrets hidden deep in the local woods.
  3. Wake Up, It's Midnight! (2001) – A late-night mystery that keeps the young detectives on their toes.
  4. Behind Locked Doors (2001) – A classic locked-room style puzzle adapted for younger readers.
  5. Skeletons in the Attic (2001) – A spookier mystery that sits on the borderline of the main series.
  6. Sam and the U.F.O. (2001) – A science fiction adventure that departs from the traditional mystery setup.
  7. Ghost Island (2001) – The team travels to a mysterious island to investigate local legends.
  8. Dead Man's Chest (2001) – A treasure-hunt adventure filled with riddles and clues.
  9. Wild Woods (2001) – A return to the familiar wooded setting with new threats.
  10. The Secret of Stranglehold Hall (2005) – The final novel in the series, where the kids help seven elderly sisters save their historic home.

What to Know Before You Start

Before diving into Schutte's books, there are a few useful details to keep in mind:

  • Mud Pies and Water-Bombs Retitling: Don't get confused if you see listings for Mud Pies and Water-Bombs. It is the exact same book as Danger, Keep Out!, which was published by Macmillan in 1993.
  • Genre Departures: While books like Behind Locked Doors and Ghost Island are classic detective stories, Sam and the U.F.O. introduces sci-fi elements, and Skeletons in the Attic leans into spooky, gothic-lite territory. Some databases list these as standalone works, while others group them into the main series listing.
  • A Nod to the Classics: Schutte's writing style is heavily influenced by his personal love for mid-century children's classics, particularly the Just William series by Richmal Crompton and the works of Richmal Crompton. This gives his books a nostalgic, timeless feel.

Frequently Asked

What is the best book to start with?

You should start with Danger, Keep Out! (originally titled Mud Pies and Water-Bombs), which is the first book in the Naitabal Mystery series and introduces the main cast of characters.

Are Sam and the U.F.O. and Skeletons in the Attic part of the Naitabal series?

While some libraries and online databases list them as standalone novels due to their science fiction and spooky mystery themes, they were published alongside the Naitabal books and are often collected as part of the overall series reading order.

Does David Schutte write under any other names?

No, David Schutte publishes his fiction under his real name. He is also a well-known vintage bookseller and bibliographer who has written reference books on the Just William series.

Are the Naitabal Mystery books standalone stories?

Yes, each book features a self-contained mystery that is fully resolved by the end. You can read them out of order, though reading them in publication order is best for following character relationships.

What inspired the style of these mysteries?

David Schutte was heavily inspired by the classic children's adventure authors of his own youth, including Enid Blyton, Richmal Crompton, and Arthur Ransome.