This was the second Famous Five book that I read as a child. If I were to have someone start with the series, it'd most likely be with either this book, or the last one. Yes, it'd break the rule of reading series's, out of their proper order, but this book is just so good. You learn a bit more about how circus's are run, and Tinker, who was also in book 19 is also in this book. He's just not nearly as annoying. He actually ends up saving the day. :)