Illustrated by Claire Powell

Published by Walker Books

ISBN978-1-5295-0104-9

What fun! This story is a hoot from beginning to end.

Although this is clearly a junior Poirot spoof, youngsters who aren’t familiar with the Belgian sleuth and won’t appreciate the elements of parody, will absolutely love this book! The main character is ten year old Bonnie Montgomery who morphs into ‘The World’s Greatest Detective’ and is ably supported by her grandfather, and a moustache which is almost a character in its own right!

This adventure is set in Hornville Museum where, of course, a murder occurs and it is left to Montgomery Bonbon to solve the mystery of whodunit without much competent help from the official detective, Inspector Sands.

The structure of a Poirot story is superbly used to carry us through the adventure with baited – okay, giggling- breath, up to the dénouement when all the characters are gathered together with the real culprit having no idea that he or she is about to be revealed as the villain. The language is full of humour, some subtle and some outright hilarious. The police tape at the crime scene is printed with ‘POLICE- DON’T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT!’ The dialogue even has the rhythm of Poirot and the whole book is enhanced by Powell’s equally fun illustrations.

Children will adore this character and already I can’t wait for the next adventure!

Thanks to Walker Books for my proof copy of this book.