Having enjoyed the first book in this series, I had high hopes for this book, and wasn’t disappointed. There are a few short mysteries, with one longer mystery which takes most of the book to solve. When David gets an idea in his head, he could set new records for tenacity. This results in several continuing jokes at his expense involving cactus needles and bat poo! The gross factor is actively engaged, and hilarious. Written more from David’s perspective, his notetaking is still worthy of many a chuckle. David and Bernice appear to have little in common apart from their shared love of detecting, but their loyalty to each other is unquestionable. David never doubts that Bernice will protect his back when required, and she doesn’t let him down. This novel is easy to read and enjoy, targeting the younger readers. The story has substance, great main characters, and loads of humour. This book will greatly encourage the struggling reader to gain confidence, and perhaps the reluctant reader to learn that reading can be fun! While their earlier mysteries are referred to, it is not necessary to have read the previous book in order to enjoy this one.

Melinda Bilbey is a freelance reviewer and former bookseller

Tags: moya simons