Many people go their whole lives without noticing anything that is afoot, amiss, or even untoward; without ever experiencing that toe-tingling, stomach-twisting sensation that a mystery is about to unfold.
Not Bonnie Montgomery - the world's best detective. Not that anyone (other than Grampa Banks) has heard of her... But they might have heard of the great Montgomery Bonbon, the well-dressed gentleman detective who (apart from the hat and moustache) looks suspiciously like a 10-year-old girl.
Their newest case: solving the mystery surrounding a highly suspicious death at the Hornville Museum. Together they'll interview some dodgy witnesses, scour the scene for clues and - above all - hope no one notices that Bonnie and Montgomery are never in the same room at the same time...
I didn't realise until I was writing this review that the author is the guy I've seen on Mock the Week! Fastastic to see he can turn his talents to children's humour, which is quite a different animal to adult humour.
He has done very well with this. It's funny in all the right spots (the illustrations are a highlight for me, starting with the map of the museum and going through various clues and case boards as Bonbon figures out more of the case.) Shout out to the law firm Morecombe, Morecombe and Wise! One of the many jokes that will keep parents just as interested as kids are.
Montgomery Bonbon is a brilliant creation. Bonnie Montgomery is just as good, and between them they're about three people's worth of amazing, with Mongomery's vaguely-Poirot inpsired protrayal and Bonnie's calm consideration and ability to connect the dots at a moment's notice. Granda Banks, of course, makes a wonderful third part of this duo, ready to help out or cover for Bonnie or give her the sage advice she needs. Or hog all the lemon sherberts. It's really a toss up!
I think this is going to be a great series - there's a lovely hook at the end for the next one - and I look forward to reading more.
(PS I didn't solve it.)
Murder at the Museum publishes on the 2nd of February, 2023. I received a free copy and am giving an honest review.
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