quippe | Entries tagged with andrew clover

The Blurb On The Back:

Hello.

I am Rory Branagan. I am actually a detective. My school is having a talent show - with Mr Bolton’s ridiculous rap, Mr Meeton’s epic guitar solos and my friend Cat’s amazing dance - but, right in the middle of it, there is the deadliest crime in the history of our school. I have to find out who did it and why - before they strike again!

( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )

The Verdict:

The fourth in Andrew Clover’s comedy mystery series for children aged 9+ is more substantial than the first book and gives a clearer indication of what happened to Rory’s dad (promising heart ache ahead). Ralph Lazar’s illustrations work brilliantly to bring the story to life, there is a poo joke that genuinely made me giggle and while I wanted a little more development for Cat I did enjoy discovering that she isn’t as unflappable as she seems.

Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.

The Blurb On The Back:

Hello. I am Rory Branagan. I am actually a detective. Now … People always say: “How do you become a detective?” and I say: “Ahhh, you don’t just suddenly find yourself sneaking up on baddies, or chasing them, or fighting them, or living a life of constant deadly danger – you have to want it.”

So why did I want it?

I just wanted to find my dad …

( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )

The Verdict:

Andrew Clover’s comedy mystery for children aged 9+ (the first in a series and illustrated by Ralph Lazar) is a genuinely funny read that does a good job of showing Rory’s frustration and sadness at being without his dad (including through some wonderful flights of fancy) and has a quirky cast of side characters but the plot is very slight and at times risks being overshadowed by the great illustrations.

RORY BRANAGAN - DETECTIVE was released in the United Kingdom on 22nd March 2018. Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.