Today's read is the 4th in a mystery/detective series...and I'm so sad this didn't land on my radar earlier because sounds amazing. I'm expecting some quirky characters, hair-raising situations, clever twists, and situations to make readers smile or keep them on the edge of their seats. After all, to hit book four, this should be a fun read.
Let's tighten down those sails and see what the horizon brings in this read.
SABOTAGE AT SEA,
Montgomery Bonbon #4
by Alasdair Beckett-King
Illustrated by Claire Powell
Candlewick Press
Middle Grade Mystery
288 pages
ages 8 to 12
COMING MAY 26th!!!
As the witty murder-mystery series continues, Bonbon returns for a pyrotechnic display aboard ship—until a shocking demise puts a damper on the festivities.
Shenanigans are once again afoot in the town of Widdlington, and this time they're on board the Dreadnowt—a galleon that’s set to host a fireworks display for the town. Bonnie Montgomery and Grampa Banks are on board as guests, but just after sundown, a fog rolls in and a terrible cry is heard over the crash of the waves. Captain Valancourt stumbles out of the mist, dripping wet and covered in red welts the like of which a sea monster would leave behind, and is soon pronounced dead by the doctor on board. The crowd is shocked, and Bonnie's fishy-o-meter is off the charts. While Inspector Sands takes over as captain, Bonnie transforms into Montgomery Bonbon, and it’s not long before she’s laid anchor on her prime suspects. Can Montgomery Bonbon hoist his moustache and figure out which scallywag is responsible for the death of the ancient mariner?
Shenanigans are once again afoot in the town of Widdlington, and this time they're on board the Dreadnowt—a galleon that’s set to host a fireworks display for the town. Bonnie Montgomery and Grampa Banks are on board as guests, but just after sundown, a fog rolls in and a terrible cry is heard over the crash of the waves. Captain Valancourt stumbles out of the mist, dripping wet and covered in red welts the like of which a sea monster would leave behind, and is soon pronounced dead by the doctor on board. The crowd is shocked, and Bonnie's fishy-o-meter is off the charts. While Inspector Sands takes over as captain, Bonnie transforms into Montgomery Bonbon, and it’s not long before she’s laid anchor on her prime suspects. Can Montgomery Bonbon hoist his moustache and figure out which scallywag is responsible for the death of the ancient mariner?
MY TIDBITS
Mystery balances with humor and a pinch of tension to create a fun read.
Bonnie can't wait to be a VIP with her Grampa on the reconstruction of Dreadnowt, a once renowned pirate ship. Better yet, her mother is in charge of setting off the fireworks on the ship for the other festival members, who are still on land, to enjoy. But something goes terribly wrong. Not only is the captain killed in the mishap, but Bonnie's mother is arrested for his death. The entire thing stinks to the high-seas, and Bonnie is determined to get to the bottom of it.
This is my first look at this series, and I'm sorry I didn't discover it earlier, since it is a fun read with just enough bite to make it interesting. Bonnie is an energetic character, who acts her age but is very clever and observant. Her transformation into the detective, Montgomery Bonbon, with a simple moustache comes across with just enough silliness to create a smile but manages to skim past complete disbelief thanks to the cast of quirky characters. The entire tale rides on a constant wave of humor, which works as a counterbalance to the murder mystery. The author manages to weave the two in such a way, which makes it very appropriate for the intended audience. It's quick-paced, holds plenty of surprises, and carries heart as well.
The illustrations bring each scene to life, while the text keeps the pacing high. The mix of the two make it entertaining the entire way through. The tale fits especially well to the lower and mid-range of the middle grade audience, and even reluctant readers will enjoy the easy-to-read font and quick-paced mystery. Along the way, the author works in a few vocabulary-building moments to help improve reading skills. But this book is all about fun, and Bonnie is just the detective to pull that off. I'm looking forward to visiting the adventures I missed and see what she'll be up against in the future.
And here they are...
Alasdair Beckett-King is a multi-award-winning comedian and writer. He studied at the London Film School, and since then he has performed critically lauded solo shows at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, written for BBC radio, appeared on comedy panel shows such as Mock the Week, co-written an award-winning video game and created numerous viral sketches for social media, including an interactive whodunit.
Claire Powell is a best-selling children’s book maker, character designer, and illustrator. She is the author-illustrator of Marty Moose: First Class Mischief, the first book in a series for young readers and her authorial debut. Her collaborations with Beth Lincoln, Kes Gray, and Simon Farnaby all topped the charts. She has also illustrated books for Dermot O’Leary, Jeanne Willis, Peter Bently, and Michelle Robinson. Claire Powell lives in Derbyshire, England.
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