Big Bad Detective Agency

Gr 3–5—This early chapter book mystery takes place in the kingdom of Fairylandia. Wolfgang, aka the "Big Bad Wolf," is a misunderstood villain falsely accused of trashing the Three Little Pigs' homes. Prince Tyrone has sentenced him to a life of eating porridge in a dungeon. Captain Kreplach informs him that if he were to catch the real culprit, he would be free, so Wolfgang has until sundown to clear his name. He squeamishly teams up with Ferkel, the fourth of The Little Pigs, and they search for clues and look for the guilty party. Classic fairy tale characters are suspects and introduced to readers in quirky 21st-century depictions, resulting in some unhappily ever after contemporary fairy tale legends. Likely suspects include sinister Hansel and Gretel; Ursula, the sultry sea witch; kooky Jack of Beanstalk fame; flakey Cinderella; flamboyant Goldilocks; brusque Puss in Boots; and Snow White and her staff of seven dwarves in the Hi-Ho Diner. Readers will snicker as they discover that some have alibis, some have no motive, and some aren't bright enough to pull off the crime. Vocabulary includes hip, New Age terms that readers will relate to. Sporadic black-and white cartoons reveal genuine facial expressions. This book will charm readers who enjoy a good mystery and a distinctive approach to comical fairy tales. The ending is clearly a set-up for the next adventure.—Krista Welz, North Bergen High School, NJ