If there’s nothing better than a good murder-mystery, then there is nothing better than this book! The first is a new MG series, it has all the hallmarks of a fantastic detective story combined with some of the best comedic skills. You’ll gasp, you’ll shriek, you’ll laugh (oh how you’ll laugh!)..murder is afoot and Montgomery Bonbon is on the case!
MONTGOMERY BONBON: MURDER AT THE MUSEUM
author: Alasdair Beckett-King
illustrator: Claire Powell
Walker Books (2 February 2023)
ISBN: 9781529501049
“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.”
Grampa Banks and Bonnie have taken a trip to the Hornville Museum of Natural History and Suchlike: a strange and cold museum filled with, well oddities. Like the sabre-toothed bat and the mighty flamingopotamus. (It seems the museums’ founder, Abelard Hornville, a self-taught archaeologist put his findings together however he wanted.) They aren’t there very long before the lights go out and a piercing scream is heard. Bonnie quickly transforms herself into the great detective Montgomery Bonbon and together with faithful sidekick Banks, they discover a brutal murder and the theft of the museums’ prize possession; the Widdlington Eagle. Who could have done these dastardly deeds? Montgomery Bonbon is one the case! Together they interview some very dodgy witnesses, scour the scene for clues (all the while dodging Bonnies’ mother) and – above all – hope no one notices that Bonnie and Montgomery are never in the same room at the same time…
Filled with clever intrigue, wit-defying clues and hilarious escapades, it will grip the reader from the start and take them on a rocket-ride (in an old ice-cream van!) across the landscape of the unusual town of Widdlington and it’s immediate neighbour, Widdlington-on-sea. Detailed, but not overdone descriptions of location place you right in the middle of the action. Quirky characters populate the pages bringing both laughs and ponderings…who are these people? And what exactly is going on? Both Bonnie and her alter-ego, Montgomery Bonbon are/is a fantastic character(s)! Intelligent, doggedly determined, she/they will stop at nothing to uncover the truth and get justice done. Montgomery Bonbon is portrayed as quite a Poirot-type character…and why no one picks up on the fact that he bears a strong resemblance to a 10-year-old girl with an overcoat and false moustache is incredible! Grampa Banks is the perfect foil to Bonbon; snapping photos of everything, squeezing into tight places…carrying a pocket-full of lemon sherbets every where they go, lending his wisdom of the ages whenever needed. And believing in Bonnie/Bonbon…never doubting that the clues will lead them to the truth.
This is such a brilliant story…a perfect beginning for what I’m sure will be a fantastic series. (Think Agatha Christie meets Night at the Museum meets the Series of Unfortunate Events and you’re nearly there.) Fast-paced, rollicking; chock-full of mystery, family and friendship. A consuming, intriguing read that will keep you chuckling all the way through. More of this, please! I absolutely loved it! https://www.walker.co.uk/Montgomery-Bonbon-Murder-at-the-Museum-9781529501049.aspx
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