 | Mystery at the manor (Montgomery Bonbon) Author: Beckett-King, Alasdair | |
| Price: $8.19 | ||
Summary:
Bonnie Montgomery has been tasked with delivering a priceless diamond to Adderstone Manor, the home of retired master thief Fergus Croke. The plot thickens faster than a good roux when Croke is found dead hours later, and every one of his four proteges is suspected of the dirty deed.
| Illustrator: | Powell, Claire |
| Accelerated Reader Information: Interest Level: MG Reading Level: 6.00 Points: 6.0 Quiz: 554666 |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (04/01/25)
School Library Journal (10/01/25)
Booklist (05/01/25)
Full Text Reviews:
School Library Journal - 10/01/2025 Gr 3 Up—Mystery at the Manor is just plain fun. Charming and precocious Bonnie Montgomery is a pint-sized version of Inspector Poirot in this kid-friendly series reminiscent of Agatha Christie's great works. It has all the necessary ingredients for a perfect whodunit: a murder, three likely suspects, an ever-present housekeeper, and a moody manor set in the English countryside. The characters, plot, and setting give readers everything they could possibly want in a cozy mystery. Bonnie methodically works her way through each possible suspect at a most satisfying pace. Readers experience all aspects of the sprawling manor and are entertained by the high jinks of the resident pet monkeys. Sprinkled with funny French phrases and bits of British accents, the narrative offers the chance to practice many different voices. Fantastically comical illustrations deliver insight into the characters' personalities and keep the story moving right along. Readers are provided with diagrams of the manor and are even treated to glimpses of the detective's notebook. She's an expert crime-solver who somehow never blows her cover thanks to a little help from her best friend and her grandfather. VERDICT A perfect introduction to the mystery genre for young readers. Bonnie is hilarious, smart, and daring. - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
Booklist - 05/01/2025 Detective Montgomery Bonbon, he of magnificent mustache and unplaceable foreign accent, is back on the case! Ten-year-old Bonnie Montgomery’s alter ego, the extraordinary Bonbon, has been tasked with a delicate delivery to Adderstone Manor, home of the notorious crook Fergus Croke. The aging Croke is looking to leave his fortune to one of his three pleasingly unprincipled protégés, and he’s designed a devilish contest to identify the top talent. A sneaky safecracker, an explosives ingenue, and a clever conjurer will seemingly stop at nothing to nab the prize; but when Croke croaks under suspicious circumstances, it’s left to Bonbon to determine which competitor was actually willing to go to such dastardly lengths. Established Bonbon buffs will welcome another excellent installment, while newcomers will quickly find their footing in the terrifically funny, fast-paced setting. Amusing illustrations have a scribbled Quentin Blake quality that suits the silly story perfectly, and the utilization of dark page backgrounds during scenes set at night or underground is inspired. Another marvelous, pun-packed mystery with enormous appeal. - Copyright 2025 Booklist.
