Review Detail

Montgomery Bon Bon: Mystery at the Manor by Alasdair Beckett-King is a hilarious and witty middle-grade mystery novel, the third installment in the series. Montgomery Bon Bon is really Bonnie, a 10-year-old girl who is an amateur detective complete with a fake mustache as her disguise.

Bonnie and her Grandpa Banks are tasked with bringing a valuable diamond to Adderstone Manor. However, soon after their arrival, the manor's owner, Fergus Croke, is murdered in the monkey house. It seems like a mystery that only Montgomery Bon Bon can solve. There are several possible suspects, all with criminal pasts, and adding to the intrigue, Fergus Croke has left each of these individuals a series of clues, sending them on a chase to uncover the truth.

What I Liked: This was a fast-paced book with each chapter pushing the story forward with new twists and turns that will keep young readers guessing. The added layer of comedy is what sets this book apart from other mystery books. However, some of the humor is very British and might go over the heads of some middle-grade readers.

Claire Powell's illustrations are a perfect match for the story, capturing the eccentric personalities of the characters to a tee. I especially loved the black and white sketches of the monkeys, whose silly antics add to the humor of the book.

Ultimately, Montgomery Bon Bon: Mystery at the Manor is the perfect book for readers who love both mystery and humor.