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Nancy Spector, Monster Detective: The Case of the Missing Spot (Nancy Spector, Monster Detective, #1)

Nancy Spector, Monster Detective: The Case of the Missing Spot (Nancy Spector, Monster Detective, #1)

4.8

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Author(s)

Stephen W. Martin

Co-Authors / Illustrators

Linh Pham

Publisher

Algonquin Young Readers

Genre(s)

Age Range

Release Date

September 10, 2024

ISBN

978-1643750651

Buy This Book

Intrepid eight-year-old detective Nancy Spector and her talking dog, Jinx, search high and low for an invisible dog in this laugh-a-minute, fast-paced graphic novel perfect for fans of Dungeon Critters and The Mighty Jack.

The Invisible Man has a problem. His dog, Spot, is missing. Complicating matters, Spot is also invisible. So the Invisible Man turns to Nancy Spector for help. Nancy eagerly takes the case, and she and her grumpy best friend, a (visible) dog named Jinx, dive into the investigation.

As they follow Spot's trail, they find themselves:

Riding dragons
Searching the monster diner—because all dogs like hot dogs
Fleeing from vicious chipmunk unicorns
Shopping in a store that is a gelatinous candy cube named Bob
And paying a visit to Nancy’s vampire friend Eugene’s hamster’s funeral

Every time they think Spot is right around the corner, things get more and more confusing, but Nancy knows that to a great detective, there is no such thing as a bad clue. And Nancy knows she's a great detective. Now she just needs to crack the case. . .

Editor review

1 review

beautifully illustrated graphic novel detective story

October 12, 2024

Overall rating

4.8

Plot

5.0

Characters

5.0

Writing Style

4.0

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

5.0

THE CASE OF THE MISSING SPOT is a clever and colorful graphic novel mystery that will delight young readers who enjoy a touch of the macabre. Nancy Spector and her dog Jinx have been hired by the Invisible Man to find his invisible dog, Spot. Although there is little information to go on at the start, Nancy has a plan and begins her diligent detective work. As she and Jinx search for Spot, they must interrogate other monsters around town and follow a path of challenging clues.

What I loved: This is such an imaginative and fun graphic novel! Many of the panels and illustrations speak for themselves, and the story has limited text and dialogue throughout. This is such a great choice and really encourages readers to connect the story, study the details in the illustrations, and enjoy the ride as they go along with Nancy and her dog for this case. The illustrations were lush and often stunning with so much detail and expressiveness that they really tell the story beautifully.

Nancy is optimistic, clever, and has a great sense of humor. Jinx provides a foil for her with a bit of pessimism and a desire to be where the food is at any location. Together, they make a charming and comical team that works well together. They really come to life in the story and make this a series to watch! The ending also leaves the story open for the next book with a new villain emerging.

As a note, this is a monster story, so there is a touch of the macabre with mentions of the vampire's hamsters who frequently die (as he always outlives them) with having a funeral for one, Nancy visiting her parents' graves, and a potion burning a hand off (without blood or anything though). Some sensitive readers may want to have caution for this series.

Final verdict: THE CASE OF THE MISSING SPOT is a beautifully illustrated and clever graphic novel detective story that will capture imaginations! Readers will be left eagerly awaiting the next installment.