About This Book
A parent would reach for this book when their child is ready for a more sophisticated, fast-paced mystery that balances high stakes with laugh-out-loud humor. It is particularly effective for reluctant readers who enjoy slapstick comedy but are ready to graduate to more complex sentence structures and clever wordplay. The story follows Nick Diamond, a sharp young boy who essentially has to parent his older, bumbling detective brother while they are chased by various criminals over a mysterious box of chocolates. While the plot involves noir tropes like detectives and crooks, the heart of the book is the sibling dynamic and Nick's cleverness in the face of adult incompetence. It deals with themes of responsibility and perseverance in a lighthearted, satirical way. It is perfectly suited for children aged 8 to 12 who appreciate a story where the kid is the smartest person in the room. This updated classic offers a wonderful bridge into the mystery genre without being overly dark or heavy.
