The Ghost and Max Monroe: Case 2 The Missing Zucchini by L.M. Falcone

Title: The Ghost and Max Monroe: Case 2 The Missing Zucchini 

Author: L. M. Falcone

Illustrator: Kim Smith

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Published: April 1st, 2015

Rating:  4/5

Max Munroe is staying with his grandfather and Uncle Larry whilst his Dad, a journalist, is abroad investigating a story. Nothing too strange about that, is there? Well, yes there is – you see Uncle Larry is dead but his ghost keeps helping Max solve mysteries as part of his work in the Munroe Detective Agency. This time the mystery is what has happened to the Zucchini that Zeeta and Zelda Zamboni have grown, planning to enter it into the local gardening competition but where has it gone and who stole it? Will he get it back before the competition?

The story is divided into short chapters which are subdivided by subheadings. Each chapter is illustrated, helping bring the fast paced story to life. This book will certainly appeal to children who can read relatively independently. The characters are well written and brought to life through the story – their eccentricities will certainly appeal to children as will the humour embedded into the story.This is a great mystery story and a fabulous way to introduce this genre to children. The story itself will encourage children to look for clues and there is even a spot the difference activity at the end. A great book for children who are starting to read longer texts independently.

Thanks to the author, publishers and NetGalley, too, for letting me read a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book is available from a variety of sources including

amazon.co.uk    amazon.com     barnes and noble