Trouble in Bugland : A Collection of Inspector Mantis Mysteries

A collection of five detective stories for young readers, inspired by Sherlock Holmes and with an all-insect cast of characters. “Excitement and humor!“―New York Times Book Review

Inspector Mantis, accompanied by his trusted colleague Doctor Hopper, go forth from their little flat at 221B Flea Street to solve “The Case of the Missing Butterfly,” “The Case of the Caterpillar’s Head,” and three other antennae-bending mysteries puzzling the populace of Bugland.

Criminal detection, combined with delightful insect characters, makes this, in the words of The Horn Book, “the most engaging and cleverest reincarnation of Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson yet.” Joe Servello’s color and pen-and-ink drawings bring exquisite period detail to these tales: steam engines, deerstalkers, fog, and mandibles have never been more lovingly crosshatched.

“Sherlock Holmes fans of all ages―and entomology nuts―must read Trouble in Bugland,” wrote Newsday, “a hilarious homage to Arthur Conan Doyle. Illustrator Joe Servello’s handsome pictures in color and black and white are a grand accompaniment to Kotzwinkle’s clever and playful stories.”

This is a treat for any kid―as a read-alone or read-aloud―who loves a funny mystery.