About Anton, i did have my suspicions when he (at the perfect timing) got out of the chair to avoid the dart and when he told Bonbon about the poisonous flower at Herriet's house , like it was too strange yk. I sit on the National Executive Committee for the Federation of Children’s Book Groups and run an OU/UKLA Teachers as Readers group! Montgomery Bon Bon is going to become an iconic name in middle grade mystery if Beckett-King continues this series and let’s her (sorry I mean him) get their hands on more crimes to solve.

Murder at the Museum is deadly, it’s also funny packed full of clues ready to be found and deciphered and, although full of black and white illustrations, thanks to Claire Powell, it’s a colourful story. Alasdair Beckett-King has created a brilliantly crafted, clever and funny character with rich storylines that have this Bookwagon reader retracing to enjoy anew, and try to match Bonbon’s deductive skills.Their newest case: solving the mystery surrounding a highly suspicious death at the Hornville Museum. There are many reasons I could recommend this title, the illustrations from Claire Powell which bring it to life […] The way that Alasdair Beckett-King appears to so effortlessly be able to make me laugh at the hilarious dialogue and story line. From stake outs in a grey ice cream van to mysteriously clever parrots, there is humour mixed in with the mystery to great effect for the reader. Add in seagulls, scones and an interfering scarlett macaw for a story you won’t be able to put down. This is a delightful adventure for Montgomery Bonbon, the alter-ego of 10-year-old Bonnie Montgomery who merely applies a moustache, a beret and an obscure accent to solve mysteries.

It was such a pleasure to meet you both, and I really appreciated how smoothly and professionally you ran everything. Like all perfect grandparents, he is quietly proud of Bonnie and loves secretly spoiling her and indulging her hobbies – even when Mum really doesn’t want him to. They would also only drop off a case of books and leave us to run it – it was so lovely to have you on hand to chat to the children and recommend them books, as well as the small (but appreciated!

This unlikely crime-fighting duo are the stars of Montgomery Bonbon: Murder at the Museum – the first in a delightful new middle grade mystery series. They easily switch between boss and associate roles and there is clearly a lot of love and respect between them, a general inclination to spend time together. Then again, Claire Powell’s elongated line drawings hit the style, wit and skill of this storytelling brilliantly! But can she solve this case alone, or will she need double the detectives to solve double the murder? Suspecting something sinister is afoot, Bonnie finds a quiet corner, removes a raincoat and false moustache from her backpack, and is miraculously transformed into Montgomery Bonbon, the world’s greatest detective (at least as far as Grampa Banks is concerned).

Kudos to the first time author that he wrote a superb book which not only children but adults would love as well! Had I read this as a kid, I may not have understood all the humorous play with words and meaning, but I enjoyed it all the more as an adult. It is a strong first novel from the outstanding, talented man known to mny as the Interdimensional ABK. Bonnie and Montgomery (with the official Detective Sands and the help of Bonnie's Grampa Banks) must solve the mystery surrounding a missing eagle and a highly suspicious death at the Hornville Museum of Natural History and Suchlike. There are also numerous illustrations throughout, from the map and cast of characters at the beginning to the highly detailed and enormously fun full and half pages scattered throughout.There was just the right amount of choice to suit everyone without being overwhelming and I received comments from parents and staff about the quality of books offered compared to previous sales which have always been based around current crazes and well known celebrity authors.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Whether or not one grasps all the littlest “insider jokes” will neither disturb nor interrupt the picking-up tension in the story leading up to the solving of the murder mystery. It also has a lot of heart, largely owing to Grandpa, but also because Bonnie is a really likeable main character - quite often young detectives tend to be irritating and entitled but Bonnie wasn't at all.

I liked the structure of this book - it reminded me of The Bolds in its layout, with the sketchy drawings and funny narrative. Together they'll interview some dodgy witnesses, scour the scene for clues and - above all - hope no one notices that Bonnie and Montgomery are never in the same room, at the same time. Beckett-King's other creative stuff but judging by the reaction of my grand-children ( the age group for which it is intended ) it is a very successful piece of writing. Montgomery Bonbon and Grampa Banks make an excellent team and the age and experience of Banks definitely keeps Bonbon grounded and thinking clearly. She is desperate to be a detective and loves to solve clues and puzzles (and still has her own detective agency with her friends!