Double Trouble in Bugland

Inspector Mantis Mysteries #2

by William Kotzwinkle, Joe Servello (Illustrations)

A collection of four Sherlock Holmes-inspired detective stories for young readers with an all-insect cast of characters. "Fantastically entertaining....An homage to Sherlock that ably stands on is own two--or six--feet."--Booklist

Going forth from their little flat at 221B Flea Street, Inspector Mantis, accompanied by his trusted colleague Doctor Hopper, solve antennae-bending mysteries featuring unforgettable bugs such as the relentless spring-cleaner Mrs. Inchworm, the bespectacled Professor Booklouse, the fearless Captain Flatfootfly, and the endearing Miss Allegra Warblefly.

Criminal detection, combined with the delightful characters of Bugland, makes this, in the words of The Horn Book, "the most engaging and cleverest reincarnation of Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson yet."

So take a trip to the world of Bugland. Whether as a read-aloud, or read-alone, this is a treat for any young reader who loves a funny mystery. As The New York Times wrote, "Children who know Sherlock Holmes will most enjoy Trouble in Bugland . But even those who don't are likely to appreciate the book's sly mock seriousness and flights of rhetoric and imagination."

190 pages, Paperback

Published November 22, 2016

About the author

William Kotzwinkle is a two-time recipient of the National Magazine Award for Fiction, a winner of the World Fantasy Award, the Prix Litteraire des Bouquinistes des Quais de Paris, the PETA Award for Children's Books, and a Book Critics Circle award nominee. His work has been translated into dozens of languages.

Reviews

[Nathan Klayman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very worthy follow-up. I read the first one (Trouble In Bugland) in the mid 80s as a younger person - this, coming decades after (2016 vs 1983) doesn't miss a beat in tone, style or illustration. Highly recommended for younger folks (as a fun bridge into Holmes and other detective fiction) but also good fun for adult readers who are genre fans.

[Krayfish1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sherlock Holmes mixed with fun facts about bugs. Ridiculous and fun.