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Kommissarie Gordon / Detective Gordon #3
Detective Gordon: A Case in Any Case
The third book in the much-loved Detective Gordon series by one of Sweden's top children's writers.
108 pages, Hardcover
First published September 9, 2016
About the author
Ulf Nilsson
164 books30 followersUlf Nilsson is a prolific author, who's written over 100 books and received many awards, including the August and American Batchelder awards.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
March 7, 2017
This is the second book I read in the Detective Gordon series, and again I was delighted of spending some time with this wonderfully sweet characters. A cozy mystery for kids between 8 and 10 years old, with beautiful things to learn about friendship, generosity, and community sense.
I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 9, 2017
After the last case that Detective Gordon and Detective Buffy solved, Detective Gordon has taken a very long vacation, perhaps even retired. In this book, Detective Buffy has been awakened for several nights by something making noises outside the Police Station and she wants to see if Detective Gordon will help her solve the case. He is more than ready to help, he is getting bored in his retirement. When they find out that two of the kindergarten animals are missing, they drop everything to find them. Gordon's gruff nature does not get any answers, but when Buffy questions the children using games and art, they quickly get some clues to solve the case. They realize that they both have strengths and need to work together to solve crime in the forest.
This is a good beginning chapter book for the new readers. With the animals taking on the role of humans, children will be attracted to the story. The illustrations are simple and cute and there are just enough to break up the text for young readers. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.
This is a good beginning chapter book for the new readers. With the animals taking on the role of humans, children will be attracted to the story. The illustrations are simple and cute and there are just enough to break up the text for young readers. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.
March 28, 2017
I am sad to say that this is the last book in the Detective Gordon series. I've quite enjoyed this series. Both Detective Gordon and his Police Chief Assistant Buffy are endearing characters who work hard to serve the animals in the forest, even when they are scared. Currently, Gordon is on vacation, which may or may not be permanent, but he is discovering that he misses his old job, so he starts visiting the police station at night to see what's going on. Buffy however only sees dark shadows and hears scrabbling noise which badly frightens her. So she seeks her old friend's assistance in solving the case. When he goes with her to the station, just as he's about to tell her that he's the nighttime visitor, they get interrupted by two young animals going missing from the local kindergarten class. Working together once again, the two police officers finally realize what they've been missing. Adorable illustrations, along with short chapters, and interesting, but not really scary mysteries make this series perfect for 2nd and 3rd graders that aren't quite ready for more intensive mysteries. A delightful series from beginning to end, one I'm sad to see end.
March 26, 2017
Police Chief Buffy is the new mouse in charge at the police station since Detective Gordon retired. While sleeping one night, she hears a mysterious scrabbling sound in the police station and becomes frightened. However, when she goes to investigate she finds no one is there. After another night of this she decides to obtain Detective Gordon’s assistance to solve this mystery. Before the pair have an opportunity to solve this case, a terrible incident occurs and two kindergarten children are reported missing. Buffy and Gordon use their strengths to team up and find the missing children before the unthinkable happens. The illustrations are cute, whimsical and childlike. However, at times I found the story did not have the same feeling. There was an unusual element of seriousness found in between the words that one would not usually find in a children’s story. For example, there is a point in the story where the reader may think the children are deceased. In another part, Gordon and Buffy make up after having a terrible, name calling fight. With the mature undertones to the plot, children’s attentions will be captured and firmly held. Nilsson incorporates some lessons such as caring about others even in times of difficulties. Nilsson does a great job of explaining what the characters are thinking and why making this story a great choice for exploring character traits with elementary school students. This is a recommended purchase especially for advance 2nd-3rd grade readers looking for something a little less childish.
April 14, 2017
Detective Buffy calls Detective Gordon out of retirement just in time to help find two missing children. Soon the whole forest is involved in the search. Filled with lush illustrations and gentle lessons about compassion, friendship, teamwork and how to resolve conflict. I've really enjoyed reading this series but I believe this is to be the last book.
June 22, 2017
Children's chapter book series about a frog and mouse police force in the forest. A little too obvious with lessons and morals. Translated from the original Swedish.
This third series installment isn't as good as the second book, A Complicated Case, for two reasons. The warmth of the friendship between the two police detectives is missing. Also, the mystery isn't at all mysterious since readers know all along who is visiting the police station and where the two missing children are playing. Even young readers need some suspense, especially in a book that is supposed to be a mystery.
This third series installment isn't as good as the second book, A Complicated Case, for two reasons. The warmth of the friendship between the two police detectives is missing. Also, the mystery isn't at all mysterious since readers know all along who is visiting the police station and where the two missing children are playing. Even young readers need some suspense, especially in a book that is supposed to be a mystery.
August 11, 2017
The gentlest, mildest introduction to mysteries. The police have to help each other to stamp reports, they have important hats and keep their gun locked up (it can NEVER be unlocked) and have cakes for every meal.
It wasn't exactly action-packed for ME, but it would be great to read aloud to small ones. Lots of room for "what do you think happens next" and "what do you think is going on with {mystery}" after every chapter.
It wasn't exactly action-packed for ME, but it would be great to read aloud to small ones. Lots of room for "what do you think happens next" and "what do you think is going on with {mystery}" after every chapter.
June 4, 2020
I can't help but be eternally charmed by this series.
March 6, 2017
'Detective Gordon: A Case in Any Case' by Ulf Nilsson with illustrations by Gitte Spee is the third and final book in this series from Sweden. This is a charming and sweet series for young readers or storytime.
Detective Gordon has turned things over to Detective Buffy. The gun and baton are safely behind glass and the detective has her bed in the jail cell. As usual, things start out quiet, but don't stay quiet for long. Detective Buffy hears strange noises in the night, and two young kindergarten children have gone missing. Detective Buffy realizes she will need some help, but will Detective Gordon be available, and will he remember that he is not in charge anymore?
I have read two of these books and they remind me of the works of Arnold Lobel. The illustrations are cute, and the stories are sweet. I have enjoyed getting to meet these two determined detectives.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Gecko Press, Myrick Marketing & Media, LLC, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
Detective Gordon has turned things over to Detective Buffy. The gun and baton are safely behind glass and the detective has her bed in the jail cell. As usual, things start out quiet, but don't stay quiet for long. Detective Buffy hears strange noises in the night, and two young kindergarten children have gone missing. Detective Buffy realizes she will need some help, but will Detective Gordon be available, and will he remember that he is not in charge anymore?
I have read two of these books and they remind me of the works of Arnold Lobel. The illustrations are cute, and the stories are sweet. I have enjoyed getting to meet these two determined detectives.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Gecko Press, Myrick Marketing & Media, LLC, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
January 17, 2017
A Touching and Instructive Story About Oldtimers and Young Turks
I think the Detective Gordon books are fascinating. They hardly ever address any of the topics or interests or subjects of other books aimed at a similar reading demo. They are quiet and contemplative books that take on unusual and mature subjects, but at a level of clarity and understanding that is accessible even to very young readers. Apart from being calm, gentle and kind they are also wistful and just slightly melancholy, although there are a lot of cakes and tea, which is nice.
In this volume, the final book in the Detective Gordon trilogy, the "old", retired Gordon is not particularly comfortable or happy being retired. His young replacement, Buffy, is resourceful and clever, but a bit hesitant about being on her own. When two kindergärtners go missing on a field trip, Buffy calls on Gordon for aid in solving the mystery and finding the children. Their skills complement each other, but there is also friction between Gordon, who tends to take over, and Buffy, who bristles at being brushed aside. See what I mean about a kid book that goes somewhere unexpected?
During the course of the tale our two heroes learn from each other, have a rather nasty tiff, apologize and make up, and solve the mystery. But they get there by being very human, very patient, very forgiving, and open and flexible. This book has a lot to say about human nature, and offers true and generous insights into our better selves. But it also features jokes, silliness, a bit of slapstick, and charming illustrations. I'm not quite sure how this all manages to work, (although, as I say, there are lots of cakes and tea), but it does - in a satisfying, cheerful and quietly authentic fashion.
So, if you'd like to try a kids' book with real depth and feeling and good humor, written and illustrated to a very high level, this is a nice find. (Please note that I received a free advance will-self-destruct-in-x-days Adobe Digital copy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
I think the Detective Gordon books are fascinating. They hardly ever address any of the topics or interests or subjects of other books aimed at a similar reading demo. They are quiet and contemplative books that take on unusual and mature subjects, but at a level of clarity and understanding that is accessible even to very young readers. Apart from being calm, gentle and kind they are also wistful and just slightly melancholy, although there are a lot of cakes and tea, which is nice.
In this volume, the final book in the Detective Gordon trilogy, the "old", retired Gordon is not particularly comfortable or happy being retired. His young replacement, Buffy, is resourceful and clever, but a bit hesitant about being on her own. When two kindergärtners go missing on a field trip, Buffy calls on Gordon for aid in solving the mystery and finding the children. Their skills complement each other, but there is also friction between Gordon, who tends to take over, and Buffy, who bristles at being brushed aside. See what I mean about a kid book that goes somewhere unexpected?
During the course of the tale our two heroes learn from each other, have a rather nasty tiff, apologize and make up, and solve the mystery. But they get there by being very human, very patient, very forgiving, and open and flexible. This book has a lot to say about human nature, and offers true and generous insights into our better selves. But it also features jokes, silliness, a bit of slapstick, and charming illustrations. I'm not quite sure how this all manages to work, (although, as I say, there are lots of cakes and tea), but it does - in a satisfying, cheerful and quietly authentic fashion.
So, if you'd like to try a kids' book with real depth and feeling and good humor, written and illustrated to a very high level, this is a nice find. (Please note that I received a free advance will-self-destruct-in-x-days Adobe Digital copy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
July 10, 2017
Kla-dunk! The delights of two mysteries to solve for hard-case detectives - one is zero years old but wise for her age and the other is a toad. This book is funny, philosophical, and runs the gamut of emotions from jealousy, embarrassment, anger and how to deal with it, to tension, bravery and community caring, all washed down with delicious cakes, special police language and notes of wisdom each stamped with a bold Kla-dunk.
Early independent readers will lose themselves in the story of how two police chiefs can co-operate to solve the case of missing children with a lovely twist in the end. The deceptively simple illustrations add depth and character to the forest police doing their duty. A rare and delightful story.
Reviewed by Kinsa Hays (Bookrapt)
Early independent readers will lose themselves in the story of how two police chiefs can co-operate to solve the case of missing children with a lovely twist in the end. The deceptively simple illustrations add depth and character to the forest police doing their duty. A rare and delightful story.
Reviewed by Kinsa Hays (Bookrapt)
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December 16, 2022I think these are better read in order. I was never actually confused, but I missed some of the character-building that would have helped me appreciate it more. And while I'm sure the translator, Julia Marshall, did a good job, a book always is better in the original. So, I don't think I can rate it fairly.
I am uncomfortable with the introductory tour of the police station. "To the right was a glass cupboard with a pistol in it and a terrifying baton." Even though they specifically never use the pistol, it seems that it's been almost normalized. (Though of course I assume the pistol is dealt with more thoroughly in earlier books.)
There is a map in the back but it's not necessary and, in fact, a bit spoilery.
Impulse Pima. I may or may not read more in the series.
I am uncomfortable with the introductory tour of the police station. "To the right was a glass cupboard with a pistol in it and a terrifying baton." Even though they specifically never use the pistol, it seems that it's been almost normalized. (Though of course I assume the pistol is dealt with more thoroughly in earlier books.)
There is a map in the back but it's not necessary and, in fact, a bit spoilery.
Impulse Pima. I may or may not read more in the series.
January 5, 2019
Paddy är nu ansvarig för polisstationen medan Kommissarie Gordon dragit sig tillbaks för att ta det lugnt. Det går bra tills Paddy vaknar några nätter av ett krafsade ljud utanför, hon beslutar sig för att kontakta Gordon då hon själv är alltför rädd för att undersöka saken närmre. Precis när han kommit tillbaks till polisstationen försvinner två små dagisbarn från sin grupp och letandet är igång.
För läsaren är det inget större mysterium i något av fallen då vi är medvetna om vad som hänt men jag tycker ändå att det är en väldigt söt bok, som precis som föregående böcker om Gordon och Paddy går ut på att vara snälla mot varandra och jobba ihop som ett lag för att nå bästa resultat.
För läsaren är det inget större mysterium i något av fallen då vi är medvetna om vad som hänt men jag tycker ändå att det är en väldigt söt bok, som precis som föregående böcker om Gordon och Paddy går ut på att vara snälla mot varandra och jobba ihop som ett lag för att nå bästa resultat.
June 10, 2017
I very much enjoyed this sweet little book about two detectives, an old frog and a young mouse, and the cases they solve together. It's the 3rd in a series but I read this one first without any trouble.
Mysterious nighttime scrabbling and two missing small animals form the mysteries to be solved by our intrepid duo. Lessons about kindness and the joy of cakes come along the way!
Sure to be enjoyed by beginning chapter readers who like animals or colored pictures along with their text, as well as being a great bedtime family read-aloud.
Mysterious nighttime scrabbling and two missing small animals form the mysteries to be solved by our intrepid duo. Lessons about kindness and the joy of cakes come along the way!
Sure to be enjoyed by beginning chapter readers who like animals or colored pictures along with their text, as well as being a great bedtime family read-aloud.
February 2, 2017
I received this ARC from Netgalley for an honest review.
A great story about two police officers who work in the forest. With Gordon on vacation, Buffy is all alone to solve the great cases on her own. When she starts to become scared and worried about all of the noises that she hears, she searches out officer Gordon in hopes that he can help. Kids will enjoy this story as it isn't too long is a fairly quick read.
A great story about two police officers who work in the forest. With Gordon on vacation, Buffy is all alone to solve the great cases on her own. When she starts to become scared and worried about all of the noises that she hears, she searches out officer Gordon in hopes that he can help. Kids will enjoy this story as it isn't too long is a fairly quick read.
May 2, 2020
A delightfully simple tale of two animal detectives... an old toad and a young mouse... who have to work together to find two missing children from the kindergarten.
The two detectives are generally good friends but they have moments when they suffer from jealousy and anger and frustration with each other.
It is a delightful story, reminiscent of Beatrix Potter, told with great subtlety as the author throws sneaky clues to the reader which children will delight in spotting.
The two detectives are generally good friends but they have moments when they suffer from jealousy and anger and frustration with each other.
It is a delightful story, reminiscent of Beatrix Potter, told with great subtlety as the author throws sneaky clues to the reader which children will delight in spotting.
February 13, 2018
This series of detective novels for young children is lovely. There are three books featuring Detective Gordon and Buffy. They are gentle and very amusing mysteries with charming characters and meaningful story lines exploring topics that will resonant with children and adults alike. For fans of Frog and Toad stories. Very enjoyable readaloud.
February 16, 2018
Gordon decided he was retired but missed the police station and his friend.
Buffy missed Gordon but wanted to show him she could do the job.
They both figure out they need each other to solve the cases and be the forest police department.
This time the case involves two kids who leave the kindergarten and set out on their own.
The whole forest works together to find them and bring them home.
Buffy missed Gordon but wanted to show him she could do the job.
They both figure out they need each other to solve the cases and be the forest police department.
This time the case involves two kids who leave the kindergarten and set out on their own.
The whole forest works together to find them and bring them home.
May 14, 2017
I love the color illustrations in each chapter. The two detectives learn from kindergarteners in this story about being a good friend and Detective Gordon comes out of retirement. A perfect read aloud for 1st and 2nd grades.
September 11, 2018
Meh. Whimsical illustrations but didn’t really enjoy the prose. And while looking for the missing protagonists the police chief says she smells death and that a death has occurred. Turns out to be an old bird they died, but o didn’t like how it was handled in a book clearly for very young readers.
May 18, 2017
This book was adorable and sweet, a perfect book for a young reader getting into chapter books and mysteries and still looking for something light.
October 6, 2017
EM said to give it 5 stars! Luke (who read some) was not a fan, I thought it was cute!
December 11, 2017
I never logged this. It was probably up to month before this date. The whole series is pretty simplistic, but sweet. I had read this one out of order so now it makes more sense.
January 1, 2019
How I love this series with its gentle humor, loving friendships and snappy little mysteries. And oh, that big, heavy stamp. A love letter to humanity.
May 13, 2022
Nothing too exciting about this story, nothing particularly wrong with it either.
May 8, 2024
Two missing children from the forest kindergarten are Detective Gordon and Buffy's newest case.
September 20, 2024
Family read aloud #12
February 22, 2017
Buffy, a shy mouse, is acting Chief of Police, while her mentor, Gordon, is the semi-retired toad who previously held that office. Several mysteries present themselves in this gentle short chapter book. I like that these two friends are girl and man, young and old, and different animals, although they share the love of cake and solving mysteries. Gentle humor will make kids smile: when Buffy first hears noises at night, she thinks she should call the police. Then she remembers: she was the police! The two also share a secret language when they need to talk without being understood, the A language: ("A little awkward but it worked pretty well.) For instance: "A hapa thay havant baan aatan ap." Awkward, in that they usually can't even understand each other when speaking it! The drawings are done with misty greens and other colors evoking the fields and forests of the animals' home, and with their affectionate portrayal of the animals, really make this story a winner.
December 29, 2016
I enjoyed the previous two books in this series by a renowned Swedish author, and this one--the final in the series from what I understand--did not disappoint me. Detective Gordon, a curmudgeonly toad, is enjoying his retirement from police work, and now spends his days fishing. His replacement, Buffy, a shy but resilient mouse, is trying to feel her way into her new role as Police Chief. Even while she takes great satisfaction in stamping papers--Kla-dunk!--just like Detective Gordon used to do, she misses her friend. She's bothered by strange scratching noises in the night, and must solve the mystery of two missing children from a school field trip. The two friends join forces to find Evert and Karen. Although the path to solving the mystery of their whereabouts is bumpy at various times, with both Gordon and Buffy admitting to their own fears and jealousies, eventually the case is solved, and no children were devoured by foxes. The other case of the odd noises in the night is also solved to everyone's satisfaction, and readers will be glad to see the two friends reunited and doing what they do best. It's safe to say that both Buffy and Gordon bring their own particular strengths to the investigation. I had to laugh at Gordon's unhappiness with his retirement. Perhaps he needed a vacation more than retirement, after all. I also enjoyed reading about all the animals who joined the sleuths as they were on the case. The story is delightful, enhanced as it is with just the right sort of illustrations. There is depth and awareness to this book and this series, which has quite a bit to say about friendship, human nature, and getting what we think we want. Obviously, it's a good read aloud for elementary and early intermediate readers as well as one that is easy to enjoy independently.
March 7, 2017
Starred review in School Library Journal, March 1st, 2017.
Gr 1–4—Everyone's favorite cake-eating toad, Detective Gordon, has retired from police work and has embarked upon a life of leisure. Buffy, his stalwart deputy, is now chief detective, and the little mouse takes her job most seriously. Unfortunately, she is plagued by strange noises at night and longs for her old friend and confidant. Meanwhile, Gordon is beginning to find his retirement less than stimulating and misses his beautiful police hat and magnificent stamp with its thunderous "kla-dunk." When two young animals go missing from a kindergarten class, Gordon and Buffy decide to rejoin forces to solve this most vexing of cases. Charming, droll, and approachable, this series is old-fashioned in the best sense of the word. Life lessons are imparted within these pages but with a gentleness and brevity that allow a simple yet engaging plot to move forward. Spee's illustrations, done in warm and enveloping tones, set the perfect, cozy mood. VERDICT: While kids don't need to have read the first two volumes, they will enjoy the repetitive quirks of the two main characters if they have. Perfect for graduates of early chapter books and a guaranteed hit as a read-aloud, this is a definite purchase for all children's collections.—Amy Nolan, St. Joseph Public Library, MI
Gr 1–4—Everyone's favorite cake-eating toad, Detective Gordon, has retired from police work and has embarked upon a life of leisure. Buffy, his stalwart deputy, is now chief detective, and the little mouse takes her job most seriously. Unfortunately, she is plagued by strange noises at night and longs for her old friend and confidant. Meanwhile, Gordon is beginning to find his retirement less than stimulating and misses his beautiful police hat and magnificent stamp with its thunderous "kla-dunk." When two young animals go missing from a kindergarten class, Gordon and Buffy decide to rejoin forces to solve this most vexing of cases. Charming, droll, and approachable, this series is old-fashioned in the best sense of the word. Life lessons are imparted within these pages but with a gentleness and brevity that allow a simple yet engaging plot to move forward. Spee's illustrations, done in warm and enveloping tones, set the perfect, cozy mood. VERDICT: While kids don't need to have read the first two volumes, they will enjoy the repetitive quirks of the two main characters if they have. Perfect for graduates of early chapter books and a guaranteed hit as a read-aloud, this is a definite purchase for all children's collections.—Amy Nolan, St. Joseph Public Library, MI
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews