The World's Greatest Detective

A 2017 Agatha Award Nominee! * A Best Children’s Book of the Year Pick for Kids 9 to 12 from Bank Street College!

Caroline Carlson, author of the Very Nearly Honorable League of Pirates series, returns with The World’s Greatest Detective, a story of crime, tricks, and hilarity for those who know that sometimes it takes a pair of junior sleuths to solve a slippery case.

Detectives’ Row is full of talented investigators, but Toby Montrose isn’t one of them. He’s only an assistant at his uncle’s detective agency, and he’s not sure he’s even very good at that.

Toby’s friend Ivy is the best sleuth around—or at least she thinks so. They both see their chance to prove themselves when the famed Hugh Abernathy announces a contest to choose the World’s Greatest Detective.

But when what was supposed to be a game turns into a real-life murder mystery, can Toby and Ivy crack the case?

Toby is an instantly endearing lead, and the fictional world of Colebridge, with its sleuthing population, crimes, and Detectives’ Row, is sure to captivate readers. The witty dialogue, clever characters, and twists and turns are sure to keep young sleuths riveted. A dream come true for young mystery fans.

- Booklist (starred review)

Readers who enjoy classic tales of detection complete with chemical experiments, disguises, interrogations, and surprising revelations will relish this story. Carlson expertly evokes a Sherlockian atmosphere and drops just enough clues to keep readers guessing. Hand this book to fans of Blue Balliett and Trenton Lee Stewart. - School Library Journal