Fletcher Moon is the youngest detective in his Irish town, and he can prove it with the badge he earned through an on-line detective school. Perhaps he had been showing off that badge a bit much, though, because one day it was stolen, which began a long series of problems for Fletcher. Called "Half-Moon" because of his short size, Fletcher has to fight to earn people's respect, and he ends up having to fight to prove himself innocent of the same crimes he's investigating. This book is full of wonderfully interesting characters, such as Red Sharkey, a trouble-making teenager from a family known for their criminal ways, and April Devereaux, a pretty-in-pink rich girl who gets pretty much anything she wants. Add to this an oddball principal who draws mean pictures of her students, a burning playhouse, stolen hair, a secret society, and a surprise talent show performance, and you have a book that is hilarious, intelligent, unforgettable, and a fabulous mystery.
This book will appeal to readers of Mr. Colfer's Artemis Fowl series, mystery fans, and anyone who likes reading about underdogs who manage to come out on top in the end. Though this book is billed for 9-12 year olds, it's a bit more challenging than your average fourth-grade book.
