Bonnie Montgomery (as her case-cracking alter-ego Montgomery Bonbon) has been invited to Adderstone Manor by Fergus Croke, whose prized diamond has gone missing. Croke is a retired master thief who suspects one of his four protégés of the dirty deed – but when everyone is a crook, how does even the great Bonbon know where to begin?

The plot thickens faster than a good roux when the only unsuspicious member of the household, Croke’s loyal butler, is found dead in the grounds – and it’s not long before Bonbon uncovers hidden identities, motives a-many, and a rather surprising hedge maze full of monkeys. Can Bonbon, Dana and Grampa Banks uncover the missing gem and catch the thief and killer – and are they one and the same?

Bonnie Montgomery is a young girl with an alter-ego – She is the world-famous detective Montgomery Bonbon and only her Grampa knows her secret. Having solved cases at the local museum and a lighthouse, this time Bonbon is tasked with discovering who killed prolific thief Fergus Croke and finding his stolen prized diamond.

Mystery at the Manor is the third book in the Montgomery BonBon mysteries. While it is always best to read series in order, this book works perfectly as a standalone.

The book, just like the previous two is filled with pure adventure from the beginning. Bonnie/Bonbon is a fun, wacky character that children will adore. Her super sleuthing is fabulous and her eye for detail is why her skills are world famous.

Overall, Mystery at the Manor is an engaging and exciting read. It contains fabulous black-and-white illustrations throughout alongside a well-thought-out, clever plot that is highly amusing the whole way through. For middle-grade readers who are looking for something entertaining to read, this is the series to pick up.

Alasdair Beckett-King is a multi-award-winning comedian and writer. He studied at the London Film School, and since then he has performed critically lauded solo shows at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, written for BBC radio, appeared on comedy panel shows such as Mock the Week, co-written an award-winning video game and created numerous viral sketches for social media, including an interactive whodunit.