Double Trouble in Bugland (Inspector Mantis Mystery)

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.”

William Kotzwinkle is a novelist, a writer for children, and screenwriter.

Joe Servello is best known as an illustrator of children’s books, most notably for the work of William Kotzwinkle.