Trouble in Bugland: A Collection of Inspector Mantis Mysteries (Godine Storyteller)

A collection of five detective stories for young readers, inspired by Sherlock Holmes but with an all-insect cast of characters. Going forth from his little flat at 221B Flea Street, Inspector Mantis, accompanied by his trusted colleague Doctor Hopper, solve “The Case of the Missing Butterfly,” “The Case of the Caterpillar’s Head,” and three other antennae-bending mysteries puzzling the populace of Bugland. Criminal detection, combined with delightful insect characters, makes this, in the words of The Horn Book, “the most engaging and cleverest reincarnation of Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson yet.” Joe Servello’s color and pen-and-ink drawings bring exquisite period detail to these tales: steam engines, deerstalkers, fog, and mandibles have never been more lovingly crosshatched. This is a treat for any kid who loves a funny mystery.

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.