The Case of the Runaway Brain

In this new detective story for young readers, three children with absolutely nothing in common find themselves working together to thwart an evil plot from the proprietor of the town’s Academy for Incredibly Irritating Children. 

With a first act that features a daring escape from hundreds of cuddly sausage dogs, and a pair of friends categorising different types of mud, it is clear from the outset that the book has a silly sense of humour. Yet the three protagonists all have serious matters to attend to: Riz is a professional (and secret) friendship provider, Drew has an escape from Madame Strang’s Academy for Incredibly Irritating Children to arrange, and Olly has the local mud-specialising newspaper – Unearthed – to edit. Yet, despite their busy personal schedules, the trio are brought together when they learn that Madame Strang has a dangerous secret that threatens the entire town of Snoops Bay.

The three main characters are simply drawn, with uncomplicated motives like family, money…and mud. Yet the book invests substantial time introducing them before treating readers to the juicy and exciting details of Madame Strang’s plot. As the three children begin to unravel the mystery, they also discover the value of doing things for the benefit of others, and that friendship can come from the unlikeliest of places. 

The most dramatic, heartwarming, and funny moments of the story are saved for the final chapters, when readers’ stamina is rewarded with the bringing together of earlier details (often involving mud!) to hilarious effect. The Case of the Runaway Brain succeeds as a simple and enjoyable introduction to detective stories that lots of children will enjoy.