A 2017 Agatha Award Nominee! * A Best Children’s Book of the Year Pick for Kids 9 to 12 from Bank Street College!

Caroline Carlson, author of the Very Nearly Honorable League of Pirates series, returns with The World’s Greatest Detective, a story of crime, tricks, and hilarity for those who know that sometimes it takes a pair of junior sleuths to solve a slippery case.

Detectives’ Row is full of talented investigators, but Toby Montrose isn’t one of them. He’s only an assistant at his uncle’s detective agency, and he’s not sure he’s even very good at that.

Toby’s friend Ivy is the best sleuth around—or at least she thinks so. They both see their chance to prove themselves when the famed Hugh Abernathy announces a contest to choose the World’s Greatest Detective.

But when what was supposed to be a game turns into a real-life murder mystery, can Toby and Ivy crack the case?

• An Unlikely Friendship: Toby Montrose isn’t sure he’s a good detective, but his friend Ivy is absolutely certain she’s the best. When a game turns deadly, this pair of junior sleuths must learn to work together.
• A Whodunit for Kids: A competition to find the World’s Greatest Detective turns into a real-life crime scene. Now Toby and Ivy must find the killer before it’s too late!
• Children’s Humor: Full of hilarious mishaps (including a mouse in a very unfortunate place), quirky characters, and witty banter that will keep readers laughing.
• A Classic Cozy Mystery: Perfect for fans of classic detective stories, this clever and charming mystery is an Agatha Award Nominee and a perfect read for kids ages 8-12.