If you’re a fan of David Walliams, I think you will love Detective Sleuth. We’ve read plenty of his books in our house—some of my other favorites include Ice Mammoth and The Beast of Buckingham Palace—but this one might just top the list!

The Storyline

The book follows a determined young detective, Dilly, and her loyal canine sidekick, Watson. They’re aboard a luxurious cruise ship with Dilly’s rather unpleasant aunt and her wealthy lord boyfriend. Dilly has had a tough life—she lost her parents and now lives with her not-so-loving aunt. But that doesn’t stop her from pursuing her dream of becoming a detective.

Things take a thrilling turn when famous detectives from around the world start mysteriously dropping dead. As chaos unfolds on the ship, it’s up to Dilly to crack the case and uncover the culprit.

What We Loved

1. The Illustrations Bring It to Life

One of the things I love the most about this book is its birlliant illustrations. David Walliams does a fantastic job of introducing all the characters at the beginning, complete with little portraits and descriptions, which really help set the scene. There’s even a detailed illustration of the cruise ship, making it feel like you’re right there onboard. Every time a new character appears—or a suspect emerges—there’s another brilliant picture, making the whole story feel even more engaging.

2. A Fun and Interactive Read

I read this book at bedtime with my eight-year-old daughter, and we had such a great time. The way the text is laid out—with different fonts, bold words, and playful sound effects—meant that she could join in, too. I’d read most of the story, but she loved shouting out the sound effects or reading the bold words in different voices. It was a fantastic way to encourage her to engage with the story, learn new words, and experiment with reading aloud.

3. A Murder Mystery That’s Kid-Friendly
Now, I know “murder mystery” and “children’s book” don’t always go hand in hand, but Detective Sleuth does this so well. The mystery itself is gripping without being scary, making it the perfect introduction to the detective genre for kids. It keeps them guessing, encourages them to think critically, and the plot twists make it all the more exciting.

Final Thoughts

This was such a fun book to read together, and I’d highly recommend it for young readers. While I read it aloud to my eight-year-old, I’d say that confident readers aged seven and up could easily tackle it on their own. The mix of humor, adventure, and mystery makes it a must-read.

Would I recommend Detective Sleuth? Absolutely! Whether you’re reading it as a bedtime story or handing it to your child to enjoy independently, it’s a fantastic, engaging read that will keep kids entertained from start to finish.

Have you read Detective Sleuth? Let me know what you think!