For the child who feels their family is misunderstood, this quirky mystery explores a son's loyalty to clear his father's name amidst absurd accusations.
A parent might reach for this book when their child feels their family is a bit strange or misunderstood by the outside world. This quirky and humorous British mystery follows thirteen-year-old Jason, whose puppeteer father is the prime suspect when famous TV puppets are violently destroyed one by one. Jason must turn detective to clear his father's name. The story is a wonderful vehicle for discussing loyalty, justice, and the fierce love we have for our families, even with all their eccentricities. It's a great choice for middle schoolers who enjoy a good puzzle, dry humor, and a story about believing in someone when no one else will.
The child protagonists are in some tense situations while investigating the mystery.
Sensitive Topics
The central 'murders' are committed against inanimate puppets, not people. This is a direct but metaphorical approach to violence and death, making the topic accessible and non-traumatic. It's handled humorously and absurdly. The father's depression over his career failure is a direct theme, but the family's love for him provides a strong, supportive container for it. The resolution is hopeful, with Jason's investigation succeeding and the family finding a new, more authentic path forward.
Ideal Reader
A 10 to 13-year-old with a love for quirky humor, unconventional mysteries, and a strong sense of justice. This book is perfect for a child who feels a fierce, protective loyalty to their family, especially if they perceive their family as being a little 'weird' or different from others.
Parent Prep
The book can be read cold, but parents should be aware that the term 'murder' is used exclusively to refer to the destruction of puppets. It's a key part of the book's humor and charm. Some of the references to specific British TV shows might go over a non-UK reader's head, but they are not essential to understanding the plot or the emotional core of the story. A parent notices their child becoming defensive about a family member or the family unit as a whole. The child might say something like, "Why does everyone think we're so strange?" or "It's not fair, they don't even know him!" after a relative is judged unfairly.
Age Experience
A younger reader (10-11) will primarily enjoy the fast-paced, funny mystery and the adventure of kids solving a crime adults can't. An older reader (12-14) will be better able to appreciate the satire of celebrity culture, the father's complex emotional state, and the more nuanced themes of artistic integrity versus commercial success.
What Makes It Special
Unlike typical middle-grade mysteries about stolen items or missing people, this book's premise, the serial murder of puppets, is completely unique. Its distinct blend of British satire, high-concept absurdity, and genuine heart about father-son loyalty sets it far apart from its peers. It takes the world of puppetry and treats it with a delightful, zany seriousness.
Read plot summary
Thirteen-year-old Jason's father is a brilliant but bitter puppeteer whose career has faded. When beloved, famous puppets from British television begin turning up destroyed, all evidence points to him. Jason, fiercely loyal despite his father's difficult personality, teams up with his new friend Lucy to investigate the strange, high-stakes world of professional puppetry. They must navigate rivalries, old grudges, and obsessed fans to find the real culprit before Jason's father is arrested for the so-called murders.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Jason's dad can be grumpy and difficult, but Jason never stops believing in him. Why do you think it was so important for Jason to defend his father, even when the evidence looked bad?
2
The characters in the book treat the puppets as if they are real, living beings. Why do you think puppets can feel so alive to people? Does destroying a puppet feel different than breaking a regular toy?
3
The police immediately suspect Jason's dad because of his past. Was this fair? Talk about a time you or someone you know was judged unfairly based on a first impression.
4
Jason's dad creates puppets that are strange and unique, not like the famous ones on TV. What does the book seem to say about the value of being original versus being popular?
