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Reviewed by Georgia Tisdall, Teacher, Otatara School, Southland
Opening sentence
It was a fresh and shiny morning in Narlybone.
In 'Detective Stanley and the Mystery at the Museum', readers meet Stanley, a sharp canine detective who just can't stay retired. When an urgent letter arrives begging for his help, Stanley proves he cannot turn down "one last case."

The story follows Stanley as he arrives at the scene, expertly picking up on subtle clues before the Investigation Department Captain even arrives. But the plot thickens! As the museum director details the theft of a valuable painting, the police chief's watch vanishes—and the real thief cleverly frames poor Stanley. Forced to clear his name, Stanley works through his thought process to untangle what really happened.

This short story delivers a careful balance of suspense, humour, and heart. Beyond the mystery, it also weaves in educational tidbits about the stolen painting and its artist, giving young readers a gentle taste of art history. Most importantly, it carries a timeless message: never judge a book by its cover, because people aren't always who they seem.
Author & Illustrator: Hannah Tunnicliffe, Erica Harrison
Publisher: Flying Eye Books
ISBN: 9781838742119
Format: Paperback
Publication: June 2025
Ages: 6 – 12 years
Themes: Mystery, humour, art history