Queen Bee’s Midnight Caper

Simone Fairchild
A Better Be Write Publisher (2006)
ISBN 9780977197149
Reviewed by Kim Peterson for Reader Views (6/06)

Trouble strikes Queen Bee’s lilac tree again. This time Queen’s niece is missing. Detective Brown takes the case and agrees to find Lizzy. Instead, he discovers a ransom note demanding a lot of money in exchange for the heir to the throne.

Disguised as a hornet, Detective Brown investigates. His survey flight uncovers important clues verifying that a kidnapper has the missing bee, but he cannot determine who took her. The bees will have to meet the criminal’s demands and hope to outwit him.

Near midnight, Ted the firefly joins Detective Brown and they race to Bedford Station to deliver the ransom money. When the kidnapper claims the cash, the pair tracks him back to his hole in a tree. Carefully, Detective Brown and Ted creep inside to rescue Lizzy. But they exchange one problem for another and the great sleuth ends up in a tangled mess and in great danger. Ted, the resourceful firefly, helps Detective Brown and they return safely to Queen Bee.

Once again Fairchild delivers a good story with interesting plot twists and surprises that will delight young readers. However, the book lacks the charming rhythm and rhyme of her earlier book, “The Plight of Queen Bee.” While some clever rhymes appear and well-delivered cadences mark some pages, many of the rhymes feel awkward and forced. They lack the sparkle readers might expect.

Still the book does offer a strong story with good morals. Familiar characters return along with new ones. Pamela Marie Key’s illustrations pop off the page with brilliant color and the same appeal of the previous book. Young readers will enjoy this pretty book and the insects’ adventures at the lilac tree.

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