The Fairy Detective Agency: Three Pickled Herrings

Sally Gardner successfully combines magic and a touch of fairy tale with a contemporary feel in this charming adventure story. The story moves at a fast pace but for me the delightful characters are the most enjoyable aspect of the book. The quirky illustrations by David Roberts are very much a part of the success of this book fitting the style of the story perfectly and bringing the characters to life. The short chapters and the many illustrations ensure that the book will appeal to newly independent readers but the use of language, wit, catchphrases and world play mean that this story would work well read aloud too. Emily and her gang are great fun and this series deserves to be a success.

Wonderfully imaginative, full of quirky humour and delightfully illustrated.

Absolutely charming

I'd forgotten about the keys with feet, which are important in this clever detective story where there are some fairies missing their wings, fairies whose identities are surprising.

This is a touching story that had me laughing out loud. I highly recommend this book, it is so much fun!

this is just as good as the first book. There's so much fun and silliness here and once again David Roberts' illustrations are pitched perfectly. I think Sally Gardner has a real winner with this series. Younger readers will love it and parents won't mind reading it aloud either. Now, let's hope there's another one coming out soon.

Absolutely charming

Wonderfully imaginative, full of quirky humour and delightfully illustrated

Gardner's riotous fantasy world includes a multitude of charmingly unlikely characters

A quirky and whimsical read, illustrated with suitably strange and wonderful line drawings. Its oddball protagonists are engaging and it has the feel of an otherworld screwball comedy

Garner is a highly talented storyteller ... charmingly anarchic

Very mysterious ... very funny

Eventful, fast-paced