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Author: Sparring, Anders

Crime & mystery fiction (Children’s/YA)

Published on 1 June 2024 by Gecko Press in New Zealand as part of ‘The Pinchers’ series.

Paperback | 96 pages, Illustrations, colour
205 x 147 x 10 | 192g

In this slapstick illustrated crime adventure, the honest Theo Pincher, who doesn’t fit in to his family of criminals, finds a clever way to save the family dog, Sherlock, from the nasty new police officer.

The new police officer, Clive, is not nice—even the other police are afraid of him. Everything, even the dog, must have a receipt to prove there’s no stealing going on. Things without receipts are locked up.

Of course, Theo’s family don’t have a receipt for anything, especially not for their dog Sherlock. When Sherlock is caught, Theo makes a plan to get him back using cooking oil, a dog onesie, and cunning—a plan so good even Theo’s family are impressed.

This criminally funny tale contains a break-in at the candy store, an interrogation, and comical commentary from the dog, who thinks his name is Shuddup Sherlock.

Praise for The Pinchers: ‘If you are looking for a goofy, good fun beginning chapter book reader series, pinch this book. Criminally good writing, illustrations, and design.’—Jon Scieszka, US National Ambassador for Young Peoples Literature ‘Ingenious, well-written and with absolutely wonderful illustrations. We enjoy stories where we both giggle and nod thoughtfully . . . . Criminally good!’ Crimetime Award for Children’s Detective of the Year 2022