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Written by Serena Patel
Illustrated by Emma McCann
Part of the Anisha, Accidental Detective Series
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Comic capers explode when science-mad Anisha must solve a mystery ahead of her Aunty’s Bindi’s “Big Fat Fabulous” Indian wedding.
Shortlisted for the Books for Younger Readers category, Children's Book Awards 2022 | Shortlisted for the Blue Peter Awards 2021, Best Story
“Numbers are great, they make sense - unlike people. You’d think this if you lived with my family.” So Anisha sets the scene for the madcap mystery that unfolds in the chaotic run-up to her Aunty Bindi’s epic wedding.
Anisha loves her “sparkly” Aunty Bindi, but it’s not easy being bridesmaid to such a flamboyant figure, especially when she’s on the verge of having a “mega meltdown”! Matters take a scarier turn when Anisha finds a ransom note announcing that Tony, Bindi’s fiancé, has been kidnapped and the wedding must be called off if they want to see him again. “Why did I have to be the one who found the note?” she laments. “I DON’T LIKE DRAMA!” But, in order to prevent her already frazzled family from spiraling into further chaos, Anisha decides to find Tony herself, with the help of her best friend Milo.
A hilarious race against time ensues, with clues to pursue, undercover surveillance to be done and the involvement of some decidedly curious characters (among them a weeing lobster), and the menace of Anisha’s “evil” cousins-to-be.
The story shimmers with the vibrant exuberance of an Indian wedding, the special warmth of family and friends, and action-packed amusement. Special mention must go to the informative (and funny) footnotes that explain Indian food, customs and language referred to in the story, and to Emma McCann’s energetic illustrations.
April 2020 Debut of the Month
Books in the Anisha, Accidental Detective Series:
1. Anisha, Accidental Detective
On being shortlisted for the Blue Peter Awards, Serena said; “I am delighted and honoured to have been shortlisted for the Blue Peter Book Awards. I loved watching Blue Peter as a child and now my own children love it too, so to have my book recognised in this way is an absolute thrill and career highlight.”
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Reflecting Realities survey concluded that only 1% of children's books have BAME main characters, and that only one children’s book published in 2017 featuring a BAME character was defined as comedy.
Read more about Serena's influences and her inspiration for Anisha, Accidental Detective!
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Anisha Mistry is all set to be a bridesmaid at her Aunty Bindi's wedding tomorrow...until she finds a note in her family's letterbox. Bindi's groom has been kidnapped and will only be released IF THE WEDDING IS CALLED OFF!
With best friend Milo, a mischievous granny, a runaway lobster, a giant chauffeur, and some super sleuthing skills, it's up to Anisha Mistry to find her uncle and save THE big Indian Wedding of the year.
In addition to our Lovereading4Kids expert opinion some of our Reader Review Panel were also lucky enough to read and review this title. You can click here to read the full reviews.
I loved the quiz and found out I was like Anisha! I can't wait to get my hands on the next book! Full review
Fun, bright and breezy. The story zips along with genuine laugh out loud moments. Great illustrations and a lovely addition to any library. Full review
I loved the pink cover and that it was about a wedding. Aunty Bindi and Anisha are my favourites. Anisha is really clever and kind and I now know a lot about lobsters! Full review
Super funny and I wanted to keep reading! Full review
Great book ideal for boys and girls. It pulls you in and makes you want to read more to find out who the kidnapper is. Some great characters who are really brought to life. Full review
A captivating and funny introduction to a new young detective. Full review
Praise for the Anisha Accidental Detective series;
"Perfect for younger detectives. So funny and clever and sweet." Robin Stevens
“A fabulously funny mystery” The Sunday Express
“Irresistible humour” The Guardian, Children’s Books of the Year
“Exhilirating romp” The Daily Mail
“The story surfs along on a wave of excitable prose” The Financial Times
“Spending time with Anisha’s British Indian family is chaotic, loud, and great fun” BookTrust
“Young crime lovers will snap up Serena Patel’s lively Anisha, Accidental Detective” The Observer
ISBN: 9781474959520
Publication date: 05/03/2020
Publisher: Usborne Publishing Ltd
Format: Paperback
| ISBN: | 9781474959520 |
| Publication date: | 5th March 2020 |
| Author: | Serena Patel |
| Illustrator: | Emma McCann |
| Publisher: | Usborne Publishing Ltd |
| Format: | Paperback |
| Pagination: | 256 pages |
| Suitable for: | 7+ readers, 9+ readers |
| Genres: | Family / Home Stories, Funny, Personal Social Health Economic |
| Recommendations: | Debuts of the Month, Reviewed by Children |
| Collections: | Diverse Voices - 80 Children's Books that Celebrate Difference, 70 Series of Books for Kids with a Voracious Appetite, Our favourite children's books of 2020, Celebrate British Science Week!, |
Serena Patel is a part-time law firm training co-ordinator and mum of two. She was shortlisted for the Asian Writer Short Story Prize in 2017 and was a finalist in the Undiscovered Voices Anthology in 2018. She is also a member of the Golden Egg Academy and SCWBI. Photo credit Tania Morris.
More About Serena PatelCheck out the latest activities in our KidsZone.
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