Ten top books starring young detectives

Kate Pankhurst is a UK-based writer-illustrator of a series of books about a girl detective called Mariella Mystery, aged nine and a bit.

For the Guardian, Pankhurst named ten top books starring young detectives. One entry on the list:

Ruby Redfort by Lauren Child

Get lost in a hazy Polaroid, bubble gum scented, snap shot of life for a young detective in the 1970s. Every self-respecting detective needs their own unique catchphrase – and you better believe it, bozo, Ruby Redfort has some very entertaining ones. The books playfully reference vintage American teen movies and TV, I was reminded of my despair growing up that I had neither a phone in my bedroom nor a tree next to my bedroom window for my trusty mystery solving friend to climb up. Ruby Redfort, like those kids in the movies, has both.

Read about another entry on the list.

--Marshal Zeringue