Anyone who made their home in a town called Buckwood and named their park “The Green,” is, to put it mildly, an interesting person.
Trouble At The Buckeye Festival is a mystery detective novel by Alice Kanaka. A book which I found to be also quite humorous, to say the least. You, dear reader, will quickly understand why, as soon as you discover that the two main characters are named Marge Bumfuzzle and Joey Cattywampus. Names, locations, characters – everything and everyone is clearly designed with being their, or its maximum, wholesome selves.
Without going into spoiler territory, a horrid transgression which no respectable mystery enjoyer would ever forgive me, I shall keep this review on the vague side.
Now, while I read the book, I found myself chuckling on more than one occasion. Alice managed to make her characters come to life with the power of witty humor. While I did not expect comedy being an integral part of a detective tale, I will honestly admit my pleasant surprise.
Story flows effortlessly, though certain elements like the clues are often concealed, this being a detective novel and all. The reader will be challenged to seek out said clues in each chapter, try to pick them up during every conversation, and look for one in Alice's many, scenic descriptions. Like ghostly specters they hide, run away from your hungry for information and relentlessly chasing them, little gray cells.
This, as I deduced early on while reading throughout the first chapter, was perhaps one of the reasons why I liked the book so much. Having had enjoyed many of Agatha Christie's stories, especially those about Monsieur Poirot, I love clue hunting.
Truth be told, every time I read about the Buckeye festival, I felt that said social gathering was one of the main characters.
Of course, this is a work of fiction, therefore one would be ill advised to look for the town of Buckwood on Google Maps. No matter how much you'd like to enjoy that festival of theirs, ride the rides, or stuff your face full of delicious foods, you, just as I did, will have to be content with imagining it... vividly.
The two lovable and serendipitous in their proximity to criminal activity sleuths are rather unique individuals.
While Marge and her cat Fluster could be the next phase of evolutionary development for feline and human, Mr. Cattywampus's ability to wield a walker is second to none. They complement each other and not only when it comes to solving crime. Each has their strengths and they most certainly, and oft rather hilariously make up for their shortcomings.
This sleuth duo is nigh impossible to... not stumble upon something mysteriously awesome!
I urge you, dear reader, to grab a copy of Trouble At The Buckeye Festival and go on an adventure together with Marge and Joey. Because this is the only sure way you'll discover the source of said Trouble with a capital T. See if your glamorous, ever hungry for the challenge little gray cells are well fed, mes amis.
Never stop never stopping!