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Review: Detective Stanley and the Mystery at the Museum

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Written by Hannah Tunnicliffe
Illustrated by Erica Harrison
London: Flying Eye Books, 2025. Comics. 58 pages.

Detective Stanley is ready to enjoy the first day of his retirement when his assistance is urgently requested to help solve a break-in at the city art museum. It's the opening of the Bleat Mondrian show, the gallery is in shambles, and the director fears that one of their priceless works has been stolen! However, when Stanley arrives, nothing seems to be missing. While examining the scene for clues, Stanley is framed for a separate crime that derails his investigation! He must solve the puzzle of his framing and clear his own name in order to uncover the truth behind the real criminal's plot.

This comic is perfect for easing newer readers into the medium, with its large easy-to-follow panels, descriptive text, and vivid illustrations that highlight both the mystery and the museum setting. Readers will have a good time puzzling over the clues to try and solve the mystery before the Poirot-esque detective. A closing note introducing Piet Mondrian--the real-life artist the museum exhibition alludes to--is included at the end for curious readers. A clever and engaging graphic novel mystery.

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