The Fourth Bear: A Nursery Crime

Sometimes I pick up a sequel and don't even know it until I'm a third of the way in. It happens- especially when you read as much as I do, as often as I do.  Occasionally I'll even pick up the same book. I only get frustrated when I've skipped a volume in between and I can't figure out where the heck I've left off.


Happened again- I started listening and thought to myself- I know these characters- I know this backstory. Then I had to play the game- did I already read this? No, I don't think so but maybe. No, I'm good- I read his 2005 The Big Over Easy last year. Pure awesomeness- I love when author's take characters (in this case nursery characters) we're all familar with and give them enough of a spin to create an entirely new world. 

Jack Spratt, (You know of the Jack Sprat would eat no fat. and his wife would eat no lean) is a detective of the Nursery Crime Division of the Reading Police Department. Mixing aliens, giant cucumbers. Mary, Mary (quite contrary, how does your garden grow), bears, Goldilocks, and a killer Giant Gingerbreadman one would think this a story for children.

But it's not- instead it's an utterly delightful mystery that doesn't take itself too seriously. If you need just a touch of whimsy, silliness, or plain old nonsense in your life- read The Fourth Bear.