Sometimes what you really need to read is a middle-grade mystery story. Good news! Because this is exactly that.

The Missing Diamonds is the first in a new detective series, about Zaiba, a keen crime-solver, her best friend Poppy, and her little brother Ali. While at a hotel for her cousin’s Mehndi party, Zaiba and co. end up embroiled in a mystery when a pop star’s dog goes missing, and with it, diamonds.

The best thing about this book is that it’s just a lot of fun, really. It’s short, covers only a few hours in a day plotwise, and it’s a nice break from heavier plots. The characters are great and, yeah so you can spot the reveal a mile off, it’s an enjoyable mystery (also I prefer mysteries where you can at least follow the evidence and guess who did it. I mean, isn’t that the whole point of them?). If my cousins were still the age where I could shove middle grade books at them, I absolutely would with this one.

So basically, if you want a break from everything, and a quick fun read, this book is the one for you.

I am officially an Agent Zaiba fan!

I love this brave, mystery solving girl. She has all the qualities of a secret agent and detective and puts her skills to good use on the night of her cousins Mehndi party. Her idol, Eden Lockett, is a book character who is also a detective, Zaiba carries a well thumbed Detectives Handbook with her everywhere, and refers back to it when stuck.

With her entire family in attendance, Zaiba is encouraged to do some detecting by Aunt Fouzia, who runs The Snow Leopard Detective Agency in Pakistan. Wishing for a similar career when she is older, Zaiba is keen to find and solve a mystery.

When a secret celebrity arrives at the hotel with her pampered puppy, Zaiba feels a case coming on. The puppy is wearing a large diamond on its collar and Zaiba is not surprised when the puppy runs away and the collar goes missing. But who is responsible? Where has the puppy gone and why is the hotel manager so angry?

Zaiba, best friend Poppy and little brother Ali explore, hunt, deduce and investigate. However, they must contend with a ruined Mehndi party, secret staircases and a duo intent on the diamond collar. Not to mention angry parents, roving reporters and shaken champagne crates.

An amazing book, full of funny scenes, intelligent detecting skills and a heart warming family with a lot of love to share.

Agent Zaiba will give readers a new heroine to look up to, a new sense of adventure and an aspiration to be who they want.

The illustrations are wonderful and the designs on the chapter headings are beautiful. (As they show up on a kindle)

Already excited about the next in the series!
Will be buying and recommending this one widely!

This book was so much fun. Zaiba wants to be a detective, so when a dog escapes and his diamond collar goes missing, she and her friend and brother investigate. Dog related chaos ensues! And eventually the solving of the mystery. As well as the great story, the book is peppered with fun illustrations and delightful patterns at the start of each chapter.

I’d definitely recommend this book to children, as well as any adults who enjoy a light hearted mystery. I’ll be keeping an eye out for the next book in the series.

I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.