Brilliant! When Dr Franklefink's precious Monster Maker machine goes missing, it's up to you and your boss, Klaus (a yeti) to solve the crime and recover the machine.

As you read each chapter, you hear more evidence about the theft and must then use this to decide which lead to follow when presented with a choice at the end of the chapter. Will you choose to go back to the office to review the evidence or should you go and interview Deadzo the Zombie Clown?

This book is great fun and so cleverly written. I know it will be enjoyed by many children at our school.

I loved the type of books like the Solve your own mystery series when I was little. I was really excited to introduce the style of book to my avid little readers when I was approved for The Monster Maker.

Both kids devoured the book in less than a day and raved about it, giving it five stars. They loved the autonomy the book gave them by letting them make their own choices on how to investigate the mystery. They were totally engaged with the plot.

J - 10 years old - “Although there were some minor issues like too many suspects, this book is fabulous. I liked the fact that it was a book that really made you feel like the human detective by using the 3rd person”

E - 8 years old - “I liked that you could choose options for what happened next. I was bey shocked, surprised and amazing by the ending. I disliked….nothing! It was really all my favourite! I hope you make another book because I thought this was really good!”

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to review an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest opinion.

This was an interesting mystery with an unique concept of an interactive book! I really enjoyed it and I would definitely recommend it to someone looking for something really fun to read and quite exciting! This is perfect for middle grade readers.

Every night Bella has a bedtime story, the idea is that Bella listens to the story and drifts off into a peaceful sleep.... It turns that reading"Solve Your Own Mystery: The Mystery Maker" by Gareth P Jones at bedtime, is not such a great idea because you will find yourself with a child, in bed, with a notebook and pen diligently taking notes and insisting that you don't stop reading because they just NEED to solve the mystery. Here is what we thought...


Bella 10/10


I loved this book and I want to read it again and again and again.... and I CAN!

The story was really fun and I really liked the ending I got, it's great that there is different endings because that makes it even more exciting.


If you see this book in the shop, buy it, because you'll love it too! There is another one coming out, and I WANT IT!


Charlie 10/10


If you're looking to buy a child a book, look no further! "Solve Your Own Mystery: The Mystery Maker" by Gareth P Jones is simply inspired, behind a BRILLIANT concept is a captivating story enjoyed by child and adult alike.


I was honestly incredibly impressed with the 'solve your own mystery' concept, Bella LOVED that she was placed at the centre of the story and her choices would affect the outcome of the story - it made reading fun, interactive and an experience! We sat together and read this all at once, she loved every minute and made me stop frequently as she caught up with the clues and her thoughts making a note of EVERYTHING as she attempted to crack the case. And whats better? There were three different endings, which meant that we could read it again, choosing different pathways and solve the mystery all over again!!


I had to give this full marks, it was genius! We can't wait until the second "Solve Your Own Mystery" book comes out!