The Brixton Brothers: The Case of the Case of Mistaken Identity by Mac Barnett

Release Date: Available Now from Simon & Schuster

Source: Personal Copy

Synopsis:

Steve Brixton always wanted to be a detective...

until he found out he already WAS one.
It all starts here: The thrilling story of Steve Brixton's first case. Our hero has a national treasure to recover, a criminal mastermind to unmask, and a social studies report due Monday -- all while on the run from cops, thugs, and secret-agent librarians.

Since when can librarians rappel from helicopters? Does Steve have any brothers or sisters? If not, then why is this series called The Brixton Brothers? You will solve all these mysteries and many more by the time you finish The Case of the Case of Mistaken Identity.

We think you'll agree: Steve Brixton's first adventure is his best adventure yet.

This is a MG book, and is completely genius. For anyone who has ever read and loved Nancy Drew or Hardy Boys books, then this is the book for you. Steve's favorite books are the Bailey Brothers mysteries and he lives by their code. The book is full of references to The Bailey Brothers' Detective Handbook and Steve tries to follow their rules to the letter.

This book is wonderfully quirky and utterly hilarious. Steve and his best friend, or chum, Dana (who by the way hates being called chum), end up in all kinds of life threatening situations and get up to all kinds of crazy hi jinks. I love the character of Dana as he's the one who is constantly trying to bring Steve out of the clouds and back to reality.

You know what else this book has?! Totally ass-kicking secret-agent librarians. Yeah, you heard right...librarians. It made me even more proud to be in my current job.

Mac Barnett is a genius. I already knew this from his fabulous picture book Guess Again and his genius is only more solidified in my mind after reading the first (hopefully of many) Brixton Brothers book. Even if you aren't a middle grade fan, I think everyone can find something to love in this book.