Rory Branagan, Detective is the perfect novel for a reluctant reader, especially for those who enjoy a mystery. The main character, Rory, is a typical boy who loves dogs and wants to be seen and heard. His spit-fire new neighbor, Cassidy, a.k.a Cat, is the perfect sidekick. Author Andrew Clover brings these and some other fantastic characters to the story who add to the depth of this little mystery. There’s just enough suspense and action to make it interesting but the story is short enough so you’re not left hanging too long. The simple yet hilarious illustrations by Ralph Lazar fit nicely with the comical plot. Those who enjoy Rory Branagan’s story will be anxious to continue the series as there are several others that are already published, including some in Spanish. 

One thing parents might want to be aware of is that Rory often refers to his mother as a witch, speaking about when his mother gets angry with him. There’s also a little potty humor.

Review of an Advance Reader’s Copy
This book was sent to Compass Book Ratings for review by Penguin Workshop

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language:  4 religious exclamations.

Violence/Gore:  Many (26) brief incidents including character will hit someone if they go near him; dog acts like he wants to get cats; character says he looks deadly; restaurant name is Deadly Pirate; character jokes about a pig eating them; reference to getting bang on head; exaggeration that mother will bite his head off or kill him; reference to snake bite; reference to dog biting postman; young character tries to kick another; characters thought a guinea pig had been poisoned; character says another is a killer; boy punches another boy; young character tries to punch another but is pinned down instead; young character hits an adult to stop her; adult character throws things at child; character head-butts an animal; character fell and hurt leg and fell on top of animal in the process (both unconcious for a short time); reference to beating up bad guys; young character throws a spear at another (not hurt); reference to octopus poisoning; animal pushes other animals out of the way; character falls over and hair catches on fire (no serious injuries); adult character poisoned.

Sex/Nudity:  Four incidents of illustrations of ladies (stick figures) with cleavage.

Mature Subject Matter:

Attempted murder; references to stealing; references to poop; reference to dog dragging bum on the floor due to worms; character often saying his mother is a witch when she gets angry.

Alcohol / Drug Use:

Picture of a character holding wine glass; picture of a man smoking; picture of rum at a restaurant.