Jack Spratt (who has an unfortunate giant killing history) has lead the Nursey Crimes Division of Reading police for a long time – and has often been overlooked in favour of the more narratively pleasing detectives, like his nemesis Chymes
Joined by new Detective Sergent Mary Mary (she’s from Basingstoke and not ashamed) he tackles the case of Humpty Dumpty, found dead at the bottom of a wall. This could be the case that finally breaks the Nursery Crime Division – to say nothing of Jack and Mary’s ambitions towards joining the prestigious Guild of Detectives
The main selling point of this book has to be its humour. This book is hilarious. Even the little newspaper excepts had me in stitches:
The spinning industry was shaken to its foundations yesterday by the shocking royal proclamation that all spinning wheels in the nation were to be destroyed. The inexplicable edict was issued shortly after the King’s only daughter’s christening and is to be implemented immediately. Economic analysts predict that the repercussions on the wool, cloth and weaving trade may be far-reaching and potentially catastrophic. “We are seeking legal advice on the matter,” said Jenny Shuttle, leader of the Spinning & Associated Skills Labor Union. “While we love our King dearly, we will fight this through the courts every step of the way.” The King-in-opposition has demanded a judicial review
Honestly, I started compiling quotes of elements I found particularly hilarious in this book and stopped because I had so many excerpts that they were making up a review all of their own. I don’t think more than 5 pages passed at any one time where I didn’t laugh out loud and the smile never once left my face. This is one of those books you feel compelled to read aloud to people around you so they can join in the hilarity. There are so many little asides – like the man who collects cheap and nasty Victorian furniture which is extremely expensive because so little cheap and tacky furniture has actually survived long enough to be antique. Or Mary Mary’s complicated and hilarious Shakespeare betting scam (Tybalt upset the bookies by actually beating Romeo and it ended with the actual arrest of Richard III).
This book takes nursery tales (and even beings of legend – like Prometheus who, in addition to having some surprisingly deep and meaningful decisions, is also fighting extradition) and brings them to the real world with hilarious and amazing skill. We have Gorgio Porgia (the crime boss), Rumplestiltskin (in prison for his straw-into-gold scam), Bluebeard the serial killer, Old Mother Hubbard the landlady – so many glorious little references. And, of course, Jack Spratt himself and his carefully dissected bacon sandwiches and his unfortunate habit of killing giants (though, to be fair, only one was an actual giant, the other four were just really tall). It should be silly. It should be ridiculous. And it is – but it’s awesomely and hilariously so
I even love how this whole fairy tale theme is often achieved with subtle easter-eggs you need to be looking for – like the Butcher, Baker and Candlestick maker among Jack’s co-workers. Or the way Mary Mary actually contradicts people a lot.
