Would you ever steal?

The Pinchers and the Dog Chase

Written by Anders Sparring

Illustrated by Per Gustavsson

Translated by Julia Marshall

Published by Gecko Press @geckopress

Published: June 2024

Price: £8.99

First line: Remember me?

Genre: First chapter book, crime

Thanks to the UKLA for the review copy!

What’s it all about? This is the second stretch for the criminal family, the Pinchers (starring Mum and Dad, Rob and Nic; children, Ellen and Theo; Sherlock and Stola, pet dog and grandma). This story is all about a new policeman in town: Clive. He’s not as understanding as Paul Eessman, the policeman who lives next door to the Pinchers. He’s full of muscles and sun glasses. And, he wants everyone to have a receipt for everything that’s been bought, which is why Sherlock might end up in jail or even sent to the North Pole! Theo, (who, shhh, wants to be a Police Officer when he grows up), must try to help out both Sherlock, his sister and his Grandma from doing time.

Why should I read it? Some of the story is told from the point of view of the family’s dog, Shuddup Sherlock (or that’s what he thinks his name is!), which is an enjoyable twist. I enjoyed how the author talks to the reader at the start of the story about receipts and what the story contains in a few words. This will really help to encourage those readers who aren’t used to or are worried about tackling chapter books. The characters are comic, larger than life and engaging. This book has short easily accessible chapters: perfect for about 7+ readers. The illustrations are amazing and really bring the story to life.

I’m looking forward to hopefully reviewing the next installment too, which is out next year.