The Mystery of the Disappearing Underpants - Nikki Young

"Have you ever had something lucky? A pair of trainers that helped you run faster, a pen that made you have the best ideas, a hat that every time you wore it, you won at chess? Well I have my lucky underpants. At least I did until they went missing. Right when I needed them most."

When Harry and James form a secret agency for the summer, their first task is to investigate the disappearance of Harry's lucky underpants and to prevent nosey neighbour, Stacey, from interfering in their business. But when a mysterious couple move into an old house on their street, the children are intrigued. Harry and James must join forces with Stacey in order to uncover what is going on at number 35. And with Harry's attention diverted from the hunt for his lucky underpants, will he ever be able to find them?

This book is a wonderful romp through the school summer holidays following a group of children who are determined to solve a mystery happening on their very street. It brilliantly captures the curiosity and innocence of those long summer days that we all remember from our own childhoods. It transports the adult reader back to a time when we were giddy with freedom and stuffed to the gills on Enid Blyton's Famous Five and Secret Seven, fuelling our quest for fun and adventure. With easy-to-digest short chapters and a fast moving narrative, this book is perfect for primary school children, especially those who may have found reading a challenge. The book bounces along with a Scooby-Doo enthusiasm that will delight boys and girls alike.