Detective Gordon: A Case with a Bang

A Case with a Bang is the final book in the Detective Gordon series by Ulf Nilsson, illustrated in full color. The story follows retired-toad Gordon and mouse detective Buffy as they investigate a mystery in their forest home. When a humming, scraping sound disturbs the woods at night, the badger's trash can is destroyed. Three large creatures are spotted on the mountain. During her investigation, Buffy is flattened by something enormous and terrifying. Back at the police station, Gordon trains a new young assistant while the forest bakery runs out of cakes. As the animals hide in fear, Buffy recalls Gordon's stories about trolls and wonders if they are real. Using Gordon's advice that everyone thinks differently, she finds a way to communicate with the giant creatures, discovering they may not be as dangerous as they seem. The book conveys themes about good detective work, kindness to newcomers, and the idea that everyone thinks differently. Nilsson was a Swedish children's author who wrote over 100 books and won numerous awards including the August Prize and the Astrid Lindgren Prize. Illustrator Gitte Spee is a renowned artist from the Netherlands and London. Translated from Swedish by Julia Marshall.