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Detective fiction has come back in fashion among kids – that’s assuming it had ever gone completely out of fashion in the first place. And the trend is coming to Maltese literature too.
The newest detective to hit the bookshelves is Irvin Vella investigatur virtwali. His first mystery to solve is Il-Każ Manduca, written by John A. Bonello and published by Merlin Publishers. The novel is perfect for children aged nine upwards.
Detective-in-the-making Irvin Vella is the 19-year-old protagonist of this new children’s novel. He is studying to get his private investigator warrant, which is why he so far styles himself as a ‘virtual detective’. He operates in a makeshift office out of his parents’ garage, but takes his future profession extremely seriously. No matter how small or inconsequential the case, he gives it the full benefit of his sleuthing powers.
Vella suddenly finds himself having to investigate a rather larger, more complex case: a patrician villa in Rabat currently inhabited by two elderly sisters is said to be haunted. And Vella is sent there to investigate. What follows is a mystery full of hidden clues, action, suspense and a good dose of humour.
For in Irvin Vella, author Bonello has created what may well become one of his most memorable characters. Bonello is an award-winning author of fantasy novels for young adults and adults. His Il-Logħba tal-Allat trilogy has a significant cult following and two books in the trilogy won him the Best Young Adult Fiction Award at the National Book Awards. His last fantasy novel for adults, Fil-Mergħat tal-Impossibbli, was also a hit with readers who are currently waiting for the sequel. Irvin Vella is his first novel for children.
Irvin Vella investigatur virtwali: Il-Każ Manduca is further enriched by the atmospheric black and white illustrations created by Lisa Falzon. Falzon perfectly complements the novel’s mood with her images and the entire package is guaranteed to have young readers wanting more Irvin Vella adventures.
Irvin Vella is available from all bookshops or online directly from www.merlinpublishers.com.