A top-secret case. A mythical mystery. And a crime-fighting unicorn detective with no patience for nonsense (or split ends). Detective Spark Bubblewand takes pride in two things: his flawless mane and flawless case record. He thought he’d seen it all working at the Mythical Bureau of Investigation. But when a fairy causes chaos and a mermaid’s magical purse goes missing, Spark finds himself up to his horn in a case that’s stranger than a sasquatch’s shower schedule. Spark and his big-footed rookie partner Squatch will have to follow the clues and outsmart the Rainbow Realm’s cleverest creatures to crack the case–before it’s too late. Mystery, mayhem, and magical mishaps await in this laugh-out-loud adventure that proves one thing: Not all heroes need capes. Some just need a little bit of magic… and a lot of glitter. Unicorn Detective is an illustrated chapter book series featuring a clever unicorn detective, his big-foot partner, and mysteries rooted in global folklore and mythology. Who Stole the Mermaid’s Purse? is the first title in the series, and the next two in the series – one featuring leprechauns and the other werewolves– will follow in 2027. ‘Baines’s beat is typically nonfiction, and appended notes on real mermaid purses, mermaid myths, mice, Blackbeard, and more, along with a character guide, show her sure hand. Spark’s vanity and silly swears (‘Fluffy frog fingers!’) and Squatch’s earnest misunderstandings add amusement. Marks’ goofy line drawings enliven every page. The mash-up of fantastical elements and hardboiled detective story will garner plenty of fans for this series opener. Magic and laughs fuel an engaging and goofy mystery.’ –Kirkus Reviews Features: Unicorns, mermaids, sasquatches–oh my! A laugh-out-loud chapter book mystery featuring a cast of mythical creatures, led by an unforgettable unicorn detective and his lovable yeti sidekick. Blends wacky humor with social-emotional themes, including teamwork, intuition, fairness, and first impressions. For fans of Inspector Flytrap, InvestiGators, and Unicorn Diaries–this is the perfect bridge from picture books to chapter books for ages 6-9. Packed with cinematic storytelling, cliffhanger chapter endings, and clever banter, ideal for reluctant readers or classroom read-alouds. Mythical world-building meets detective noir, featuring secret organizations, decoy villains, and a mystery with a cheese-based twist no one will see coming. Backmatter includes fun facts based on the characters and storylines from the book, presented as Detective Notes.
