A wonderful book for children. Super funny and with a lot of heart. I loved Mina and think a lot of young readers will find a favourite character in her.

A laugh out loud detective story about a schoolgirl detective’s secret mission to find out why her school is serving the grossest and unhealthiest school meals EVER!

Packed with comical B&W illustrations of scenes, case files and secret character profiles for readers to follow along and help crack the case.

Written in a witty tone that offers readers of all ages a giggle, the Mina Mistry Investigates series is perfect for fans of Planet Omar and Anisha Accidental Detective.

Mina Mistry is a great character. Smart, witty, detail-oriented. Loved the personal files mixed in with a story/background. Mina's personality really shines. You get to know her life and the people in it through her eyes.

This book was funny and my children enjoyed listening to it. We enjoyed the multicultural references and the storyline. It was an easy to read and and a lighthearted book. I found the writing of the best friend quite derogatory and wouldn’t like that to become an acceptable way of viewing friends for positive relationships. I suppose this could be a teaching point to discuss in school. I also found the weight shaming of the teacher in the book unnecessary to the story line and quite disappointing in a children’s book. I think lots of children would enjoy the book and the adventures of the character but I would like to see a refreshing book that didn’t need to resort to ‘Walliams-esque’ ridicule of the overweight or less able.

Children’s literature is most definitely an effective means of communicating a significant message, attracting kids and their suddenly (and similarly) curious parents. The straightforward aim of this story is to encourage youngsters to choose healthy snacks over fatty and sugary ones (or at least maintain a balanced diet). Sometimes that is not possible and this is where all readers should pay attention to a better hidden purpose, slipped in carefully among the pages. Adults may occasionally prove to be contradictory, pointing out one thing and doing the opposite, thus influencing children to head on a wrong direction. Some will detect the mistakes, but will take longer to alert others. A grown-up’s mind is an interesting matter, as it holds plenty of clashing intentions. But a kid’s brain is even more exciting to observe and Mina Mistry is here to prove it.

The little girl has a special way with words. She experiments with them, replacing her real family name, Snotbridge, with a secret undercover one, Mistry, alluding to Mystery – eventually I began to see her as a Mistress of Mystery. Her mind is quick to spot the truth and reveal it, but she still chooses her words carefully, avoiding unnecessary discussions and getting straight to the point. What is great about her is that she never scares or gives you the impression she may be misjudging someone. She is aware of both flaws and helpful attributes, and knows when to ask for assistance. Her solitary retreats enlarge her perspective and she will find someone to confide in (you as the reader). Admittedly, she is jotting down her log entries (not to be confused with plain diary entries), with formal references to her current location and status. However, you soon feel as if she often looks away from her notebook and her plush (and best friend), Mr Panda, and gives you frequent side glances. She will either have a “can-you-believe-this-is-happening” moment or slide in an obvious and amusing remark, something which you have been dying to say even in your real-life situations, but have somehow thought it would be irrelevant.

I think it is clever how a simple topic like school dinners (or, as the American edition has nicely adapted, school lunches) provides an elaborate plot, a serious investigation surrounding an issue meant to be addressed once and for all. It may be an indirect hint to how taking the first step towards action is often harder than the task itself. Once involved into something, we all go with the flow and link cues and clues. After attending a talk about nutritious eating, Mina does not ignore how the school cafeteria keeps pumping in unhealthy treats. Case files pile up, presumptions are made, clear evidence is discovered. There is not one second where the readers may get bored. And before they realize it, they are motivated to change bits and pieces in their lives.