Lauren Child's best-selling first novel, introducing Clarice Bean to a whole new audience. The story revisits Clarice's family, and introduces Ruby Redfort, ace girl detective and star of Clarice's favourite books. Ruby is always going on exciting adventures, but all Clarice gets to do is go to the local shop on her own. But when Clarice and her best friend, Betty Moody, decide to do their school project on the Ruby Redfort books, they suddenly start finding mysteries everywhere. Why are all the coats on the wrong hooks at school, and where has Granddad disappeared to? 'Very entertaining. ' Independent 'Feisty and freewheeling. Hilarious and irresistible. ' Financial Times 'Packed with life and fun and fabulous to look at. ' Bookseller