The Table Cape Crusader by Kate Gordon

The Table Cape Crusader is the second mystery in The Secret Detectives Club series. The story is told through the eyes of Rocko as he and his fellow detectives, Cosmo and Mingus, try and discover the identity of a mysterious troublemaker, who calls themself The Table Cape Crusader. The Crusader is responsible for a series of bizarre pranks ranging from the librarian being delivered a pile of horse poo to someone being drenched in melted chocolate. These incidents ramp up quickly and they need to stop the villain before a much-anticipated community event occurs.  Why are some people being targeted? What is the Crusader’s motive for causing such mayhem? 

Kate Gordon has created a fast paced and entertaining story with likeable quirky characters. The banter between the detectives is funny but they show they support and respect each other. All the pranks have a comical element, although they are in no way condoned. Rocko is prone to anxiety attacks and ponders friendships and bullying.  He gains self-confidence as he realises he has misjudged how others perceive him. He also acknowledges his ‘wonky brain’ which thinks a little differently but smartly and perceptively. This is a nice, subtle shout out to valuing neurodiversity. Certainly, some serious themes emerge, but there is no deep helpless angst for the characters, which suits the overall humorous positive tone. This book will appeal to independent readers in lower to mid primary school and is a welcome addition to well-written novels for younger readers.

Themes: Friendship, Bullying, Anxiety, Social Awareness.

Jo Marshall