“This boldly illustrated graphic novel series kickoff by Tunnicliffe and Harrison stars a pancake-loving, Sherlock-style black and white dog with floppy ears and piercing eyes as the eponymous sleuth. … Clear line drawings and single-plane compositions propel the meaty, joke-punctuated plot at a brisk pace and echo the crisp geometry and vibrant colors of Mondrian’s work. Ages 6–9. (Feb.)“
— Publisher’s Weekly
“I absolutely fell in love with this Poirot-esque puppy sleuth truing to enjoy his first day of retirement — before being enticed back to solve one more case […] Delightfully funny, gorgeously illustrated and designed (with clues scattered throughout the story)… this might be a new all-time favorite”
— The New York Post
“The newly retired Detective Stanley has just sat down to a stack of fresh pancakes when a mysterious letter arrives. […] Stanley must crack the case—his very freedom depends on it. […] Bustling, precisely constructed panels give the settings plenty of life and personality. The museum is full of homages to well-known artists; a work of art by “Bleat” Mondrian is an especially winsome addition. The scenes are bursting with other eye-catching details, particularly those in the prison: […] The arrival of a plucky new detective on the scene is cause for celebration.”
— Kirkus Reviews
“A must-have graphic novel for any collection, particularly in libraries where mysteries are in demand.”
— SLJ, Fiction Series Made Simple
“Detective Stanley has an unerring nose for solving any case, and you, dear reader, will love this lovely book.”
— Laura Suàrez, author of Monster Support Group
“Filled with bold outlines and rich colors, the cleverly constructed panels pack witty details into a flattened picture plane. […] these experienced creators have devised a witty addition to the canon of animal detectives.”
— Booklist
“In clear, crisp art, brief text and a smidge of humor, this early graphic novel mystery is an entertaining art-related read. […] Early grade mystery lovers who enjoy a smart, literary but easy to read mystery will snap this one up.”
—Stephanie Tournas, Youth Services Book Review
“Aiming at young readers with a mystery that educates. Hannah Tunnicliffe and Erica Harrison have pitched Detective Stanley almost perfectly. Like an Agatha Christie detective he’s bland and polite while nothing escapes his notice, and he’s placed in eye-catching environments with plenty for readers to study. […] This is a delight. More please.”
— Frank Plowright, Slings and Arrows Graphic Novel Guide
Featured on CBC’s Hot Off The Press Reading List
Featured in Publisher’s Weekly, Spring Children’s Previews 2025
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