Mark Anchovy is an aspiring detective who moonlights as a pizza delivery boy in this quirky and fast-paced mystery adventure. The story kicks off when Mark is recruited by a secret organization to travel to Rome and solve a high-stakes case involving a stolen masterpiece. Armed with his detective kit and a suspicious amount of pizza dough, Mark must navigate the historic streets of Italy while staying one step ahead of a group of mysterious villains. The book is unique for its blend of traditional mystery elements with a highly visual, almost graphic-novel style of storytelling. William Goldsmith’s illustrations are woven into the text, providing clues and character beats that enhance the reading experience. The humor is dry and sophisticated, making it a hit with older primary school children. Themes of bravery, ingenuity, and the importance of a good crust are central to the plot. As Mark unravels the conspiracy, he discovers that being a detective is much harder than it looks in the movies, but far more rewarding. It is a fun, stylish, and deliciously inventive story that offers a fresh take on the classic "kid spy" genre, perfect for young mystery lovers.
