Recommended by Stephen L Holland, Guest Editor, June 2021:
.... deliciously witty and astutely observed....Allison is Britain’s most communicative cartoonist, bringing everyone and everything vividly alive! The Bad Machinery series is ten totally self-contained volumes star six friends with a passion for mystery who begin aged pre-teen then wind up as early teens.
Bad Machinery Volume 3 - Pocket Edition The Case of the Simple Soul Synopsis
When Tackleford's derelict barns begin going up in flames, Linton and Sonny are on the case with a moderately mysterious new friend. Paths cross, however, when Lottie and Mildred meet a terrifying yet misunderstood creature living beneath a bridge!
Throw in an overly enthusiastic fire brigade, a transforming skate ramp, and a new French teacher and you've got the kind of charming genius that can only be found in John Allison's Bad Machinery.