THE CURIOUS LEAGUE OF DETECTIVES AND THIEVES by Tom Phillips

1: EGYPT’S FIRE

2024 Utah Beehive Book Award nominee

2024-2025 Missouri Mark Twain Readers Award nominee

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

“[A] rollicking debut. . . . this laugh-out-loud caper, reminiscent of Lemony Snicket's work, sits well among its madcap mystery cohort.” —Publishers Weekly

“This fast-paced mystery, sprinkled with humor and life lessons, has enough twists, turns, red herrings, and secrets to keep readers guessing. A strong series starter for fans of clever mysteries.” —Booklist

“[A] fast-moving cinematic madcap detective mystery. . . .” —School Library Journal

“A tale for which the word madcap might have been invented . . . A brisk romp chock-full of tricky twists and daffy doings.” —Kirkus Reviews

“John becomes Dr. Watson to Toadius’ Sherlock Holmes and a rollicking time ensues as the two work to solve the case. . . . This title provides a great introduction to classic mystery duos akin to the classic Holmes and Watson.” —School Library Connection

Rights Sold; TV/Film, Audio, France

2: S.O.S.

“Soaring, silly, and stocked with detectives and criminal masterminds.” —Kirkus Reviews

Rights Sold: TV/Film/, Audio, France

3: THE PERUVIAN EXPRESS

“John Boarhog is back and immediately in action in this witty, absurdist romp. . . . Thrilling chases, outlandish villains, and amusing wordplay are delivered by an anonymous narrator who infuses the text with commentary, often delivering comic explorations of various idioms and adult-friendly references to random pop culture properties like “Mad Max” and “The Fast and the Furious”. Although this is by and large an action comedy, emotionally resonant moments between John and his friends and newfound family make this a satisfying read. VERDICT Middle school kids and the adults in their lives will find much to enjoy in this third installment of this series, perfect for fans of Lemony Snicket.” —School Library Journal

“Sudden threats, hair’s-breadth rescues, secret agendas and messages, betrayals, explosions, and feats of both courage and clever deduction.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Tom Phillips has delivered a stellar third book in the Curious League series. He’s taken the signature twists from his first two installments and turned them up to 11, all while developing even deeper, more resonant connections between young detective John Boarhog and his ever-expanding found family and friends. The Peruvian Express is non-stop fun, with tons of heart and humor driving the train the whole way.” —Shawn Peters, award-winning author of The Unforgettable Logan Foster

Rights Sold: TV/Film, France