The Mysterious Case of the Prickly Pear


Children - Mystery
69 Pages
Reviewed on 10/05/2025
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Demetria Head for Readers' Favorite

The Mysterious Case of the Prickly Pear by Jenny Alexander is a children’s mystery. The story follows Madeleine Fancépants, a hotel owner whose life is filled with food, friends, and fond memories of her beloved Grand-Mère. When a strange, spiky pear arrives in her fruit delivery, Madeleine quickly realizes it is no ordinary piece of fruit. Madeline receives an email from her friend Jeanne, informing her that hidden in the pear is a secret her grandmother entrusted to her—a patented recipe on a flash drive that is time-sensitive. Most importantly, Madeline has to make sure this recipe does not get into the wrong hands. But before Madeleine can unlock its mystery, the pear goes missing, setting off a chain of adventures involving loyal friends, an amateur detective-in-training, and even the pear itself. The question is, will Madeleine find the pear in time before the message inside disappears into digital oblivion?

The Mysterious Case of the Prickly Pear is a delightful mix of humor, gentle suspense, and emotional depth that blends family legacy and light suspense. Jenny Alexander’s writing style is warm and playful with witty dialogue and charming characters that young readers will love. There are a few illustrations sprinkled throughout the book that give a nice touch of warmth. Additionally, the narrative conveys the importance of family. Fans of Chris Grabenstein’s Mr. Lemoncello’s Library series or Kate DiCamillo’s Flora & Ulysses will appreciate the blend of lighthearted adventure and heartfelt moments in the story. The Mysterious Case of the Prickly Pear is a modern children’s mystery that entertains while leaving readers with a sense of hope, connection, and the joy of solving life’s puzzles.