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Bug Muldoon #1
Die Wanze. Ein Insektenkrimi
Wanze Muldoon ist ein Käfer und von Beruf Privatdetektiv. Was Scharfsinn und Coolness betrifft, steht er den berühmten Kollegen Philip Marlowe und Dick Tracy in nichts nach. Aus Langeweile nimmt er einen eher uninteressanten Fall an: Ein Ohrenkneifer ist spurlos verschwunden. Muldoon kann den Fall lösen. Und stößt bei seinen Nachforschungen auf jede Menge Ungereimtheiten. Erst als ihm jemand steckt, daß es geheime Verbindungen zwischen den Ameisen und den Wespen gibt, weiß Wanze Muldoon, daß dem Garten und seinen Insekten große Gefahr droht.
188 pages, Paperback
First published November 2, 1995
16 people are currently reading
149 people want to read
About the author
Paul Shipton
617 books32 followersPaul Shipton (born 1963) is an award-winning children's author.
He was born in Manchester and attended Emmanuel College, Cambridge, and Manchester University. After completing two Masters' degrees (in Classics and Philosophy), he taught English in Istanbul for a year. After returning to the UK, he taught English as a foreign language for several years, and it was around this time that he published his first book, Zargon Zoo (1991).
Four years later, he published Bug Muldoon and the Garden of Fear, and relocated with his family to Wisconsin, United States, where he works as a freelance writer and editor. He also writes books for younger readers under the pen name Paul Cooper. He and his wife and two daughters now divide their time between Cambridge, England, and Madison, Wisconsin.
He was born in Manchester and attended Emmanuel College, Cambridge, and Manchester University. After completing two Masters' degrees (in Classics and Philosophy), he taught English in Istanbul for a year. After returning to the UK, he taught English as a foreign language for several years, and it was around this time that he published his first book, Zargon Zoo (1991).
Four years later, he published Bug Muldoon and the Garden of Fear, and relocated with his family to Wisconsin, United States, where he works as a freelance writer and editor. He also writes books for younger readers under the pen name Paul Cooper. He and his wife and two daughters now divide their time between Cambridge, England, and Madison, Wisconsin.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 17, 2011
Bug Muldoon is a perfect example of why kids books are often times more entertaining for me than adult books. Bug Muldoon is a cynical private detective. And he's a beetle. Bug is working to crack a case involving a dangerous collaboration between some rogue ants and the wasps of The Garden. Along the way, he meets a host of detective-story cliches all expertly assigned to the perfect insects. Take Shaky Jake, for instance. A twitchy housefly informant addicted to a delicious white powdery substance--sugar. Velma the sultry reporter is a long-legged grasshopper. And the Wasp Queen is delightfully nutso, moods swinging between sing-song cheerfulness and murderous psychosis in the span of a few words. The rich characters make Bug Muldoon an immensely entertaining story for detective fans of all ages.
April 7, 2012
This was a cleverly written book. It has every aspect of a hard-boiled detective novel except its about bugs. The private eye cliches are funny and well-used, the plot is actually interesting and well-developed, and I enjoyed it very much.
July 27, 2023
Der Titel ist Programm. Ein Krimi auf 188 Seiten kann nicht die Spannung eines normalen Romans aufbauen. Wenn man dies im Hinterkopf behält, dann ist das Buch gut. Ein zweites Mal muss ich es allerdings nicht lesen.
March 8, 2021
Film noir detective meets 'A Bug's Life'. What's not to like?! I found it a thoroughly enjoyable read
October 24, 2019
I actually got this book from a random shelf in my university where people exchange books as part of a "book-wandering" project and as I grabbed it and read the first pages I really didn't know what to expect.
Turns out "Die Wanze" (as it is a german version) by Paul Shipton is a short, infantile story about Bug Muldoon which is most certainly a referencial name to "'Moulder" from another famous crime series. He is about to uncover the an underground alliance between the wasps and the ants of the garden and while he is collecting clues and asking around the gardens insectoid population he finds out vital clues that bring him closer to the truth. The issue is that the antagonists aren't happy about him sticking his nose into their affairs and so he actually ends up in grave danger.
The worldbuilding in this short story (160 pages) is both extensive but also lacking at times. Some places are very accurately described, but others are left up to imagination. I would've appreciated an appendix with a map, honestly.
Since its most likely a children story it doesn't delve too deep into the characterization of all the animals but they are not onedimensional either. Muldoon for example is a very cynical take on a detective but he has the mental fortitude to deal with whatever the garden throws at him. He also turns out to be quite crafty and a little sadistic by letting a bee suffer starvation for information vital to the case. I'd describe him as result-oriented.
Else we notice a lot of different bugs and animals in the microcosm of the garden, as well as an omnipotent human that does is chores like mowing the lawn while all these happenings are going on.
The back side of the book actually describes the novel as "Chandleresque". I wouldn't really agree with that as the story isn't as intricate as you might expect it from such a label. But during my reading I also noticed some, probably overinterpreted associations with totalitarian regimes and basically a hint of politics behind everything.
I'd rate the book a solid 3 because it was rather entertaining to read. Also the story leaves some room for interpretation and all in all its a nice way to have spent my evening.
Turns out "Die Wanze" (as it is a german version) by Paul Shipton is a short, infantile story about Bug Muldoon which is most certainly a referencial name to "'Moulder" from another famous crime series. He is about to uncover the an underground alliance between the wasps and the ants of the garden and while he is collecting clues and asking around the gardens insectoid population he finds out vital clues that bring him closer to the truth. The issue is that the antagonists aren't happy about him sticking his nose into their affairs and so he actually ends up in grave danger.
The worldbuilding in this short story (160 pages) is both extensive but also lacking at times. Some places are very accurately described, but others are left up to imagination. I would've appreciated an appendix with a map, honestly.
Since its most likely a children story it doesn't delve too deep into the characterization of all the animals but they are not onedimensional either. Muldoon for example is a very cynical take on a detective but he has the mental fortitude to deal with whatever the garden throws at him. He also turns out to be quite crafty and a little sadistic by letting a bee suffer starvation for information vital to the case. I'd describe him as result-oriented.
Else we notice a lot of different bugs and animals in the microcosm of the garden, as well as an omnipotent human that does is chores like mowing the lawn while all these happenings are going on.
The back side of the book actually describes the novel as "Chandleresque". I wouldn't really agree with that as the story isn't as intricate as you might expect it from such a label. But during my reading I also noticed some, probably overinterpreted associations with totalitarian regimes and basically a hint of politics behind everything.
I'd rate the book a solid 3 because it was rather entertaining to read. Also the story leaves some room for interpretation and all in all its a nice way to have spent my evening.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2022
Bug Muldoon, a beetle private investigator, is hired by the ants to check out some oddities in the colony. In particular he is to follow an ant by the name of Clarissa who can be identified by the white spot on her head. Apparently, some of the ants have become “individualists” who it is believed are not working for the good of the nest. And while it is true, Bug discovers, that some ants were sprayed by the Man’s repellant causing them to now pursue individual hobbies, something even stranger is going on in the garden. Between Bug Muldoon and a news reporter grasshopper by the name of Velma, the secrets are uncovered. A cast of characters is introduced from “Shaky Jake”, a housefly with a sugar addiction, Eddy the earwig who has gone missing, Krag, the commander of the ant colony, Billy, a caterpillar who dreams of becoming a detective one day, Dex and Dax, a set of worms that used to be one, Leopold the ant who has discovered his poetic abilities, and Clarissa the ant who has discovered her beautiful voice. This is a mystery set in the garden behind one man’s house that will entertain middle school kids as they follow Bug’s adventures of solving his case. The battle between the ants and the wasps and the rest of the insects is the climax that will have readers rooting for our hero. An epilogue at the back of the book allows kids to see how the insect characters end up following the battle. Finding out that Billy the caterpillar has become a beautiful butterfly is a nice touch at the ending. The plot is well developed, and the characters are interesting. Bug Muldoon adds humor and, of course, uses the typical detective cadence in his speech. And, there is a hint of romantic interest between Bug and Velma.
October 21, 2023
Das Buch hat wirklich sehr viel Spaß gemacht. Es fühlt sich beim Lesen sehr nach einem Detektiv Noir Film an, und entsprechend ein klein wenig düster, ernst und mysteriös, aber gleichzeitig ist es auch wirklich lustig, teilweise sehr niedlich, und insgesamt hat es einfach viel Spaß gemacht. Es liest sich wie ein Krimi, aber wie einer, den auch Kinder super mitlesen können, ohne dass Erwachsene keinen Spaß daran haben würden. Wer einen wirklich ernsten Krimi oder einen Thriller erwartet, ist vermutlich am Ende sehr enttäuscht, aber angesichts des Covers denke ich, dass sehr offensichtlich ist, dass es sich eher um ein Kinderbuch als einen Erwachsenenkrimi handelt. Und für das ist es durchaus ernst und auch sehr spannend. Hat mir viel Freude bereitet.
May 25, 2017
This was a favourite of mine when I was younger. A hardboiled detective novel, accessible for all ages...and written from the perspective of a beetle. What's not to like? There's some impressive action sequences, in which threats like fish and spiders (and, at times, humans) appear far more sinister than they would to us. Shipton includes plenty of humour throughout, and some interesting entomological titbits, too. I'm not sure I'd recommend this to an adult, although it does seem to have been written for an older audience at times (there's at least one Raymond Chandler reference that I remember). But for younger children, it's perfect.
April 18, 2020
I love this book! This book has a lot of humorous and fun elements throughout the story. From a future teacher perspective this would be a great book to teach the elements of a mystery. This is also a great book to teach about personification because all the the characters are insects and bugs that speak. The main character Bug Muldoon is a beetle who is a private investigator who shows actual characteristic of an investigator in real life. This is also a great book for students to stop and visualize and sketch what is happening in the book because there are no images.
July 8, 2020
Worth the reread! Bug Muldoon est un scarabée, détective privé de son état, lancé à la trâce d'un perce-oreille disparu. Très vite, l'enquête se corse alors qu'il réalise que des choses pas tout à fait nettes semblent se tramer dans le Jardin... On est tout de suite pris dans l'histoire et l'humour, avec l'utilisation du langage des polars et des nombreux clichés associés aux histoires de détectives privés, ne manque jamais de me faire rire.
June 6, 2021
Schönes Buch für Klasse 5!
November 11, 2023
Süßes Buch für Groß und Klein! Gute Geschichte mit Spannung und Spaß aus einer etwas anderen Perspektive.
June 14, 2024
Ein lustiger und spannender Roman mit einem interessanten Setting im Garten. Der Autor nimmt den Stil der hard-boiled school (amerikanische Detektivromane der 20/30er Jahre) und ironisiert dessen Mittel auf tolle Weise. Sehr empfehlenswert für Kinder und Jugendliche.
September 2, 2024
SO EIN LW BUCH WARUM MUSSTE ICH DAS LESEN IN DER MS 😡
July 19, 2025
such a cute book, perfect for quick summer evening read >•< Eventhough it's a childrens book i had such a fun time reading it and it captured me.
October 23, 2011
Bug Muldoon
The Garden of Fear
by Paul Shipton
Date:1995
Genre: Fiction
Bug Muldoon is a fiction book about a beetle named Bug Muldoon. He is a private eye for hire. He lives in the garden and the cheapest sleuth for hire, in fact, the only sleuth alive. the garden itself is small, it is a house garden. There is a meadow nearby that some insects would like to move to. He has been hired for two jobs. The first, by some earwigs looking for their missing brother. Bug concluded that the earwig was dead, but he reported to the brothers that the missing brother Eddie, has moved to the meadow. The second case was much more involved. He was hired by the Ant Queen to find out who the Individualists were. She wanted to catch and control these rogue ants who wanted to think and do for themselves.
The theme of the book is that being an individual is desired, having a say in what you do and think for yourself is good. However, being a part of a group or a whole is necessary for survival and function. When one strives to gain control, he thinks for himself, but in a selfish way. Also being narrow-minded and resistant to change may drive individuals to break from the group. Some example of this theme in the book would be when Commander Krag, who appears to be supportive of the Queen, turns against her and wants control for himself. Also, an individualist ant named Clarissa shows the Queen that ants should not just follow orders. Sometimes they need to think for themselves and make decisions. But the insects learn that working together they can protect themselves and have a say in the garden. Like a democracy.
This book contains a variety of styles like suspense, mystery and twists. Bug Muldoon originally thought that Commander Krag was a loyalist, but twist, he is not. I think that boys would like this book for it’s sense of adventure. It also has a fair about of comedy. I laughed out loud often while reading the book. I liked the writing style of the author in Bug Muldoon’s character. He made this character funny, witty and smart. Compared to other books I have read recently, Hunger Games and Skellig, this book is a nice, light simple read. I found this to be relaxing enjoyment.
A quote from the book I find that would pique interest is when Bug Muldoon ends up trapped in a pond. “Let me tell you something about the great diving beetle. They are incredibly strong swimmers, more at home in the water than of dry land. Unfortunately, I am not a great diving beetle. I was in trouble.” Page 53. Also on page 55 he continues, “ I felt like I might as well have a neon sign on me saying ‘Free lunch-come and get it!’. It wasn’t a feeling I liked.”
I can relate to this book in the fact that sometimes I have found out that things aren’t always as they seem. Also, sometimes when I have wanted something strongly and it goes against my family rules, it is helpful to discuss openly about the change I desire. Sometimes a compromise can be made to satisfy my wants against a standard ruling. I really liked this book, because unlike some other books, this one starts off eventful.
The Garden of Fear
by Paul Shipton
Date:1995
Genre: Fiction
Bug Muldoon is a fiction book about a beetle named Bug Muldoon. He is a private eye for hire. He lives in the garden and the cheapest sleuth for hire, in fact, the only sleuth alive. the garden itself is small, it is a house garden. There is a meadow nearby that some insects would like to move to. He has been hired for two jobs. The first, by some earwigs looking for their missing brother. Bug concluded that the earwig was dead, but he reported to the brothers that the missing brother Eddie, has moved to the meadow. The second case was much more involved. He was hired by the Ant Queen to find out who the Individualists were. She wanted to catch and control these rogue ants who wanted to think and do for themselves.
The theme of the book is that being an individual is desired, having a say in what you do and think for yourself is good. However, being a part of a group or a whole is necessary for survival and function. When one strives to gain control, he thinks for himself, but in a selfish way. Also being narrow-minded and resistant to change may drive individuals to break from the group. Some example of this theme in the book would be when Commander Krag, who appears to be supportive of the Queen, turns against her and wants control for himself. Also, an individualist ant named Clarissa shows the Queen that ants should not just follow orders. Sometimes they need to think for themselves and make decisions. But the insects learn that working together they can protect themselves and have a say in the garden. Like a democracy.
This book contains a variety of styles like suspense, mystery and twists. Bug Muldoon originally thought that Commander Krag was a loyalist, but twist, he is not. I think that boys would like this book for it’s sense of adventure. It also has a fair about of comedy. I laughed out loud often while reading the book. I liked the writing style of the author in Bug Muldoon’s character. He made this character funny, witty and smart. Compared to other books I have read recently, Hunger Games and Skellig, this book is a nice, light simple read. I found this to be relaxing enjoyment.
A quote from the book I find that would pique interest is when Bug Muldoon ends up trapped in a pond. “Let me tell you something about the great diving beetle. They are incredibly strong swimmers, more at home in the water than of dry land. Unfortunately, I am not a great diving beetle. I was in trouble.” Page 53. Also on page 55 he continues, “ I felt like I might as well have a neon sign on me saying ‘Free lunch-come and get it!’. It wasn’t a feeling I liked.”
I can relate to this book in the fact that sometimes I have found out that things aren’t always as they seem. Also, sometimes when I have wanted something strongly and it goes against my family rules, it is helpful to discuss openly about the change I desire. Sometimes a compromise can be made to satisfy my wants against a standard ruling. I really liked this book, because unlike some other books, this one starts off eventful.
October 24, 2012
I read this book in my English class, so here's my review:
Bug Muldoon and the Garden of Fear by Paul Shipton is the first of the two mystery books about a beetle called Bug Muldoon who is a sleuth in the garden that he lives in.
Bug senses something is going on in the garden, something sinister… Why are the ants acting so strangely? And is there something going on with the wasps as well…? Bug decides to investigate, but finds some deadly secrets on the way. He teams up with glamorous grasshopper Velma and they, along with some other friends, discover what exactly is up with the ants and the wasps, and can they stop it?
I really liked the twist on this detective book, using insects instead of humans! The text was so excellently described that I could imagine the characters as people anyway. The characters were very different from one another, like the sugar-addicted housefly Jake or Leopold, the ant who writes poetry! The personality of Bug was very hard-boiled and tough, though he likes a good joke now and then. Shipton created a very well planned plot, and it wasn’t too complicated like other mystery books.
This book also focuses on individualism and society, which is a hard and not common topic to write about.
In my opinion, I liked this book very much and I think it’s a suitable length for reading in class but if I read this by myself in my own free time I would prefer it could be a bit longer. Apart from that, I enjoyed reading this book a lot.
Bug Muldoon and the Garden of Fear by Paul Shipton is the first of the two mystery books about a beetle called Bug Muldoon who is a sleuth in the garden that he lives in.
Bug senses something is going on in the garden, something sinister… Why are the ants acting so strangely? And is there something going on with the wasps as well…? Bug decides to investigate, but finds some deadly secrets on the way. He teams up with glamorous grasshopper Velma and they, along with some other friends, discover what exactly is up with the ants and the wasps, and can they stop it?
I really liked the twist on this detective book, using insects instead of humans! The text was so excellently described that I could imagine the characters as people anyway. The characters were very different from one another, like the sugar-addicted housefly Jake or Leopold, the ant who writes poetry! The personality of Bug was very hard-boiled and tough, though he likes a good joke now and then. Shipton created a very well planned plot, and it wasn’t too complicated like other mystery books.
This book also focuses on individualism and society, which is a hard and not common topic to write about.
In my opinion, I liked this book very much and I think it’s a suitable length for reading in class but if I read this by myself in my own free time I would prefer it could be a bit longer. Apart from that, I enjoyed reading this book a lot.
February 24, 2011
Bug Muldoon is a bug (no kidding!
who is also a detective
in a garden
full of insects and bugs.
There are some mysterious happenings
in the garden and
Bug Muldoon is on a mission
to find out what is going on.
I love the jokes weaved into this story,
I love the way the author is inside the heads of the insects
I love the way it seems so real.
I picked up so many tips
for my own WIP
reading this.
I am definitely
going to re-read it
for research.
Superb MG read.
who is also a detective
in a garden
full of insects and bugs.
There are some mysterious happenings
in the garden and
Bug Muldoon is on a mission
to find out what is going on.
I love the jokes weaved into this story,
I love the way the author is inside the heads of the insects
I love the way it seems so real.
I picked up so many tips
for my own WIP
reading this.
I am definitely
going to re-read it
for research.
Superb MG read.
June 30, 2010
There are so many lessons to be learned from this story. I really enjoyed this book. Shipton writes about how different we all are and how we can all stick together while still being an "individualist". It was a great read and great for your 4th or 5th grader!!!
August 8, 2013
Loved it. Can't wait to read it to kids, brilliant.
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November 29, 2016This was a British import; I collaborated with our designer to add illustrations.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews