The Paw Print Puzzle (Dotty Detective)

Dotty Detective #2

by Clara Vulliamy

Dot, her best pal Beans and TOP DOG McClusky are back on the case in a brand-new story! When Dot starts hearing strange noises at night she’s convinced there must be something SPOOKY afoot. But before they can prove there’s a ghost on the loose, Dot and Beans have to follow Ace Detective Fred Fantastic’s golden rule: GET PROOF. Easier said than done when the suspect appears to be invisible! It’s time to FOLLOW THAT HUNCH!

176 pages, Paperback

Published February 20, 2018

About the author

Clara Vulliamy began her career illustrating for newspapers and magazines, but switched to illustrating children’s books after having children of her own. She lives in England.

Reviews

[Mehsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in the series, and it was just as fun as the first one.

If not more fun, because I was delighted to see all my favourite characters again and see what they do in this book. What kind of mystery will be solved? What trails of crime will we follow? What will we learn about Dotty, and also McClusky in this book? Will there be more books? (Both the last questions can be answered with a resounding YES!)

This time we have a mystery that is taking place at Dotty's House. Yes, you hear me right, the action takes place in our dear detective's own place. Such excitement! I have to say that the mystery was quite easy solved (so many clues, so many hints), but it took Dotty until the end before she finally knew what was going on. Not only with the mysterious sounds (ohhhhh), mysterious nibbles being taken out of things, food disappearing, but also with her dear dog McClusky, who seems to be under the weather in this book (for good reasons as it turns out, something I didn't find out until later, I thought he had another reason to be like he was).
I loved the fact that they thought it was ghosts (I can imagine why), and how Beans just kept on thinking it was that, which caused poor Dotty to be not quite happy about everything, and even being scared at night at home. Poor girl. :(

While I knew the mystery quite early on, it was still fun to see if I was right, and to see how characters would react to it. I won't spoil much, but believe me that you will go awwww, and squeee.

I also loved the parts that took place outside of Dotty's house. Her school, her classes, they all sound like so much fun, I just want to jump in and participate.

I will stick what I said about the format in my review for the first book. It is such a delight how this book is formatted.

The illustrations are still lovely, and they are a delight for the eyes.

All in all, I really enjoyed this book to bits, and you can imagine that I squealed when I found out there will be another book about Dotty, Beans, and McClusky. Yes, there will be a new one! *cheers*

I would highly recommend this book to everyone. Looking for a cute book with mystery and fun characters? Then be sure to check this one out.

Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com

[Freya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think that the way they put clues together is clever and that you can try and solve the mystery in your own head! I’m enjoying the series so far and can’t wait to read the next book in the series. The title gives the book it’s own way. And I love how it’s related to school as well.👩🏽‍🏫

[Katejay]

Note To Self: (Reread) 2025.

[Mabel Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dotty’s class had to demonstrate what it was like when man first went to space. Dotty and Amy were Pluto. They said ‘Pluto is cuto!’ They heard spooky noises in Dotty’s room and it turns out her twin siblings had brought a bunny home from the farm and they were taking very good care of it.

[Woff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute little mystery series for early to mid primary.

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dotty

Another great Dotty mystery. Dotty is really cool and clever and the twins are very sneaky. By Z aged 7

[Bella Mann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was really good and I really liked the charters and the mission was very entertaining.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great quick read to have when you just want something easy. :)

[angie]

MY CHILDHOOD.

[Ziva · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the book and that it was really fun reading 📚

[Tess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spooky but fun and great 👍🏻

[Kobe · Rating 5 out of 5]

super spooky

[Violet the Reading Fairy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book! When Dotty went on an outing to Westbury Farm Park she had a great time. When they got back the next morning the twins were acting really weirdly. They were asking their mum for a blanket and were very interested in salad. And there were ghostly noises in the night. So Dotty and her friend Beans were on the case to find out what was going on. McClusky the dog was acting really weird too. He was growling at everyone who walked past the broom cupboard. He even dragged his bed there. Finally they found what was making the noise and where the mysterious footprints came from. Dotty and Beans also added a gadget to their detective kit; homemade mirror glasses. You make them with a pair of sunglasses, two mirrors and glue.

[Judy Wollin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dot and Beans are detectives. They are very good at keeping it top secret. McClusky is Top Dog.
McClucky starts acting weird. Barking, sitting beside the linen cupboard, making a nuisance of himself.
It has to stop. Mum is getting cranky. Dot and Beans are onto it.
What does Dotty discover?

I enjoyed the humour and problem solving.
Recommended for MG 8+

[Booklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing quick read.

[Elena Ballerini · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5⭐️il libro mi è piaciuto ma non mi ha trasmesso così tanta bellezza il primo è stato meglio

[Carolyn]

My daughter (9) read this book and said 'It was really funny. I liked Dotty and the fun she had. I would tell other girls to read it'