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Detective Nosegoode #1

Остання пригода детектива Носика

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Амвросій Носик — детектив, а Куба — його пес і найкращий друг. Пан Носик гадає, що насолоджуватиметься на пенсії спокоєм, читаючи ранкові газети і пораючись у садку, але раптом у Містечку стається дивна крадіжка. Викрити злодія — справа не з легких, але Носик і Куба труднощів не бояться…

«Остання пригода детектива Носика» може стати першою книжкою, яка познайомить тебе із захопливим детективним жанром.

136 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1968

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49 people want to read

About the author

Marian Orłoń

10 books1 follower

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Fran .
806 reviews936 followers
December 5, 2017
Ambrosius Nosegoode is a retired detective who lives in Lower Limewood with his talking dog, Cody. Cody, a shaggy mutt, just started talking one day and converses solely with Nosegoode. Nosegoode spends his days growing radishes and playing the flute. Suddenly, a change in routine occurs. Ignatius Blossom, the clockmaker, asks for help. Blossom has repaired an old intricate music box, a family keepsake belonging to town chemist, Boniface Swallowtail. A puzzling break-in has occurred at the clock shop, puzzling because only the music box has been stolen. Who knew the story of the music box and its potential treasure?

Nosegoode asked to check the crime scene finds a plethora of clues and suspects. With the help of Cody, the detective will follow all leads and whittle down the list of suspects who know that the music box has been fixed. Cody has some opinions of his own and "noses" around to test out his theories. A gentleman with a fake black beard is renting a room in Mrs. Hardtack's house. Why is "Blackbeard" watching Nosegoode and Cody from behind a window curtain? Could he be involved in the mysterious music box disappearance?

"Detective Nosegoode and the Music Box Mystery" by Marian Orlon is a delightful, humorous, engaging book. The story allows the young reader to imagine playing the role of amateur sleuth, enabling him or her to follow clues, question witnesses and predict who the guilty party might be. It would be an awesome parent/ child read!

Thank you Pushkin Press and Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review "Detective Nosegoode and the Music Box Mystery".

Profile Image for Yesha- Books Teacup and Reviews.
901 reviews158 followers
January 20, 2018
*** Note: I received review copy of this book from the Publishers via Edelweiss, in exchange for an honest review. ***

This was cozy mystery for Children, about the adventure Detective Nosegoode and his talking dog- Cody solving the mystery of Music Box with simple but beautiful pencil drawn illustrations. I loved the drawing of detective and his dogs.

The story was told in third person narrative. It perfectly sounded like narrated by a storyteller. Parents can read out this story to their children. The language easy that could be understood by young readers.

Interesting plot and setting. I loved the way little town and hustle-bustle in it was narrated. The names in the book like Hummings, Butterflies, Swallowtails etc. were quite interesting for children

This book just reminded me of Tintin and his dog (Snowy), but imagine Tintin old and retired but as always sharp and clever, hungry for adventure, and itchy to catch thieves and solve the mystery- that’s Detective Nosegoode in this book.

I bet children would love the dog, Cody. He was quirky, amusing, and direct. I giggled when he showed dislike for the café and its owner who put a sign on the door, ‘Please come in but leave your dog outside’. He was funny in the book. Friendship between detective and Cody was lovely. . The discussion and argument between Nosegoode and Cody was very natural and entertaining.

Mystery was quiet intriguing. At one point it made me so sure about who might be the thief and the next moment I thought no, there might be other. As the story progressed there were few good and strong puzzle pieces to mystery that made me curious and read more to find out who the thief might be. Investigation goes very smoothly and I liked to read the story behind Music box and how detective found clues and evident

It was very quick read. End was nice and interesting. It also had message that greed and thievery is not very nice thing, it’s full of shame and guilt that you want to erase that incident from your mind.

Overall, It was interesting nice little mystery that I recommend to all young readers who loves detective stories. If you liked ‘The Adventures of Tintin’, I’m sure you will like this series too.
Profile Image for Darla.
4,832 reviews1,237 followers
February 9, 2018
The copy I read was an ARC from NetGalley and did not include illustrations, so I can't comment on the quality of the artwork throughout. I did love the cover illustration. It truly set the mood for the story.

This cozy mystery would make an excellent read aloud for a 3rd or 4th grade classroom. The girls would love watching for the details to help solve the crime and the boys will fall in love with the talking dog. Recommended!
Profile Image for Carla.
7,630 reviews179 followers
February 15, 2018
This is a great mystery book for early chapter readers. It was a fun story, especially with a talking dog, Cody, who does his own investigation trying to prove he is right. When Detective Nosegoode figures out who the perpetrator is, he will not let the cat out of the bag until he confronts them, this way, the reader gets to follow along without knowing who it is. Once the crime is solved, it is great to read how Detective Nosegood explained the clues he found, how he interpreted them and was able to piece together what happened and who the culprit was. I loved reading mysteries as a child and would have enjoyed this early mystery before reading Nancy Drew and Trixie Beldon stories. A great book for a young reader who enjoys mysteries and is reading early chapter books. This would be a good addition to a classroom, school or public library. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.
Profile Image for Julia Blackburn.
Author 1 book1 follower
October 23, 2017
This delightful mystery story completely bewitched me.

A young reader's Hercule Poirot, Detective Nosegoode is accompanied by his talking dog Cody, and their relationship put me in mind of Tintin and Snowy.

The novel is written in a quirky, very readable style and supported by wonderful illustrations. The story offers lots of clues that will intrigue young readers and keep them turning the pages. The place names alone - Barrel Organ Street, Boniface Swallowtail, Ignatious Blossom, Skylark Lane - combine with the talking dog to add just enough magic to carry the story along with an enchanting sparkle.

Detective Nosegoode would be great fun to read out loud and excellent for new readers too. I am thrilled to read it is the first in a series and very much look forward to the next one!

This lovely novel sits right in the middle of my two bookshelves and I couldn't decide whether to position it for younger or older readers, so at the moment it is on both shelves! Let me know what you think.
Profile Image for Emma Rund.
Author 1 book62 followers
January 6, 2018
This little children's mystery novel is the first book in a series that I will not continue in. This is just a children's version of Hercule Poirot with no moral, very little of the clever reasoning we mystery lovers long for, and every trope in the book. The one saving grace was the fun addition of a talking dog.

This might be fun for young kids who aren't quite ready for Agatha Christie, but I bet there's something better out there. How about Nancy Drew or the Hardy Boys? Scooby-Doo perhaps?
Profile Image for Genevieve.
481 reviews31 followers
October 29, 2022
An fun mystery with adorable characters. Reminds me of Tintin and Snowy 🥰 I thought that the culprit was quite unpredictable in the end! Plus Mr. Blackbeard was a cool side character that wasn’t who you expect to be!
Profile Image for Devin Scott Yarbrough.
29 reviews1 follower
January 6, 2018
The phrase “don’t judge a book by its cover” is especially true for Mr. Ambrosius Nosegoode and his dog, Cody. Once a famous detective, Mr. Nosegoode retired, moved to a small town, and began spending his days growing radishes, playing his flute, and enjoying Cody’s company. Even though Cody seems like an ordinary mutt, only Detective Nosegoode knows that he can talk!
When an unusual man with a fake beard is seen in town, followed by the disappearance of a music box from the workshop of a local clockmaker, Mr. Ignatius Blossom, it’s up to the retired detective and the talking dog to solve the case!
This is an exciting mystery for children of all ages to enjoy, with lovable characters that leave you wanting more!
Profile Image for Nicole.
Author 3 books1 follower
October 17, 2017
This detective story is a great addition to the genre for children. I was reminded to Tin Tin and other similar series as I read along.

My 8 year old enjoyed the book while my 5 year old eagerly listened along. This book is very engaging for early readers and a great introduction to chapter books.

I highly recommend!
Profile Image for Susan.
2,346 reviews64 followers
October 10, 2017
I loved this children book! Detectives, thieves, a good mystery and a talking dog? Yes, please. What a fun story!

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and NetGalley for an honest review.
Profile Image for Gwen - Chew & Digest Books -.
573 reviews50 followers
February 28, 2018
Age: 8-12

I love that Pushkin Children's Books is introducing us to authors that were originally written in another language. I've always been a fan of Pushkin Press, yet this was the first time that I wandered into their Children's titles and it couldn't have been a better choice to start with.

Marian Orloń (1932- 1990) was a Polish librarian, teacher, originally and then became a successful children's author. He was given Poland’s highest literary honor, the Council of Ministers award for his life's work. He started with short stories for magazines in 1957 and in 1962 had his first work published separately.

Back to Detective Nosegoode, the retired detective with his talking dog, Cody. Can I just stop right there? His dog talks. Isn't that the most awesome thing ever? If you'll excuse the pun, Cody stayed mum around others and was Nosegoodes buddy in life and detecting.

While sadly, they are both retired from the spotlight and grabbing headlines by catching evildoers and living in Lower Limewood, their neighbors still remember their talents and ask for help now and then.

This first in the series pertains to, no surprise, a stolen very special music box. Both Nosegoode and Cody have their own theories and while they talk about them together, they pursue their different theories in their own ways. (It's not like a talking dog can go interview people or suspects directly.) Cody's ways of going about things are entertaining, considering his limitations and Nosegoode has some non-traditional tricks up his sleeve as well. In the end, one is right, the case is solved and there is no gloating by the one that had the right theory, which I liked. Afterward, they settle back into their comfortable home knowing all is well.

The illustrations are simply drawn and yet vibrant with detail, similar to woodcuts.

The story is entertaining and will keep kids (and this adult) interested until the very end.

It looks like there are three of the series being released this year and although my Polish is non-existent, it looks like there were more than that originally published in Poland. Hopefully, the three will succeed and we will get the joy of even more Detective Nosegoode and Cody.

Profile Image for Pop Bop.
2,502 reviews125 followers
September 25, 2017
A Mellow, and Fair, Early Reader's Crime Procedural

It's awfully rare to find a mystery book for early readers that has subtle humor, engaging characters, a fair mystery, and a methodical investigation and classic resolution. Because you get all of that, and more, in this book I can understand why the entire Detective Nosegoode series was so wildly successful in Poland, and now here in translation.

Detective Nosegoode may be retired, but he is as sharp as ever, and always keen to solve another crime mystery. The "the game is afoot!" feel of the narrative mirrors the Holmesian approach to detecting, and I'm sure that's no accident. But Nosegoode, while he can be coy or a touch vinegary, is a much more accessible hero for younger readers than Holmes might be. It helps that Nosegoode's Watson is his loyal talking dog Cody. Cody is an excellent foil for Nosegoode and would appeal, I suspect, to any young reader.

We follow this duo as they investigate a crime, find real clues, carefully question witnesses, and balance the pros and cons of different solutions. This is for younger readers, and some of the clues are necessarily obvious, but the overall mystery is fair and satisfies all of the requirements for a classic detective mystery. The resolution is satisfying and will reward a careful reader.

But in the meantime, getting to the big reveal is fun in and of itself. There are colorful characters, sub-plots, an adventure for Cody, and loads of amusing conversations between Nosegoode and Cody.

This is cheerful, bright, amusing, and clever stuff, crafted to appeal to youngsters but not at all condescending, cartoonish or silly. A very nice find for a budding mystery fan.

(Please note that I received a free advance will-self-destruct-in-x-days Adobe Digital copy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
Profile Image for Readersaurus.
1,666 reviews46 followers
February 24, 2018
This book features a retired detective and his talking dog. Together, they solve a gentle mystery in their small European town.

Originally written in Polish, this book is part of a collection published by Pushkin with the goal of bringing tales from different cultures to young English readers.

Originally published in 1968, Detective Nosegoode definitely has an old-fashioned feel.

The story has a slow pace and takes place in the kind of small town we don’t see anymore: there’s a chemist, a clockmaker, and a newsagent. The neighbors all know one another. The people and places have mildly amusing names. The detective does not jump to conclusions, but pieces together the evidence before making an accusation.

There’s not much action, and it may be a stretch for today’s children to get worked up about a missing music box.

Recommended for independent readers who might enjoy this dip into another era, to children who like older stories, such as Lois Lenski’s, Eleanor Estes’, Harriet the Spy, or Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Children too young to read this on their own might enjoy it as a read aloud.


Profile Image for Mindy.
325 reviews35 followers
October 2, 2017
It is no secret to anyone who knows me that I grew up absolutely adoring mystery novels. Before I got into Mary Higgins Clark and the like, I read the Boxcar Children and Nancy Drew. This cute beginning chapter book reminds me of the feel of those, but with some extra playfulness thrown in. I honestly hope this becomes a series that I can follow. Yes, I'd like to read more, as an adult with no kids - it is that cute and fun. I love animals and the thought of a talking dog that helps to solve crime is just perfect for the intended age group, as well as those of us who never grew up. I really enjoyed reading this and read it in one sitting despite being quite tired. I would definitely recommend reading it if you're thinking about it. It's worth it!

I would like to thank the publisher, author, and Netgalley for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Trina.
183 reviews24 followers
October 9, 2017
I relished every word of this funny and delightful mystery about a retired detective, Ambrosius Nosegoode, his talking dog, Cody, and the search for a missing music box. Not only do Nosegoode and Cody make a charming investigative duo, but the small town of Lower Limewood is full of stand-out secondary characters like Ignatius Blossom, the clockmaker, and Boniface Swallowtail, the town chemist. Even though Nosegoode is long retired, he is called upon to investigate the theft of a priceless music box. Cody has his own suspicions and the two work both together and separately to solve the mystery. Throw in plenty of clever clues, a mysterious man they nickname, Blackbeard, and a narrow escape for a sleuthing good time. I look forward to following the adventures of Nosegoode and Cody in books #2 and #3 in the series.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Siusan.
167 reviews4 followers
October 2, 2017
Another great mystery chapter book for early readers! This little story was an fun read. The illustrations were a wonderful addition to the plot line. The talking dog adds a nice touch of fantasy. I enjoyed how Detective Nosegood explained the clues he found, what they meant, and how he tied them together. As an avid mystery reader I can say that I would have absolutely eaten this book up as a young reader.
Profile Image for Xiomara Canizales.
300 reviews28 followers
December 4, 2017
When Hercules Poirot meets Blue's Clues... 😅
Is an interesting book to read, any kid would love it!!!
I don't want to give a description because you can read that yourself and the story is to short, I will give it all away...
My reading experience is 3.5/5 but is a book I recommend to any kid that is a beginner reader.
Profile Image for Oleksandr.
92 reviews
December 15, 2023
Детектив Носик був відомим детективом. На старості років він купив собі будиночок в невеликому містечку. Він хотів там спокійно жити разом зі свої другом собакою Кубою, яка вміла розмовляти.
В містечку відбувся злочин. У майстерні пана Братика викрали музичку скриньку аптекаря. Пан Братик звернувся по допомогу до детектива Носика, а той, хоч спочатку й неохотно, але потім знайшов злодія.
Profile Image for Всево Поліщук.
73 reviews5 followers
November 27, 2025
Одна з улюблених книжок мого сина, коли йому було років шість-вісім. Кумедний дитячий детектив, прикольні персонажі, справді цікаві загадки. Спочатку я читав її сину і при цьому теж отримував задоволення.
Profile Image for robyn.
193 reviews6 followers
February 19, 2019
I loved it! I just recommended it to a friend who's daughter reads at a 7th grade level but she's only 6 years old! Content is great, story is simple enough and there are more! Yay Detective Nosegoode and his trust companion, Cody the talking dog!
Profile Image for Ernreader.
16 reviews
August 9, 2020
Laba grāmata. Man patika viņa suns . Viņš bija (snīpis) ļoti gudrs.
Profile Image for Bożek.
174 reviews68 followers
August 2, 2023
(hu)mansplaining wobec gadającego psa to chyba dla mnie nowość
Profile Image for Sandi.
336 reviews12 followers
November 1, 2017
Detective Nosegoode is famous and retired. He spends his retirement walking his “shaggy mutt,” Cody; gardening his radishes, sitting on a bench reading the paper and playing his flute in the evenings. Life is slower than what the good detective is used to. Who would know that an adventure is about to begin?

A mysterious Bearded man who lives next door at Mrs. Hardtack’s house watches the detective and Cody whenever they walk out their front gate. This makes Cody, a very special dog nervous. Especially after the Detective is asked to solve the robbery of Mr. Swallowtail, the chemist’s very old music box stolen from Mr. Blossom’s Clock shop. Who has stolen the music box, is it the Bearded Man or someone else? Read the book to find out. I enjoyed the mystery in this story. I thoroughly enjoyed Cody, the Detective’s dog. Some of the characters were well developed and children will love them. The Bearded Man might scare a younger child, just like he did Cody, however for middle-grade children it will just give them another person to wonder about. Never fear, Detective Nosegoode is here and the guilty party will be found!

This story reminds me of a childhood book that I loved (and read to my children) called “Tee-Bo the Talking Dog”. Cody, like Tee-Bo, can talk. Detective Nosegoode is lucky to have such a good friend, and Cody is lucky to have the detective too.

Mr. Orton does a good job of taking middle-grade children through their, possibly, first chapter book mystery. He sets them up for the clues and even walks them through solving the case. That is a perfect for an 8-year-old when they are just learning about sleuth books.

I appreciate, Ms. Marciniak, translating this book into English. It’s not one that a child should miss.

I received this book from Pushkin Children’s Books in lie of my honoest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sandy.
2,791 reviews72 followers
October 31, 2019
This was an entertaining children’s novel about a retired detective and his dog. Detective Nosegoode was enjoying his retirement when Mr. Blossom, the clockmaker decides that he needs the assistant of the detective to solve the mystery of who broke into his shop and stole a music box that he was fixing for a local resident. The detective takes the assignment and immediately gets to work investigating the scene, finding quite a few clues with his dog, Cody. I liked how optimist the detective was about helping the clockmaker solve this mystery the minute that he took on the case.

Cody is not your typical dog. Detective Nosegoode realized one day while he was talking to Cody that Cody could communicate with him. Now, Cody and the detective talk to each other daily and they have quite a special relationship. I enjoyed how the detective and his dog discussed different parts of the investigation and how they examined each suspect that they had. With a great flow, the story moves quickly as the pair begins to investigate each suspect they have. I liked how there were a variety of good suspects under investigation and how the pair formed their own opinion of them.

As I read, I wished that this novel would have had some illustrations as I felt it would have added to my enjoyment. It was only after finishing this novel, that I read that this novel does have illustrations and that my Kindle copy did not have any which was a shame. I would have loved to see them. That is the only issue I had with this novel, the lack of illustrations on my copy. If they are like the cover, I really did miss out. I felt that this was a well-crafted mystery, a story that is worth reading and I’m looking forward to reading more of this series in the future.

I received a copy of this novel from NetGalley and Pushkin Press in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for sending me this copy.
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