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Diamond Brothers #1
The Diamond Brothers In...: The Falcon's Malteser
When the vertically-challenged Johnny Naples entrusts Tim Diamond with a package worth over three million pounds, he's making a big mistake. Tim Diamond is the worst detective in the world. Next day, Johnny's dead, Tim feels the heat, and his smart younger brother, Nick, gets the packageand every crook in town on his back!
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First published January 1, 1986
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About the author
Anthony Horowitz
345 books20.9k followersAnthony Horowitz, OBE is ranked alongside Enid Blyton and Mark A. Cooper as "The most original and best spy-kids authors of the century." (New York Times). Anthony has been writing since the age of eight, and professionally since the age of twenty. In addition to the highly successful Alex Rider books, he is also the writer and creator of award winning detective series Foyle’s War, and more recently event drama Collision, among his other television works he has written episodes for Poirot, Murder in Mind, Midsomer Murders and Murder Most Horrid. Anthony became patron to East Anglia Children’s Hospices in 2009.
On 19 January 2011, the estate of Arthur Conan Doyle announced that Horowitz was to be the writer of a new Sherlock Holmes novel, the first such effort to receive an official endorsement from them and to be entitled the House of Silk.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/anthon...
On 19 January 2011, the estate of Arthur Conan Doyle announced that Horowitz was to be the writer of a new Sherlock Holmes novel, the first such effort to receive an official endorsement from them and to be entitled the House of Silk.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/anthon...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 323 reviews
August 9, 2025
__________________________
Snape looked at me thoughtfully. “How old are you?” he asked.
“Thirteen.”
“You’re smart for your age. If you go on as smart as this, maybe you won’t reach fourteen.”
My name is Diamond, Nick Diamond. No, it ain’t. My name is Nick Simple. I’m 13, I live with my 21-year-old brother, and I help him out in his detective agency. “Tim Diamond” is the name my brother decided to use for business reasons. He figures using the name Diamond will make us sound like tough old-time noir detectives. He wants to be like Sam Spade—a guy whose last name appears to be something you can find in a deck of poker cards. Herbert, that is my bro’s real name, is an experienced copper. He had 2 weeks on the force before the police department decided it was time for him to retire. Herb realized that this law-enforcement experience qualified him to be a PI, an honest-to-goodness private detective, a real dick.
I am the brains of the outfit. I have to be. Otherwise, we wouldn’t eat. Herbert couldn’t solve a murder mystery if he witnessed it, made a video of it, and had the murderer immediately come up and give him her business card and a bloody kiss on the kisser. OK, he did solve our first case. A woman hired us to find her missing Siamese cat, and he found the cat—by running over it with his car.
As this story begins, there is a knock on our office door. Herbert and I expected it to be a beautiful blonde with silky gams and a dress snugger than a python’s embrace of a howler monkey, because that is who usually knocks on a detective’s office doors in old movies. You know the type, a woman that gives you a “smile you can feel in your hip pocket.” Or, since I’m 13, a chick with a shape you wouldn’t mind studying in Geometry class.
But instead, it’s a dwarf—though his name isn’t Friendly or Happy. He hands us a package, gives us $500 to keep it safe for a week, and promises to pay us another $500 when he retrieves it. The package turns out to be an actual box of Maltesers Malted Milk Balls. In the U.S. today, a small box of Malted Milk Balls only costs about half the amount he was paying us to safeguard his, so I was suspicious. Turns out that my suspicions were justified. Suddenly, a lot of people—very bad people—want the dwarf’s box of delicious candy treats.
I am the narrator of The Falcon’s Maltesers. [That title sounds oddly familiar for some reason. I don’t know why.] The arch villain who is after the Maltesers is called The Fat Man. He has been on a diet though, so he is now The Thin Man—which, come to think of it, is the title of a Dashiell Hammett novel. Oh, I see it now. Just a coincidence though. It is a coincidence like when Herbert and I snuck into the nightclub called Casablanca—just like that 1940s movie with Humphrey Bogart--and I meet a frail called Lauren Baccardi. Come to think of it, Bogart was also in a movie with The Fat Man called the Maltese Fal… never mind, never mind . . .
🌟🌟🌟 Stars. Yes, this is a witty spoof of classic noir stories, and it may even be a YA novel––with all the dead people, it is hard to tell. I smiled a lot though. Will the author be able to sustain the grins in the next entries in series? That’s the mystery.
Snape looked at me thoughtfully. “How old are you?” he asked.
“Thirteen.”
“You’re smart for your age. If you go on as smart as this, maybe you won’t reach fourteen.”
My name is Diamond, Nick Diamond. No, it ain’t. My name is Nick Simple. I’m 13, I live with my 21-year-old brother, and I help him out in his detective agency. “Tim Diamond” is the name my brother decided to use for business reasons. He figures using the name Diamond will make us sound like tough old-time noir detectives. He wants to be like Sam Spade—a guy whose last name appears to be something you can find in a deck of poker cards. Herbert, that is my bro’s real name, is an experienced copper. He had 2 weeks on the force before the police department decided it was time for him to retire. Herb realized that this law-enforcement experience qualified him to be a PI, an honest-to-goodness private detective, a real dick.
I am the brains of the outfit. I have to be. Otherwise, we wouldn’t eat. Herbert couldn’t solve a murder mystery if he witnessed it, made a video of it, and had the murderer immediately come up and give him her business card and a bloody kiss on the kisser. OK, he did solve our first case. A woman hired us to find her missing Siamese cat, and he found the cat—by running over it with his car.
As this story begins, there is a knock on our office door. Herbert and I expected it to be a beautiful blonde with silky gams and a dress snugger than a python’s embrace of a howler monkey, because that is who usually knocks on a detective’s office doors in old movies. You know the type, a woman that gives you a “smile you can feel in your hip pocket.” Or, since I’m 13, a chick with a shape you wouldn’t mind studying in Geometry class.
But instead, it’s a dwarf—though his name isn’t Friendly or Happy. He hands us a package, gives us $500 to keep it safe for a week, and promises to pay us another $500 when he retrieves it. The package turns out to be an actual box of Maltesers Malted Milk Balls. In the U.S. today, a small box of Malted Milk Balls only costs about half the amount he was paying us to safeguard his, so I was suspicious. Turns out that my suspicions were justified. Suddenly, a lot of people—very bad people—want the dwarf’s box of delicious candy treats.
I am the narrator of The Falcon’s Maltesers. [That title sounds oddly familiar for some reason. I don’t know why.] The arch villain who is after the Maltesers is called The Fat Man. He has been on a diet though, so he is now The Thin Man—which, come to think of it, is the title of a Dashiell Hammett novel. Oh, I see it now. Just a coincidence though. It is a coincidence like when Herbert and I snuck into the nightclub called Casablanca—just like that 1940s movie with Humphrey Bogart--and I meet a frail called Lauren Baccardi. Come to think of it, Bogart was also in a movie with The Fat Man called the Maltese Fal… never mind, never mind . . .
🌟🌟🌟 Stars. Yes, this is a witty spoof of classic noir stories, and it may even be a YA novel––with all the dead people, it is hard to tell. I smiled a lot though. Will the author be able to sustain the grins in the next entries in series? That’s the mystery.
March 6, 2017
The book,"The Falcon's Maltesers" written by Anthony Horowitz is about two boys, in fact, brothers, Tim and Nick Diamond receiving a box of maltesers, later finding themselves wanted by the nastiest and dangerous crooks in town. This is all up to Nick after his simple-minded brother, Tim is locked in jail. Will he manage to find out what the maltesers are for before he is captured by the crooks? Find out yourself by reading this book. The message the author is trying to get to us is that not to give yourself away easily and not to trust everyone. They may be friendly and trustworthy at the start but some might get nasty so you have to carefully trust people. I recommend this book for readers who enjoyed the magnificent Alex Rider Series and also people who enjoy reading crime, mystery and adventure genre books.
November 9, 2016
Could not believe my own eyes while reading this book, I really liked how they completely changed up the situation and made it a lot more interesting! Definitely one of the best books out of the series.
September 3, 2022
Read - October, 2018
Reread - September, 2022
Had so much fun reading this with my son Hamza, who is a big Alex Rider fan. Loved Anthony Horowitz writing style- witty dialogues, hilarious situations and quirky characters.
Tim Diamond has started as a private detective when a dwarf gives him a package to guard. Right after that they are attacked, their home ransacked and gets kidnapped. It's up to thirteen year old Nick Diamond to find answers and save him and his brother.
Reread - September, 2022
Had so much fun reading this with my son Hamza, who is a big Alex Rider fan. Loved Anthony Horowitz writing style- witty dialogues, hilarious situations and quirky characters.
Tim Diamond has started as a private detective when a dwarf gives him a package to guard. Right after that they are attacked, their home ransacked and gets kidnapped. It's up to thirteen year old Nick Diamond to find answers and save him and his brother.
March 5, 2019
The first in this series that my 8yo son keeps borrowing for me to read from his school library (he has already read them, and has recommended to me!). Mildly amusing thriller with multiple references to hard-boiled by Raymond Chandler.
August 20, 2024
I read this when I was younger, and reread it as an easy read. It’s very cleverly written with witty jokes
November 1, 2021
Шукала собі якесь підгеловінське чтиво, і в хаті вже давно ця книжечка валялася, тож вирішила за неї взятися.
Чесно кажучи, я думала, що той худющий злобний дядько на обкладинці — то вампір, тут ще й антураж відповідний: старі надгробки, все таке. Та виявилося, шо нє, то кримінальний авторитет, відомий під іронічним прізвиськом The Fat Man (він сильно схуд). А протистоять йому брати-кіндрати, які прибрали собі ім'я Diamond.
Старший із них, який цілком собі дорослий молодий чоловік, намагається працювати приватним детективом, але поки що в нього не дуже йде. Знаєте, всі ті риси, що притаманні (вигаданим) приватним детективам? Як-от гострий розум, надзвичайна уважність до деталей, сталеві нерви і вміння прораховувати ходи лиходіїв наперед? Так от, у нього немає жодної з них. Його 13-річний брат справжній дорослий у цій парі і надія їхнього детективного агентства.
Два роки тому батьки хлопців емігрували до Австралії, і старший уже ніби сам собі хазяїн, а маленького вони планували забрати з собою, проте він утік прямо з аеропорту і тепер про нього дбає брат. Хоча хто про кого більше дбає у цій парочці, то ще питання...
Отож, горе-детектив і його помічник-напарник-братик отримують від ексцентричного карлика конверт на зберігання, а разом з ним купу неприємностей на свої сраки, бо в конверті схований ключ до неймовірного багатства, тож на братів тепер полюють і злісні бандюки, і просто жадібні і готові на все люди, які вважають, що грошики про праву їхні. Я втомилася рахувати, стільки разів маленького Ніка намагалися вбити різними вигадливими способами. На обкладинці пишуть, що книжка сподобається шанувальникам Роальда Дала, і я погоджуюся, може, ще шанувальникам Девіда Вольямса: гумор тут чорненький і сама історія доволі гротескна, так для дітей уже мало хто пише.
Цікавий факт: схоже Дж.К. Ролінґ запозичила прізвище Снейп з цієї книжки, так тут звуть поліцейського з яким брати частенько перетинаються, він ще й описується відповідно: "...Chief Inspector Snape looking about as cheerful as the cemetery's residents."
Чесно кажучи, я думала, що той худющий злобний дядько на обкладинці — то вампір, тут ще й антураж відповідний: старі надгробки, все таке. Та виявилося, шо нє, то кримінальний авторитет, відомий під іронічним прізвиськом The Fat Man (він сильно схуд). А протистоять йому брати-кіндрати, які прибрали собі ім'я Diamond.
Старший із них, який цілком собі дорослий молодий чоловік, намагається працювати приватним детективом, але поки що в нього не дуже йде. Знаєте, всі ті риси, що притаманні (вигаданим) приватним детективам? Як-от гострий розум, надзвичайна уважність до деталей, сталеві нерви і вміння прораховувати ходи лиходіїв наперед? Так от, у нього немає жодної з них. Його 13-річний брат справжній дорослий у цій парі і надія їхнього детективного агентства.
Два роки тому батьки хлопців емігрували до Австралії, і старший уже ніби сам собі хазяїн, а маленького вони планували забрати з собою, проте він утік прямо з аеропорту і тепер про нього дбає брат. Хоча хто про кого більше дбає у цій парочці, то ще питання...
Отож, горе-детектив і його помічник-напарник-братик отримують від ексцентричного карлика конверт на зберігання, а разом з ним купу неприємностей на свої сраки, бо в конверті схований ключ до неймовірного багатства, тож на братів тепер полюють і злісні бандюки, і просто жадібні і готові на все люди, які вважають, що грошики про праву їхні. Я втомилася рахувати, стільки разів маленького Ніка намагалися вбити різними вигадливими способами. На обкладинці пишуть, що книжка сподобається шанувальникам Роальда Дала, і я погоджуюся, може, ще шанувальникам Девіда Вольямса: гумор тут чорненький і сама історія доволі гротескна, так для дітей уже мало хто пише.
Цікавий факт: схоже Дж.К. Ролінґ запозичила прізвище Снейп з цієї книжки, так тут звуть поліцейського з яким брати частенько перетинаються, він ще й описується відповідно: "...Chief Inspector Snape looking about as cheerful as the cemetery's residents."
August 10, 2018
A pacy and intense crime story that sees Private Detectives Tim and Nick Diamond attempt to solve the mystery of a Malteaser box delivered to them under suspicious circumstances.
I have previously enjoyed books in this series and will always adore the hilarious relationship between the Diamond Brothers. Horowitz’s style of writing is built upon clever word play and dark humour, which is great fun, and would certainly entertain KS2 readers. Whilst highly amusing at times, to me, the emphasis upon comedy somewhat detracted from the greater plot. Although Nick’s efforts to salvage his older brother’s hopeless attempts at being a detective were always so quick witted, I did sometimes feel a little lost amidst the antics of the siblings and the deprecating commentary, rather than focusing on the greater goings on within the crime industry. Perhaps just a narrative that is better to read in small doses, but nevertheless one that I would recommend to children.
I have previously enjoyed books in this series and will always adore the hilarious relationship between the Diamond Brothers. Horowitz’s style of writing is built upon clever word play and dark humour, which is great fun, and would certainly entertain KS2 readers. Whilst highly amusing at times, to me, the emphasis upon comedy somewhat detracted from the greater plot. Although Nick’s efforts to salvage his older brother’s hopeless attempts at being a detective were always so quick witted, I did sometimes feel a little lost amidst the antics of the siblings and the deprecating commentary, rather than focusing on the greater goings on within the crime industry. Perhaps just a narrative that is better to read in small doses, but nevertheless one that I would recommend to children.
April 7, 2023
Ah what fun. I read this as a kid and was feeling nostalgic so got the audio from my library. It's just so fun but also clever . The author doesn't dumb down the investigation just keeps it shorter and a little simpler for his younger audience. Highly recommend for younger readers
June 6, 2022
You don’t need to be a kid to like this, if the idea of Alex Rider as written by the Marx Brothers appeals to you. Really enjoyable.
February 27, 2016
The Diamond Brothers: The Falcon's Malteser is an amazing mystery book with a comedic twist. It starts off with TIm Diamond and his younger brother, Nick. Tim has a job as a (lousy) private detective with barely any cases to investigate, and things look pretty bad for them, until a... dwarf, named Johnny Naples trusts them to take care of a package. A package which is revealed to be... a box of Maltesers. As odd as it sounds, it sends them into a case about criminal organisations, a criminal mastermind dubbed the Fat Man, murders, and how barcodes work.
I got this book as a gift from one of my cousins, and it kind of intrigued me about what Maltesers had to do with detective work, and then I started reading it. In the end, I enjoyed the book very much. Not only does it provide you with questions that are only answered later on, but the comedy written in the book also entertains a lot, despite being small jokes, or just Tim's idiocy.
I learned through this book that quick wit and careful thinking can get you through most things, such as a twisted case about riches from a criminal known best for imports and exports, with the key item being a box of Maltesers.
To be honest, the most interesting character was Nick Diamond... not. Although he's around the age of 13-14, and can think on the spot well, I'd have to go for the mastermind behind getting the box of Maltesers, the Fat Man. Not only is he so powerful that when he was given a parking fine, the police found the body of the traffic warden embedded in concrete, but he is diabolical enough to (spoilers, by the way), find Nick Diamond, trap him in a bathtub filled with quick-dry cement, and throw him into a river just to get him out of his way. He is down to business, downright serious, and a force to be reckoned with.
I got this book as a gift from one of my cousins, and it kind of intrigued me about what Maltesers had to do with detective work, and then I started reading it. In the end, I enjoyed the book very much. Not only does it provide you with questions that are only answered later on, but the comedy written in the book also entertains a lot, despite being small jokes, or just Tim's idiocy.
I learned through this book that quick wit and careful thinking can get you through most things, such as a twisted case about riches from a criminal known best for imports and exports, with the key item being a box of Maltesers.
To be honest, the most interesting character was Nick Diamond... not. Although he's around the age of 13-14, and can think on the spot well, I'd have to go for the mastermind behind getting the box of Maltesers, the Fat Man. Not only is he so powerful that when he was given a parking fine, the police found the body of the traffic warden embedded in concrete, but he is diabolical enough to (spoilers, by the way), find Nick Diamond, trap him in a bathtub filled with quick-dry cement, and throw him into a river just to get him out of his way. He is down to business, downright serious, and a force to be reckoned with.
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July 18, 2023The Diamond Brothers were the most iconic detective duo - still unforgotten after all these years
The first book was the weakest of the series but like all Horowitz’s work, they got better and better
The first book was the weakest of the series but like all Horowitz’s work, they got better and better
June 26, 2016
These books are good.
July 24, 2016
Not bad. Amusing in some parts.
I think it was meant for a younger age group
I think it was meant for a younger age group
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March 13, 2017This book is full of humor as well as action. I would recommend this to readers of all ages very enjoyable to read. The Falcon's malteser keeps you craving for more.
February 20, 2023
Happiness actually means re reading books from when you were a teenager and remembering how much you enjoyed them
May 31, 2024
Super good and interesting, one of the books I proper read without being forced io, recommended by my brother. Really nice pace, easy to read and constantly keeps your attention.
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December 28, 2024I have no idea what I just read 😵💫 what a wild ride!
January 7, 2022
This book combines suspense and mystery in the most comedic way. Tim Diamond (England's worst private detective) and his brother Nick Diamond (who does basically all the work in the detective cases) are placed in charge of something very precious. A series of murders and encounters with some of the worst villains in England results in finding probably the biggest fortune ever known to man. It took me about 5 hours to read because I just did not want to put it down, and this book is made for kids but I think this is a gripping comedy/mystery for all ages.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 29, 2018
It's funny, really laugh out loud funny, but still manages to entertain in a way more adult mystery books do. Horowitz is a fantastically clever writer, and I think his humour peaks in this series.
The mystery plot is also surprisingly solid and wraps up to a satisfactory conclusion.
The mystery plot is also surprisingly solid and wraps up to a satisfactory conclusion.
May 1, 2021
Popsugar reading challenge: A book with a gem, mineral or rock in the title
Around the year in 52 books: A book whose cover shows more than 2 people
Around the year in 52 books: A book whose cover shows more than 2 people
February 14, 2022
More fun and frolics from Mr Horowitz. Elani and I listened to this together, laughing and giggling along. Every so often an explanation was requested, as many of the puns and jokes are outside of a nine year olds experience! The title for example……
March 14, 2022
Read this with my class of year 5s and they absolutely loved it! Had to skip over some of the ruder jokes, but on the whole they found it very funny and loved each of the characters
June 28, 2019
One thing I really loved about this book, and Anthony Horowitz's writing style, in general, is how nonchalant the characters are after someone dies. When Santa died in front of NIck, he was so nonchalant, as if that happened every day. Anthony just lets his characters die off for no particular reason, and he did the same with gatekeepers
December 5, 2022
This book is really good it gets very exciting mid-way into the book. The genre is Action and the book is about how a guy that changed his name to Tim diamond and also opened his own agency but he is the worst detective of all time. But it changed because his 13-year-old brother is the actual brains behind everything.
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March 8, 2016Imagine you were a detective just in your office, and just waiting for a case to be solved. Then a dwarf comes in your room and gives you five hundred dollars to look out for a package. The genre of this book is mystery. My overall opinion is that this book was great and I loved it.
The setting of this book is in London, there is no time period in this book. Its relevance to the story is that one of the most dangerous criminals is in London and is trying to kill Tim and Nick Diamond. This book is about how a guy named Johnny Naples who barges into the detectives office while looking like he's being followed. Then Johnny gives the detectives five hundred dollars and an envelope to look out after. Then he leaves in a hurry. Then the next day Johnny is found dead and all the criminals in London want it. The conflict of this book is person vs. person. A few examples are " 'My number,' he went on. 'I am a patient man timothy. I can wait all of forty-eight hours. But if I haven't heard from you in two days, I think you may wake up to find that something very unpleasant has happened to you.' " and "Gott was standing at the top of the stairs. He was holding a gun." The climax is when the police come to rescue Nick and a shootout happens. "There was an answering shot. Lenny was blown off his feet. His gun glittered to the ground." The resolution is when Tim found a diamond inside a chocolate, "The last of the chocolate had crumbled away. I was left holding a diamond the size of a peanut" The theme of this book is that you should watch who you are with.
The title relates to the book because the book is about the a box of Maltesers and the title is the falcon's malteser, "I doubt if you can fit five million dollars worth inside." This shows that the maltesers were really important."` The author builds bad tension in the book when a bomb is thrown into Nick Diamonds room and he almost dies, "The grenade hit the bed and bounced back toward the window. Then it exploded." This proves that Nick could have been injured or even killed.
I thought the ending of the book was really good when Nick finds a diamond, " The last of the chocolate had crumbled away. I was left holding a diamond the diamond size of a peanut" My favorite part of this book is when the police come to rescue Nick. "There was a crackle in the air. Then a voice boomed out, amplified by a bullhorn. 'This is the police. Stay where you are. You're surrounded.' "
I rate this book 5 stars because I thought it was funny and that it was the best detective story I have ever read. I recommend this book to people who like detective books. I would have watched the package until the dwarf came back.
The setting of this book is in London, there is no time period in this book. Its relevance to the story is that one of the most dangerous criminals is in London and is trying to kill Tim and Nick Diamond. This book is about how a guy named Johnny Naples who barges into the detectives office while looking like he's being followed. Then Johnny gives the detectives five hundred dollars and an envelope to look out after. Then he leaves in a hurry. Then the next day Johnny is found dead and all the criminals in London want it. The conflict of this book is person vs. person. A few examples are " 'My number,' he went on. 'I am a patient man timothy. I can wait all of forty-eight hours. But if I haven't heard from you in two days, I think you may wake up to find that something very unpleasant has happened to you.' " and "Gott was standing at the top of the stairs. He was holding a gun." The climax is when the police come to rescue Nick and a shootout happens. "There was an answering shot. Lenny was blown off his feet. His gun glittered to the ground." The resolution is when Tim found a diamond inside a chocolate, "The last of the chocolate had crumbled away. I was left holding a diamond the size of a peanut" The theme of this book is that you should watch who you are with.
The title relates to the book because the book is about the a box of Maltesers and the title is the falcon's malteser, "I doubt if you can fit five million dollars worth inside." This shows that the maltesers were really important."` The author builds bad tension in the book when a bomb is thrown into Nick Diamonds room and he almost dies, "The grenade hit the bed and bounced back toward the window. Then it exploded." This proves that Nick could have been injured or even killed.
I thought the ending of the book was really good when Nick finds a diamond, " The last of the chocolate had crumbled away. I was left holding a diamond the diamond size of a peanut" My favorite part of this book is when the police come to rescue Nick. "There was a crackle in the air. Then a voice boomed out, amplified by a bullhorn. 'This is the police. Stay where you are. You're surrounded.' "
I rate this book 5 stars because I thought it was funny and that it was the best detective story I have ever read. I recommend this book to people who like detective books. I would have watched the package until the dwarf came back.
July 26, 2012
I FINISHED THIS BOOK THE FALCONS MALTESER.THIS BOOK IS BYE ANTHNOY HOROWITZ.I REALLY LIKE THIS BOOK BECAUSE ITS A NEW YORK TIMES BEST-SELLING AUTHOR OF The ALEX RIDER SERIES.THE FIRST REASON WHY I LIKE THIS BOOK IS BECAUSE BOUT A BOY NAME NICK FIGURING OUT A MYSTERY TO HELP HIS BIG BROTHER AND THE WHOLE POLICE DEPARTMENT.ONE EXAMPLE IS ON PAGE 97 NICK FOUND THE MALTESER AND HELP THE POLICE DEPARTMENT ARREST THE FAT MAN, GOTT AND HIMMELL.THEY ARE THE BIGGEST CRIME IN LONDON THE POLICE DIDN'T CATCH THEM FOR LIKE 7 YEARS,BUT THANKS TO NICK.
YOU WOULD LIKE THIS BOOK IF YOU LIKE MYSTERIES,SHOOTING,KILLING ,KIDNAPPING AND FIGHTING.I THINK YOU WILL LIKE THIS BOOK BECAUSE ITS The BIGGEST MYSTERY CRIME IN LONDON.A LITTLE 13 YEAR OLD BOY NAME NICK FOUND OUT ABOUT THE MALTESERS AND HELP The POLICE WHAT THEY WANTED. I THINK THIS IS WHY YOU SHOULD LIKE IT BECAUSE THERE'S ONE HUGE MYSTERY IN LONDON.JUST TO FIND The MALTESER LIKE 9 PEOPLE DIED INCLUDING JHONEY NAPLES,BENNEY,KENNEY,FRED,LENNEY,AND The FAT MAN.THIS IS WHY YOU SHOULD LIKE THIS BOOK.
ONE BIG CHALLENGE OF THIS BOOK WAS THE MYSTERIES.THE CHALLENGING PART WAS THE SHOOTING,KILLING,KINAPPING,AND FIGHTING.IT WAS SO CONFUSING.THE SETING WAS KIND OF CONFUSING BECAUSE FIRST THEY END UP IN ONE PLACE THEN ANOTHER.
I THINK NICK IS THE MOSY INTERESTING AND MOST BRAVEST IN THIS BOOK.AT FIRST HE ACTS TO OLD FOR A THIRTEEN YEAR OLD BOY.NICK ALMOST GOT SHOT LIKE 4 TIMES HE GOT KIDNAPPED 7 TIMES GOT TIED UP IN A ROPE AND ESCAPED.NICK ALSO GOT IN CEMENT.AT PAGE 121.
YOU WOULD LIKE THIS BOOK IF YOU LIKE MYSTERIES,SHOOTING,KILLING ,KIDNAPPING AND FIGHTING.I THINK YOU WILL LIKE THIS BOOK BECAUSE ITS The BIGGEST MYSTERY CRIME IN LONDON.A LITTLE 13 YEAR OLD BOY NAME NICK FOUND OUT ABOUT THE MALTESERS AND HELP The POLICE WHAT THEY WANTED. I THINK THIS IS WHY YOU SHOULD LIKE IT BECAUSE THERE'S ONE HUGE MYSTERY IN LONDON.JUST TO FIND The MALTESER LIKE 9 PEOPLE DIED INCLUDING JHONEY NAPLES,BENNEY,KENNEY,FRED,LENNEY,AND The FAT MAN.THIS IS WHY YOU SHOULD LIKE THIS BOOK.
ONE BIG CHALLENGE OF THIS BOOK WAS THE MYSTERIES.THE CHALLENGING PART WAS THE SHOOTING,KILLING,KINAPPING,AND FIGHTING.IT WAS SO CONFUSING.THE SETING WAS KIND OF CONFUSING BECAUSE FIRST THEY END UP IN ONE PLACE THEN ANOTHER.
I THINK NICK IS THE MOSY INTERESTING AND MOST BRAVEST IN THIS BOOK.AT FIRST HE ACTS TO OLD FOR A THIRTEEN YEAR OLD BOY.NICK ALMOST GOT SHOT LIKE 4 TIMES HE GOT KIDNAPPED 7 TIMES GOT TIED UP IN A ROPE AND ESCAPED.NICK ALSO GOT IN CEMENT.AT PAGE 121.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2012
Tim Diamond runs the world’s worst private detective agency along with his long suffering little brother Nick. They’re down to their last few pence and the gas is about to be cut off when Johnny Naples walks into their lives. He leaves them with a small package which could lead to three and a half million pounds and the end of their money problems, trouble is every big time crook in London is after it too.
I am a big fan of Raymond Chandler and Dashiel Hammett and I loved the comical take on the wise cracking hardboiled dialogue of the above authors. My initial fears that the story would be little more than an opportunity to play this joke out were soon proved unfounded. The tale quickly escalates into a fight for the young protagonist Nick’s life, with him being kidnapped, shot at and given a pair of cement shoes. I would say that as an adult I found some of the action bordered on the incredulous and the ending was a little convenient but this could not detract from the overall fun and exhilaration of the plot.
In a school setting I think this book would be terrific for any child from year 4 onwards, and I can see why Mr Horowitz has become such a big name in getting reluctant readers to pick up a book, as I would heartily recommend it to any pupil who thinks the written word can’t be as exciting as a videogame or film.
I am a big fan of Raymond Chandler and Dashiel Hammett and I loved the comical take on the wise cracking hardboiled dialogue of the above authors. My initial fears that the story would be little more than an opportunity to play this joke out were soon proved unfounded. The tale quickly escalates into a fight for the young protagonist Nick’s life, with him being kidnapped, shot at and given a pair of cement shoes. I would say that as an adult I found some of the action bordered on the incredulous and the ending was a little convenient but this could not detract from the overall fun and exhilaration of the plot.
In a school setting I think this book would be terrific for any child from year 4 onwards, and I can see why Mr Horowitz has become such a big name in getting reluctant readers to pick up a book, as I would heartily recommend it to any pupil who thinks the written word can’t be as exciting as a videogame or film.
July 18, 2016
The two characters Tim and Nick Diamond are an interesting portray. Both are a bit exaggerated (Tim is way toooo simple, while Nick Simple is way tooo clever). Nevertheless it works well in the stories they will live together (more or less together). The plot is clever and it isn't easy to solve till the end. The pace is also fast and not boring.
The plot involves the start up of the Diamond detective agents which is probably a disaster in se, having Tim as the detective and a 13 year-old brother (Nick) depending on him. Turns out quite differently in reality. A book of Maltesers (chocolate balls) is handed in custody to Tim. They contain the key to 3.500 million Pounds worth of fortune. They find themselves the targets of many of a gangster in London in search for the box. It is not clear, however, how the chocolate works as key to anything. Among a lot of double-crossing and deceit typical of any grown-up spy book, the key to open the treasure is found in the bar code of the box, as well as by a number of deductions, Nick figures out the location. Only to find it is empty... Well, you need to read to know.
The plot involves the start up of the Diamond detective agents which is probably a disaster in se, having Tim as the detective and a 13 year-old brother (Nick) depending on him. Turns out quite differently in reality. A book of Maltesers (chocolate balls) is handed in custody to Tim. They contain the key to 3.500 million Pounds worth of fortune. They find themselves the targets of many of a gangster in London in search for the box. It is not clear, however, how the chocolate works as key to anything. Among a lot of double-crossing and deceit typical of any grown-up spy book, the key to open the treasure is found in the bar code of the box, as well as by a number of deductions, Nick figures out the location. Only to find it is empty... Well, you need to read to know.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2024
That was unexpected.
I will say, this wasn't the best or the worst mystery book I've ever read. I can't really go into depth of all the characters and the plot. The ending was surprising. However, I'm not sure why Herbert was non-existent for 90% of the book. I get that he's the "dumb brother" but it was mostly Nick and Lauren solving the mystery all by themselves. Was that on purpose? I just feel like based on how much Tim Diamond was mentioned in this book, Tim Diamond himself should have more time OUT of jail than INSIDE of jail.
With all that said, it still was pretty good--I did get the usual shock from a mystery book. It had a good plot and build-up. The clues were interesting to unfold and the action scenes were well-written. The only thing that left out one star was how the writing was sometimes cringe. Since this wasn't written recently, I guess I have to expect that lol
I'd recommend this book to old-school mystery lovers.
Short book = short review
Read this for school and watched the movie, "Diamond's Edge".
4 stars
I will say, this wasn't the best or the worst mystery book I've ever read. I can't really go into depth of all the characters and the plot. The ending was surprising. However, I'm not sure why Herbert was non-existent for 90% of the book. I get that he's the "dumb brother" but it was mostly Nick and Lauren solving the mystery all by themselves. Was that on purpose? I just feel like based on how much Tim Diamond was mentioned in this book, Tim Diamond himself should have more time OUT of jail than INSIDE of jail.
With all that said, it still was pretty good--I did get the usual shock from a mystery book. It had a good plot and build-up. The clues were interesting to unfold and the action scenes were well-written. The only thing that left out one star was how the writing was sometimes cringe. Since this wasn't written recently, I guess I have to expect that lol
I'd recommend this book to old-school mystery lovers.
Short book = short review
Read this for school and watched the movie, "Diamond's Edge".
4 stars
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