Clarity Jones and the Magical Detective Agency

by Chris Smith

From the incredible imagination of bestselling author Chris Smith comes a hilarious fantasy adventure for 8-12 readers. Cressida Cowell meets Robin Stevens with a dash of Pixar gold.'Never, ever eliminate the impossible.'Clarity JonesWhen Mutt gets a job as an apprentice at the leading detective agency in the realm of Rillia, he's not expecting to work with ex-princesses, snow gnoblins and the most notorious assassin of the White Hand Clan.And he's definitely not expecting to be thrown in the deep end on the agency's toughest and most dangerous job yet - the mysterious case of the vanishing jester . . .From the incredible imagination of Chris Smith - bestselling author and now a major new solo talent - comes a hilarious adventure for fans of Cressida Cowell, Robin Stevens and Disney Pixar.'A laugh-out-loud funny and exciting adventure!' Cressida Cowell on Frankie Best Hates Quests.

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Childrens, Magic

352 pages, Paperback

Published October 14, 2025

About the author

Chris Smith is an award-winning author, broadcaster and parent (a mug saying ‘World’s Greatest Dad’ counts as an award, right?). He grew up in leafy Northamptonshire and now lives in not-as-leafy North London with his wife, son and a cat called Mabel, who can talk. If you listen very carefully to the George Michael song ‘Outside’ you can hear a sample of Chris reading the news. He makes excellent tea.

Reviews

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great story- humorous fantasy for all ages. It was like a Terry Pratchett in tone. I loved the world and creatures of Meandermart - the detective gang were all great characters and I particularly enjoyed the chatty omniscience of the narrator. This is bound to be a hit! Many thanks to Netgalley for an arc of this book.

[Rosie Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clarity Jones and the Magical Detective Agency is a middle grade children’s book aimed at readers between the ages of 9 and 12 years.


It is a fun story set in a medieval style setting with some magic and a mystery to solve. Clarity Jones is an ex-princess and a magical detective, she’s joined by an ex-assassin, a snow gnoblin and a young street urchin as they try to solve the case of the missing court jester.

The author sprinkles the narrative with the fourth wall technique, where the narrator speaks directly to the reading audience. There are also, sections of backstory, often as mini chapters or pages of their own to fill in details about some of the characters.

The book has a good number of illustrations in black and white, of creatures and some of the events or situations. These help split up the written pages and help the reader with mental pictures.


This is quite a long story at 337 pages and some of the wording would probably suit older or confident readers in the age range or above.

[Steph Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant! Love, love love this middle-grade humorous detective fantasy-mystery!

I was reminded of one of my favourite books from this year, OverLondon, but aimed at younger readers (8-12), and there are also elements of both Robin Stevens and Robin Bennett, but this story is still fresh, new and joyfully itself.

The main character isn’t really the titular Clarity Jones but street-rat Mutt, who stumbles into her newly-opened detective agency just in time to join an investigation into a missing court jester. And I challenge readers not to adore Mutt, Clarity (ex-princess), Mirko (obsessively clean snow gnoblin) and Nissassa (ex-ninja-assassin) at once!

The whole book is Pratchett-esque in tone and not bogged down by lots of worldbuilding – the author sketches out a rough outline then lets the characters and the reader’s imagination fill in the gaps. There is tons of humour and action, and a fun mystery to solve, but it is the characters that really shine and leave you wanting more.

This is ANOTHER ‘keeper’ in what has been a very good reading year for me, and I am desperately hoping this is the first in a very long series!

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clarity Jones is a detective. Not that anyone in the kingdom of Rillia knows what a detective is, because she's the first. With a semi-retired assassin, a cleaning-obsessed Snow Gnoblin and a street-orphan by her side, can the team solve the mystery of the Duchess's missing jester?

This was a fun, magical adventure with an assortment of characters and creatures.

Thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for the opportunity to read an advance digital copy.

[Valinora Troy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this humorous, imaginative and magical tale, set in the city of Meandermart, where orphan Mutt, following the local tradition of having figurines of his parents carved as a reminder of them, keeps to their strict principle of neither stealing nor begging. (I really liked this aspect of the story, as so often the opposite is portrayed in middle grade fiction.) Mutt therefore spends his days as a messenger boy around the streets of Meandermart, earning enough for a few scraps to keep himself alive. Knowing the backstreets like the back of his hand (or rather better) doesn’t stop him from stumbling accidentally into the Clarity Jones’ Magical Detective Agency while on the run from some local bullies. Which is just as well as Clarity is looking for an apprentice and gives Mutt a job on a trial basis, paying him in advance so he can buy clothes (which he spends instead on the best and most expensive goat-pie in all of Rillia). When Clarity is hired to find the missing royal jester, Mutt is determined to prove himself worthy of her trust.

I really enjoyed this story, I loved the magic and the monsters in this world. Clarity has collected an array of magical items to help her investigations as she operates Meandermart’s first magical detective agency, which are great fun to read about. The book is nicely illustrated by Kenneth Anderson, and I particularly loved the little excerpts from ‘A Travellers Guide to Rillia’ with pictures and details of the various animals, such as Hedge-Hawks or Umlauts.

Mutt is a great characters, and I like Nissassa (assassin by name as well as calling) and Mirko, the snow-gnoblin (obsessed with keeping his fur clean), but I lOVE Clarity. I would love to read of her adventures gathering together all her magical artefacts and how she met Smyll, the walking wooden chest.

The book is targeted for 8-12 year olds. I would think it’s better suited to younger readers (7-9), partly because of the tongue-in-cheek narrator commentary (eg “Once upon a time there was a princess. (Boring start, I know, but stick with it – it gets better)” ) but also because the mystery is very obvious. I’m saying that as an adult but I think most 8-12 year olds would guess immediately too. However that wouldn’t stop older kids (or adults) from hugely enjoying the story, and if you are looking for an imaginative and fun fantasy read, I highly recommend it.

[Farah G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clarity Jones and the Magical Detective Agency is an absolutely delightful story about a princess who decides that she no longer wants to be a princess, because she (quite reasonably) wants to see the world and dabble in Magic and Mystery instead. To that end, she "retires" from her princess role, and sets off to make her way in the world.

By the time Clarity has decided to settle down for a bit in one place, she has picked up some companions on her journey - Mirka the gigantic yeti-like Gnoblin, who is inordinately concerned with keeping his snow-white fur pristine, and Nissassa, a young girl who also happens to be a one-time assassin from the most feared and infamous Assassins Guild in the country.

After Clarity sets up the first ever detective agency in Meandermart - inventing the word detective in the process - an orphaned street-child named Mutt accidentally applies to be her new apprentice, to the great disdain of Nissassa.

When the Duchess of Meandermart seeks out this motley crew to help her locate her missing jester, Handy Dandy, no-one has any inkling that this is just the beginning of the adventure.

Chris Smith's new book delivers on every aspect of storytelling - a unique sense of humour that had me laughing out loud more than once, nice illustrations, creativity that provides readers with a truly action-packed adventure, quirkiness throughout (just wait for the lie detonator to make its debut), and a light touch with deeper emotions (e.g. Mutt's "company" at home).

The world-building is brilliant, and best of all, his characters are very real and befriend you over the course of the story, so that you're sad when the book ends. Or at least, I was! This is one of the best books for younger readers that I've come across in quite a while.

Please read it. I promise you'll enjoy it, whatever your age.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Tracy Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mutt spends his days wandering the streets of Meandermart, hoping to find enough work to earn his supper. A constant target for the pupils at the Knights Academy, Mutt also spends a lot of time running, hiding, and being pummelled just because. When his daily sprint takes him into an unknown area of the city he finds himself in the presence of Clarity Jones, the foremost detective in the realm of Rillia who just happens to be the only detective in that realm, and she needs an apprentice.

As he begins to learn what this actually entails, the agency is hired to find a missing person, but that is only the beginning of what could become their first and last big case! With each member of staff calling on their individual expertise to solve their difficult and dangerous investigation, will Mutt come to regret his new job before it's almost got started?

This is the first in a new series for Chris Smith featuring a detective agency when no one actually knows what a detective is, especially a magical one! I thoroughly enjoyed this. It has dark moments and plenty of humour alongside a story, which is just scary enough for the age range it is written for, 9 to 12 years.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, but the opinions expressed are my own. This is a fun read with humour and great illustrations. I will definitely be on the lookout for more from Clarity Jones and her group of friends. Recommended.

[Theediscerning · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly derivative, but so full of fun and novelty all is forgiven, to make this a very good choice indeed. We have a city (complete with H2G2-styled interrupting guidebook) where our young hero is going to stumble upon a team of magical investigators, just in time for their weirdest case yet. In the run-up to the season of miserableness and complaining about the cold weather, some old biddy's cat is missing, and the ruling woman would like her jester back. What is most derivative is also the mobile treasure chest, which acts almost as a dog here, and the sort of Horrible Histories, self-referential, self-discussing, self-critiquing kind of shtick.

But the joys are manifold, too – the oh-so-broad characters, all snappily given their backstory, are taught to us in such quick fashion we really can get on with having a full adventure, and not lose anything for all the world-building. You could even say the drama reduces the comedy somewhat, but there generally are enough gags and yucks to remind you of the genre concerned. You could say it has a huge plot-hole (if he is not who he really is, why does the thingummy work like it does?!) but this is one to wallow in and enjoy until it just takes off with heightened drama and fantasy fun. Definitely a strong four stars.

[Carole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and haven’t chuckled so much for a long time! The main characters were all so lovable. Clarity the detective, Nissassa the assassin, Mutt the 8-year-old street boy who becomes the apprentice detective, and especially Mirko the huge snow goblin who can’t stand it when his white fur gets muddy. The story is full of humour, magic, mystery and monsters. I loved the idea of Moaningtide Day where everyone wishes each other a mournful Moaningtide and complains about the cold and anything else they can think of. One of the best things in the book is the commentary from the narrator, eg “Elbric Smear does not feature heavily in this story. In fact, he’s only in two scenes, so it’s not worth getting to know him particularly well. But let’s take a quick look at him anyway, because Mirko’s going to knock him out cold in about seventeen paragraphs’ time, so this will be our last chance.”
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this wonderful story which adults as well as children will love!

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

With magical creatures and wizards, too,
Potions and apprentices, much to do,
The first ever detective agency in this magical land
Has investigations where some things go unplanned!

Just think of the things to help solve a case
That if you were magical, you'd have in place.
From magically following footsteps to their source
To finding the perpetrator, of course!

A delightful fun read for children and adults, too,
With surprises galore for readers like you.
It really is another laugh out loud read,
Just what we all often need.

An adventure with lots of twists and more
As Clarity Jone seeks the clues to explore.
She's the first detective to work here
And has a magical team to help her get in gear!

A fun story that children will find fun,
With illustrations to show how some things are done.
An engaging read to keep them engaged to the end
A great read to share with a friend!

For my complementary copy, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.

[Annie Leadley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have only given this Book 4 Stars due to it's rather long winded start which even one of my grandchildren agreed with me about it ! However once it did get going it's character's with their unique individuality came shinning through . With an evil UnderDuke,a shape shifting Monster as an accomplice & the most odd bunch to be called Detectives it was then a fun read. #NetGalley, #GoodReads,#FB, #Amazon.co.uk, #Instagram ,#, #, #.

[Tamsin]

I really enjoyed this magical fantasy story for middle grade readers about the origins of a detective agency. Not many people have heard of 'detectives' and so when Mutt becomes an apprentice detective, he has to answer a lot of questions. Working alongisde a diverse team (snow goblins, an assassin and an ex-princess) he has to solve lots of increasingly more complex cases.

It was a really funny story that was brilliantly complimented by the pictures. There was lots of action, danger and adventure that was balanced by humour and friendship. The characters were really interesting to learn about and I appreciated not knowing all about them straight away - it felt more mature to slowly have different facts about each of them revealed. Definitely one for reluctant readers who want an illustrated chapter book with adventure and humour.

[Kayleigh G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clarity Jones is the first detective in The Great City of Meandermart. Clarity sets up a detective agency alongside Mirko, a clean-obsessed snow gnoblin, Nissassa, a young semi-retired assassin, and Mutt, an orphaned young boy.

The Magical Detective Agency are summoned by the Duchess to investigate the disappearance of her jester and the adventures unfold.

The map and illustrations throughout really add to this story and the world building. If you’ve read Frankie Best Hates Quests you’ll enjoy the mentions of creatures and fruits from Parallelia. This story is funny and heart warming but also has scary moments (suitable for children). I really hope we get another Clarity Jones story in the future. A brilliant read!

[Omiai · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an OK read. I didn't feel like it had a particularly unique voice, reminding me of the works of several other childrens book authors. This isn't technically a bad thing, as those other authors are popular, but I tend not to enjoy their work as others who have a more unique way of storytelling.
however, the book itself was pretty enjoyable. fast paced, interesting and funny characters and a good plot. My only gripe would be the character, Smyll, which is basically a knockoff of the Luggage from Pratchett's discworld books, but even then, he was kind of adorable, so I cant get too mad.
overall, a fun story. Not my favourite, nothing super new or exciting, but I do think kids will have fun with it.

[Carlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an adult, I thought this was highly amusing to read - lots of asides to the reader, helpful hints and backstories etc thrown in and humorous comments throughout made it a very enjoyable read. And children would absolutely love it too - the adventure and the mismatch of characters (loved the clean streak in the snow goblin!), and the sheer magic of it. Win win all round!! Would highly recommend and will definitely be looking to purchase a copy and any further in the series!

**Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read an advanced e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own **

[Sue Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun book for 9 to 12 year olds. This is a fast paced story full of mystery and humor. Clarity sets up the first detective agency in the kingdom and, with her team, starts to find mysteries to solve which proves a bit difficult as no one knows what a detective is. Her team includes an ex assassin, a snow goblin and a street boy who happens upon the agency one day. The characters are well drawn, interesting and I found myself intrigued by them and wanting to find out more. The book includes lots of backstory and is a very enjoyable read.

[Emma Renshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Huge thanks to the publisher for the ARC, in exchange for an honest review, I absolutely loved Clarity Jones and the Magical Detective Agency. It is so fun, vibrant and a truly terrific adventure. Mutt, Clarity and the gang just leap off the page, I also loved the storytelling format of each character’s backstory and the guide to the various creatures. All in all, it’s an easy five stars from me, the humour, the illustrations of the characters and plot makes this a new classic.

[I Read, Therefore I Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chris Smith’s humorous fantasy mystery for readers aged 9+ nods to Douglas Adams and Terry Pratchett and features warm, comic-style illustrations by Kenneth Anderson. Although the culprit is easy to guess, the wry, knowing narrative voice and the way Smith weaves the various plot lines and incorporates backstory and information through segments entitled a Traveller’s Guide to Rillia is very entertaining so I would definitely read a sequel to this.

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was like a mix of Discworld, Legends and Lattes, and Sherlock Holmes. I loved the tone of the story, it was so much fun. Lots of really humourous elements like the celebration of Moaningtide where everyone spends their time moaning about the cold and miserable season! I also loved how much Clarity was obsessed with pockets in all her clothes. I would love to read more of Clarity Jones.

[Karen Hammond · Rating 5 out of 5]

The children found this hilarious and interestingly the older (teens) laughed in different places to the younger ones. I had to stop reading occasionally for them all to settle down. The cries of - can we read it again - shows that it is likely to become a family classic in this house .

[Louise Forshaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful cast of quirky characters with great world building, I enjoyed the 'stories within the story' too. Accompanied by fantastic illustrations, this one is a must read!

[Alice Fay · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5*

[Melanie Hollin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Requested this one for my son who had already heard of the author and he loved it.
Pure escapism and an incredible imagination combined to make this a real winner.

[Wendy Gallimore · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy read but for me the chapters were too long. I like to read before bed and found I was falling asleep part way though the chapter.

[Felicity Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A 'mid-grade' read! I hear you say

Yes, a mid-grade read but then I've said it before and I'll say it again, a great story is a great story no matter what age it is targeted at and, my goodness, Clarity Jones And The Magical Detective Agency is a great story no matter your age.

Great characters √

I'm super, super excited by this, well, magical array of character.

Characters like Clarity Jones the one time princess turned M.I. {that's a Magical Investigator to you and me}, a detective {not that anyone in Rillia has the foggiest notion as to what a detective is} Mutt, an eight year old orphan who accidently find's himself a detective's apprentice and Nissassa, a one-time assassin from the infamous Assassins Guild who, much as I loved them failed to steal my heart like Mirko, the snow goblin who is, well, lets just say is somewhat {OK then, really} fastidious when it comes to cleanliness in general and the cleaning of his shaggy white fur in particular {and standing at 8 feet tall that is an awful lot of fur}.

... and that's only the main characters, there are plenty of others, amongst which are the character types that the author so cleverly puts his own spin on.


Superb storytelling √

My word can Chris Smith spin a yarn! I have no doubt that young readers will be thrilled by this magical, funny, adventure packed read ... heck! I'm thrilled by it.

That the author cleverly uses asides to the main story, mini chapters within a chapter that read almost like a guide book that brings to life not only Rillia but also the characters and their habitats is so impressive.

And then of course there's that the narrative is sprinkled with asides in which the author speaks directly to the reader ... brilliant!

Second to none world building √

I loved that the novel was set in a medieval like, magical realm. The people, the buildings, the back streets, the sights, all of which were all so beautifully brought to life that I felt myself transported there.

Wonderful illustrations √

I loved the fun, black and white, cartoon like illustrations that will doubtlessly help younger, less confident readers not only better mentally picture the world and inhabitants but will also help them engage with the text.

Copyright ... Felicity Grace Terry @ Pen and Paper

[Issy Waldrom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bought this book so that I could read it to the kids, and we all very much enjoyed it. A fantasy mystery tale that feels a lot like Terry Prachett's Discworld in writing style, setting and humor, it is an entertaining read that crafts the tale of Mutt as he joins Clarity Jones' detective agency and together they solve a rather interesting case. The story doesn't take itself too seriously, poking fun at various aspects, but still with a solid and engaging plot underneath it all. The characters are endearing, and we'd all would happy read more stories of them.

[Stuart Brandt · Rating 3 out of 5]

An amazing book! Loved the characters and the story kept me reading