Agent Zaiba Investigates: The Missing Diamonds – Annabelle Sami

Eleven-year-old Zaiba is obsessed with crime. Her Aunt Fouzia runs a detective agency back in Karachi and has turned Zaiba on to the brilliant Eden Lockett Mysteries. She has every book in the series – and the quilt cover, and the phone case. All she needs now is a crime to solve…

In book one, Zaiba is attending a family Mehndi party at The Grand Royal Star Hotel when she hears that the prized Italian Greyhound of a famous actress has gone missing from the star’s suite. With the help of her best friend and her little brother, the amateur sleuth manages to foil the petnapping plot and save the day.

Where was this book when I was younger? A girl detective book with a team of friends solving a case, sign me up! I’ve been meaning to read this one for a while now as younger children are always asking for mystery books at the library and I wanted to give this a read so I could recommend it. I will be doing just that now!

I loved the little team of detectives and all that they bring to the story. Zaiba our leader brings determination and attention to detail to the team and I adored her character. I really hope she becomes a role model for girls across the world. Poppy is an incredible best friends helping out Zaiba whilst bringing her own special skills to the story as well. My favourite character though has to be Ali, He isn’t the cliche little brother who is tagging along on the adventure. Ali has an incredible memory for facts and is excellent at maths. The helps shine a light on clues the others in the team overlook. Ali is excellent and holds his own alongside his incredible sister and her best friend.

The mystery isn’t a simple one despite it being a middle grade book. It isn’t one that is easily solved. But, there are clues throughout the book to help readers solve the mystery alongside Agent Zaiba and her team. If you are paying close attention to the details you can even solve the mystery before Zaiba and the team do.

I’d love to learn more about Aunt Fouzia and Zaiba’s mother during future investigations. I’m intrigued by them and their stories. Also, I want to learn more about Mariam, she seems like such an interesting character. I wanted to add too how much I adored the illustrations by Daniela Sosa throughout the book. They always made me smile.

This book perfectly highlights the importance of teamwork. It also shows how the support and encouragement of friends and family can give someone the courage they need to face their fears and even follow their dreams. 

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has a child who is interested in mysteries and detectives. I would also recommend it for anyone who is looking for a fun and inspiring read that they can fly through.