Working in the taxidermy department of the Melbourne Natural History Museum over the summer holidays, Bee does not expect to be thrust into mystery and romance. However, the arrival of a good-looking but know-it-all university student and the death by apparent suicide of the head taxidermist put an end to her uneventful summer internship.

Bee’s resulting investigation with the assistance of the annoying and attractive Toby is a delight for any of us who started out reading girl super-sleuths Nancy Drew or Trixie Belden. It takes a classic genre and weaves in a contemporary sensibility, resulting in a fun read – with a dash of romance.

Marie Matteson is from Readings Port Melbourne