School Library Journal Review
Gr 5-8-Darkus is devastated when his father, Dr. Bartholomew Cuttle, mysteriously disappears from a locked room at the Natural History Museum. Shortly after the incident, an exceptionally large and intelligent rhinoceros beetle approaches Darkus, wanting to communicate. Darkus quickly realizes that the beetle might know something about his father's disappearance. As he begins to investigate, every turn seems to lead to more questions, and more insects. Why do his uncle's neighbors have a room full of beetles? And why is the peculiar Lucretia Cutter determined to have them? In the end, Darkus must turn to his friends, both human and beetle, to help rescue his dad. This creepy crawly adventure contains the right balance of action and humor to keep listeners engaged. The occasional scientific fact about beetles adds an additional element of interest to the story. The author narrates with ease, lending a distinctive voice to each character. VERDICT A sure winner for middle grade listeners who love quirky mysteries and unusual animal companions. ["Educators looking for fiction that connects to and supports science curricula may find a new favorite in this": SLJ 1/16 review of the Scholastic Chicken House book.]-Amanda Spino, Anne Arundel County Public Library, MD © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
When Dr. Bartholomew Cuttle mysteriously disappears from a windowless vault that contains a rare beetle collection belonging to famous fashion designer Lucretia Cutter, it's up to his 12-year-old son, Darkus, to figure out what happened. The police believe that Dr. Cuttle simple left town, but Darkus knows his father would never abandon him. Living with his eccentric archaeologist Uncle Max, Darkus uncovers clues to his father's dark past with Lucretia, a former geneticist. Darkus develops an unexpected friendship with a rhinoceros beetle he names Baxter, and he eventually learns that Baxter and the other rare beetles understand humans and can work together. It's a skill that Darkus and his best friends, Bertolt and Virginia, take advantage of as they prepare to take on Lucretia and her henchmen. In this first book in a planned trilogy, debut novelist Leonard gives readers a rare glimpse into the world of insects, mixing adventure, mystery, and science and to create a story that's much more than just a novel about bugs. Even the most squeamish will be charmed. Ages 8-12. Agent: Kirsty McLachlan, David Godwin Associates. (Feb.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Kirkus Review
A young teen searches for his father with the assistance of unusual beetles in British documentarian Leonard's debut novel, a series opener. Five years after the death of his mother, 13-year-old Darkus Cuttle must confront the disappearance of his father. As the media frenzy and police investigation wind down, the boy moves in with his eccentric explorer uncle. One evening after school Darkus meets a "somehow friendly"-looking rhinoceros beetle he later names Baxter. The duo finds "beetle mountain," a pile of teacups and mold home to peculiar beetles. In turn, their discovery draws the attention of Lucretia Cutter, the Mad Scientist of Fashion, known for her deadly beetle obsession. Leonard unravels the madcap plot in sporadic bursts of frenzied action and humor. With the help of friends, Darkus soon plots to save the beetles from the villainous Cutter as he learns the reasons behind his father's disappearance. Throughout his quest, he encounters a whole range of offbeat characters, ranging from the grotesque (the violent and inane cousins Humphrey and Pickering) to the tragic (Novak Cutter, Lucretia's ill-treated actress daughter). As Darkus builds a beetle army to match Cutter's ferocity, emotional resonance recedes in favor of entertaining set pieces. Overall, a charming and (at times) affecting romp through beetle land. (entomology dictionary) (Fantasy. 8-12) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
Darkus Cuttle, 13, has been told that his scientist father, still grief-stricken by his wife's death five years earlier, has finally lost it and run away. Darkus knows this is not true, but the police won't listen. He is sent to live with his bachelor uncle, Max, and the two hatch a plan to find Darkus' missing dad. Along the way, they run afoul of Madame Cutter, a former geneticist turned fashion magnate, who harbors an unhealthy interest in beetles, and two bumbling neighbors, who happen to be housing a beetle infestation. And these are no ordinary beetles, but highly advanced insects who can understand human speech and develop doglike attachments to Darkus and his friends. With plucky kids, an over-the-top maniacal villain, and the obligatory dead mother, this debut fantasy has a traditional feel despite the modern-day setting. The danger, while frequently imminent, is not frightening. Darkus' loneliness is quickly alleviated as newfound friends rally to his side. Fans of madcap adventures and anthropomorphised sidekicks will enjoy this fast-paced series opener.--Dean, Kara Copyright 2016 Booklist
