Irvin Vella Investigatur Virtwali: Il-Kaz tas-Serqiet Strambi

Irvin is inspired from Mr Bonello’s favourite detectives in literature and movies, such as Fatty from Enid Blyton’s The Five Find-Outers; Peter Falk’s Detective Columbo; Raymond Chandler’s Philip Marlowe and Jupiter Jones from Alfred Hitchcock’s The Three Investigators.

“All of these sources somehow contributed to Irvin’s character,” Mr Bonello said, quipping that there are no autobiographical traits in the detective apart from a “calm and determined” approach to events.

The result is a whodunit full of hidden clues, action, suspense and a good dose of humour. The book is illustrated by internationally-renowned artist Lisa Falzon who uses black and white incisive drawings to capture the investigative mood brilliantly.

Mr Bonello is an award-winning author of fantasy novels for young adults and adults. His Il-Logħba talAllat trilogy has a significant cult following, and two books in the trilogy won him the Best Young Adult Fiction Award at the National Book Awards. His fantasy novel for adults, Fil-Mergħat tal-Impossibbli, and its recent sequel Jien, wieħed minnhom have been an unprecedented hit. His Irvin Vella novels mark his first foray into children’s literature, and following the success of the first book, he is already hard at work on the next episodes in the series, due for 2017 and 2018.

‘Irvin Vella: Il-Kaz tas-Serqiet Strambi’ is available from all bookshops or online directly from www.merlinpublishers.com