The fingerprint code

By R. A. Stephens

Illustrated by Em Hammond

Reviewed by Renata Clarke

R. A. Stephens runs publishing houses Wombat Books and Rhiza Edge, and also writes and edits individually both for their own company and for other publishers. They are primarily interested in writing work that mixes science and maths with children’s fiction.

The Fingerprint Code is part of a junior fiction series featuring Riz Chester which takes a new look at crime-solving children’s mysteries by bringing in scientific practices that relate to real-life investigative techniques. Children with a particular interest in science may be drawn to this series, as will those who love a good mystery.

In this installment Riz and her friends find a mystery at school: the music room is in disarray, and many of the instruments are nowhere to be seen! As the team puzzle over such a shocking sight, their ring leader Riz shares her special knowledge on a way they might find answers. Riz teaches her friends about fingerprints, and how they can be analysed and matched to their owner. Each member of the team brings their own skills and knowledge to the mystery as they hunt for the culprit of this musical puzzle.

Stephens has crafted a small team of quirky characters to provide a vessel for real-world scientific information and general knowledge to young readers, with some moments of warmth and connection to give it some heart. Riz is an aspiring detective, who has been building these skills to one day reach that goal. She shares snapshots of her forensic log throughout the chapters, which is a fun immersive element that breaks up the text and adds interest. The friends share random did you know tidbits of information throughout their dialogue to pack a few more facts into the story. Em Hammond’s sweet cartoon illustrations in black and white give a face to many characters’ names and help build a picture of this novice gang of crime solvers.

Chilldren 8+ will learn and solve the case with Riz and her pals and perhaps find a new scientific interest along the way.

Wombat Books 2024

R A Stephens

Em Hammond