NEIL FLAMBÉ AND THE BARD'S BANQUET

Neil Flambé, 15-year-old culinary genius, contends with Shakespearean lore in this fifth addition to the mystery series that highlights his name (and sensitive nose).

The action kicks off right away when Lord Lane of Liverpool commissions Neil to make a dinner for a party using a case of antique honey. After the dinner, Neil gives Lane a document he found hidden in one of the jars, and the peer disappears. Shortly after, Neil and his cousin Larry are commanded by an incredibly powerful British personage to find Lane. At first, Larry and Neil are stumped, but then they meet with Rose, a Shakespeare expert who is fascinated by the document. Then the story explodes: There’s a frantic car ride, pursuit by two large thugs and an abduction. This very amusing book incorporates playful character names (Brie works in a cheese store), puns (“Two Bees or Not Two Bees” reads one chapter head) and mildly gross facts (Harris tweed got its color from “old pee” in the dye), keeping readers engaged. Those new to the series should catch up quickly thanks to the carefully inserted back story.

The constant suspense, innocent romance, a lovely recipe for scones, and the flamboyant, irrepressible chef will captivate fans of the series and impel new readers to the nearest bookstore or library.