Bats in the Garbage

Dosi Cotroneo is a freelance writer living in Manotick, Ontario.

Nasty neighbour Mrs. Hook, who dresses like a pirate to frighten
children away from her property, just cost Sam the $30 he had been
saving to spend at the fair. Now he and his best friend, Simon, the
co-founders (and only members) of the Bat Club, need to earn some
money—and right away. They come up with an idea: why not compost tea?
They have plenty of compost in their backyard and that, combined with
some boiling water in a jar, would make a perfect fertilizer for indoor
plants.

The boys secure a table at the local flea market, and the tea sells
quickly. At the end of the day, however, when they open their cashbox to
count their earnings, all the money is gone. Who would steal cash from a
couple of kids? Determined to find out, Sam and Simon soon find
themselves smack dab in the middle of a mystery to solve. What they
discover is that something stinks—and it’s not just the garbage
rotting in Mrs. Hook’s compost bins. Not only has the old woman stolen
their money, she’s also hiding something else. Simon and Sam come up
with a plan to catch her, and, once again, they get their pictures in
the local paper.

This follow-up chapter book to Bats and Burglars (2000) and Bats Out
the Window (2001) is fast-paced and easy to read. John Mardon’s
expressive illustrations add to the humour of the story. Highly
recommended.