School Library Journal Review

Gr 2--5--Alligator spies Mango and Brash are back in this third volume that tackles no-win scenarios and sees the return of nemesis Crackerdile. The InvestiGators are summoned to the Science Factory to look into the continued disappearance of plumber Bill Plungerton and a lab snake. Little do they know that Plungerton and the snake are now evil--dubbing themselves Hookline and Slinker, they have teamed up with Crackerdile to start a new group of supervillains. Antics ensue after the villains rob a bank, setting themselves on an eventual crash course with Mango and Brash. Though the narrative is dialogue heavy at times, the colorful, cartoony artwork, wordplay, and comical misunderstandings will leave kids eager for more. VERDICT An enjoyable, humorous tale for new and returning series readers, especially those partial to puns.