Chapter 1

Inspector Flytrap THE PRESIDENT'S MANE IS MISSING TOM ANGLEBERGER & CECE BELL

Chapter 1 My phone rang. "Hello," I said. "Flytrap Detective Agency." A slow voice started asking me questions. "Is this... Mr. Flytrap?"

"My name," I answered, "is INSPECTOR Flytrap. I am a detective. Do you have a THRILLING mystery for me to solve?" "Wait a minute," said the slow voice slowly. "I thought... you solved... BIG DEAL mysteries." "Yes, I do," I said. "However, I am also trying to become the World's Greatest Detective. So I've decided to solve only THRILLING mysteries." "But I have a... BIG DEAL mystery," said the slow voice. "That's fine," I said, "as long as it is also THRILLING. Please tell me what the mystery is AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE, and I'll tell you if I am thrilled." "I have lost my... pickle paperweight." "I am NOT thrilled," I said. "A missing pickle paperweight is not THRILLING, and it's not even a BIG DEAL. Also, I have already found your pickle paperweight once before. Remember?"

"No... you found A pickle paperweight... but it was not MY pickle... paperweight." "It wasn't?" "No... mine is much bigger." "How big is it?" "Big enough for... a hoofed mammal to hide behind!" "Well, that is big," I said. "But like I said, I solve only THRILLING mysteries!" And I hung up before he could start a slow argument about it!

Sheesh! I'm trying to become the greatest detective that ever grew! I don't have time to go around looking for big metal pickles!