Monkey Flip is a quirky and heartfelt mystery about a has-been indie pro wrestler, a pair of precocious kids, and a reclusive talking chimpanzee detective drawn back into action to solve a murder. When Mitch Mayhem, an arrogant wrestling champion, is found dead, suspicion falls on his ring rival, Bonecrusher Brannigan, a part-time wrestler, full-time dad. His kids, Addie and Bennett, refuse to believe their father could be guilty, and they enlist the help of Sebastian Winthrop, a grumpy but brilliant chimp detective with a taste for banana cream cookies. What follows is an absurd, emotional, and surprisingly touching journey through wrestling locker rooms, family kitchens, and dusty detective tropes turned on their heads.

This book surprised me. At first, I thought it was just going to be another wacky comedy with talking animals and goofy dialogue. And sure, it is funny, very funny, but underneath the humor is a real story about self-worth, family, and redemption. The writing is sharp and packed with personality. I genuinely laughed out loud at some of the lines, especially the banter between Addie and her brother. Addie, in particular, is a standout. She’s pushy, stubborn, a little bit of a know-it-all, but she’s also fiercely loyal and has a heart big enough to carry the whole story. The author walks a fine line between parody and sincerity, and for the most part, it works. The world is weird, but the emotions feel true.

The story works best when it leans into the kids’ perspective, their scrappy determination, their silly arguments, the way they see the world in terms of good guys and bad guys. The wrestling backdrop is painted with affection and authenticity, which makes sense since it reads like it was written by someone who really loves (and understands) the theater of it all.

Monkey Flip is a delightful surprise. It’s weird in all the right ways and warm in ways I didn’t expect. If you love wrestling, kids who act like tiny adults, or detectives with a tail and a chip on their shoulder, this book is for you. It’s especially great for anyone who’s ever felt overlooked or underestimated, because sometimes the best heroes are the ones who’ve been counted out.

Pages: 193 | ASIN : B0D867KR4T