Inspiring Young Readers
posted on 31 Jul 2020
Agent Zaiba Investigates: The Missing Diamonds by Annabelle Sami
An adventurous, action-packed crime novel with a generous dose of South Asian culture.
Observe beyond the silhouettes adorned in colourful shalwar kameez, intricately embroidered dupattas, jewel-encrusted bangles and you’ll notice the tenacious, crime-solving British Pakistani girl that is Zaiba. 11-year-old Zaiba, an aspiring detective, teams alongside her younger half-brother Ali and best friend Poppy to solve the mystery of the missing diamonds before chaos ensues at her favourite cousin’s Mendhi party.
The dynamic trio are all fiercely individual and combine to reflect the multi-cultural community depicted in the novel. It was marvellous to see how the author had expertly interwoven a seamless blend of Pakistani tradition in the story.
Note to reader: you’ll need a large cup of chaii and a great helping of barfi when reading!
Mia Bano
July 2020