School Library Journal, September 1992

When Nosy Otter is kidnapped, his mother turns to Flatfoot Fox, “...the smartest detective in the whole world...,” to find him. As in Flatfoot Fox and the Case of the Missing Eye, Clifford and Lies team up to bring the sleuthing skills of the dogged detective and his staunch (though not always astute) assistant, Secretary Bird, to delighted readers. Talking to a quirky collection of highly suspect suspects, gathering clues, following footprints, and enlisting the services of an air scout, Fox is led to Motherly Mouse’s house where he eventually finds the errant otter. The text, with its good humor and dry wit, is perfect for young mystery buffs searching for an easy chapter book. The black-and-white pen-and-ink illustrations—energetic, expressive and full of droll detail—are sprinkled generously throughout. And for fans of Fox, the ending promises yet another case for the intrepid gumshoe.

Booklist, September 1, 1992

Flatfoot Fox, the smartest detective in the whole world, last seen in Flatfoot Fox and the Case of the Missing Eye, returns to solve another mystery. This time, Mrs. Chatterbox Otter wants to find her son, Nosy, who has been kidnapped. Flatfoot and his avian assistant, Secretary Bird, set out to track down the perpetrator, hopefully before Mrs. Otter’s incessant prattle drives them both crazy. The delightfully overdrawn suspects—Crabby Crow, Terribly Worried Woodchuck, Lame Brain Swan, and Motherly Mouse—will keep readers laughing, and Lies’ expressive black-line drawings bring out the subtle humor of Clifford’s deadpan text. Although children will probably solve the crime before Flatfoot does, this is an engaging first chapter book that will be popular with young mystery buffs.