Booklist, December 15, 1993

Clifford has written another clever, witty mystery in the popular series about Flatfoot Fox, the world’s greatest detective. Mournful Owl has lost his whoooo, and his friend, Silly Goose, asks Flatfoot Fox to find it. Much to Silly Goose’s amazement, it takes only a short walk in the woods before Flatfoot figures out who has stolen the missing whoooo. Silly Goose is awed by the foxy sleuth’s astounding deductive powers; Mournful Owl is happy to have his whoooo back; and Secretary Bird, Flatfoot’s trusty assistant, is sure he could have solved the case if he had had a little more time to think about it. Flatfoot Fox, of course, is already anxsious for his next challenging assignment. Clifford’s simple, easy-to-read text and understated humor make an attractive combination for beginning readers. The snappy plot and appealing animal characters blend nicely into a story that is entertaining enough to keep readers’ attention, as well as short enough for them to finish the book and get a feeling of achievement. Lies’ comical and charming black-and-white illustrations enhance the text. — Emily Melton

Boston Sunday Globe, March 6, 1994

The stars of two earlier books, detective Flatfoot Fox and his assistant, Secretary Bird, are on the trail of someone who stole Mournful Owl’s “whoooo.” The humor, both droll and slapstick, is well suited for the audience. Short, episodic chapters make this a good first mystery for children just beginning to read on their own.