Welcome back, once again, to Polar Paradise in the Shetland Islands, part-time home of Octavius Bear’s spouse Bearoness Belinda Béarnaise Bruin Bear (nee Black.)  In Book Eight – The Crank Case, we introduced you to Preston Pavel Polar, Russian movie star and matinee idol. He’s back, this time with a full-scale movie crew to shoot another one of his highly successful swasgger and swords epics in the castle/resort and using most of the Octavians as his cast members. Belinda and Octavius are financial partners in the production. Things seem to be going smoothly but then, an ingenue cast member takes a fatal dive into the ocean and is pulled out Dead.  How did she die? Why did she die? Octavius and Maury swing into action to solve the mystery along with ace consulting detective Fetlock Holmes, Shetland Yard Superintendent Nigel Wardlaw and Chief Inspector Bruce Wallaroo. Belinda, the Cubs, Mlle Woof, Chita, Condo, Otto, the Wolves and all the other regulars are on hand to propel the action. Ready for another tale? Lights, Camera, Action!

“DeMaio is a skilled and engaging storyteller and crafter of characters and mystery narrative. Those who enjoy traditional Holmesian works will enjoy his books. It’s not a matter of trying to get past a concept to find the story; he manages to make his animals and their world an intrinsic part of his unique Sherlockian vision. Somehow, through Octavius Bear and his associates, Harry DeMaio has managed to create something that is entirely new and entirely familiar. His world is a very enjoyable place to lose yourself.“ – Amy Thomas

The Camera Case is available from all good bookstores including The Strand Magazine, Amazon USA, Barnes and Noble USA, Amazon UK, Waterstones UK and for free shipping worldwide Book Depository.