How do you help children understand about someone in their family who has dementia? A leading figure in later life housing and care has found a novel way to bridge the divide… with a detective story. Review by Tony Watts OBE

A children’s detective story might seem, well, a left-field way to help young people get to grips with what is happening when their gran or granddad develops dementia… but Mario Ambrosi’s new novel “Scarlett Buckling and the Case of the Missing Pictures” successfully harnesses the crime genre to do just that.

The story begins with 12-year-old Scarlett, already a crime novel fan, realising that her beloved Gran has gone missing late at night. Gran is eventually found, but she is confused and worried about something. Her mum’s boyfriend, meanwhile, seems intent on putting Gran into a care home.

But all is not as it seems, and Scarlett and her young, brainy friend adopt the personae of gumshoes and find themselves battling to be taken seriously as they attempt to solve what appears to be an impenetrable case.

There is, of course, a happy ending. And, along the way, there is the touching relationship between Scarlett and her gran to appreciate, as well as a narrative that will help younger readers to understand how dementia affects people and relationships, and how the care system looks after those living with the condition.

The book has already won praise from former Education Secretary Lord Kenneth Baker, who also chaired the panel of judges for the 2001 Booker Prize. He said: “I loved meeting the dementia detectives Scarlett and Bournemouth. It is important children learn about dementia, and this sensitive story will help children and adults alike.”

Mario, who has worked in communications for Anchor, England’s largest not-for-profit provider of older people’s care and housing, for 20 years, has written the book based on his own personal and professional experiences: “My uncle lived with dementia, and it affects so many families but can be difficult to talk about. I have two kids of my own and wanted to help them feel comfortable asking questions.”

He adds: “I’ve always been amazed at how key facts about someone’s life can be the clues that help care professionals provide the best care possible in care homes. A detective story seemed the obvious way to talk about it for children. I wanted to show the massive difference that people who work in social care make and, hopefully, inspire the next generation.”

Karen Harrison Dening, Professor of Dementia Nursing and Dementia UK’s Head of Research, says of the story: “Sensitive and poignant. Funny, uplifting and a well-informed depiction of dementia and its impact.”

I’d concur with all of that. It is a gripping yet touching tale that sensitively but straightforwardly deals with what is all-too-often a taboo topic. Highly recommended.

“Scarlett Buckling and the Case of the Missing Pictures” is available at: Scarlett Buckling and the Case of the Missing Pictures: A Detective Adventure for Middle Grade Readers Exploring Dementia and Family Bonds : Ambrosi, Mario: Amazon.co.uk: Books