Abstract

Trueman Bradley is a genius detective with a difference, he has Asperger's Syndrome (ASD).

Trueman leaves his hometown of Heartville, Illinois, and arrives in New York City, hoping to fulfil his dream of becoming a private detective, like his comic book heroes. He is soon told that a guy with AS could not possibly succeed as a detective. Undeterred, Trueman uses his exceptional mathematical skills to invent a crime-fighting equation, and with the help of his new friends and some amazing inventions, sets out to test his skills against the criminal world of New York.

Suitable for children aged 10+

In my desire to curate a definitive collection of books for people on the autism spectrum, I enjoy learning of and reading new titles. Among the books I recommend is a growing list of fiction in which the main character has Asperger's syndrome.... "Trueman Bradley: Aspie Detective" combines detective fiction and fantasy to advocate for the abilities of people on the autism spectrum. It's a welcome addition to my recommended stories that feature an Aspergian protagonist. I enjoyed this book, which is written by Alexei Maxim Russell and is published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers. It presents characteristics of Asperger's Syndrome as assets in a professional career. It uses dramatization to illustrate prejudice and misconception about people who are on the spectrum.
Lake County Record-Bee
if you're looking for some light-hearted fiction that beautifully - and wittily - illustrates the best advantages of Asperger's whilst vividly bringing to life its accompanying difficulties, it's a great read.
Aukids
My copy of 'Trueman Bradley' is very dog eared because it has been read by all my family and many of my friends and we all love it... The book is unique and subtly educates, entertains and can be shared across the generations. I hope it will be made into a tv series or film for family viewing with the first asperger hero. I highly recommend this book – delightfully different and indulgent fantasy for everyone.
BFK Books
Let me start by saying I didn't know a lot about Asperger's Syndrome prior to reading this. Whilst it's not meant as a work of non-fiction, I feel I've come away with some insights as to what Asperger's is, the prejudices surrounding it and an idea of how someone with Asperger's might behave... I thought this was an easy to read and follow book... Truman's character, mannerisms and the way he logically does things made for interesting reading. This has some unseen twists which compliment the storyline well.
Clover Hill Book Reviews
This is a fantastic book in which the reader really gets to know an individual with Asperger's and all of the benefits and challenges that this can bring to relationships and life. A great read!
Anna Tickle, clinical psychologist and co-author of Exploring Bullying with Adults with Autism and Asperger Syndrome
My copy of 'Trueman Bradley' is very dog eared because it has been read by all my family and many of my friends and we all love it... It is actually quite hard to describe because it is not to adults. It is for people on the spectrum, people interested in people on the spectrum but is equally applicable to anyone who likes escapism in the form of a light detective story with a moral... This book is unique and subtly educates, entertains and can be shared across the generations. I hope it will be made into a tv series or film for family viewing with the first asperger hero. I highly recommend this book - delightfully different and indulgent fantasy for everyone.
asteens
I want to make everyone aware of a rather fun novel called "Trueman Bradley: Aspie Detective" by Alexei Maxim Russell. This book is ideal for the new novel reader, young tween or teen. It is perfect (depending on their reading level) for older elementary or middle school students.... If you are a teacher, a social worker, or psychologist, this is a terrific book to use during diversity education, in order to promote compassion, understanding and acceptance for those who "march to their own drummer." Trueman Bradley is a wonderful way to teach others how aspies think, feel and understand the world around them.
Raising Asperger's Kids: Book Review
The writing style is very simple, straightforward language - in keeping with the thought processes of the protagonist - but the plot twists are complex and interesting, and fit together well.
Erika Hammerschmidt, autism advocate and author of Born on the Wrong Planet
A brilliant but unconventional detective is a perfect way to illustrate the strengths and weaknesses of an Aspie. I love how Trueman typifies the vulnerabilities of an Aspie... and yet shows how thinking outside the box, is a strength that few neuro-typicals possess... Trueman is intriguing and that will make readers hungry for more.
Kathy Hoopmann, author of the Asperger Adventures Series
Trueman Bradley is a young man with Asperger Syndrome who wasn't diagnosed until later on in his youth and he so badly wants to be a detective, just like Slam Bradley, the comic-book hero he idolizes. So, he moves from the small town of Heartville, Illinois, where he grew up to the mad, bustling world of New York City, with the loud traffic noises that he hates so much.... Throughout the book (which I couldn't put down!) Trueman learned how to pick up subtle cues and to better figure out how the others were feeling, in different situations and he formed some very close friendships. This is a fabulous way for a young person to learn about Asperger Syndrome in a positive way, without being talked down to or being preached at. This one's a winner.
Autism Society of Michigan
Alexei Maxim Russell writes fiction, non-fiction, poetry screenplays and dramatic scripts. In addition to being a writer, he is an advocate for building awareness concerning Autism and Asperger's Syndrome (AS) and his interest in AS inspired him to create Trueman Bradley, a positive role model and hero for those with AS. He hopes the book will help people to understand that AS is not a disability, it is a different way of thinking and not a "wrong" way of thinking.  Alexei lives in Winnipeg, Canada.
Trueman Bradley is an endearing, plucky, and determined protagonist who has readers cheering for him throughout the book. Though he wants to be a famous crime solving detective like his comic heroes Slam Bradley and Dick Tracy, Trueman, and his Aspergers, teaches readers that sometimes the bravest things we are required to do in life are those that we take for granted - being able to cross the street, and make true friends.
Shana Nichols, Director of the ASPIRE Centre for Learning and Development and author of Girls Growing Up on the Autism Spectrum
Trueman Bradley is a quirky, charming novel... From the opening lines I was gently gripped...First and foremost Trueman Bradley entertains and enchants but a secondary benefit is that he educates the reader about Aspergers and shows it as an asset. I look forward to many more Trueman Bradley Stories.
Anna Van Der Post, research psychologist and author of Children and Teenagers with Aspergers

As an educator who had worked with students with Asperger's, I was delighted to read 'Trueman Bradley - Aspie Detective'. The novel was not only a fun read, it provides tremendous insight into the world as seen through the eyes and understanding of a young man with Asperger's. It's a story where ability triumphs over disability. Trueman's incredible gift, to understand the world through his complex math formulas, his penchant for innovation and invention to implement his formulas and solve problems, are incredible triumphs for a young man who has struggled to fit in and find simple comforts in the complex environment in which he functions.

It also portrays the reality of stigma and the lack of understanding that people hold for what remains for many a misunderstood and mysterious disorder. Trueman Bradley will help people understand Asperger's and give reason for people to pause and reflect on how they view those who are faced with challenges in their lives. Trueman Bradley will help people to see past the challenges and appreciate the gifts that each of us possess.

Peter Bjornson, former teacher and Minister of Education, Province of Manitoba, Canada, now Minister of Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade, Manitoba