Hotzenplotz 3

Author: Otfried Preußler
Original Title: Hotzenplotz 3
Genre: Children's book

Original publisher: Thienemann Verlag
Date first published: 1969
Date first read: 1993/1994

Main character(s): Der Räuber Hotzenplotz (a robber), Kasperl (a clown figure from children's puppet shows), Seppel (his best friend), Großmutter (Kasperl's grandma), Alois Dimpfelmoser (the village policeman), Petrosilius Zwackelmann (the local evil wizard), Widow Schlotterbeck (a fortune teller who dabbles in magic), Wasti (her pet dachshund, whom she accidentally transformed into a pet crocodile)
Favorite quote: N/A

Synopsis:
The dreaded Robber Hotzenploz finally has enough - he doesn't want to be a robber anymore; he wants to lead an honest life. But no one believes him; he is the dreaded Robber Hotzenplotz after all. When Kasperl and Seppel go out to the robber's den to watch him and prevent any crimes on his part, they realize that he has indeed turned a new leaf as he is intent to dispose of all his guns and gun powder. Having helped him out to do so, he attempts to return the favor by walking them safely back to town. However, on the outskirts, there is a new wanted poster of Hotzenplotz: he is wanted for stealing Widow Schlotterbeck's crystal ball. Knowing that he is innocent, Kasperl and Seppel go to solve the case and help Hotzenplotz out.

Review:
The last of the trilogy. It has a nice twist for kids, Hotzenplotz becoming a good guy, although no one believes him in the beginning. I remember that I didn't either at first. Preußler really set things up well to keep a kid reading.

Prequels: Der Räuber Hotzenplotz; Neues vom Räuber Hotzenplotz