Scholastic Beetle Boy by M G Leonard

Darkus is miserable. His dad has disappeared, and now he is living next door to the most disgusting neighbours ever. A giant beetle called Baxter comes to his rescue. But can the two solve the mystery of his dad's disappearance, especially when links emerge to cruel Lucretia Cutter and her penchant for beetle jewellery A coffee-mug mountain, home to a million insects, could provide the answer - if Darkus and Baxter are brave enough to find it .