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* First in a new series *
Arthur Conan Doyle used his quick wits to save a baby, but in doing so, he also saved himself. Because of his quick actions, he's been gifted an opportunity to go to boarding school. He's excited to go to Baskerville Hall and to keep learning. He's hoping that soon, he will be able to make his family more comfortable.
He soon meets three friends who help him settle into the school. Although, he does make an enemy. This enemy seems determine to make trouble for Arthur. When a secret society calls upon them, Arthur will have to make choices that will change everything.
My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book - lots of action and danger. There are secrets to uncover and truths to sort out. Everything is not what it seems - which makes for quick page turning. I liked the Baskerville Hall - from the studies, the students, and the grounds. I loved the different friends and their quirks. I'm eager to see where this series is going. But I do hope there's a little more about Arthur's family life.
Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: A great book for your school and public library collections. Highly recommended.
* Book 3 in the Shelby Holmes series *John Watson's blog has outed the duo crime solvers. A reporter waits for them one day after school. After the interview airs, someone comes looking for their help.My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book - particularly the moments on the ice. I loved learning more about skating and competition. I loved the secret coded language. I adored the references to The Cutting Edge. I loved the moments between John and his father. I really loved how Shelby tried to understand friendship because of her need for candy. I hope there will be plenty more books in this series to come.
John Watson's about to get his wish - going undercover. But undercover work isn't all that it's cracked up to be. He has to pretend he's a figure skater and he can barely balance on skates. John also has to be at the rink at the crack of dawn to uncover a blackmailer.
These early mornings are cutting into his sleeping time, not to mention time for school work and his father's visit. He just hopes they can solve the case in time for the skating competition.
* First Book in the series *Charlotte Holmes has never felt comfortable in society. After her father breaks their deal, Charlotte takes matters into her own hands. She plans an event that will allow her to move away from proper society - although she doesn't realize how hard things might become when she's taking care of herself.My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this gender swap of Sherlock Holmes. I loved Charlotte's mind and how she used it. I enjoyed her relationship with her sister and Mrs. Watson. I like how she formed a partnership with the latter. I also really enjoyed the policeman and his wife. I liked the puzzling deaths, the connections, and the reveal. I'm looking forward to the next book.
After three odd deaths occur and suspicion falls on her sister, Charlotte uses her alter ego to help persuade the police they're on the wrong track. But she'll need help. Luckily she can count on some friends - both new and old to help uncover the truth.
John Watson, an Army brat moves into a new building where he meets Shelby Holmes. At first he isn't too sure about her, but right now she's the only person he knows. He asks to tag along on her walk with her dog.My Thoughts: Honestly, the name and the cover sold me on this book (not to mention the author.) I was pleasantly surprised when I realized the narrator wasn't Shelby Holmes, but John Watson. I loved seeing the neighborhood through his eyes when he walked with Shelby. I loved his initial meeting with Shelby and how she grew on him. They make an unlikely pair, but they're refreshing. I enjoyed the case and meeting the family. I like John's mother and how she isn't sure that Shelby is the best person for John to befriend. I liked her backstory too. Plus the illustrations are charming. I can't wait to read more about this pair.
They run into a school mate of Shelby's who is devastated because her dog has gone missing. Shelby takes the case and allows John to tag along. Can they solve the case?
Mori and Sherlock Homes attend the same high school and meet quite by accident. Before she knows it, Sherlock seeks her out. A body turns up dead in the park near Mori's house - a place where she runs when things get out of hand at home.My Thoughts: I admit that I haven't delved into the Sherlock Holmes novels - I've watched different adaptations from Elementary to Robert Downey Jr and Jude Watson's movie. I really liked this Sherlock Holmes spin and I'm so curious to see where this series goes.
Sherlock wants to spy on the police work. He scoffs at their amateur findings and suggests he and Mori dig into the death - as a game. The only rule - they have to tell each other everything they uncover. Mori's not sharing the details she uncovers. This case could become personal for her. She's not sure she wants to share that with Sherlock.
Final Thoughts: An intriguing start to new series with familiar characters, secrets, and the start of a relationship that could turn into something more. If you're a Sherlock fan or if you like thrillers, add this one to your list.
Everything you need to know or would want to know about the greatest literary detective Sherlock Holmes.
Overall Thought: It's a beautiful book filled with photographs and illustrations. The short sections are chock full of information and easy to read. It's the perfect gift for any Sherlockian fan!
This will be one to show in the library.
