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Sherlock Academy #2
Watson's Case
Book 2 of the #1 Bestselling Sherlock Academy Series!
Stolen tools, holes in the walls, secret codes hiding in plain sight. . .
Even more mysteries await Rollie Wilson this month at the Sherlock Academy of Fine Sleuths. It has been several weeks since the evil Herr Zilch tried to steal from the academy’s secret library. When Rollie finds a note from Zilch in a wastepaper basket, Headmaster Yardsly asks Rollie to help discover who Zilch’s "mole" is. With Cecily at his side, Rollie is determined to catch the spy, all while dealing with his odious roommate, his mysterious great-aunt, and the school’s new teacher.
What’s more, Rollie’s Great Auntie Ei has sent him an antique newspaper from 1894 reporting on one of Sherlock Holmes’s cases. What appears to be old news is actually a secret map hidden within the paper’s pages. Rollie must decipher the map, then discover the Academy’s secrets before the mole can hand them over to Herr Zilch.
Can Rollie thwart Zilch’s plans? Will his family remember his birthday? Can he solve the mystery of his missing roommate?
Stolen tools, holes in the walls, secret codes hiding in plain sight. . .
Even more mysteries await Rollie Wilson this month at the Sherlock Academy of Fine Sleuths. It has been several weeks since the evil Herr Zilch tried to steal from the academy’s secret library. When Rollie finds a note from Zilch in a wastepaper basket, Headmaster Yardsly asks Rollie to help discover who Zilch’s "mole" is. With Cecily at his side, Rollie is determined to catch the spy, all while dealing with his odious roommate, his mysterious great-aunt, and the school’s new teacher.
What’s more, Rollie’s Great Auntie Ei has sent him an antique newspaper from 1894 reporting on one of Sherlock Holmes’s cases. What appears to be old news is actually a secret map hidden within the paper’s pages. Rollie must decipher the map, then discover the Academy’s secrets before the mole can hand them over to Herr Zilch.
Can Rollie thwart Zilch’s plans? Will his family remember his birthday? Can he solve the mystery of his missing roommate?
204 pages, Hardcover
First published July 31, 2010
20 people are currently reading
605 people want to read
About the author
F.C. Shaw
13 books44 followersAs a big Sherlockian and lover children's literature, I had to write a middle grade mystery centered around the theme of Sherlock Holmes. While Holmes as a character does not appear in my series, readers will learn about him as they follow my characters
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 26 reviews
December 14, 2015
Another charming entry in this sentimental, family-friendly series.
I very much enjoyed catching up with Rollie & Co, and am eagerly awaiting the next installment!
And I have to comment on the adorable cover-art, which is perfect for the series.
I very much enjoyed catching up with Rollie & Co, and am eagerly awaiting the next installment!
And I have to comment on the adorable cover-art, which is perfect for the series.
March 27, 2020
Rollie and his friend, Cecily, are presented with another mystery, a secret map hidden in a newspaper and a spy lurking within the Academy. There are many clues and mysterious things happening, but which details are actually pointing to the spy and which are the red herrings?
I loved everything about this book! The characters, the plot, the mystery, the action, the school, the writing style... everything is wonderful!
Rollie is an excellent main character. He's smart and observant, and he wants to be just like Sherlock Holmes. I really identified with his thought process and his emotions and excitement in the middle of a mystery.
I loved the easy friendship between Rollie and Cecily. They are great friends, and it really shows in their banter and camaraderie. I loved how they nickname each other "Holmes" and "Watson." Their friendship is even further cemented in this second book in the series.
It was really interesting to see how Rollie begins to connect with more of the side characters in this book. He has a misunderstanding with one of his roommates, Rupert, and is convinced that because Rupert is a nasty rude person, he must be working as a spy for the bad guys. Rollie learns not to let his personal feelings get in the way of finding actual evidence. This was such a great exploration of different types of relationships and how we can easily misjudge people.
The writing style is excellent, drawing the reader into the story. The plot leaves little foreshadowing clues all over the place for the reader to wonder over until the mystery is revealed. I love the puzzles and codes, and the plot kept me interested right to the very end.
I can't wait to read more books in this series!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
I loved everything about this book! The characters, the plot, the mystery, the action, the school, the writing style... everything is wonderful!
Rollie is an excellent main character. He's smart and observant, and he wants to be just like Sherlock Holmes. I really identified with his thought process and his emotions and excitement in the middle of a mystery.
I loved the easy friendship between Rollie and Cecily. They are great friends, and it really shows in their banter and camaraderie. I loved how they nickname each other "Holmes" and "Watson." Their friendship is even further cemented in this second book in the series.
It was really interesting to see how Rollie begins to connect with more of the side characters in this book. He has a misunderstanding with one of his roommates, Rupert, and is convinced that because Rupert is a nasty rude person, he must be working as a spy for the bad guys. Rollie learns not to let his personal feelings get in the way of finding actual evidence. This was such a great exploration of different types of relationships and how we can easily misjudge people.
The writing style is excellent, drawing the reader into the story. The plot leaves little foreshadowing clues all over the place for the reader to wonder over until the mystery is revealed. I love the puzzles and codes, and the plot kept me interested right to the very end.
I can't wait to read more books in this series!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
August 1, 2010
Absolutely loved the latest addition to the Sherlock Academy series by famed local author F.C. Shaw.
This book continues where the last book left off, Rolie's first year at SA. When a new teacher, Lady Gwendolyn, arrives to take over Enches subject all the students (and a teacher!) are smitten. However, Rolie is curious, especially after he sees Gwen through away an encoded note regarding MUS, his dreaded enemy school! Learning that a mole is loose in the school, Rolie must now work to do all he can to discover the mole and protect the future of SA.
This book hinted a bit of what we are to see in future books regarding Rolie's family and their connection to Holmes. Excited to see where this is all going. Leaves you hanging a bit and thinking of what will happen next!
Featuring new characters like Lady Gwen and Westley, as well as some old favorites (Auntie Ei!) this book is enchanting. A great read for kids of all ages teaching the value of honesty, hard work, and friendship.
This book continues where the last book left off, Rolie's first year at SA. When a new teacher, Lady Gwendolyn, arrives to take over Enches subject all the students (and a teacher!) are smitten. However, Rolie is curious, especially after he sees Gwen through away an encoded note regarding MUS, his dreaded enemy school! Learning that a mole is loose in the school, Rolie must now work to do all he can to discover the mole and protect the future of SA.
This book hinted a bit of what we are to see in future books regarding Rolie's family and their connection to Holmes. Excited to see where this is all going. Leaves you hanging a bit and thinking of what will happen next!
Featuring new characters like Lady Gwen and Westley, as well as some old favorites (Auntie Ei!) this book is enchanting. A great read for kids of all ages teaching the value of honesty, hard work, and friendship.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2015
I am very excited to share this sequel to my first book Sherlock Academy. Watson's Case is set in October, so there is festive autumnal/Halloween theme. The stakes are high, the mysteries multiple, and the Sherlock Academy world more complex. I can't wait to hear what you all think of it!
January 13, 2022
This wasn't a bad book, I think I was just wanting so much more from this series and it was just okay.
I like the characters for the most part (some feel exaggerated to me) and I love the premise of the book.
My main problem with the first book was the big focus on the academy rather than the mystery; the plot felt lacking to me. I had hoped the first book was the set up and the rest of the series would be more fun for me, but the second felt very much the same as the first to me. I think I'm going to be done with the series for now.
I like the characters for the most part (some feel exaggerated to me) and I love the premise of the book.
My main problem with the first book was the big focus on the academy rather than the mystery; the plot felt lacking to me. I had hoped the first book was the set up and the rest of the series would be more fun for me, but the second felt very much the same as the first to me. I think I'm going to be done with the series for now.
October 31, 2015
Review for F.C. Shaw's “Sherlock Academy: Watson's Case”
Information:
“Sherlock Academy: Watson's Case” is an MG Mystery, and a sequel to Sherlock Academy Book 1
Plot 5/5
It's an middle grade book, so don't expect extremely dark themes or extremely deep character development. The plot, though a mystery, is in fact very age appropriate, doing a great job of keeping the stakes high, but also interjecting great lighthearted moments. One of the strongest aspects of the book, however, is Farah's great pacing! WARNING: STORY COMPOSITION TALK INCOMING. The stories main plot points fall almost exactly on the 25%, 50%, and 75% marks, and seems organic, and not too rush nor too slow. Such was the case with book 1 as well. It makes it very comfortable to read, and
Character 4/5
If the book has any short comings, it's with character, and in particular, the main character. Rollie is just not very deep. His main focus is solving every mystery around him in sincere earnest. But, for any age appropriate boy (or older), Rolly being an empty vessel lends to the reader taking on Rollie's shoes. And despite the MC's lack of depth, the other side characters actually shine, starting off appearing one sided, but reveal to be more nuanced then Rollie, and you grow to care a lot for Rollie's family and classmates and teachers.
Setting 5/5
SA:WC is set in an England where Sherlock Holmes, rather than being fiction, was, not only a real person, but also a well known public figure. It reads authentic, but then I am not the biggest anglophile. The epinymous school itself is fantastic and clever, even if the course of study itself is not terribly practical. But then, neither was it that practical in Harry Potter, which is the obvious comparison that must be drawn.
Conclusion 5/5
Harry Potter meets Sherlock Holmes, Farah Shaw's Sherlock Academy 2: Watson's Case is a well written Middle Grade book, with fantastic pacing and a colorful cast of characters. Fun for all ages.
Information:
“Sherlock Academy: Watson's Case” is an MG Mystery, and a sequel to Sherlock Academy Book 1
Plot 5/5
It's an middle grade book, so don't expect extremely dark themes or extremely deep character development. The plot, though a mystery, is in fact very age appropriate, doing a great job of keeping the stakes high, but also interjecting great lighthearted moments. One of the strongest aspects of the book, however, is Farah's great pacing! WARNING: STORY COMPOSITION TALK INCOMING. The stories main plot points fall almost exactly on the 25%, 50%, and 75% marks, and seems organic, and not too rush nor too slow. Such was the case with book 1 as well. It makes it very comfortable to read, and
Character 4/5
If the book has any short comings, it's with character, and in particular, the main character. Rollie is just not very deep. His main focus is solving every mystery around him in sincere earnest. But, for any age appropriate boy (or older), Rolly being an empty vessel lends to the reader taking on Rollie's shoes. And despite the MC's lack of depth, the other side characters actually shine, starting off appearing one sided, but reveal to be more nuanced then Rollie, and you grow to care a lot for Rollie's family and classmates and teachers.
Setting 5/5
SA:WC is set in an England where Sherlock Holmes, rather than being fiction, was, not only a real person, but also a well known public figure. It reads authentic, but then I am not the biggest anglophile. The epinymous school itself is fantastic and clever, even if the course of study itself is not terribly practical. But then, neither was it that practical in Harry Potter, which is the obvious comparison that must be drawn.
Conclusion 5/5
Harry Potter meets Sherlock Holmes, Farah Shaw's Sherlock Academy 2: Watson's Case is a well written Middle Grade book, with fantastic pacing and a colorful cast of characters. Fun for all ages.
October 23, 2015
This book was fun! It's written for middle grade readers (ages 9-12) but there was plenty of mystery and fun and I enjoyed it as well! Rollie is really an amazing character, he's about to turn 12 and he goes to a special boarding school in London, Sherlock Academy where he and his schoolmates are learning to be detectives. They have classes on decoding codes, and observing others among other things. Rollie has already solved one mystery about Herr Zilch, but there's another game afoot and Headmaster Yardsly has asked him to help figure out just who the mole that seems to be left at the school.
I really loved Rollie's friends too, Cecily is a good friend and the Watson to Rollie's Sherlock, she's smart and fun. Always willing to do anything that Rollie needs her to in order to help, and she's got her own ideas about who the mole could be. Eliot is one of Rollie's roommates and he's a bit of a character, always concerned about the rules and making sure to follow them. Then there's Rupert...he's always missing with no one sure of just where he goes or what he does.
The plot of this one is really well-written. It's a sequel to Sherlock Academy, but the way the author has written it, I completely understood everything that was going on and had happened without reading the first book. I'm sure reading the first book would be enjoyable too, but you'll be okay without. There were surprises around every corner in this book, I almost didn't have it figured out by the end, but with Cecily's help, I knew just who the culprit was.
Make sure to check out this great book, especially if you have kids in your life that will enjoy this great series!
I really loved Rollie's friends too, Cecily is a good friend and the Watson to Rollie's Sherlock, she's smart and fun. Always willing to do anything that Rollie needs her to in order to help, and she's got her own ideas about who the mole could be. Eliot is one of Rollie's roommates and he's a bit of a character, always concerned about the rules and making sure to follow them. Then there's Rupert...he's always missing with no one sure of just where he goes or what he does.
The plot of this one is really well-written. It's a sequel to Sherlock Academy, but the way the author has written it, I completely understood everything that was going on and had happened without reading the first book. I'm sure reading the first book would be enjoyable too, but you'll be okay without. There were surprises around every corner in this book, I almost didn't have it figured out by the end, but with Cecily's help, I knew just who the culprit was.
Make sure to check out this great book, especially if you have kids in your life that will enjoy this great series!
January 19, 2016
Watson's Case is the second book in the Sherlock Academy series. It is written for middle grades, and while the protagonist is a 12-year-old boy, his sidekick and best friend is a girl. I feel that it is a great read for children of either gender.
My 11-year old son absolutely loves mysteries and solving problems, but some of the other mystery books out there made him scared – they were too creepy or had age-inappropriate subject matter. I heard good things about Sherlock Academy and bought it for my son. He absolutely loved it and insisted that I read it as well. It was an enjoyable read and I was so happy that the ending made it obvious that the book would be a series – yay!
I was very excited to read Watson's Case, and so was my son. It picked up right where the first book left off, so it was nice to “jump right in,” but the author also wrote little reminders into the prose for the first few chapters to help readers who may not remember everything from the first book. The plot was richer and very interesting; there were more suspects in the case and I was left wondering “who dunnit” until the very end! Well-written, entertaining, engaging, and (most importantly for myself as a parent) completely age appropriate, I would recommend it for anyone. My son couldn't wait to read it and wouldn't put it down. The series is one of his favorites and we can't wait to read the next one!
My 11-year old son absolutely loves mysteries and solving problems, but some of the other mystery books out there made him scared – they were too creepy or had age-inappropriate subject matter. I heard good things about Sherlock Academy and bought it for my son. He absolutely loved it and insisted that I read it as well. It was an enjoyable read and I was so happy that the ending made it obvious that the book would be a series – yay!
I was very excited to read Watson's Case, and so was my son. It picked up right where the first book left off, so it was nice to “jump right in,” but the author also wrote little reminders into the prose for the first few chapters to help readers who may not remember everything from the first book. The plot was richer and very interesting; there were more suspects in the case and I was left wondering “who dunnit” until the very end! Well-written, entertaining, engaging, and (most importantly for myself as a parent) completely age appropriate, I would recommend it for anyone. My son couldn't wait to read it and wouldn't put it down. The series is one of his favorites and we can't wait to read the next one!
October 14, 2015
I really enjoyed reading this book. I read it to my 10, 7, and 12 year olds and they enjoyed it too. I suggest reading the first Sherlock Academy and then read this. I didn't, but still enjoyed Watson's case. There are spoilers from the first book (understandably), but it filled in the gaps for those of us who didn't read the first book. The characters were very relatable. I could see my children as each of the characters. There was never a slow part in the book. There was enough mystery to keep you guessing who the culprit was, which made me want to keep reading. My 10 year old, who doesn't like to read, kept asking me to "just read one more chapter" because he wanted to know what happened next! I think this book would be good for ages 6-11. It's a great book to introduce your children to mysteries.
October 23, 2015
I haven't read the first book yet, but felt like there was enough of the backstory explained that I didn't feel lost. Yes, by reading the second book first I know some of the first book's spoilers, but I still want to go back and read about their first year at the Academy. The characters are that engaging and the overall construction of the story is very good. I, too, liken it to Harry Potter in that it is an invite-only school for special students. I also like the Sherlockian theme. My only criticism is that sometimes the students speak like adults, not children. I can kind of forgive it in that these are special students who might actually talk like that, kind of like mini Cumberbatches. Overall, this is a series that I want to read and will recommend to my students.
October 7, 2015
Even though I didn't read the first book, I felt that this one could stand on it's own. I do want to read the first book now, but since I didn't read in order, there were spoilers mentioned (which is to be expected). I would suggest reading the first Sherlock Academy and then this one. I liked how the story kept moving, it wasn't repetitive or slow in any part. The characters are relatable. I could even imagine some of my children as Rollie, Cecily, and Eliot. My children enjoyed it too! If you like mysteries or Harry Potter, I recommend reading the Sherlock Academy series.
October 6, 2015
Although I've not yet read the first book, I did not feel as though I'd been left behind picking this one up out of order. The characters pull you in with pointed hints, the ideals of the young person you once were and the mysteries you once wanted to solve. The suspense takes you all the way through to the end with twists and turns and misplaced loyalties. It was a quick, easy read and I'd recommend it to everyone, young and old alike!
July 19, 2011
I loved this book. I think this one surpasses the first one and brings some added (kid-styled) depth to the characters. The mystery is pretty good, and the characters are more lovable (especially a boy with the initials EST). She was able to keep her delicious writing style and conversation techniques in this one! Hooray!
October 12, 2015
I love Sherlock--everything Sherlock. I wish this series had been around when I was a kid, I would have devoured it. Such a fun, smart, and page turning read. I'm going to get all of these for my second grader--it's perfect for reading aloud too. It flows so well.
Read it, you'll be hooked to the Sherlock Academy.
Shaw's a genius.
Read it, you'll be hooked to the Sherlock Academy.
Shaw's a genius.
October 9, 2015
Fun read about a boy going to a Sherlock Holmes detective school. Great characters and friendships and a interesting case to help solve. I liked the pacing of the book and the interactions of the friends. Would be such a great school to go to!
August 26, 2010
Fact: I enjoyed this book ;o)
November 2, 2015
Mysterious codes, suspicious Halloween decorations, and plenty of disguises. Love the characters! I wish my high school had taught disguises and fingerprinting instead of trigonometry.
September 5, 2018
Great series! We love reading about Sherlock Academy and can't wait for the next book.
April 7, 2016
Although I wasn’t familiar with the series, I have to say that Sherlock’s Academy: Watson’s Case is a lovely little book for middle graders wishing to immerse themselves into the world of “detecting” a la Sherlock Holmes. The setting largely is Sherlock’s Academy where students learn various detective skills and here we meet many of the teachers as lead character Rollie goes about solving the mystery of Herr Zilch’s mole with the help of his sidekick Cecily. It’s fun stuff for kids who enjoy following a mystery and it’s easy reading appropriate for the age group. I was, however, wishing for more in the way of character development as I didn’t particularly feel invested in Rollie’s issues, but perhaps that’s a perspective reserved for an older reader. Nevertheless, I was happy that I won the book in a Goodreads Giveaway allowing me the opportunity to see what the younger generation might be reading.
March 30, 2016
I really didn't like "Sherlock Academy". I found it oversimplified, even for a children's book. Fortunately "Watson's Case" is an improvement.
The characters and their interaction has received a bit of depth (mainly due to interesting complications), there's some humor squeezed in now and then, and the plot... Well, at least there's a resemblance of one this time.
As you can hear, I'm still not over the moon about it, but my review has risen to a shaky okay.
The characters and their interaction has received a bit of depth (mainly due to interesting complications), there's some humor squeezed in now and then, and the plot... Well, at least there's a resemblance of one this time.
As you can hear, I'm still not over the moon about it, but my review has risen to a shaky okay.
December 22, 2015
The Sherlock Academy series is great. The books are 200 pages, give or take, so they are a reasonable length for many middle grade readers; they're suspenseful without being too scary; and the relationships between the characters are developed well. Watson's Case was just as good as the first book in the series. Great mystery for boys and girls!
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June 6, 2016dnf
I was reading this book with my daughter. She loved the first one, so I decided to read the second with her. Personally I liked it, but she lost interest. I'll get back to it at some point, I'm sure, because I want to know how it ends, but she got bored and wanted to move onto other books instead of finishing this one.
I was reading this book with my daughter. She loved the first one, so I decided to read the second with her. Personally I liked it, but she lost interest. I'll get back to it at some point, I'm sure, because I want to know how it ends, but she got bored and wanted to move onto other books instead of finishing this one.
June 15, 2016
This series is great for mystery fans around age 8-9. It's a sort of simpler Harry Potter-type premise; kids are handpicked to go to a detective school at 221B Baker St. Sherlockians will enjoy the references, but even non-Sherlock fans would enjoy.
April 4, 2016
The same great characters from the first Sherlock Academy book, and an adventure that keeps you engaged until the end. Things seem to be heating up around the academy, and I'm looking forward to seeing how the adventure continues in book 3!
March 28, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 26 reviews