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The Sherlock Files #1
The 100-Year-Old Secret (Sherlock Files
"Go to The Dancing Men and ask for a saucer of milk for your snake. Then all will be revealed."
Xena and Xander Holmes think living in London will be boring. But one afternoon they're handed a cryptic note that leads them to a hidden room--and a secret society. When they discover they're related to Sherlock Holmes and inherit his unsolved casebook, life becomes so much more exciting. The siblings set out to solve the cases their famous ancestor couldn't, starting with the mystery of a prized painting that vanished more than a hundred years ago. Can two smart twenty-first century kids succeed where Sherlock Holmes could not?
Xena and Xander Holmes think living in London will be boring. But one afternoon they're handed a cryptic note that leads them to a hidden room--and a secret society. When they discover they're related to Sherlock Holmes and inherit his unsolved casebook, life becomes so much more exciting. The siblings set out to solve the cases their famous ancestor couldn't, starting with the mystery of a prized painting that vanished more than a hundred years ago. Can two smart twenty-first century kids succeed where Sherlock Holmes could not?
157 pages, Paperback
First published May 27, 2008
82 people are currently reading
1182 people want to read
About the author
Tracy Barrett
40 books142 followersTracy Barrett has written more than twenty books for children and young adults. She’s much too interested in too many things to stick to one genre, and has published nonfiction as well as historical fiction, mysteries, fantasy, time travel, myth and fairy-tale retellings, and contemporary realistic novels. She knows more about ancient Greece and Rome and the European Middle Ages than anyone really needs to know, can read lots of dead languages, and used to jump out of airplanes.
Tracy grew up near New York City, and went to college in New England and graduate school in California. She majored in Classics and earned a Ph.D. in Medieval Italian. She was awarded a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities to study medieval women writers and won the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Work-in-Progress Grant in 2005. She taught Italian and other subjects at Vanderbilt University for almost thirty years. She lives in Tennessee with her 6’7” husband, a rescue cat, and two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
Tracy grew up near New York City, and went to college in New England and graduate school in California. She majored in Classics and earned a Ph.D. in Medieval Italian. She was awarded a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities to study medieval women writers and won the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Work-in-Progress Grant in 2005. She taught Italian and other subjects at Vanderbilt University for almost thirty years. She lives in Tennessee with her 6’7” husband, a rescue cat, and two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 343 reviews
March 6, 2012
Aimed at the 10-12 year old set, apparently, this is a smart, interesting mystery for younger readers. Xena and Xander Holmes are siblings whose family has just moved to the UK for a year. Brother and sister enjoy whiling time away playing the Game - a game handed down through the generations in their family, which consists of observing passers-by and making deductions about them.
They're a rather sharp pair of children, each with their own special talents. They discover that they are in fact great-great-great grandchildren of Sherlock Holmes (who on earth did crusty old Sherlock marry? Perhaps future volumes will hold the answer) and are given his notebook of unsolved cases.
In the course of this novel, they solve a 100-year old mystery of a missing painting, a case that the original Holmes undertook but then abandoned possibly for a more interesting case, apparently. It's an ingenious enough mystery for the target age group and at times it gave me some of the same thrill I felt as a young boy reading the Three Investigators mysteries, although this is a much tidier story with no real danger facing our juvenile sleuths, perhaps so as not to scare the intended readers. There isn't much by way of a take on the Holmes persona and unless future installments hold further revelations, it's clear that the charm of this series will be in following its young protagonists as they apply a combination of modern technology and traditional Sherlockian methods to solving some of their ancestor's cold cases rather than in a deep engagement with the canon. An interesting hook for a juvenile mystery series, in any case.
They're a rather sharp pair of children, each with their own special talents. They discover that they are in fact great-great-great grandchildren of Sherlock Holmes (who on earth did crusty old Sherlock marry? Perhaps future volumes will hold the answer) and are given his notebook of unsolved cases.
In the course of this novel, they solve a 100-year old mystery of a missing painting, a case that the original Holmes undertook but then abandoned possibly for a more interesting case, apparently. It's an ingenious enough mystery for the target age group and at times it gave me some of the same thrill I felt as a young boy reading the Three Investigators mysteries, although this is a much tidier story with no real danger facing our juvenile sleuths, perhaps so as not to scare the intended readers. There isn't much by way of a take on the Holmes persona and unless future installments hold further revelations, it's clear that the charm of this series will be in following its young protagonists as they apply a combination of modern technology and traditional Sherlockian methods to solving some of their ancestor's cold cases rather than in a deep engagement with the canon. An interesting hook for a juvenile mystery series, in any case.
November 15, 2008
Two children who discover they are the decendents of Sherlock Holmes solve a mystery and meet other decendents of the Holmsian world while finding a long lost painting.
Who couldn't resist the lure of a book about Sherlock Holmes? Sadly this mystery story does not live up to its title. Siblings Xena and Xander discover they are the great great great grandchildren of the lengendary Sherlock Holmes. For those who have read Conan Doyle's original books this will be a big disappointment and for those who have not, the many references to clues that relate to Mr. Holmes will be completely incomprehensible. The story is mildly interesting but not compelling. I would not use this book to introduce mystery stories to the 4th-6th grade crowd it is written for. Rather I would introduce them to the A to Z mysteries by Ron Roy, the Bunnicula series by James Howe or the books by Peg Kehret and let students find this one on their own.
References:
Booklist (May 1, 2008 (Vol. 104, No. 17))and School Library Journal (June 1, 2008)rate this book for grades 4-6 and 4-7 respectively. Both of these reviewers feel the book has promise for an entertaining series and state the plot is well written and paced. Booklist also makes note of the role reversal with Xander trying to win approval while Xena keeps her wits around her.
Who couldn't resist the lure of a book about Sherlock Holmes? Sadly this mystery story does not live up to its title. Siblings Xena and Xander discover they are the great great great grandchildren of the lengendary Sherlock Holmes. For those who have read Conan Doyle's original books this will be a big disappointment and for those who have not, the many references to clues that relate to Mr. Holmes will be completely incomprehensible. The story is mildly interesting but not compelling. I would not use this book to introduce mystery stories to the 4th-6th grade crowd it is written for. Rather I would introduce them to the A to Z mysteries by Ron Roy, the Bunnicula series by James Howe or the books by Peg Kehret and let students find this one on their own.
References:
Booklist (May 1, 2008 (Vol. 104, No. 17))and School Library Journal (June 1, 2008)rate this book for grades 4-6 and 4-7 respectively. Both of these reviewers feel the book has promise for an entertaining series and state the plot is well written and paced. Booklist also makes note of the role reversal with Xander trying to win approval while Xena keeps her wits around her.
March 15, 2017
I really like this book because it is a mystery book. They found out they are descendent of Sherlock Homes. They both found his notebook of unsolved cases. This book was really interesting because there were some words that were hard to read. That's very special to them that they found out that they are related to Sherlock Homes. I would like to be related to someone famous.
January 10, 2022
This was a fun mystery to read. I had originally picked this up because I needed a character whose name started with an X for a challenge and this series actually has two X characters in it: siblings Xena and Xander! And even though I have other library books here I should read first, I found myself picking this one up instead to enjoy a story set in foggy, cold London. And the environment is very alive in this one. And the characters are great too!
The mystery was fun too and I did get caught up in it. At first it had seemed so impossible. How could anyone actually solve a mystery from 100 years ago? Ok, they had some clues from their ancestor Sherlock Holmes in an old notebook but it just seemed like it was an impossible task. Anyone from that time would be dead long ago and things moved or destroyed. But they actually set off on clues and didn't give up! It was amazing! In this story the siblings set out to find a long lost painting.
I did figure some of it out just before they did which made me feel good. But the most important thing is it was a fun story. A pleasure to read. In fact I just ordered the second book in this series too.
Lots of surprises and a quick moving plot too. I certainly liked this way better than some of those cozy mysteries written for adults as so many of those are boring and all chitchat with virtually nothing happening. Hate that! But this was grand.
The mystery was fun too and I did get caught up in it. At first it had seemed so impossible. How could anyone actually solve a mystery from 100 years ago? Ok, they had some clues from their ancestor Sherlock Holmes in an old notebook but it just seemed like it was an impossible task. Anyone from that time would be dead long ago and things moved or destroyed. But they actually set off on clues and didn't give up! It was amazing! In this story the siblings set out to find a long lost painting.
I did figure some of it out just before they did which made me feel good. But the most important thing is it was a fun story. A pleasure to read. In fact I just ordered the second book in this series too.
Lots of surprises and a quick moving plot too. I certainly liked this way better than some of those cozy mysteries written for adults as so many of those are boring and all chitchat with virtually nothing happening. Hate that! But this was grand.
April 6, 2012
This is the first book in The Sherlock Files mystery series by Tracy Barrett. Our girls recently learned about the classic Sherlock Holmes stories by Arthur Conan Doyle from reading the Bunnicula series with me, as well as from the book Meg Mackintosh and the Mystery in the Locked Library. So when I saw this book in our library's online catalogue, I thought it would be a great way to get our girls interested in reading the original tales.
We borrowed the online audiobook through our library's ebook program and listened to the book narrated by David Pittu while we were at home. He used accents and different voices to portray each character and his narration was very entertaining. I haven't listened to many audiobooks, but so far I'm impressed.
Overall, it was an exciting story, filled with intrigue, puzzles and danger. Xander's photographic memory reminds us of Cam Jansen and we loved listening to the dialogue as they logically thought out the mystery. We listened to the story at three separate times and usually for a good half-hour or more at a time. Although our youngest seemed to lose interest in the middle of the story, our excitement mounted and we were on the edge of our seats as the conclusion approached. It was a very engaging story and we look forward to the next book: The Beast of Blackslope.
We borrowed the online audiobook through our library's ebook program and listened to the book narrated by David Pittu while we were at home. He used accents and different voices to portray each character and his narration was very entertaining. I haven't listened to many audiobooks, but so far I'm impressed.
Overall, it was an exciting story, filled with intrigue, puzzles and danger. Xander's photographic memory reminds us of Cam Jansen and we loved listening to the dialogue as they logically thought out the mystery. We listened to the story at three separate times and usually for a good half-hour or more at a time. Although our youngest seemed to lose interest in the middle of the story, our excitement mounted and we were on the edge of our seats as the conclusion approached. It was a very engaging story and we look forward to the next book: The Beast of Blackslope.
December 16, 2011
I will be recommending this series to independent readers interested in mysteries. It's great that the main characters are a girl and boy, Xena and Xander Holmes (descendants of Sherlock Holmes), because young boys who come into the library looking for something to read typically don't want to read a book in which the main character is a girl. Having both female and male leads will appeal to both girls and boys. This was actually a staff pick, and I think they got it right. As a side note, I really liked that the book threw in some new vocabulary for children that includes the definitions (the boy character Xander has a photographic memory, so we can see him in action by "looking into the dictionary"). I also really loved that the children did some library research that included looking at some letters on microfilm. It shows children that not everything is available online and that primary resources are very helpful.
May 9, 2017
I’m always on the lookout for younger sibling friendly books, and as a recently confirmed Sherlock Holmes fan I’m definitely eager to read anything related to him. ;) This book promised to be both, and it came home in the library bag. It is full of subtle Holmes references! Even down to “the Game” the main characters play. So delightful. :D The case the children are trying to solve was interesting with a surprise solution, and the element of working off Sherlock Holmes’ notes of an unsolved case was extra fun. (With cool illustrations!) I especially appreciated that they were only able to succeed where he failed because of more time and technology to devote to it not being smarter than him or something like that. Just a note that there is some slight preteen attitude.
Best quote: “Go to The Dancing Men and ask for a saucer of milk for your snake. Then all will be revealed.”
Altogether, this was a fun find! We look forward to trying the rest of the series. ;)
Best quote: “Go to The Dancing Men and ask for a saucer of milk for your snake. Then all will be revealed.”
Altogether, this was a fun find! We look forward to trying the rest of the series. ;)
August 22, 2021
Lovely quick read, this is the first in the series where the children discover their heritage and settle into their new home, the Uk.
Some interesting discrepancies between English and UK football terminology!
I’ll probably read more from this series.
Some interesting discrepancies between English and UK football terminology!
I’ll probably read more from this series.
January 14, 2012
Maybe I am to old for this book... or maybe my expectations were to high for this book to begin with just because this book included Sherlock Holmes but I was rolling my eyes a lot while I was reading this book. In my opinion, the kids don't sound like kids at all, except for when they got on each others nerves. They sound like they are grown because of how they can talk there ways into everything they want to by just making a smile or dimples, please. Not to mention that the adults in this book were about as helpful as a square wheel. What the hell! They just do or answer whatever the kids ask. I also find it surprising that if my dad knew about the Sherlock group I would not ask him questions or at least help convince my mom to let me stay up a little to solve the case. Not to mention that I thought that Andrew or whatever his name is, Watson's kid, was going to be more helpful and all he did was be annoying. He basically said, "Sherlock Holmes had a big ego. He wrote all his stories to be famous and not to help catch criminals. Watson helped too but he didn't have a big head. Movies make Holmes look like a hero and Watson look stupid. So I will spend all my time making you look stupid and laugh and be a brat".(Sticks tongue out and stomps away). Then when the case is solved Watson comes back and says "Maybe you're not so stupid, Holmes and Watson were friends, let's you and I be friends too, come to my home for a spot of tea." Please, one star for trying.
April 7, 2011
What a fun mystery! Two American children, Xena Holmes, 12, and her brother, Xander, 10, have just arrived in London and are settling in, when they find out that they are the great-great-great-grandchildren of Sherlock Holmes. They inherit his notebook of unsolved cases, and it turns out they've also inherited his sleuthing talent! And Watson's great-great-great-grandson, Andrew Watson, plays an important part in solving the case they're working on, which involves the whereabouts of a valuable painting that went missing more than 100 years ago.
In addition to the mystery plot itself, I enjoyed the Sherlockian lore woven throughout the story, the setting, the lively characters, and the way Xena and Xander learn the differences between British and American English (e.g., "biscuits" for "cookies," "football" for "soccer"). Reading this series just may inspire kids to go on to the original tales by Arthur Conan Doyle.
In addition to the mystery plot itself, I enjoyed the Sherlockian lore woven throughout the story, the setting, the lively characters, and the way Xena and Xander learn the differences between British and American English (e.g., "biscuits" for "cookies," "football" for "soccer"). Reading this series just may inspire kids to go on to the original tales by Arthur Conan Doyle.
May 11, 2009
I decided to read this book because it sounded interesting. I knew it wasn't going to be award-winning literature, so I didn't have high expectations for it. Yet this book did not even meet my low expectations. The characters were one dimensional and boring, the plot was contrived and for a mystery there were remarkably few clues. But the main characters always seemed to have exactly the traits needed. Oh, they have to scale a wall? Well have them be 10 year old expert rock climbers (really, at 10 years old?). They need to remember something written in a letter? Oh look, one of them has a photographic memory. Sorry Mrs. Barrett, but I think you need to go back to teaching and leave writing to the professionals.
December 11, 2017
It was a very good book for the age group. A fast paced mystery, and some good characters. I liked it, but I'm not going to continue the series; I have too many other things I ought to be reading.
2.5 Stars
2.5 Stars
February 24, 2017
Herro!
This book was kind of...meh.
For the bad parts, there was too much exposition, very simple volcabulary, and it all feels kind of Deus Ex Machina. The story felt forced together. Xander and Xena both seem to have the EXACT.RIGHT.SKILLS/DEVICES.FOR.EVERYT...!!!! EVERYTHING!!!! These skills and devices just also seem to pop in at just the right time, with no explanation of why they were carrying around these devices and/or skills. The two children are not relatable, as they seem completely perfect. I mean, why the heck would you be carrying around a STUD-FINDER??? Xena just happens to be good at climbing, and that thing never shows up again, Xander just happens to be able to fit into small spaces, which also never shows up, and it all feels forced and lazy.
The adults in this book are dull, kind of stupid and easily persuaded. Xander just needs to flash a smile and get whatever he wants! Xena just needs to do some explaining! If some strange American kids were hiding under your student's bed, and they said that some 100 year old missing painting was in you student's dorm, would you believe them? NO!!!! OF COURSE NOT! But, all the adult says is, "It's strange, but it makes sense!" Why would you say that?
Speaking of American kids, Xander and Xena have almost no connection to America. The story very well could be Xander and Xena from Japan, Brazil, etc. and have completely on impact on the main story! Besides 4 jokes in the story, and the 4 only jokes, then it wouldn't have completely jacked up the story! It would just change the dialogue a bit!
Now, enough of me ranting.
Here are some of the (not many) good points of the book
I have none. The only reason this is rated with two stars is because of the okayish plot.
This book is probably for 5-11 because it is so simplistic and not complex.
Bye.
This book was kind of...meh.
For the bad parts, there was too much exposition, very simple volcabulary, and it all feels kind of Deus Ex Machina. The story felt forced together. Xander and Xena both seem to have the EXACT.RIGHT.SKILLS/DEVICES.FOR.EVERYT...!!!! EVERYTHING!!!! These skills and devices just also seem to pop in at just the right time, with no explanation of why they were carrying around these devices and/or skills. The two children are not relatable, as they seem completely perfect. I mean, why the heck would you be carrying around a STUD-FINDER??? Xena just happens to be good at climbing, and that thing never shows up again, Xander just happens to be able to fit into small spaces, which also never shows up, and it all feels forced and lazy.
The adults in this book are dull, kind of stupid and easily persuaded. Xander just needs to flash a smile and get whatever he wants! Xena just needs to do some explaining! If some strange American kids were hiding under your student's bed, and they said that some 100 year old missing painting was in you student's dorm, would you believe them? NO!!!! OF COURSE NOT! But, all the adult says is, "It's strange, but it makes sense!" Why would you say that?
Speaking of American kids, Xander and Xena have almost no connection to America. The story very well could be Xander and Xena from Japan, Brazil, etc. and have completely on impact on the main story! Besides 4 jokes in the story, and the 4 only jokes, then it wouldn't have completely jacked up the story! It would just change the dialogue a bit!
Now, enough of me ranting.
Here are some of the (not many) good points of the book
I have none. The only reason this is rated with two stars is because of the okayish plot.
This book is probably for 5-11 because it is so simplistic and not complex.
Bye.
May 21, 2013
Everyone loves a good mystery, including Xena and Xander Holmes! These sibling sleuths take readers on an adventure through time in the book The 100-Year Old Secret by Tracy Barrett. After reading this exciting tale, it quickly became one of my favorite books!
Xena and Xander find out that they are descendants of the acclaimed detective Sherlock Holmes. When their family moves to dreary London, the kids want to find something to do to occupy their time. Little do they know they are about to be inducted into a secret society of detectives! Xena and Xander have unique personalities and special traits that help them work together to solve this mystery about a famous painting. For example, Xander has a photographic memory and Xena is a super athlete. My favorite part was when the kids spotted the girl in the purple hat for the first time! I was on the edge of my seat reading this book!
Mysteries are fun to read because you get to be a part of the action! This book is actually the first in a series of mysteries by Tracy Barrett. If you’re interested in learning more about becoming a great sleuth yourself, you should definitely check out The 100-Year Old Secret. You too could make Sherlock Holmes proud!
By: Mrs. Jones
Xena and Xander find out that they are descendants of the acclaimed detective Sherlock Holmes. When their family moves to dreary London, the kids want to find something to do to occupy their time. Little do they know they are about to be inducted into a secret society of detectives! Xena and Xander have unique personalities and special traits that help them work together to solve this mystery about a famous painting. For example, Xander has a photographic memory and Xena is a super athlete. My favorite part was when the kids spotted the girl in the purple hat for the first time! I was on the edge of my seat reading this book!
Mysteries are fun to read because you get to be a part of the action! This book is actually the first in a series of mysteries by Tracy Barrett. If you’re interested in learning more about becoming a great sleuth yourself, you should definitely check out The 100-Year Old Secret. You too could make Sherlock Holmes proud!
By: Mrs. Jones
May 6, 2017
My new favorite series! I've just read book #1 of The Sherlock Files, and I must say it is awesome. Tracy Barrett has made a way for the modern generation to connect to our favorite detective.
The modern-day descendants of Sherlock, a brother and sister sleuthing duo, Xander and Xena Holmes, are Americans going to England with their parents. Once there, they come into possession of Sherlock's casebook of unsolved mysteries. As any curious child would, these siblings embark on the adventure of a lifetime... following in their Great-Great-Great-Grandfather's footsteps and using modern tools and hindsight of history to locate clues and make their own sharp deductions. Even Watson's Great-Great-Great-Grandson is part of the hunt!
The book shows how children truly can be intelligent if they'll just use their brain. I love how the author incorporated "the game" of deciphering who or what a stranger is, just by taking in the clues. She truly captures the mental spirit of Holmes.
Recommended for young readers who enjoy a good mystery. Or for adults of any age who would like a fresh glimpse of Sherlock Holmes.
The modern-day descendants of Sherlock, a brother and sister sleuthing duo, Xander and Xena Holmes, are Americans going to England with their parents. Once there, they come into possession of Sherlock's casebook of unsolved mysteries. As any curious child would, these siblings embark on the adventure of a lifetime... following in their Great-Great-Great-Grandfather's footsteps and using modern tools and hindsight of history to locate clues and make their own sharp deductions. Even Watson's Great-Great-Great-Grandson is part of the hunt!
The book shows how children truly can be intelligent if they'll just use their brain. I love how the author incorporated "the game" of deciphering who or what a stranger is, just by taking in the clues. She truly captures the mental spirit of Holmes.
Recommended for young readers who enjoy a good mystery. Or for adults of any age who would like a fresh glimpse of Sherlock Holmes.
April 21, 2015
This book is for students that are in intermediate grades. It is a chapter book without pictures. A student could easily get wrapped up in this book while reading it to themselves, thought a teacher could also read it aloud to a whole class.
I chose this book once again because it is a mystery. Haidyn did indicate he like mysteries at least 4 different times on his interest inventory. I thought he might also like the historical aspect of the book being about Sherlock Holmes great, great, great, great grandchildren. The main characters are solving the mystery of who stole a painting over 100 years a go (hence the title of the book!).
I would tell Haidyn that the book is a mystery-involving the most famous detective of all time, Sherlock Holmes. I would also point out to him that this is a first book in a series and if he really enjoyed it, there would be more books available to read just like it!
I chose this book once again because it is a mystery. Haidyn did indicate he like mysteries at least 4 different times on his interest inventory. I thought he might also like the historical aspect of the book being about Sherlock Holmes great, great, great, great grandchildren. The main characters are solving the mystery of who stole a painting over 100 years a go (hence the title of the book!).
I would tell Haidyn that the book is a mystery-involving the most famous detective of all time, Sherlock Holmes. I would also point out to him that this is a first book in a series and if he really enjoyed it, there would be more books available to read just like it!
January 30, 2010
Xena and Xander Holmes are an American brother and sister and have moved to London for a year with their parents. They think living in London will be boring...until they find out that the great Sherlock Holmes was their great great great grandfather. They are inducted into the Society for the preservation of Famous Detectives and given the ancestors unsolved casebook. They attempt to solve the case of a missing painting.
I really liked this book, maybe because I love mysteries or maybe because I have been to London. Just as you think they are close to solving the mystery they encounter hurdle after hurdle. After Xander thinks he actually has seen the little girl in the painting or is it a girl in the painting the adventure gets even more interesting.And what does this painting have to do with a boys private school anyway. Hum keep reading and find out....
I really liked this book, maybe because I love mysteries or maybe because I have been to London. Just as you think they are close to solving the mystery they encounter hurdle after hurdle. After Xander thinks he actually has seen the little girl in the painting or is it a girl in the painting the adventure gets even more interesting.And what does this painting have to do with a boys private school anyway. Hum keep reading and find out....
February 18, 2011
This book was really good. Upon moving to their new home in London, siblings Xena and Xander Holmes discover a strange but true fact: They are the direct relatives of the great detective Sherlock Holmes and have inherited his casebook of unsolved mysteries. You might think it would be crazy of two children to assume that they could succeed where there legendary relative had failed, but, being kids, find themselves almost immediately wrapped up in a case involving a missing painting. Following leads, interviewing people and applying a little old-fashioned know-how help the Holmes kids discover the truth behind the portrait's mysterious subject and the location that has kept it safe and sound all these years.
January 10, 2009
Looking for a quick mystery for a 4th grader with no violence? This is the book you're looking for. Xena and Xander Holmes move to London with their family and discover they are related to the great Sherlock Holmes. What better way to test their ancestral ties than by trying to solve one of the mysteries left behind by their great-grandfather?
What can I say, it's a cute book? The characters are likeable and the mystery isn't that far fetched. I think kids would really enjoy this, but it will probably take hand selling.
What can I say, it's a cute book? The characters are likeable and the mystery isn't that far fetched. I think kids would really enjoy this, but it will probably take hand selling.
May 27, 2009
Good for what it is. Nice mystery, no violence and no inappropriate behavior by the kids. They even have parents. LIVING PARENTS! Who know what's going on. So refreshing!
Good to recommend for those kids finishing Nancy Drew/Hardy Boys but not ready for the scarier stuff. Similar genre to Wright 3, Calder Game, Chasing Vermeer and Shakespeare's Secret and even London Eye Mystery. This is a pretty short book, so it might be good to read this before tackling the others. DEFINITELY a third-fifth grade read, I think most middle schoolers would be bored by it
Good to recommend for those kids finishing Nancy Drew/Hardy Boys but not ready for the scarier stuff. Similar genre to Wright 3, Calder Game, Chasing Vermeer and Shakespeare's Secret and even London Eye Mystery. This is a pretty short book, so it might be good to read this before tackling the others. DEFINITELY a third-fifth grade read, I think most middle schoolers would be bored by it
June 2, 2009
Xena and Xander Holmes are new American transplants in England when they get a mysterious message with disappearing ink. This leads them to a secret society where they learn they are the descendents of the great Sherlock Holmes! Armed with Sherlock’s personal files, Xena and Xander set out to solve a 100 year old mystery about a missing painting.
A fun mystery with a great premise! I also liked all of the British slang and customs explained. (do people in England seriously still refer to us as “Yanks”?)Off to have a shandy with some bangers and mash!
A fun mystery with a great premise! I also liked all of the British slang and customs explained. (do people in England seriously still refer to us as “Yanks”?)Off to have a shandy with some bangers and mash!
April 17, 2016
Entirely forgettable fluff similar to a Scooby-Doo episode. This is the first in a series -- the rest of which I'll skip, thank you very much.
And I still don't buy that Sherlock Holmes ever:
a) lived
b) reproduced, considering his celibacy. What, was his sperm harvested with a cattle prod stimulating his prostate like in Hannibal?
Yes, I know fiction requires the reader to suspend disbelief, but PLEASE...I do NOT need these mental images.
And I still don't buy that Sherlock Holmes ever:
a) lived
b) reproduced, considering his celibacy. What, was his sperm harvested with a cattle prod stimulating his prostate like in Hannibal?
Yes, I know fiction requires the reader to suspend disbelief, but PLEASE...I do NOT need these mental images.
May 5, 2013
A much better than average mystery for upper elementary students. A brother and sister temporarily living in London, find that Sherlock Holmes was their ancestor and they are given his unsolved casebook. In solving the mystery of a long missing painting Xander the boy and younger of the siblings solves the mystery with a wonderfully child centered deduction deduction process.
Readers will completely understand Xander's personal connection to the case that allows him to solve the mystery.
Readers will completely understand Xander's personal connection to the case that allows him to solve the mystery.
September 7, 2008
Brother and sister Xena and Xander are descendants of Sherlock Holmes, and they decide to follow in their famous ancestors footsteps. All of the adults around them are slightly unintelligent and overfriendly (not believable characters), but the mystery is enjoyable and the kids are clever.
February 28, 2011
Gentle mystery that is timeless and ageless relying upon clues as opposed to violence... I liked this for elementary students as a thought-provoking mystery, if not the deepest book in the world... Watson is kind of a weak character....
December 5, 2017
It was a splendid book. Its plan was very well planned and the book has to be one of my favorite books that Iv'e read in a long time. My favorite scene is when they get caught trying to tear off one piece of wall to get the famous painting that has been lost for over 100 years.
February 8, 2008
Aw. It's cute. Just a fun little mystery. Not much more to it than that.
August 25, 2013
I am so glad Laura showed me this book! This one is pretty good, but I have a feeling blackslope will be even better!
April 23, 2014
Fun, interesting YA read. Surprised me that the plot was good and kept in with the original Sherlock Holmes. Well narrated.
February 26, 2021
Quick and easy middle grade read. The mystery was engaging and wasn't too hard to follow nor too easy to figure out quickly. A fun read for ages 8-12.
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