Product Description

Sherlock Holmes's trusted assistants, a band of loyal street urchins called the Baker Street Irregulars, are back for their most puzzling mystery yet, in a case that involves murder, abduction, and the hunt for a lost treasure. As Holmes and the BSI begin their investigations into a gruesome murder, all at once the detectives find themselves in danger. When a personal associate of the master detective disappears, Ozzie, Wiggins, and the gang know that they must uncover the truth - and quickly! Yet there is deception within their ranks. Who is a friend? Who is a traitor? Who can they trust?

Join the Baker Street Irregulars as they search to find Watson and the double-crosser before it's too late!

Praise for Sherlock Holmes and the Baker Street Irregulars, Casebook No. 1: THE FALL OF THE AMAZING ZALINDAS:

"Mack and Citrin's fast-paced, suspenseful story will keep readers turning the pages." -THE BOSTON HERALD

"[A] fast-paced, authentically styled caper." -KIRKUS REVIEWS

"[A]n entertaining, suspenseful read for youthful crime buffs." -BOOKLIST

Published in 26 countries!

An Agatha Award Finalist!

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #78762 in Books
• Published on: 2009-11-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Mass Market Paperback
• 272 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780439836715
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

About the Author
Tracy Mack is the author of two celebrated novels: Birdland, a Book Sense Top Ten Book, a Sydney Taylor Award Honor Book, and an ALA Best Book for Young Adults; and Drawing Lessons, a Booklist Top Ten First Novel and a Teen People NEXT Award Finalist.

Customer Reviews

The Underlying Message of Teamwork, Loyalty and Courage Will Resonate with Middle-Grade Readers --- and their Parents
When a beautiful woman seeks help discovering what caused her aunt's sudden death during a séance, the Baker Street Irregulars are once again summoned to 221B Baker Street, home of the legendary master detective Sherlock Holmes.

Holmes summons the Irregulars, a band of 12 clever and resourceful orphan boys, because of their ability to blend in with any environment and adapt to any circumstance. The famous and easily recognizable Holmes hires them to note the comings and goings of visitors to the mansion where the deadly séance was held.

The Baker Street Irregulars, particularly Wiggins and Ozzie, are developing into strong, unique and appealing characters. Shirley, Wiggins's brave and loyal ferret, is also taking on an important role. Pilar, a familiar character in the first book, makes a repeat appearance. She and her mother, Madame Estrella, are called upon to play a part in solving the crime.

The compelling subplot of Ozzie trying to locate his Great-Aunt Agatha so he can find out the identity of his father has captured my curiosity. Clues and subtle hints give rise to speculation, but it will be interesting to find out if Ozzie is successful in his quest. The playful voice of the narrator at the beginning of the book is appealing. His (or her) identity is also an intriguing demi-mystery.

As with the first book in the series, the unusual setting, an engaging cast of young and likable characters, quirky dialogue and a skillfully woven plot make for great reading fun. It is clear that Tracy Mack and Michael Citrin have done their research because the historical details and witty dialogue pop.

Once again, the section at the back of the book, "Facts and Practicals for the Aspiring Detective," contains useful tools to help readers become acquainted with historic facts and Victorian-era dialect. Notably, they should have fun reading about "The Art of Disguise" and "Medium Con Artists." I know I did.

Because of the emerging and distinct voices of the Irregulars, along with the familiar deductions of the famous master detective Sherlock Holmes, I found THE MYSTERY OF THE CONJURED MAN a thoroughly enjoyable book. The engaging mystery, interesting subject matter and setting, and underlying message of teamwork, loyalty and courage should resonate with middle-grade readers --- and their parents.

--- Reviewed by Donna Volkenannt