BooksforTopics Reading for Pleasure Recommendations
Book Title: Sherlock and the Baker Street Curse
Author: Sam Hearn
Publisher: Scholastic
Publication Date: August 2018
Most Suitable For: KS2
This is the second book in the Baker Street Academy series, bringing the stories of one of the nation’s favourite detectives to a new generation of readers (the first book is available here). In these books, Sherlock Holmes is given a new lease of life as a modern-day schoolboy with his pals John Watson and Martha Hudson. The stories are told through Watson’s top secret case book including diary extracts, blog posts, emails, messenger chats and comic-strip style illustrations.
In this story, the trio of young sleuths find themselves wrapped up in a mystery involving a school ghost, a centuries-old curse and a mysterious riddle. As the mystery unravels, readers can join sharp young Sherlock in his quest to piece together the evidence while avoiding the red herrings along the way.
For fans of the original Conan Doyle stories there is plenty to recognise in this modern day re-imagination for young readers. For many children, this series will provide the perfect introduction to the ever-popular world of Sherlock Holmes, in a way that seamlessly filters into a modern setting. The comic strip sections add an extra level of visual appeal for young readers.
This is a clever and enjoyable series and the end of this story makes some exciting hints about the setting of the next book in the series.
Many thanks to the publisher for kindly sending me a review copy of this book.
Order Sherlock and the Baker Street Curse online or from your local bookshop or library.
