The 100-Year-Old Secret (Sherlock Files) [Hardcover]

Tracy Barrett (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up | Series: Sherlock Files

Xena and Xander Holmes have just discovered they’re related to Sherlock Holmes and have inherited his unsolved casebook! 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?

 

Modern technology meets the classic detective story in this terrific new mystery series that will intrigue young sleuths everywhere!

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4–7—Detective stories derived from the adventures of Sherlock Holmes are well represented in juvenile literature from Donald Sobol's "Encyclopedia Brown" series to Nancy Springer's "Enola Holmes" mysteries. Welcome 12-year-old Xena Holmes and her brother, Xander, Sherlock's great-great-great grandchildren, newly arrived in London from Florida. They are playing a favorite game, guessing people's occupation by appearance, in front of their hotel when a strange man delivers a note written in disappearing ink directing them to the Dancing Men Pub. There, through a set of tests, their famous relative is revealed to them, and they are given his "Unsolved Cases" notebook. Xena, intrigued by it, soon finds a case with modern relevance—a missing portrait by Nigel Batheson, whose other works are being displayed in a nearby gallery. The siblings are off and running through a plot laced with references to the original stories and using similar devices, including a red herring. The main characters are observant, bright, and gifted with powers of deduction. Watson's great-great-great grandson, Andrew, is integral to the plot. Some clues seem to be obvious, but they can lead to a wrong conclusion. A well-paced beginning to a new series.—Kathryn Kosiorek, formerly at Cuyahoga County Public Library, Brooklyn, OH
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Review

“A strong start to what will undoubtedly remain an enjoyable series.”

—Kirkus Reviews

 

“A fast-paced, entertaining mystery.”

—Booklist

 

“A well-paced beginning to a new series.”

—School Library Journal

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR); First Edition edition (May 27, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0805083405
• ISBN-13: 978-0805083408
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.8 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #607,995 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and grew up mostly in New York state. I went to college in New England and graduate school in California.

The first book I ever read by myself was called Little Bobo and His Blue Jacket. I still have it. I learned to read when I was three, but I know now that this doesn't mean much. My brother didn't really read until he was seven, and now he reads more and remembers it better than I do.

I have a husband, two grown children, and two crazy Jack Russell terriers.

I teach Italian and other subjects at Vanderbilt University, but I've handed in my resignation and plan to retire in May, 2012, to write full time. I love doing school visits and hope that when my schedule doesn't mean that I'm working while kids are in school, I'll be able to do more of them.

I like to travel, especially to Italy, and especially with my family. I used to skydive (that's how I met my husband, but on the ground, not in the air!) but I haven't jumped out of an airplane in a long time.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 100 Year Old Secret is a great read!, February 21, 2009

By 

lisa potter "storyteller" (michigan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The 100-Year-Old Secret (Sherlock Files) (Hardcover)

This book is terrific! Mystery, adventure, history, and lots of fun characters. I can usually solve the mystery fairly early, but this one had me hooked to the end. I look forward to Barrett's next mystery!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A true kid-pleaser!, November 11, 2009

By 

Kristin Tubb "K.O. Tubb" (Franklin, TN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The 100-Year-Old Secret (Sherlock Files) (Hardcover)

My neighbor's daughter includes Tracy Barrett in her list of all-time favorite authors, and THE 100-YEAR-OLD SECRET is a perfect example of why. Everything about this book - the characters, the premise, the setting, the mystery itself - made me remember how much I loved mysteries as a kid. If your child adores a good whodunnit, this is the perfect book for him/her.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Loves Mysteries, November 26, 2008

By 

Fantasy Fan (Connecticut) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The 100-Year-Old Secret (Sherlock Files) (Hardcover)

My daughter who is ten loves mysteries and she really enjoyed this book. She is looking forward to other books in the series.