Customer Reviews

Sherlock Holmes and the Baker Street Irregulars #1: The Fall of the Amazing Zalindas (Sherlock Holmes And The BSI)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

When I was a kid I loved me my Agatha Christie and Rex Stout. Mysteries were my bread and butter. Today, nothing's different. Kids are just as enamored of adult mysteries as they ever were. And perhaps the most popular detective with the kiddies (as much as I would prefer it to be Nero Wolfe or Hercule Poirot) is Sherlock Holmes. Holmes is hot these days. To what may we attribute this Holmes-loving trend? The rise of such children's books as the remarkable "The Case of the Missing Marquess: An Enola Holmes Mystery" by Nancy Springer? The new Sleuth imprint by Penguin? The rise in mystery-minded series books? Or is this a trend begun entirely by publishers with little to no child input? Whatever the case, I hope kids are ready to open up wide and swallow their fair share of Sherlock lore. If they are, Tracy Mack and Michael Citrin's first installment in their new Baker Street Irregular series, "The Fall of the Amazing Zalindas" should be just the starter Holmes-tale they need.

Ozzie is an orphan. At least, as far as he knows. Though apprenticed to a scrivener by his now dead mother, he's taken up with a band of ragtag street kids known as The Baker Street Irregulars. Employed from time to time by the great Sherlock Holmes the Irregulars consider themselves top notch streetwise mini-detectives in their own right. Led by the irrepressible Wiggins, the crew has welcomed Ozzie into their fold and just in time. Murder is afoot at the local circus and somehow it seems to involve none other than The Prince of Wales. Ozzie, it seems, has an uncanny knack for deduction, but when the investigation hits close to his home he'll find himself deeply immersed in perhaps the greatest crime of the century.

I was handed this book recently by some co-workers because I'd been reading too many "meaningful" titles and I deserved something fun. Fun it is too. Action packed and mysterious all at once, this is one of those rare books written for kids that don't regularly partake of Eragon-sized tomes. There are plenty of small mysteries left unsolved by the end of the tale as well. I suspect that some kids will be able to make a reasonable prediction of who Ozzie's real father is. The authors also choose to include the standard future-predictin'-gypsy element so popular (not to say, convenient to the plot) in pseudo-fantastical historical fiction. There are some oblique references to Ozzie's parentage that will certainly come into play in the future books in the series, I have little doubt.
It was clever of Ms. Tracy Mack to attain the aid of her husband Michael Citrin due to his exhaustive Holmes knowledge. The authors are faithful to the original tales, going so far as to allow Holmes to keep pertinent information to himself until the big reveal. They also cover up for the fact that Watson only mentioned the Irregulars in a couple cases because he was jealous of their competence. Poor Watson. He never comes across very well in modern Holmes adaptations. Now for some, the image of Robert Newton's Baker Street Irregular children's books still looms large. As a children's librarian, I can attest that they also get checked out regularly (much to my own surprise). Of course, Mack's newest book is more accessible to younger children than Newton's books ever were. However, they aren't quite as atmospheric or sophisticated. Consider these, instead, more of an introduction to the world of Holmes proper.

In a discussion of this book with other children's librarians there was a great deal of confusion over the character of the "Zalindas". In the book they are a circus family that come to a tragic end. In real life, there was also a famous tightrope act once known as The Flying Wallendas. Why did Mack and Citrin feel it necessary to change the name? I suspect it may have something to do with the fact that there are Wallendas performing to this very day. Of course, there is no mention of the real Wallendas in the back of the book, which is a pity. It feels as though Mack and Citrin have passed up a chance to teach kids some interesting history for fear of linking their name to the characters in the book. A bit of a wasted opportunity, no? Kudos, though, for the veritable plethora of fabulous information that IS in the back of the book. Here the average reader may find a Cast of Characters (which probably would have made more sense in the front of the book, but oh well), a Slang Glossary, a fabulous series of instructions concerning Cockney Rhyming Slang, a section of deduction from, "The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle", a bit on The Art of Disguise, a very useful guide to Victorian Carriages, Coaches, and Carts, and even a preview of the next Baker Street Irregular adventure. Phew! And I haven't even mentioned the historical map on the endpapers that indicates the routes taken by the characters in the book.

Let me not fail to give credit where credit is due to illustrator Greg Ruth as well. As with fellow graphic novel illustrators like Adam Rex, Ruth has switched his focus from DC and Dark Horse Comics to the world of children's books (including the new Goosebumps graphic series). From time to time his characters come across as a bit too cherub-like in appearance (awww... look at those chubby wittle cheeks!) but by and large they add to the overall atmosphere and feel of the book. I would have given Holmes a bit more of a beaky nose but that's just me.

I was personally pleased (perhaps a little too much so) when I was able to translate the book's Cockney Rhyming Slang without consulting the glossary at the back. And I haven't seen a book with as good a secret code as is found in this book since Blue Balliett's, "Chasing Vermeer". All in all, "The Fall of the Amazing Zalindas" will serve to please both Holmes purists and newfound fans. I wouldn't call it particularly complex (check out the aforementioned Springer book, "Enola Holmes" for that) but has a good-natured feel and is bound to be adored by mystery fans everywhere. Well worth the purchase.

I was always an avid fan, and still am, of Sherlock Holmes to include the Baker Street Irregulars. I obtained "The Fall of the Amazining Zalindas" to consider it for my grandchildren. Quickly read, it is fair at best. Mack and Citrin do not hold well to the style of the Sherlock Holmes series. I also found some content, e.g. children overhearing circus clowns talk about what their intent was with young ladies not something I would want to give my grandchildren. I am sorry that Scholastic Inc. would put their name to the publication. One might say that "kids see and hear all kinds of things today" but I don't have to contribute to it.

I can but wonder if the at least some of the "5 star" reviews were more from nostalgia than from careful reading of content in consideration of the intended young audience.

The Fall of the Amazing Walendas (Sherlock Holmes and the Baker Street Irregulars) is a fun book. Don't let the cover throw you. This is a book for all ages and puts faces on the Baker Street Irregulars whom have been referred to in several of Doyle's stories and many more since then. Sherlock Holmes does play a major role though there isn't much of Dr. Watson and the story is told by an unidentified source. (That source may surprise you and there are clues making this a mystery within a mystery.) The plot is complicated enough to rate an adult novel, however the writing is geared to younger readers and there is a charming section at the end to guide those interested to think and act like the great detective. If you want to introduce a young person to Sherlock Holmes this is the book to do it. There is also a great deal of excellent art in the book. Fortunately authors Tracy Mack and Michael Citrin promise a second in what I hope will be a long running series on the Irrecgulars and maybe eventually show what happedned to the kids once they grew up. And yes, it isn't an boy collection of kids as a girl is added. She makes sure of that.

This a fun, fast-paced introduction to Sherlock Holmes for kids who aren't quite ready for the original stories. Characters, especially Holmes and the members of the Baker Street Irregulars, are well drawn, and the impression of Victorian London, with its homeless children, filth and exploitative child labor, is vivid. I didn't especially like the unsympathetic way Watson was portrayed, but the idea behind the series is that Watson, in his written accounts, de-emphasized the important part the Irregulars played in solving Holmes' cases because he was jealous of their sleuthing talent.

At the end there's a cast of characters and a glossary including cockney rhyming slang, also a more detailed explanation of how to use the slang and invent your own, how Holmes used the art of deduction, the importance of disguises, and the various means of transportation in Victorian London. All in all, it's an entertaining, suspenseful read for kids, and Sherlock Holmes fans of all ages.

I was already a BIG Sherlock Holmes fan when I read this book. It is a very good introduction for children to Sherlock Holmes from the point-of-view from the Baker Street Irregulars, the group of homeless boys who Holmes employs on some occasions. The book is centered around the deaths of a number of trapeze performers who fell to their deaths when their robe snapped. The characters of Holmes's enemy, Professor James Moriarty is also present as is Dr. Watson. However for Watson fans, there is very little of the good doctor in this book. But despite the fact that Watson does not narrate this venture, it is a good book all the same. I recommend the book for anyone interested in learning about the world's greatest detective - but is not ready to read the real Arthur Conan Doyle novels.

The book was okay, but not great.
In fairness, this is not my favorite genre.

Everyone loves a good mystery, and there are no better mysteries than those involving Sherlock Holmes.

In his newest case, Holmes is hired to investigate a murder at a local circus and calls upon his new assistants - The Baker Street Irregulars - for help.

The Baker Street Irregulars are a group of young orphan boys who live very near Mr. Holmes. Led by the two oldest boys, Ozzie and Wiggins, they improve their own detective skills by helping Mr. Holmes whenever and wherever he needs them.

Set in Victorian London, this story is action-packed and fast-paced. Ozzie and Wiggins, along with the other boys, add excitement to the mystery at hand. The characters speak in Victorian slang, which really helps the reader get into the setting, but it makes me worry that some readers may get confused. However, there is a glossary provided in the back of the book. Also included are pieces about Victorian slang, the Science of Deduction, and Victorian hats and transportation, which were very fun and interesting to read.

THE FALL OF THE AMAZING ZALINDAS really keeps you guessing and is perfect for younger male readers.

Reviewed by: Michaela Pallante, aka "Mickey"

On a chilly, wet day, in the heart of London's posh West End, two hungry street urchins stand on a corner begging for spare change. Wiggins, the leader of the Baker Street Irregulars, huddles with newcomer Osgood "Ozzie" Manning across from 221B Baker Street, home of the legendary master detective Sherlock Holmes.

Ozzie, who recently lost his mother, is a clever and welcome addition to the Irregulars. During the day he toils as an apprentice to a vile scrivener, but after dark he slips away to join his new friends, while continuing to search for his great-aunt in the hopes of learning the identity of his father.

While begging on the street corner, the Irregulars hope that the "Master," their name for the world-famous detective, will send for them. They need the money for survival, but more importantly, they are eager for an adventure. Their hopes are answered after Holmes engages the band of orphans to help solve a gruesome case. The famous detective needs the help of the Irregulars to search for clues in the murder of The Amazing Zalindas, a trio of circus performers who plunged to their deaths during a live performance.

The Irregulars, along with Wiggins's ferret Shirley, visit the circus and nose around. They encounter a lion tamer, a strongman, Siamese twins, an angry knife thrower, and a pair of fortune tellers: Madame Estrella and her beguiling daughter, Pilar. The Irregulars track down clues and uncover evidence, which proves to be a great assistance to Master. The boys also make a new friend, who aids them in solving the case.

As the murder investigation unfolds, the danger escalates and a sinister plot is discovered, which not only puts the Irregulars in peril, but also threatens to topple the British monarchy.

An intriguing setting, an engaging cast of young characters, authentic historic details and a complex plot make for enjoyable reading. THE FALL OF THE AMAZING ZALINDAS, the first installment in the Sherlock Holmes and the Baker Street Irregulars series, is also a clever way to introduce young readers to Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson.

The section at the back of the book, "Facts and Practicals for the Aspiring Detective," contains useful tools to help readers become acquainted with the characters, historic facts and Victorian-era slang and dialect. Middle-graders --- who love not only reading mysteries, but also solving them --- should enjoy this first book in a promising series.

--- Reviewed by Donna Volkenannt

Wiggins and his little band of homeless boys roam the streets of London in 1889, begging and doing odd jobs wherever they can. When the great detective Sherlock Holmes has two mysterious cases that link to each other, he calls on Wiggins and his band to help him be additional eyes and ears in the matter.

Although not authentic Sherlock Holmes style, this book includes danger, pain, excitement, and treasure -- and even a secret message -- all entertaining for the 3rd to 7th graders who will enjoy this mystery. Lots of historical information at the back of the book. First in a series.

This new Sherlock Holmes and the Baker Street Irregulars mystery series from Scholastic opens with Fall Of The Amazing Zalindas, the first in a projected series of casebook detective stories featuring Sherlock Holmes and his young assistants, a band of street urchins who help probe the gruesome deaths of a circus troupe's tightrope walkers. A fine set of circumstances receiving much investigation evolves.