Book Review: Sherlock Holmes, His 1st Case
The book review I am sharing today is a read aloud we have been reading called Eye of the Crow: The Boy Sherlock Holmes, His 1st Case. Needless to say, we’ve been working on this one for a few months, due to crazy busy schedules.
“The world is full of obvious things which nobody by any chance ever observes.”
Sherlock Holmes Quote
-The Hound of the Baskervilles
Chapter 3: “The Problem”
Disclosure: I may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
Mystery Books:
Before I get into it, I just want to say I just LOVE a good mystery, don’t you? That delicious feeling of trying to figure it all out? Collecting the clues, checking the angles, deciding who might be guilty and who isn’t. Ah…love it!
I have to admit I was well along in my reading adventures before I read any of Sherlock Holmes books. I was stuck in a rut, I believe the first of his books was, “The Hound of the Baskervilles“. Which was terrifying! and I did not want to put the book down.
I love the quote above and wish I would remember everything I read, but alas, I’ve had kids. Somewhere along the way, I think they stole my capabilities to remember anything.
My darling offspring, however, are another story, as far as mystery reads are concerned. I try to make sure they get exposed to as many great books, great stories and great authors as possible.
What makes a great book great? Good question-I really don’t know! Ha!
I deem them great:
- if I loved them
- If they were well written
- teach something of value
- Were very interesting
- engaging
- captivating
That’s my great, I would love to hear your definition below!
The Review:
I came across the book as a recommendation from the librarian, don’t you just love Librarians?! Honestly, I love my library here, they are awesome!
If you remember from this post I had asked for recommendations on a Sherlock Holmes book to start with the children. I love his books. I also continued searching at my library, I wanted something not too scary to start them off with. This was their recommendation!
I love this story, I pre-read it before handing it off to the children*. However, they were still reluctant, which thrilled me as it resulted into a read-a-loud. We have not had a read aloud for a long time. As they are older, and life got crazy busy they kind of slipped out of our routine, so I am happy to say this has been our snuggle couch read.
Eye of the Crow is about Sherlock as a boy. In this book, he is 13 years old and lives with his mom and dad. He is poor and from a mixed background.
One point we loved about this book is that his story appeals to most readers because he doesn’t fit in at school, hates school and has no friends. I think we all remember feeling like this during our teenage years at one time or another. I know I did, sometimes I still do.
Interestingly we see Sherlock’s character, (to those that know him as an adult in other reads) emerge throughout the story, and we find the answers to why he is the way he is. You are pulled into the story by feeling for this little boy with big dreams of a better life, and his strong sense of justice and duty to do what is right.
This book focuses on his first murder case and how he uses what he does have to search for clues. How he learns to use what he has, and not focus on what he does not have is a great lesson for the young and a good reminder for those young at heart.
This story goes into the background of Sherlock, sharing with us why throughout his later stories he is reluctant to talk about his family life. It is placed in London in 1867 and the word pictures are amazing placing you right there in the middle of the story.
For a learning point, feel free to check out maps of London in 1868, and this is a neat google map for Sherlock Holmes fans. It is an interactive map, you can click on the “book places” you want to see, and off the ones you don’t.
Book Series Titles:
Unbeknownst to me, this also is a series! Sorry! I seem to favor series. I have only read the first one but here is the whole list if you want to check them out. I, personally have added the next one to my wish list to search for at the library.
The following are from Amazon which will give you a great summary of each book.
In Order they are:
1. Eye of the Crow: The Boy Sherlock Holmes, His 1st Case
3.Vanishing Girl: THE BOY SHERLOCK HOLMES, HIS 3RD CASE
4. The Secret Fiend: The Boy Sherlock Holmes, His Fourth Case
5. The Dragon Turn: The Boy Sherlock Holmes , His 5th Case
6. Becoming Holmes: The Boy Sherlock Holmes, His Final Case
The first book, Eye of the Crow was released in 2007, how did I not know that??! Anyway looks like I have some catching up to do!
I hope you enjoy this book as much as I am the second time through, as an engaging murder mystery for young readers. As they are picking their own books this year, I have to admit I am interested to see what they pick for next month!
Do you have a favorite Sherlock Holmes Book? Share below, I would love to hear what it is! Thanks for reading, and please share with friends!
Take care,
Jen
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