The Dark Lady (Sherlock, Lupin, and Me)
Gr 4–7—The three title characters meet up as adolescents and embark on a friendship fostered by a love of solving crimes. When Sherlock, Lupin, and Irene discover a body on the beach, they decide to solve the mystery of the man's death themselves. The plot moves along quickly, and the way in which the quirky friends use witty banter to communicate will hold the interest of reluctant readers. The French setting of 1870s Saint-Malo comes alive as the young sleuths visit deserted mansions, seaside hotels, and a hidden gambling house. Fitting pen-and-ink etchings kick off each short, briskly paced chapter. Fans of Nancy Springer's "Enola Holmes" books (Philomel) will be excited about this promising new series, and it's a solid choice for readers looking for an engaging mystery.—Carrie Shaurette, Dwight-Englewood School, Englewood, NJ--This text refers to an alternateHardcoveredition.