The Case of the Missing Moonstone

Ada Lovelace, the world's first computer programmer, and Mary Godwin, creator of the science-fiction genre, are cleverly brought together in a series that weaves history, science, and mystery in a way that is sure to appeal to Lemony Snicket fans. Nicola Barber tells the story with a flair and liveliness that add realism to this little time-travel jaunt. Her British pronunciations of some words may sound odd to the American ear, but she ably breathes life into this interesting cast of characters, especially Ada; Mary; the tutor, Peebs (Percy Bysshe Shelley); and an unwitting travelmate, a young Charles Dickens. They use curiosity, book smarts, and quick thinking to expose a false confession and recover a stolen gemstone. A great start to a promising new series. N.E.M. © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine

March 1, 2015

Gr 5-8-In 1826 London, two upper-class girls-Ada, a "perfectly ordinary 11-year-old genius" who's oblivious to social protocol and 14-year-old Mary, who is unusually perceptive and loves adventure-initially come together for joint tutoring. However, these resourceful misses soon decide to combine their remarkable talents and establish the Wollstonecraft Detective Agency. Mary and Ada take on a case to recover a valuable antique Turkish pendant, resulting in escapades that challenge their ingenuity and expand their abilities. The preface notes that Ada and Mary are based on the historical figures Augusta Ada Byron, commonly known as Ada Lovelace and believed to be the first computer programmer, and Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin, who's better known as Frankenstein author Mary Shelley. Although historical license is used to connect the protagonists, historical facts, places, and famous personages from the period are woven throughout this delightfully quirky and engaging novel and detailed in the end notes. Nicola Barber's capable performance provides the girls and an intriguing supporting cast with distinctive personalities and voices. This work could be used to complement an array of lessons from period and author studies to math and logic. VERDICT This first installment in what is sure to become a popular series is highly recommended.-Rebecca James, Nashville, TN

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