The Case of the Missing Moonstone

October 20, 2014
This smart and witty first book in the Wollstonecraft Detective Agency mystery series features celebrated figures Ada Lovelace, considered the world’s first computer programmer, and Mary Shelley, credited with creating the science fiction genre, as young detectives-in-training. Although Stratford (who raised more than $90,000 on Kickstarter to publish the series, prior to its acquisition) admits he’s taken liberties with some facts and dates, he vividly recreates the social and economic milieu of 1826 England through the girls’ eyes. Lady Ada, 11, is an awkward but brilliant mathematician, while Mary, 14, is socially adept and loves the romantic, adventurous side of life. When the girls come across newspaper pieces about crime, they resolve form a “secret constabulary” to catch criminals. As they use quick thinking, book smarts, and social know-how to find a stolen gemstone with the help (willing and unwilling) of their tutor, Peebs (Percy Bysshe Shelley), and travelmate (a young Charles Dickens), they also navigate the difficult terrain of despair and injustice. Skilled b&w illustrations and comical narration and dialogue will charm readers thoroughly. Ages 8–12. Author’s agent: Heather Schroder, Compass Talent Agency.

November 15, 2014
The future author of Frankenstein teams up with the future inventor of the computer to establish a young ladies' detective agency.The fact that in real life Mary Shelley, nee Godwin, was 18 years older than Ada Lovelace, nee Byron, doesn't seem to bother Stratford one whit. He simply reduces the age difference by 15 years and arranges for Mary to be sent to Ada's house for tutoring. Their tutor is a hapless Percy Shelley (bumblingly incognito); illicitly sharing Mary's carriage every day is a cheerful young Charles Dickens. Young readers unencumbered by the knowledge that the setup is laughably ahistorical may enjoy the slight mystery, which unfolds when Mary and Ada decide to spice up their routine by investigating interesting crimes. They will probably warm to Mary's steady intelligence. They will certainly relish Ada's many eccentricities, especially the hot air balloon she keeps tethered to her roof and her willingness to store Shelley in the distillery closet when he gets in the way. But even the most credulous child may find it very hard to believe that a Victorian family submits to the interrogation of two strange girls about a lost gem under the guise of a school project. An author's note attempts to correct the text's inaccuracies. At best readers won't get it, and at worst they will believe it. (Historical mystery. 8-12)

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December 1, 2014

Gr 5-8-History meets mystery in this story in which the author reimagines the lives of Ada Byron and Mary Shelley as two girls who meet in 1826 London, agree to form a secret detective agency, and embark upon a series of adventures together. Ada (who will later become known as Lady Lovelace, often considered the world's first computer programmer) is a reclusive genius, lacking in social skills. Mary, who will one day become the author of the classic novel Frankenstein, is observant and a bit romantic. While the author admits to taking a few liberties with historical facts (for example, some of the characters were much further apart in age than are presented in the story), there are plenty of historical and scientific tidbits that may inspire readers to investigate the real-life figures as well as their discoveries and creations evolve. A good fit for Common Core curricula and a fun overall read, this is a winner.-Jessica Marie, Salem Public Library, OR

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 15, 2014
Grades 4-6 Stratford creates an alternate nineteenth-century London, peoples it with a number of historical figures, and changes those figures' ages and life stories to suit his narrative. Ada Byron, 11, and Mary Godwin, 14, start a detective agency in Victorian London. Ably assisted by their young acquaintance Charles and their tutor, Percy, the young ladies investigate the mystery of a stolen jewel and chase down the thief in a hot-air balloon. Although the stylized, black-and-white illustrations are pleasing, the detective-story plot is somewhat unconvincing, and the entire narrative is a bit mannered and top-heavy with eminent Victorians. Still, even readers unfamiliar with Ada Byron Lovelace, Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin Shelley, Percy Bysshe Shelley, and Charles Dickens will enjoy the two protagonists. Ada is an entertainingly eccentric character, and Mary is a sympathetic, perceptive one. In the appended notes, Stratford comments on aspects of the historical period as well as eight people characterized or mentioned in the book. Readers intrigued by the young detectives can look forward to further volumes in the Wollstonecraft Detective Agency series.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)