Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of Black Peter

March 1, 2012

Gr 4-6- Black Peter takes readers into the world of pirates with the murder of Captain Peter Carey, aka Black Peter. In Cardboard Box, a woman receives a box containing two human ears, possibly sent by a medical student seeking revenge because she had asked him to vacate the room he rented. The texts are simply written and easy to follow, and the illustrations help to keep readers involved in the stories. Each book includes a map of London, an illustrated cast of characters, and a letter from Dr. Watson explaining Holmes's logic in solving the cases. This graphic format brings the lesser-known Sherlock adventures to light. Readers who enjoy the series will be pleased with these additions.-Catherine Brenner, Bethlehem Public Library, Delmar, NY

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 1, 2011
A bit of nautical skullduggery leads to a brutal former sea captain's murder in this graphic adaptation. Consistent with series formula, it is retold in easy-to-follow framed panels of various sizes and shapes interspersed with prose transitions and capped by analyses of the significant clues. This case has Holmes and Watson helping a novice police inspector nab a hulking tar who left his victim pinned to a wall with a harpoon. The resultant confession reveals murky deeds in the pasts of both mariners. The gruesome elements here and in the co-published #12, Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Cardboard Box, are not explicitly depicted, and the simply drawn art's dark palette gives the visuals a muted look. Characters have an unfortunately cartoony look; Holmes, in particular, lacks the expected gravitas. Still, the plots remain intact, and the language and settings have a properly period flavor. Budding Holmesians not yet ready to tackle the originals will certainly get a taste of what's in store. (map, reading list) (Graphic mystery. 10-12)

(COPYRIGHT (2011) KIRKUS REVIEWS/NIELSEN BUSINESS MEDIA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)