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shadowranger's review
adventurous
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
caitief's review
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
sc104906's review
4.0
John Watson has started his new school alongside his first and best friend, Shelby Holmes. Watson had a great time solving the previous mystery with Shelby and can't wait to see what their next adventure will be. Shelby uncovers something fishy going on with their new teacher and she is determined to find out what his deal is. This second case has Watson learning more techniques from Shelby and Shelby learning a few techniques from their adversary.
This was a fun twist on the classic Sherlock Holmes tales. Perfect for children.
This was a fun twist on the classic Sherlock Holmes tales. Perfect for children.
booksandpops4000's review
4.0
I loved this book so much. It was a lovely sequel to the first book in this series. I loved the way this story really focused on Holmes and Watson friendship. I loved both the case and the characters that came into the story. It def was a step up in from book one. I loved the adorable illustrations and also who the "villian" was in this story. I also really enjoyed the how the mystery was developed and how it really effected the main characters. It was such a fun read and grew to love John even more!
itsme_lori's review
4.0
These books are so much fun! If you have kids who like mysteries and are ready to graduate from Magic Tree House or Nate the Great, check out these books. They follow John Watson and his new friend Shelby Holmes while they solve cases and navigate the world of elementary school. And the second one is just as good as the first! John and Shelby met over the summer so this one shows them heading back to school. Except for John, it's a new school and now he's friends with the kid everybody thinks is weird. But the book does a great job of showing John seeing how everyone treats Shelby at school a figuring out whether he wants to be associated with her and become an outsider too or try to make new friends. In the end, it all works out and we get to see an even deeper friendship develop between these two. It's cute and fun and even gets a little bit emotional. Plus, for those of us who are Sherlock fans, it's fun to see all of the character reimagined in this series, some as kids and some as adults. Overall, a really great mystery series for kids that keeps it light and fun and not scary but also with a little danger and lots of friendship. I highly recommend them!
cozykrysti's review
4.0
THE GREAT SHELBY HOLMES MEETS HER MATCH is absolutely adorable, so much fun, and full of fantastic Sherlockian references.
The story itself was fast paced and highly entertaining. I loved reading through Watson's perspective and watching Shelby put her deductive reasoning skills to work.
The characters are charming. Both are such a great take on the classic Holmes and Watson characters. They have a lot of the same characteristics and quirks, but Eulberg has definitely put her own spin on them to make them relatable and enjoyable for a modern audience.
The dialogue throughout the story is cute and witty and everything I'd hope for from a middle grade novel.
One thing I really enjoyed about this book was through the language Eulberg used, she really turns the idea of white as the default on its head. Every white character is described with their skin color like we see in most other books when characters of color are described, and I thought that was fantastic. This is definitely something we need to be more aware of as readers and writers.
I'm also a huge Sherlock fan, and I really loved all the witty Sherlockian references sprinkled throughout the book. They were fun little Easter Eggs for readers to uncover.
I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it both to MG readers as well as Sherlock Holmes fans of all ages.
The story itself was fast paced and highly entertaining. I loved reading through Watson's perspective and watching Shelby put her deductive reasoning skills to work.
The characters are charming. Both are such a great take on the classic Holmes and Watson characters. They have a lot of the same characteristics and quirks, but Eulberg has definitely put her own spin on them to make them relatable and enjoyable for a modern audience.
The dialogue throughout the story is cute and witty and everything I'd hope for from a middle grade novel.
One thing I really enjoyed about this book was through the language Eulberg used, she really turns the idea of white as the default on its head. Every white character is described with their skin color like we see in most other books when characters of color are described, and I thought that was fantastic. This is definitely something we need to be more aware of as readers and writers.
I'm also a huge Sherlock fan, and I really loved all the witty Sherlockian references sprinkled throughout the book. They were fun little Easter Eggs for readers to uncover.
I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it both to MG readers as well as Sherlock Holmes fans of all ages.
pussreboots's review
5.0
The Great Shelby Holmes Meets Her Match by Elizabeth Eulberg is the second Shelby Holmes book. John and Shelby are in school now and their teacher, Mr. Crosby is acting weird. Things get worse when the teacher's watch is stolen and the thief is trying to blackmail him into failing Shelby.
http://pussreboots.com/blog/2017/comments_12/great_shelby_holmes_meets_her_match.html
http://pussreboots.com/blog/2017/comments_12/great_shelby_holmes_meets_her_match.html
kendallbridgete's review
4.0
I was looking forward to the sequel as soon as I finished the first one. Watson has a great voice for this new series' narrator. I enjoy the relationship between this interpretation of the Holmes and Watson dynamic and all the small and/or subtle homages to the originals (I was very happy to see the bulldog, Sir Arthur, return!).
While I did not enjoy the main plot (i.e. the case) in this second book as much as the debut Shelby Holmes tale, and was planning on giving it 3-3 1/2 stars, the fact that the antagonist is named MOIRA HARDY GIVES. ME. LIFE. and secured this worthy sequel a 4-star rating from me.
Hoping for a third Shelby-and-Watson escapade in the not-too-distant future. :)
While I did not enjoy the main plot (i.e. the case) in this second book as much as the debut Shelby Holmes tale, and was planning on giving it 3-3 1/2 stars, the fact that
Hoping for a third Shelby-and-Watson escapade in the not-too-distant future. :)