Lock and Key: The Initiation (Lock and Key, 1)

Sherlock Holmes is a well-known detective, but not as much is known about his youth. Here is a tale of how he begin his rivalry with his most famous enemy, James Moriarty, which is told from the viewpoint of James’s little sister, Moria. James grows up to be a ruthless villain, but what happened to lead him down that path? James is put into a boarding school where he winds up the roommate of a British know-it-all named Sherlock Holmes. Moria attends the school as well and becomes closer to Sherlock, Lock as she calls him, than her brother. Shortly after school starts, a treasured Bible that is supposedly the family bible of the Moriarty family goes missing causing James and Moria to be caught up in a school wide scandal. The school imposes mandatory study hall and lockdown until the bible is found. James has never known of his family to have such a bible here, but all of a sudden clues start turning up leading him on a search for what he thinks must be the bible. Sherlock helps his roommate and finds that things are not at all what they first appear, leading them to the discovery of a secret society within the walls of the school. With danger around every corner and mysterious dealings afoot, nothing will be the same.Ridley Pearson has developed a knack for developing stories for that are like none out there. He reimagined the Disney villains and heroes for young adults to read and enjoy, and now has taken on a new direction for us to see Sherlock Holmes that is entertaining, fun, and so enjoyable. I have heard of Sherlock Holmes but the characters of James and Moira were new to me. I loved the way Pearson told the story through Moira’s perspective. It was different and gave a neat view of the story. At first glance you are think the story took place long ago, that’s what comes to mind for me when I think of Sherlock Holmes. Interestingly enough, it takes place in the present. The kids are attending Baskerville academy, a school that doesn’t allow cell phones, making all clues and information a little more difficult for kids and all involved in to attain. At first you might think that Sherlock and even James are the brightest of the bunch, but don’t count Moria out too quickly. She learns quickly from those around her and with Sherlock to teach her proper sleuthing techniques, she is sure to not be left out of all that is happening around her. Pearson has become one of my favorite YA authors. You can count on his stories to be entertaining with much to learn along the way. With this being the start of a new series, I can’t wait to see what is to come.

I'm a little surprised so many people loved this book as I found it a trifle dull. The characters lack depth and the story, set in the present and narrated by Moria, is written by her as if she lived in the Victorian age. I still haven't finished this book and am not sure I am going to go back to it, although I am 95% of the way through. Might be good for whom it is written (middle grade) but I'm not sure.

Spoke to Amy at Interstate Books 4 Schools today and was amazed at what great customer service they have! They are replacing the books and throwing in a couple extra for my trouble. You can't beat that kind of CS!

This is an excellently told story of the early days of Sherlock and Moriarty and Moriarty's sister, Moria. The story shifts back and forth from James Moriaty's perspective to Moria's perspective. Sherlock is as brilliant as ever, always one step ahead of the other characters and, of course, us. It is a great mystery that keeps you guessing, and there's even a little bit of a love story for those who like that.

Pearson is always fun to read. This story, while seemingly for young adult readers, does a great job of filing in some of the lost places of the story of Sherlock Holmes & James Moriarty. I'll need to get the following book to see what happens next.

Oh how I do love Sherlock Holmes stories in all shapes and sizes. This well written piece is a lovely story telling of the back story of James Moriarty as a young man who is paired with a young Sherlock. Together they work on a puzzle involving Moriarty's family legacy. Set in modern day with interesting old fashioned rules I could see this story play out easily in my mind. I can't wait for the next one!

So far my 5th grader likes it but had a rough start getting into it because of some of the wording. But he keeps trying and will eventually get better

This is a great book by Ridley Pearson, and a really clever spin on the old Sherlock Holmes story. I can't wait for the next installment.

even the kids got bored half way through