The Case That Time Forgot

Gr 4—6—In Tracy Barrett's third installment (Holt, 2010) of The Sherlock Files series, Xena and Xander, great-great-great-grandchildren of the famous sleuth Sherlock Holmes, help their schoolmate Karim explore what the boy feels is a true Egyptian legend rather than family folklore. Karim's ancestor hid an ancient Egyptian water clock containing a powerful amulet which may have the power to stop time. When Xena and Xander find information about the amulet in Sherlock's unsolved casebook, they use modern conveniences, the inventions their mother brings home from her job, and their own detective skills to help solve the case. This exciting mystery visits Sherlock-familiar places throughout London, and children interested in Egyptian gods and goddesses will enjoy all that it has to offer. John Allen Nelson's rapid narration, long pauses, and anger-infused fake British accent make for difficult listening. Purchase only if your library already owns the previous titles in the series.—Courtney O'Keefe, Des Plaines Public Library, IL