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Lock and Key

The Downward Spiral

#2 in series

ebook
1 of 1 copy available
1 of 1 copy available

“Will leave you dying to know more.” —Rick Riordan, author of the #1 bestselling Percy Jackson series

The New York Times bestselling author of the Peter and the Starcatcher and Kingdom Keepers series, Ridley Pearson, brings us the second riveting tale in the Lock and Key trilogy.

This bravely reimagined origin story of the rivalry of literature’s most famous enemies—Sherlock Holmes and James Moriarty—is told from the perspective of James’s observant little sister, Moira.

At the thrilling conclusion to book one, we left off with James and Moira’s father dying horribly and unexpectedly. Now the search is on to find out whatreallyhappened to their father. Did he fall or was he pushed? Sherlock, James, and Moira reluctantly partner up, trusting no one, not even each other, as they uncover a secret sect, a rare jewel, and a sordid history. Blood is spilled, trusts broken, and friendships lost in this story of how one simple mistake cost Father his life and James his heart, and sent the Moriartys spiraling ever downward.

It’s a highly original and satisfying take on the Sherlock Holmes series as only master of suspense Ridley Pearson could envision. As Rick Riordan, author of the Percy Jackson series, says, “This tale will change the way you see Sherlock Holmes and leave you dying to know more.”

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    • School Library Journal

      July 1, 2017

      Gr 4-6-This sequel begins where the first book, The Initiation, ended: with the death of the elder James Moriarty, father of Moira and James. Sherlock Holmes is James's roommate at Baskerville Academy. Sherlock, Moira, and James believe that Mr. Moriarty's death was no accident. Who is responsible, and why? In the first installment, young James was initiated into a secret society, the Scowerers, that his father had led. In this follow-up, he discovers a rival secret society. Both are determined to uncover the shady dealings of Mr. Moriarty and to take over his vast international holdings. The three young sleuths attempt to decipher the clues surrounding the network while trying to avoid the threats the gangs pose. Pearson provides a nonstop stream of undercover work, thievery, ciphers, and violence that is the stuff of nightmares. On a lighter note, there is a tender romance between the cold-tempered James and a fellow student, Alexis. Meanwhile, Moira is attracted to Sherlock, who reciprocates. Readers are left with questions concerning the mysterious disappearance of Mrs. Moriarty, and James is implicated in murders of his own. While Sherlock learns the identity of Mr. Moriarty's killer, he will need proof to make the case. It will take another volume to complete this tale. Holmes's powerful intellect is fully at work in this rousing story of greed and mayhem. VERDICT A fine option for kids who like action-packed mysteries. A must-have where the author is popular.-Lillian Hecker, Town of Pelham Public Library, NY

      Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

    • Kirkus

      August 15, 2017
      Twelve-year-old Moria Moriarty chronicles the continuing teenage adventures of the famous archenemies Sherlock Holmes and James Moriarty. Still reeling from the mysterious death of their father, Moria and James scour their Boston home for clues. But it is a bit of cleverly worked geometry on the part of Sherlock that reveals a hidden room that offers more puzzles than it solves. Back at boarding school, James finds himself increasingly involved in a secret criminal organization and agrees to prey upon the romantic aspirations of a fellow classmate for leverage. Sherlock, ever the bloodhound, seeks to solve the various cases swirling around the secretive Moriarty family. But his discoveries make it increasingly difficult to know whom and what to trust. As James becomes more withdrawn, Moria partners with the intelligent and conceited Sherlock. This is an origin story that is rich in teen angst, romance, and intrigue. Unfortunately, mysteries range from the far too simple (references to Poe's writing) to the intriguing (using a pencil to escape from a locked room). The meandering story will keep the attention of stalwart Sherlock fans, but it is the budding relationship between Moria and Sherlock that steals the story. The central characters are all white. Mystery, romance, and teen angst--the game is definitely afoot. (Mystery. 9-12)

      COPYRIGHT(2017) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

    • The Horn Book

      July 1, 2018
      Following The Initiation, twelve-year-old Moria Moriarty returns as narrator of her brother James's partnership with his Baskerville Academy roommate, Sherlock Holmes. The trio investigates the death of Mr. Moriarty and uncovers rival criminal organizations, all while juggling new romantic interests. With clever references to Doyle's originals, genre fans should enjoy this modern-day Boston-based reimagining of the rise of Holmes's arch-nemesis.

      (Copyright 2018 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

Formats

  • Kindle Book
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  • EPUB ebook

Languages

  • English

Levels

  • ATOS Level:4.7
  • Lexile® Measure:650
  • Interest Level:4-8(MG)
  • Text Difficulty:2-3

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