A Game Most Foul

Gr 9 Up–Arriving in London days after her high school graduation in California, Jules is thrilled and nervous about being accepted to a prestigious writing seminar. Her nerves center around a writing block she hopes will be cured during the course and getting accustomed to her hearing aids. Luckily, she is supported by Aunt Adele, the owner of an antiques shop in the heart of London, who offers welcome guidance and a place to stay. Jules immediately befriends the outgoing Suruthi and good-looking Percy, and together they meet their instructor, Professor Watson. On one assignment, Jules and classmate Ashley head into downtown London, and Ashley disappears. Jules, worried she may have missed something due to her hearing loss, scours the area and reluctantly returns to school and reports Ashley’s disappearance to the police. When it appears that the police are not taking the case seriously, Jules, Suruthi, and Percy take it in hand to investigate. It is when they find a partner in Professor Watson—yes, that John Watson—and Sherlock Holmes, that the story moves into fantasy, bringing Holmes and Watson into the 21st century. This well-written book misses the mark by not quite identifying what story it wants to tell. The mystery flounders with an ending that doesn’t completely satisfy, and it is difficult to suspend disbelief over the Watson and Holmes twist.