The dragon tattoo by Tim Pigott-Smith
Hodder
Children's Books,2008.
(Ages 8-12) The renowned actor Tim Pigott-Smith has turned his hand
to writing and created an enjoyable Holmes-esque yarn surrounding the
kidnap of a young girl whose father is mixed up with a sinister Chinese
gang called the Dragons. The
Irregulars are a band of youngsters who assist Sherlock Holmes in
solving crimes
and mysteries. The Dragon Tattoo tells the story of how they
first come
together in their efforts to find Holmes (who has disappeared in
mysterious
circumstances) and rescue Ann-Li from her dastardly kidnappers. Among
the
motley crew of Irregulars are Holmes' page boy Billy Chizzell, Sam
almost as
intuitive and devious as Holmes himself and Titch who has to disguise
herself
as a boy to survive on the streets of Victorian London.
A fun
story, competently written and with sufficient excitement, plot twists
and the
occasional touch of pathos to satisfy most young readers. The
references to
Sherlock Holmes and Watson elevate the story from a routine adventure
and with
luck will entice youngsters to try Conan-Doyle himself. Chris Mould's
atmospheric illustrations and Pigott-Smith's cinematic action sequences
add to
the suspense. It's all rounded off nicely with a sample of the
Irregulars next
adventure at the end of the book. Look out for The Rose of
Africa published this autumn which is sure to please
young readers eager for a series.
Claire
Larson