No Place Like Holmes by Jason Lethcoe

Encyclopedia Brown meets Sherlock Holmes in this enjoyable mystery novel for kids. Griffin Sharpe heads to 221 Baker Street to spend the summer with an uncle he’s never met. Certain that his uncle is the famous Sherlock Holmes, Griffin is looking forward to meeting someone who might understand him and his ultra-observant ways. Imagine his disappointment when he realizes that his uncle, though a detective, is unknown, odd, unwelcoming, and has a grudge against Holmes. But when Griffin and his uncle stumble upon a mystery and work toward its solution, a tenuous relationship begins to form. 

Despite Griffin’s attention to detail and his need to count things when nervous, there were times when I felt like the description was overdone. However, it was a clear look into Griffin’s mind and it was more of a hiccup than an interruption in the story’s flow. All in all, I believe it will appeal to readers of Encyclopedia Brown, The Hardy Boys, and Nancy Drew books.

The story itself was well put together, creating an intriguing case that have the reader cheering for Griffin and his uncle. And the book ends with a hint of the next mystery, and the first chapter of book 2. As a side note, be sure and read the mini-mysteries and see if you can solve them before you peek at Griffin’s answers.

A complimentary review copy of this book was provided by Thomas Nelson Publishers with no expectation of a positive review.

Heart of Ice by Lis Wiehl

Disturbing in its realism, Heart of Ice reveals the mind of someone so cold and calculating that she could kill without blinking an eye, so manipulative that she could inspire others to kill for her. As a series of seemingly unrelated crimes make headlines, our triple threat members find themselves closer to the truth than they’d like to be. FBI agent Nicole, Federal Prosecutor Allison, and Crime Reporter Cassidy face personal and professional struggles while unknowingly developing a relationship with a killer.

A real page-turner, this third book in the Triple Threat series was a thrilling read and I will continue to follow this series. Be aware that if you’re conservative in your reading (or recommending to teen children), it likely deserves a PG-13 rating.

My review would be remiss if I did not mention the fact that it could have been published as a secular novel. As with the first book, there was no clear Christian message, although Allison is clearly a Christian. I’d like to see her be a little more proactive in sharing her faith. Having said that, there was a surprising moment near the end that I hope is a foreshadowing of some spiritual changes. You’ll have to read it if you want to know what that moment was!

If you enjoy a good psychological thriller, you’ll enjoy Heart of Ice.

A complimentary review copy of this book was provided by Thomas Nelson Publishers with no expectation of a positive review.