ALA Booklist

As an army brat, John Watson is used to making new friends. But when he and his mother move to New York City, he meets the strangest kid he's ever known: Shelby Holmes, detective. In what John calls a "Jedi mind trick," she deduces within minutes that his mother is an army doctor, was wounded in Afghanistan, and is recently divorced. When Shelby is summoned to find a missing dog, John tags along and finds himself baffled by the case. In the end, Shelby finds the culprit and accepts Watson, as she calls John, as her partner. Similarities to Sherlock Holmes abound, though whether that resonates with readers will depend on their familiarity with related books, movies, or TV shows. Like Arthur Conan Doyle's Watson, John serves as a sympathetic narrator who is unreliable in that his critical thinking is trumped by his emotions. The multicultural casting is made clear in the grayscale illustrations. Mystery fans may try to solve the case, but most, like John, will enjoy just hanging out with Shelby to see what happens next.

Kirkus Reviews

John Watson's known minisleuth Shelby Holmes for only three weeks, but he already knows sixth grade will be significantly enlivened with Shelby's cases to solve.John, an Army brat settled down for the first time, makes friends easily in his new Harlem magnet school for the arts. But though he loves his new multiethnic crew—they play video games, shoot hoops, and discuss Mozart sonatas and modern art—he can't deny the thrill of solving cases. Even when Shelby is patronizing (always!) or rude to their clients (also always!), John's excited, but maybe taking a case for their teacher who doesn't want their help is just a tad over the line. To investigate a villainous private school headmistress, John and Shelby go undercover, Shelby disguised as prim little "Basia Rathbone" in one of several in-jokes for adult readers. John worries about lying to his mother as well as about being a black boy undercover in a rich neighborhood (something that doesn't occur to Shelby, who's white), but it doesn't occur to him to worry about his diabetes. And it doesn't occur to either of them that anyone could get the better of Shelby, until they meet nasty and brilliant, rich, olive-skinned Moira Hardy. Charming and funny, this winning adventure also finds time for its middle school sleuths to develop real maturity. (Mystery. 9-11)

Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

In this series opener, Eulberg (We Can Work It Out) creates a lively present-day update of Sherlock Holmes, one with plenty of winks to the source material. Eleven-year-old John Watson has grown up on multiple army bases, but now that his parents are splitting up, he and his mother move to 211 Baker Street-in Harlem-where he meets nine-year-old neighbor Shelby Holmes. Watson is intrigued by the brilliant and intense Shelby, who is known throughout the neighborhood for her crime-solving talent. Her prickly demeanor can be challenging, but Watson is amazed by Shelby-s powers of observation and deduction, and soon the two are helping a classmate locate her missing show dog. Watson-s struggles adjusting to New York City life, making friends, and missing his father are captured believably. Readers will delight in Shelby-s ability to read clues in this well-plotted mystery and sympathize with Watson who, along with the rest of the supporting cast, is generally two steps behind Shelby. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 8-12. Author-s agent: Erin Malone, William Morris Endeavor. Illustrator-s agency: Shannon Associates. (Sept.)

School Library Journal

Gr 3-6Shelby Holmes and John Watson are back in school and back to sleuthing. When Shelby meets her new science teacher, Mr. Crosby, she immediately senses something suspicious about him. When his watch is stolen, Holmes takes the case and is faced with her greatest adversary yet. Has Holmes met her match? Holmes's know-it-all personality and Watson's more laid-back persona continue to complement each other as they did in the previous book. Watson faces the challenges of beginning a new school, making new friends, coping with his parents' divorce, and navigating health issues related to his diabetes. Holmes continues to be the boisterous character who doesn't care what others think and will do anything to solve a case. Watson sets a great example for middle grade readers as he doesn't sacrifice his relationship with outsider Holmes as he makes new friends in school. Readers are treated to the softer side of Holmes as she learns that sometimes her ego gets in the way of the things that matter most. Eulberg does an excellent job of character development and presenting realistic family and friend relationships. The satisfying conclusion leaves open the possibility of additional sequels. VERDICT Another fantastic addition to the series which will have readers anxiously awaiting Holmes and Watson's next adventure.Ashley Leffel, Griffin Middle School, Frisco, TX