Book Review: Sherlock Sam and the Missing Heirloom in Katong

Book: Sherlock Sam and the Missing Heirloom in Katong (Sherlock Sam book #1) written by A.J. Low (Adan Jimenez and Felicia Low-Jimenez) with illustrations by Andrew Tan

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: Available now

Description:

An exciting new update of the classic Sherlock Holmes detective stories in which Sherlock is a 10-year-old kid living in Singapore and Watson is his trusty robot companion!

Introducing the Sherlock Sam series by A.J. Low—a fresh, cross-cultural twist on the classic Sherlock Holmes stories, tailored for middle-grade readers. Set in iconic Singapore locations, the series follows the mystery-solving exploits of smart, observant, food-loving 10-year-old Samuel Tan Cher Lock (a.k.a. Sherlock Sam), Watson, his reluctant robot sidekick, and the rest of the Supper Club (a “Scooby Doo gang,” of sorts) as they prove that mysteries are best solved through teamwork.

In Sherlock Sam and the Missing Heirloom in Katong, Auntie Kim Lian’s precious Peranakan cookbook disappears, and Sherlock Sam cannot eat her delicious ayam buah keluak anymore! Will Sherlock Sam be able to use his super detective powers to find this lost treasure?


Rating: 5 stars

Review:

I love finding these middle grade mystery books. In this story which is set in Singapore, 10 years old Samuel Tan Cher Lock who likes to be called Sherlock Sam loves science and math and one day hopes to become a great detective. He also created a robot who accidentally got the name Watson by Sam's father.

This story contains two mysteries, the first centers around a missing cookbook. Family friend Auntie Kim Lian invited Sam's family over for a special dinner. Sam, his older sister Wendy and Watson went over early to hang out with Auntie Lian's grandson Jimmy (who is Sam's friend and classmate). As Auntie Lian went to look for her cookbook which is old and filled with tons of family recipes, she realized it was missing. Sherlock Sam knowing how much the cookbook means to Auntie Lian proceeded to trying to solve the mystery. He got some assistance from Watson, Wendy and Jimmy.

From tracing Auntie Lian's steps from the last time she had the cookbook, the group went from Auntie's home to various sites around town. All along Sherlock Sam was picking up clues and trying his best to find the book.

The second mystery has Sherlock trying to find Jimmy's missing hamster. I like that the story has two mysteries with one being rather easy to solve (for both Sherlock and the reader). While the other takes time to uncover clues to solve the case.

I think kids would like this book because the story is fast-paced, the mysteries are interesting and the characters are very likeable. The book also includes a helpful glossary so readers can learn more information about many of the terms that are featured throughout. As delicious as the food was described in this book, I almost wish recipes were included. Regardless, this was a fun book and I look forward to reading the second book.