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The Sherlock Files #3
The Case That Time Forgot
Xander's classmate Karim tells him about a famous amulet carved in the shape of Thoth, the Egyptian god of time. It was thought to be so powerful that it could turn back time one day every hundred years. And that day is in a week!
The amulet disappeared from a London museum years ago. Xena and Xander's celebrated ancestor Sherlock Holmes tried to find it, but had no luck. The twins are on the case―and so are mysterious foes who are trying to thwart and perhaps even harm them! Can Xander and Xena track down what Sherlock Holmes could not?
The Case That Time Forgot is a 2011 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.
The amulet disappeared from a London museum years ago. Xena and Xander's celebrated ancestor Sherlock Holmes tried to find it, but had no luck. The twins are on the case―and so are mysterious foes who are trying to thwart and perhaps even harm them! Can Xander and Xena track down what Sherlock Holmes could not?
The Case That Time Forgot is a 2011 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.
176 pages, Paperback
First published April 27, 2010
9 people are currently reading
238 people want to read
About the author
Tracy Barrett
40 books142 followersTracy Barrett has written more than twenty books for children and young adults. She’s much too interested in too many things to stick to one genre, and has published nonfiction as well as historical fiction, mysteries, fantasy, time travel, myth and fairy-tale retellings, and contemporary realistic novels. She knows more about ancient Greece and Rome and the European Middle Ages than anyone really needs to know, can read lots of dead languages, and used to jump out of airplanes.
Tracy grew up near New York City, and went to college in New England and graduate school in California. She majored in Classics and earned a Ph.D. in Medieval Italian. She was awarded a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities to study medieval women writers and won the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Work-in-Progress Grant in 2005. She taught Italian and other subjects at Vanderbilt University for almost thirty years. She lives in Tennessee with her 6’7” husband, a rescue cat, and two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
Tracy grew up near New York City, and went to college in New England and graduate school in California. She majored in Classics and earned a Ph.D. in Medieval Italian. She was awarded a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities to study medieval women writers and won the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Work-in-Progress Grant in 2005. She taught Italian and other subjects at Vanderbilt University for almost thirty years. She lives in Tennessee with her 6’7” husband, a rescue cat, and two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
November 25, 2011
Once more, Readers get a chance to follow the descendents of Sherlock Holmes on yet another case which outsmarted the world's greatest detective. This time, Xander and Xena meet with far more complications than they ever did in the previous two cases, as important clues are stolen from right under their noses, and someone keeps sending them threatening phone calls and even scorpions! And they even have a real live client this time. Sounds exciting, right? Well, the interest level is about the same as in the previous two books - fun clues that are easy to puzzle out for the Reader, but difficult for the hero and heroine, races around London, and entertaining references to Holmes that any Sherlockian will find amusing - even if mildly.
And like the other two cases, this one lacks a villain. At first, there are hints that there might be one, and I was excited about that. Every mystery needs a villain! And while not all of Holmes's cases had one, the majority of them did. And there's the difference between his cases and Xena and Xander's: there haven't been any in the three I've read so far. That's a problem. Tracy Barrett has managed to keep the series entertaining by her fun clues she's engineered and the fact that the twins are Holmes's relations, but unless she brings in a real villain - someone who actually means them harm - I fear that The Sherlock Files will become a rather large disappointment.
And like the other two cases, this one lacks a villain. At first, there are hints that there might be one, and I was excited about that. Every mystery needs a villain! And while not all of Holmes's cases had one, the majority of them did. And there's the difference between his cases and Xena and Xander's: there haven't been any in the three I've read so far. That's a problem. Tracy Barrett has managed to keep the series entertaining by her fun clues she's engineered and the fact that the twins are Holmes's relations, but unless she brings in a real villain - someone who actually means them harm - I fear that The Sherlock Files will become a rather large disappointment.
November 4, 2017
The first book in this series was so good, I decided to try another. Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy this one as much. It was leaner on the Holmes references and heavier on the attitude and superstition. I also found the development of a character and then their sudden dropping out of the story kinda disappointing. All of the clue hunting and footprint tracking was super fascinating, though!! (And I seriously wanna see Big Ben sometime.) ;) I loved how clever all the clues were, and the tension of them being hidden 100 years earlier was really fun. Who knows if the entire hunt is still in place! ;)
Altogether, this was a fun quick read but not my favorite or something I would read again. ;)
Altogether, this was a fun quick read but not my favorite or something I would read again. ;)
September 14, 2011
Another intersting adventure featuring Xena and Xander Holmes. It is true that these stories lack a certain element of danger but it is a kids series so I guess I can't really complain. What I reall love about these books though is the author's ability to begin a case in the Ninteenth century and actually devolop a mystery in which the solution is not reavealed until a hundred years in the future. It's simply amazing.
The only trouble from a Sherlock Holmes stand point is that Conan Doyle never allowed for Holmes to have children. But William Gilette did. So if we extrapolate forward not from the Doyle canon but rather from Gillette's Play script in which Moriarty is arrested Holmes falls in love Richenbach is adverted and Mary Watson does not die, then this gem of a childrens series can gain some credability.
The only trouble from a Sherlock Holmes stand point is that Conan Doyle never allowed for Holmes to have children. But William Gilette did. So if we extrapolate forward not from the Doyle canon but rather from Gillette's Play script in which Moriarty is arrested Holmes falls in love Richenbach is adverted and Mary Watson does not die, then this gem of a childrens series can gain some credability.
March 29, 2013
LOVE these! I have listened to them as audio books and I think that's what makes the stories seem so fun. A little more in-depth than Boxcar Children, so it's perfect for even teens.
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February 8, 2016Xander and Xena are out to solve another unsolved case from Sherlock Holmes casebook. An amulet that can stop time has been missing for years and they are asked to find it.
Read
September 13, 2020A clever, neatly-worked out series.
February 14, 2017
THE CASE THAT TIME FORGOT
In other novels that I have read the story is usually about sibling rivalry. In this book it shows how a brother and sister bond over there interest of solving cases. The two siblings are detectives that have recently accepted a case about an ancient Egyptian amulet. That is said to have powers.
The main characters Xander and Xena are descendants from the famous detective Sherlock Holmes. The amulet is said to have powers to stop time every fifthy years which was said to be in the ancient “water clock”. The author Tracy Barrett wrote this novel to please the reader in many categories. In the story someone long ago had stolen the amulet and hid it away. In a few days the amulet will be able to work. The characters in the story don`t know if the amulet truly has powers but they still put all their faith into this case.
The character Xander is a young boy who has a great intellect and thrives for an adventure. His older sister Xena has a great personality but has trouble containing her attitude throughout the story. Later on they discover that they have been followed by a person who is also after the amulet. In the climax xander`s notebook with all the information is stolen and they don`t have a lot of sources to go to. Xena and Xander find multiple clues to the case but cannot find the answers to them. They know that the person who is after the amulet is ahead of them and could find the amulet before Saturday (the day the amulet will work).
Later on Xena thoroughly examines their data to find something that can help them. Xander is upset because he doesn`t have his notebook and he doubts that they can even solve the case. The characters seem to reach the point where they have no hope. The reader can relate to this because sometimes we fail at something but we can learn from it.
They later on find out that Xena`s friends then come in between Xena and Xander. They then find Egyptian hieroglyphs that spelled out “Carberry Museum”. They decided to try again but this time they will go with their parents. The author uses this story to represent the family bond and how they help each other through tough times. In this writing it also shows a adventurous quest which could be an interest to the reader. They then find a clue that leads them to a figure of an ibis-headed man which was one of the artifacts that were packed with the ancient water clock. In this story it shows that you shouldn`t give up even if you hit a speed bump. Xena and Xander then open the hand of the mummy and they have just found something incredible. This book is wonderful and I do not want to give you any more spoilers. You would have to read it to experience the great format of this book.
In other novels that I have read the story is usually about sibling rivalry. In this book it shows how a brother and sister bond over there interest of solving cases. The two siblings are detectives that have recently accepted a case about an ancient Egyptian amulet. That is said to have powers.
The main characters Xander and Xena are descendants from the famous detective Sherlock Holmes. The amulet is said to have powers to stop time every fifthy years which was said to be in the ancient “water clock”. The author Tracy Barrett wrote this novel to please the reader in many categories. In the story someone long ago had stolen the amulet and hid it away. In a few days the amulet will be able to work. The characters in the story don`t know if the amulet truly has powers but they still put all their faith into this case.
The character Xander is a young boy who has a great intellect and thrives for an adventure. His older sister Xena has a great personality but has trouble containing her attitude throughout the story. Later on they discover that they have been followed by a person who is also after the amulet. In the climax xander`s notebook with all the information is stolen and they don`t have a lot of sources to go to. Xena and Xander find multiple clues to the case but cannot find the answers to them. They know that the person who is after the amulet is ahead of them and could find the amulet before Saturday (the day the amulet will work).
Later on Xena thoroughly examines their data to find something that can help them. Xander is upset because he doesn`t have his notebook and he doubts that they can even solve the case. The characters seem to reach the point where they have no hope. The reader can relate to this because sometimes we fail at something but we can learn from it.
They later on find out that Xena`s friends then come in between Xena and Xander. They then find Egyptian hieroglyphs that spelled out “Carberry Museum”. They decided to try again but this time they will go with their parents. The author uses this story to represent the family bond and how they help each other through tough times. In this writing it also shows a adventurous quest which could be an interest to the reader. They then find a clue that leads them to a figure of an ibis-headed man which was one of the artifacts that were packed with the ancient water clock. In this story it shows that you shouldn`t give up even if you hit a speed bump. Xena and Xander then open the hand of the mummy and they have just found something incredible. This book is wonderful and I do not want to give you any more spoilers. You would have to read it to experience the great format of this book.
May 17, 2019
Fun Sherlock Holmes mystery, a nod to the original stories but with kids as the main characters.
June 25, 2021
Fun read love it
September 1, 2023
Listened to audio book. This one was interesting but not as good as the first.
March 30, 2024
Not my favorite one of the series but an easy juvenile mystery to follow
October 8, 2016
I like the premise of this series and love following their clue hunting but I actually thought this book was a bit boring. It seemed like the author needed some conflict so she put in some randomly by a boy in the class. Even after threatening the kids many times during their clue hunt nothing came of it when the kids discovered the mystery person. It was quite the climax for nothing to happen.
November 6, 2013
This is the third book in The Sherlock Files mystery series by Tracy Barrett. We've read or listened to several of the stories in this series and so far we really like them.
We borrowed the book on audio CDs from our local library and listened to the book narrated by John Allen Nelson while we on a long car ride to and from a national park. He used accents and different voices to portray each character and his narration was very entertaining. I haven't listened to many audiobooks, but so far I'm impressed.
Overall, it was an exciting story, filled with intrigue, puzzles and danger. We loved the historical references, especially to the Rosetta Stone and hieroglyphics from ancient Egypt. Xander's photographic memory reminds us of Cam Jansen and we loved listening to the dialogue as they logically thought out the mystery.
We listened to the story at three separate times and usually for a good half-hour or more at a time. Although our youngest seemed to lose interest in the middle of the story, our excitement mounted and we were on the edge of our seats as the conclusion approached. It was a very engaging story and we look forward to the next book: The Missing Heir
We borrowed the book on audio CDs from our local library and listened to the book narrated by John Allen Nelson while we on a long car ride to and from a national park. He used accents and different voices to portray each character and his narration was very entertaining. I haven't listened to many audiobooks, but so far I'm impressed.
Overall, it was an exciting story, filled with intrigue, puzzles and danger. We loved the historical references, especially to the Rosetta Stone and hieroglyphics from ancient Egypt. Xander's photographic memory reminds us of Cam Jansen and we loved listening to the dialogue as they logically thought out the mystery.
We listened to the story at three separate times and usually for a good half-hour or more at a time. Although our youngest seemed to lose interest in the middle of the story, our excitement mounted and we were on the edge of our seats as the conclusion approached. It was a very engaging story and we look forward to the next book: The Missing Heir
May 4, 2016
This series is about siblings Xena and Xander, two American kids who just moved to London with their parents, who find out they are related to Sherlock Holmes when they are tapped into the Society for the Preservation of Famous Detectives. The SPFD gives them a casebook of Sherlock's unsolved cases, and Xena and Xander, having inherited some of their great ancestor's deductive abilities, try to solve old mysteries. In this book, they are trying to solve the case of a missing Ancient Egyptian amulet, lost over a hundred years ago, which may have magical powers. Reading the previous books in the series is not necessary to enjoy this story, but I think reading the first book would better explain how these two kids starting solving old Sherlock Holmes mysteries.
I think this is a fun kids mystery series. My complaints with the series: 1) Xena and Xander are very similar names, so when read quickly, I often confuse the two. 2) These books pretend that Sherlock Holmes was a real person and never explain that he was a fictional character. 3) The adults are stereotypical and one-dimensional. The mom and dad are typically portrayed as controllers - people who are telling the kids they can't take the Tube at night or making them do their homework before working on a case. Then at the end of every story, mom and dad praise their kids for solving the case even if it meant the kids bent some rules to do so.
I think this is a fun kids mystery series. My complaints with the series: 1) Xena and Xander are very similar names, so when read quickly, I often confuse the two. 2) These books pretend that Sherlock Holmes was a real person and never explain that he was a fictional character. 3) The adults are stereotypical and one-dimensional. The mom and dad are typically portrayed as controllers - people who are telling the kids they can't take the Tube at night or making them do their homework before working on a case. Then at the end of every story, mom and dad praise their kids for solving the case even if it meant the kids bent some rules to do so.
February 18, 2010
Barrett, Tracy. The Sherlock Files: The Case that Time Forgot. Henry Holt & Co. 2010. ISBN 978-0-8050-8046-9. $15.99. F.
Gr 3-5. Xena and Xander are crunched for time with only 1 week to solve their next case! After sending them a cryptic note to test their detective skills, Xander's friend Karim tells the duo about a stolen Egyptian water clock, containing a hidden amulet. The amulet may have the power to invoke the god Thoth, stopping time once every 50 years. In the third, exciting adventure Sherlock's famous cold-case book goes missing and Xander receives a threatening note warning them off the case. Meanwhile they follow enigmatic, century old clues leading to the talisman. Red herrings abound, mixed cleverly with the real puzzle clues. The sibling team use rock climbing skills, a photographic memory, cell phone cameras and computers to solve the mystery. The book's action progresses pleasingly and the characters are fun, a good mix of caution and risk. Even better, the story is supplemented with real locality and references to Doyle's original stories. Great for fans of Encyclopedia Brown, A to Z Mysteries, and the Cam Jansen series.
- Terry Ann Lawler, Phoenix Public Library, AZ
Gr 3-5. Xena and Xander are crunched for time with only 1 week to solve their next case! After sending them a cryptic note to test their detective skills, Xander's friend Karim tells the duo about a stolen Egyptian water clock, containing a hidden amulet. The amulet may have the power to invoke the god Thoth, stopping time once every 50 years. In the third, exciting adventure Sherlock's famous cold-case book goes missing and Xander receives a threatening note warning them off the case. Meanwhile they follow enigmatic, century old clues leading to the talisman. Red herrings abound, mixed cleverly with the real puzzle clues. The sibling team use rock climbing skills, a photographic memory, cell phone cameras and computers to solve the mystery. The book's action progresses pleasingly and the characters are fun, a good mix of caution and risk. Even better, the story is supplemented with real locality and references to Doyle's original stories. Great for fans of Encyclopedia Brown, A to Z Mysteries, and the Cam Jansen series.
- Terry Ann Lawler, Phoenix Public Library, AZ
April 25, 2011
Siblings Xena and Xander Holmes, descendants of Sherlock Holmes, have their ancestor's casebook and have been trying to solve his unsolved cases. When their friend Karim tells them about a lost Egyptian amulet which is special to his family and which Sherlock had never found, the kids pick up where Great-Great-Great Grandfather left off. But someone else is interested in finding the artifact, and the mystery person leaves threatening messages in their path. The kids have a lot of resources--electronic and human--to help them work out the mysteries, and it really isn't possible for the reader to figure things out ahead of them. Lots of suspense and action, which is more compelling than the mystery itself. A good series for kids just getting interested in mysteries. (I hadn't read the first two books, but this works fine as a stand-alone.)
June 3, 2015
Thrilling book for kids! Two things I love: Sherlock Holmes and Egyptian history. Once combined, it is my favorite thing to read about.
Xena and Xander Holmes (descendants of the famous Victorian London detective) are trying to solve, with modern conveniences, cases that Sherlock couldn't finish. This particular case involves an Egyptian water clock, a long-lost amulet, and making time stand still. Or rather, that's the legend that's been passed down through the generations. Once you add a thief into the mix... It's an epic adventure! The main characters are fighting against time itself to locate the missing pieces of the puzzle.
As an extra note: If you like this book, you'd probably enjoy watching the kid/teen television series called House of Anubis.
Xena and Xander Holmes (descendants of the famous Victorian London detective) are trying to solve, with modern conveniences, cases that Sherlock couldn't finish. This particular case involves an Egyptian water clock, a long-lost amulet, and making time stand still. Or rather, that's the legend that's been passed down through the generations. Once you add a thief into the mix... It's an epic adventure! The main characters are fighting against time itself to locate the missing pieces of the puzzle.
As an extra note: If you like this book, you'd probably enjoy watching the kid/teen television series called House of Anubis.
April 1, 2011
In this third book in the series, a classmate enlists Xena and Xander's help in solving a family mystery. Xena and Xander learn that ancestor Sherlock Holmes had also looked for the missing amulet, the "magical charm" that classmate Karim hopes they can find. And it appears that Karim, Xena and Xander are not the only ones looking for it. Warnings indicate danger for Xena and Xander if the search isn't called off. And then Sherlock Holmes' notebook is stolen from Xander's locker at school. Will they be able to find both the notebook and the amulet?
This series will be enjoyable for graduates of the "A to Z mysteries" and Jigsaw Jones series.
This series will be enjoyable for graduates of the "A to Z mysteries" and Jigsaw Jones series.
September 22, 2012
What would do if a poisonous scorpion jumped out of your locker? What if you discovered that the item that was most precious to you had disappeared? To Xena and Xander Holmes this not is their nightmare come to life. The one thing they needed to solve the mystery of the “time stopping amulet” was now missing. Now Xena and Xander must find the amulet the day it is said to be able to cease time.
I think this book The Case that Time Forgot by Tracey Barnett, is a great short story. It is a great mystery for those who have a passion for Sherlock Holmes, the great detective. Although this story can be slow and somewhat dragging at times it’s still worth reading.
I think this book The Case that Time Forgot by Tracey Barnett, is a great short story. It is a great mystery for those who have a passion for Sherlock Holmes, the great detective. Although this story can be slow and somewhat dragging at times it’s still worth reading.
July 18, 2011
Brother and sister, who are descendents of the famous Sherlock Holmes, are currently in London and determined to use their ancestor’s notebook to help a friend solve a mystery. Because the case revolves around an Egyptian amulet the investigators find themselves in and out of museums and famous landmarks in their attempt to solve the mystery. The story could be paired with studies dealing with Egypt and their antiquities.
January 29, 2012
After the first two books, this one in the series was a disappointment. Tracy Barrett did not use this story to develop her characters more fully or to develop additional characters and as a result it felt flat. In addition, the plot had Xena and Xander running around here and there seemingly without purpose, and then it just ended as though at 158 pages the author hit some page limit for chapter books.
January 15, 2016
To me this story was a mix of enjoyment and frustration. I really loved the idea and the quest.. the string of clues, the connections and the journey. I also loved the writing style. However, the search to uncover their rival (the mysterious other person looking for the amulet) , I found frustrating. I understand why the rival was put there.. to add to the sense of danger… but to me it just made it frustrating. Apart from that, I think this is a great story.
September 5, 2010
A great mystery detective story where brother and sister, Xander and Xena, are direct descendants of Sherlock Holmes. The story takes place in modern time and Xander and Xena deal with homework issues, conflicts with students at school and parents. Plenty of action to keep readers interested, too. This story is based on Egyptian artifacts that went missing over 100 years ago.
November 9, 2010
I read this to be able to discuss Zach's book report book with him. I thought it was pretty weak and not very suspenseful. But I guess you have have just so much to a mytstery with kids who have to search for clues using public transportation and with a curfew! No true adventure here and unlike something like Encyclopeida Brown where the clues are actually in the story for the reader to find.
November 14, 2010
Blah blah blah. Happy ending! Yay! Who cares? This book is ok, but seriouly, I just read it because I didn't want to hurt my mom's feelings about her going back and forth getting me books that I don't like. So, it was ok, a good ending, but manily, it was blah, boring. So, don't read this unless you're about 11 years old or younger.
January 27, 2016
I felt like the author was trying to rush the story in an attempt to keep the book short so it would appeal to reluctant readers. The plot piece with the antagonist wraps up a little too nicely for my taste. Not an awful book though. It may well appeal to reluctant readers, especially boys who like Hardy Boys.
June 5, 2012
Another fine entry into the Xander and Xena detecting pair series. These are sweet little stories and, I'm sure, perfect for juvenile readers who would like to imagine treasure hunting for ancient relics with cryptic clues. Perfect for a raining afternoon reading and imagination travel!
July 17, 2012
This was a better book than the second one of the series. I liked the way Ms. Barrett introduced Egyptian mythology into the book but did not overwhelm the reader. I also liked the hint at the Greek myth of Atalanta. I love when knowing about mythology pays off!
May 29, 2014
The third installation of the “The Sherlock Files” has the great-great-great grandchildren of Sherlock Holmes racing around London, literally racing against time. Can they find the amulet in time? Will it stop time if they do? This book holds much fun.
July 8, 2010
This, the 3rd book in The Sherlock Files, has Xander and Xena helping a classmate solve a mystery of a stolen amulet that disappeared and his ancestor was held responsible for stealing it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews