What do you think?
Rate this book
Sherlock Academy #1
Sherlock Academy
Teachers in disguise, secret libraries, hollow books . . .
All these and more await eleven-year-old Rollie Wilson at the mysterious Sherlock Academy of Fine Sleuths.
When Rollie and his best friend, Cecily, are invited to attend a school where children learn the art of detection just like the great Sherlock Holmes, they discover a strange burglary has been committed and a mystery is afoot. Determined to investigate, Rollie discovers that appearances can be deceiving, the truth can be hurtful, and friends sometimes turn into foes.
Does Rollie have what it takes to follow in Holmes’s footsteps? Can he use his skills to solve the mystery and save the school from an unknown villain?
Sherlock Academy is a mystery and detective story for young readers that takes place in the heart of London on the famous Baker Street.
141 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 31, 2009
93 people are currently reading
1401 people want to read
About the author
F.C. Shaw
12 books43 followersAs a big Sherlockian and lover children's literature, I had to write a middle grade mystery centered around the theme of Sherlock Holmes. While Holmes as a character does not appear in my series, readers will learn about him as they follow my characters
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
June 1, 2016
I’m a 37-year-old man (child) reading a book intended for 8-10 year-olds, so let’s split the difference and put myself into the mind of a 9-year-old to review it.
Hold on—let me get into character.
“Farts. Tee hee! Boogers. Tee hee! Poop. Tee hee! “
Sorry—that was still me. Now I’ll really get into character and write as 9-year-old me:
“I like Sherlock Academy. I like that there is a boy like me who solves mysteries like Sherlock Holmes, who is a famous detective who is very smart. He has a friend who is a girl, but is not his girlfriend, because of grossness. He has a scary aunt who helps him. All of the grown-ups in this book are kind of stupid because a little boy is smarter than they are. And the boy isn’t even that smart. His name is Rollin. I thought maybe it was supposed to be “Rolling” but someone couldn’t spell. But then they called him “Rollie.” So I guess that’s his name too. Rolling would be a pretty silly name because the boy is not a car and does not have wheels. I liked the part where he got the hat like Sherlock. I didn’t like his roommate. I don’t know what marmalade is, but I would like to put some on my toast.”
Okay, now 37-year-old me gets to review it from the perspective of this being a book I could potentially read to my kids:
Love, love, love the premise of this book—a mysterious academy that trains Britain’s finest young inductive minds (because Sherlock practiced INDUCTIVE reasoning, people!) to be the next generation of Sherlock Holmeses (and, in this reality, Holmes was a real person). It’s a genius concept, even though all British boarding school books in the post-Harry Potter era unfairly suffer in comparison to that landmark opus.
In terms of execution, though…it’s too simplistic. That’s not me judging from my high-and-mighty, ivory-towered chair as a grown-up; that’s me judging from the “would this presumably hold my kids’ attention at some point?” stool. Sadly, I’m not sure that it would—at least, not as a read-aloud book. It might if they’re reading it themselves, but, either way, I wanted to see a little bit more complex plotting and adult characters acting a little less foolishly. It’s not as though the book shies away from more grown-up content (spoiler alert: one of the bad guys offs himself rather than talking to the coppers), so it’s not dumbing things down as a matter of course; it’s just not, in my opinion, giving kiddos enough credit for being able to—and likely wanting—to tackle a more challenging tale that makes full use of its very cool premise.
Perhaps future volumes will remedy this issue; I mean, this IS a first book in a series, and Sorcerer’s/Philosopher’s Stone pales in comparison to the books that come after, too. So, I’ll keep an open mind. But, more than anything, this book made me wish I’d thought of the idea so I could take a whack at crafting it anew.
Heh. Poop.
Hold on—let me get into character.
“Farts. Tee hee! Boogers. Tee hee! Poop. Tee hee! “
Sorry—that was still me. Now I’ll really get into character and write as 9-year-old me:
“I like Sherlock Academy. I like that there is a boy like me who solves mysteries like Sherlock Holmes, who is a famous detective who is very smart. He has a friend who is a girl, but is not his girlfriend, because of grossness. He has a scary aunt who helps him. All of the grown-ups in this book are kind of stupid because a little boy is smarter than they are. And the boy isn’t even that smart. His name is Rollin. I thought maybe it was supposed to be “Rolling” but someone couldn’t spell. But then they called him “Rollie.” So I guess that’s his name too. Rolling would be a pretty silly name because the boy is not a car and does not have wheels. I liked the part where he got the hat like Sherlock. I didn’t like his roommate. I don’t know what marmalade is, but I would like to put some on my toast.”
Okay, now 37-year-old me gets to review it from the perspective of this being a book I could potentially read to my kids:
Love, love, love the premise of this book—a mysterious academy that trains Britain’s finest young inductive minds (because Sherlock practiced INDUCTIVE reasoning, people!) to be the next generation of Sherlock Holmeses (and, in this reality, Holmes was a real person). It’s a genius concept, even though all British boarding school books in the post-Harry Potter era unfairly suffer in comparison to that landmark opus.
In terms of execution, though…it’s too simplistic. That’s not me judging from my high-and-mighty, ivory-towered chair as a grown-up; that’s me judging from the “would this presumably hold my kids’ attention at some point?” stool. Sadly, I’m not sure that it would—at least, not as a read-aloud book. It might if they’re reading it themselves, but, either way, I wanted to see a little bit more complex plotting and adult characters acting a little less foolishly. It’s not as though the book shies away from more grown-up content (spoiler alert: one of the bad guys offs himself rather than talking to the coppers), so it’s not dumbing things down as a matter of course; it’s just not, in my opinion, giving kiddos enough credit for being able to—and likely wanting—to tackle a more challenging tale that makes full use of its very cool premise.
Perhaps future volumes will remedy this issue; I mean, this IS a first book in a series, and Sorcerer’s/Philosopher’s Stone pales in comparison to the books that come after, too. So, I’ll keep an open mind. But, more than anything, this book made me wish I’d thought of the idea so I could take a whack at crafting it anew.
Heh. Poop.
August 27, 2015
I'll say it; I absoutely adored this book. I adored everything about it, from the cute cover art, to the straightforward writing style, to the endearing relationship between Rollie & Cecily (our engaging pair of heroes).
There's obviously been some comparisons to the "Harry Potter" series, and not unreasonably so; there's certainly some of the same ideas & tropes to be found in both books, but I think this book manages to both revere that comparison, and yet also set itself apart into it's own space. (I will say that, in reading this, I got the same feeling I did when I read the first Harry Potter book, when you realize that you've found something special.)
The big difference, however, between Harry Potter and this book is the ideal of family life; while Harry has no immediate family to speak of (and his relatives hate him), our likable hero Rollie Wilson has a clost-knit, loving family, each with enough distincive personalites and quirks so that we can easily identify with them as we see them. That alone is enough to give this series a differnt feel fromt he first page.
Additionally, where Harry and Co. have magic to fall back on, it's clear that Rollie and Co., by definition, will be relying primarily on their wits and deductive reasoning, which is a great conceit and a great message to send to readers.
The plot is fairly straightforward (and, as expected, this first book is mostly set-up), but there are still enough plot elements and switch-ups to keep it interesting throughout. Another strong point in it's favor is it's all-ages accessibility. This is really a "wholesome" book, with no objectionable parts that I could notice; and, though it's set in the 1930's, and has that delightfully charming "Retro-Feel" to it, it also has a remarkably modern style of writing and sensibilities that enhance, rather than detract from the series as a whole.
I, for one, am eagerly awaiting the sequels, and would highly recommend this not only to children of all ages, but to those who are young-at-heart.
August 2, 2009
I may be a little partial, but I do believe this may be one of my favorite books! :)
January 2, 2016
A fun story for young mystery buffs.
July 28, 2015
Boy do I love this book! Imagine the basic concept of Harry Potter with it's plucky young hero, his friends, eccentric professors, and main villain; but instead of becoming wizards/witches, they are being taught the ways of Sherlock Holmes in the hopes of becoming private detectives or policemen.
So worth it and it's only .99 on Amazon!
So worth it and it's only .99 on Amazon!
December 14, 2015
This was such a fun book!! It made me want to pull out a magnifying glass and become a detective. It was an easy and quick read but was exciting till the end. I wish I had kids to read this story to because they would love it. I'm looking forward to reading the 2nd one.
March 25, 2020
Rollie and his best friend, Cecily, have just been accepted into the prestigious Sherlock Academy. They have to solve clues to figure out their class schedule, learn the art of disguise, decode secret messages to find out their assignments, and analyze fingerprints in the class roster. But there is a deeper mystery hidden in the library of Sherlock Academy, and a burglar is after Rollie's most treasured book!
I loved everything about this book! The characters, the plot, the mystery, the action, the school, the writing style... everything is wonderful!
Rollie is an excellent main character. He's smart and observant, and he wants to be just like Sherlock Holmes. I really identified with his thought process and his emotions and excitement in the middle of a mystery.
I loved the easy friendship between Rollie and Cecily. They are great friends, and it really shows in their banter and camaraderie. I loved how they nickname each other "Holmes" and "Watson."
The writing style is excellent, drawing the reader into the story. The plot leaves little foreshadowing clues all over the place for the reader to wonder over until the mystery is revealed. I love the puzzles and codes, and the plot kept me interested right to the very end.
I can't wait to read more books in this series!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
I loved everything about this book! The characters, the plot, the mystery, the action, the school, the writing style... everything is wonderful!
Rollie is an excellent main character. He's smart and observant, and he wants to be just like Sherlock Holmes. I really identified with his thought process and his emotions and excitement in the middle of a mystery.
I loved the easy friendship between Rollie and Cecily. They are great friends, and it really shows in their banter and camaraderie. I loved how they nickname each other "Holmes" and "Watson."
The writing style is excellent, drawing the reader into the story. The plot leaves little foreshadowing clues all over the place for the reader to wonder over until the mystery is revealed. I love the puzzles and codes, and the plot kept me interested right to the very end.
I can't wait to read more books in this series!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
dnf
May 22, 2020I really tried with this one but I’m just not feeling it. It has very strange sexist vibes and is written confusingly. The setting is modern but the characters all act like they’re not from the 21st century (hence the sexist vibes). Which 13 year old kid tells a girl it’s not appropriate for her to wear trousers instead of a dress? Very odd and made me uncomfortable.
I love Sherlock Holmes because I love a good mystery but the level of love for him in this book is borderline obsessive. It’s comes across as kind of creepy and tragic rather than any other way that might increase my love for Sherlock.
Also, the protagonist was called Rollie, which is fine. But then he said it’s pronounced r-o-lee like “trolley” not row-lie like “solely”. This had me so confused. Who pronounces their name like that? Weird! Nothing about this book was not weird...
I love Sherlock Holmes because I love a good mystery but the level of love for him in this book is borderline obsessive. It’s comes across as kind of creepy and tragic rather than any other way that might increase my love for Sherlock.
Also, the protagonist was called Rollie, which is fine. But then he said it’s pronounced r-o-lee like “trolley” not row-lie like “solely”. This had me so confused. Who pronounces their name like that? Weird! Nothing about this book was not weird...
April 20, 2017
Sherlock Academy (Sherlock Academy #1) by F.C. Shaw is a newer mystery series for kids. I was looking for something that was written in the last few years and came across this series. I decided to locate the first book in the series and start from there. It’s a good start to what I can only expect will be a great little series to read. Especially if they build on one another so kids can see the development of the characters throughout. The book is about a group of young aspiring detectives who live in none other than Sherlock Holmes's old Baker Street home. Rollie and Cecily have been invited to attend. Rollie is a great character who seems to get along with everyone and refrains from making fun their idiosyncrasies though he is strongly aware of them. He is extremely observant and is forever trying to uncover hidden secrets and other strange happenings around him. His aunt is equally smart, someone that you expect will have a greater part in the continued plot then she seems ready to let on. Cecily, her friend and classmate at the Sherlock Academy is the Watson of the series. Much like the original Watson she’s really bright in her own ways and unwavering in her loyalty to Rollie and his case. This is a terrific book that keeps you engaged and could see loving this if it was a round when I was a child. It’s a good book for kids to learn about friendship and how to treat others. It also shows them how to use their minds and imagination to enjoy life. I think too often as a adults we try and make kids grow up to fast and remove the magic from the world. Books like this remind us and kids they need to enjoy the now and dare to get lost in the magic.
October 20, 2009
Quite enjoyable!
October 18, 2023
Fun premise for a kid's story, learning the ways of Sherlock Holmes to master the art of detection. I enjoyed the characters and settings, especially how 221 Baker Street was a school for the children. There are a few puzzles in the beginning which the reader can try and solve as well.
However, the main mystery popped up purely on intuition from one of the kids with no firm evidence. This made the resolution feel 'light' if you know what I mean. And some things were never fully explained unless this comes in further books (leaving loose ends in a book so the reader has to pick up the next one is something I do not enjoy). This may not matter to the targeted audience, but it did to me.
Still I'd give the others in this series a go to see if the stories have improved any.
However, the main mystery popped up purely on intuition from one of the kids with no firm evidence. This made the resolution feel 'light' if you know what I mean. And some things were never fully explained unless this comes in further books (leaving loose ends in a book so the reader has to pick up the next one is something I do not enjoy). This may not matter to the targeted audience, but it did to me.
Still I'd give the others in this series a go to see if the stories have improved any.
June 26, 2021
A quick, fun read. It's very predictable and doesn't dive too deep. I think it would be great for an early middle grade reader.
July 27, 2015
Let’s get our Sherlock on!
In true Sherlock fashion this middle-grade mystery is fun and suspicious. Nothing is as it seems. Rollie must use his instincts to look past the surface and find the true meaning behind the academy, his peers, and his family.
I think Sherlock Academy gives middle-grade readers many reasons to love it! First, it’s just a great book, there’s adventure, mystery, and lots of fun! Second, who doesn’t like to show our family that we CAN. Third, there are many thinly veiled life lessons on here that parents will appreciate, but readers will just enjoy.
More…
Source: Kindle Unlimited
Publisher & Date: April 23rd 2015 by Future House Publishing
Genre: Middle-Grade Mystery
ASIN: B00WLV1PRS
Pages: 138
Grade: A
Ages: 7-14
Setting: Santa Maria, California
Series: Sherlock Academy
In true Sherlock fashion this middle-grade mystery is fun and suspicious. Nothing is as it seems. Rollie must use his instincts to look past the surface and find the true meaning behind the academy, his peers, and his family.
I think Sherlock Academy gives middle-grade readers many reasons to love it! First, it’s just a great book, there’s adventure, mystery, and lots of fun! Second, who doesn’t like to show our family that we CAN. Third, there are many thinly veiled life lessons on here that parents will appreciate, but readers will just enjoy.
More…
Source: Kindle Unlimited
Publisher & Date: April 23rd 2015 by Future House Publishing
Genre: Middle-Grade Mystery
ASIN: B00WLV1PRS
Pages: 138
Grade: A
Ages: 7-14
Setting: Santa Maria, California
Series: Sherlock Academy
March 8, 2016
It took a little bit to get into this one. I had to talk my daughter into continuing to read it with me even after we'd gotten about a fourth of the way into the book. By the end of the book, though, she was telling me it was the best book ever.
I'm not sure if it was the best book ever, but it was really good. It would probably be even better for kids. I really like the way the author writes. She doesn't write down for the children, but she writes in a way that all the children would understand it, and both children and adults can enjoy it. As far as the plot goes, it was probably a little too easy for adults to guess the twists in the end, but I'm not sure my daughter saw them coming.
We also bought the second book in the series, and I'm anxious to start reading that one with my daughter too.
I'm not sure if it was the best book ever, but it was really good. It would probably be even better for kids. I really like the way the author writes. She doesn't write down for the children, but she writes in a way that all the children would understand it, and both children and adults can enjoy it. As far as the plot goes, it was probably a little too easy for adults to guess the twists in the end, but I'm not sure my daughter saw them coming.
We also bought the second book in the series, and I'm anxious to start reading that one with my daughter too.
May 16, 2016
This is a cute, readable, chapter book for elementary schoolers. The children are (what else?) mysteriously chosen to attend the Academy. They must de-code their class schedule. The library rearranges itself. The teachers are all specialists in Sherlockian crime solving methods. There's classes in codes and disguises, among others. Rollin E. Wilson and his friends start their first year at school by arriving in a hansom cab. And, imagine! The playground is on the roof! How's that for fun?
Finally the day comes when there is a real live mystery to solve.....Shhhh no spoilers!
Everything about this book is delightful. It would be a good silent read for the child or a nice bedtime read-aloud. Sherlock Academy by F.C. Shaw
Finally the day comes when there is a real live mystery to solve.....Shhhh no spoilers!
Everything about this book is delightful. It would be a good silent read for the child or a nice bedtime read-aloud. Sherlock Academy by F.C. Shaw
August 17, 2015
Delightful!
I downloaded this book onto my kindle fire for my third grade and ended up reading it myself. I had only meant to read the first chapter to be sure it wouldn't be too difficult a read for him and ended up reading the whole thing before I knew it! I am not ashamed to say I am excited to share this story with my boy and eagerly look forward to continue with Rollie and Cecily, for my own enjoyment as much as his!
I downloaded this book onto my kindle fire for my third grade and ended up reading it myself. I had only meant to read the first chapter to be sure it wouldn't be too difficult a read for him and ended up reading the whole thing before I knew it! I am not ashamed to say I am excited to share this story with my boy and eagerly look forward to continue with Rollie and Cecily, for my own enjoyment as much as his!
January 2, 2016
This is a solid, though not challenging, story for late elementary-middle grade students. The premise is certainly fun, and the main characters are likable, although they aren't very fully developed. Without divulging too much, the mystery in this book was pretty obvious--but maybe someone in the target audience would find it more interesting than I did.
July 27, 2010
Well, since the second one is coming out soon and I'm one of the privileged few to be going to the release party I should read the first one! It really is a shame that I have not read it yet since it was a birthday gift and is even signed by the author (sorry Farah!).
August 3, 2015
Has several small mysteries rolled into one ending.
It is a good book for both adults and kids. Just when you think you might have the mystery solved, something else comes up and changes things. It's a fun and easy read.
It is a good book for both adults and kids. Just when you think you might have the mystery solved, something else comes up and changes things. It's a fun and easy read.
June 24, 2016
A fun Sherlockian book for kids. I could tell the author wasn't actually British, but it didn't seriously detract from the story. I did spend a significant amount of time distracted from the story trying to figure out the time period in which it's set, which I still haven't figured out.
March 1, 2010
AMAZING!
October 29, 2015
I am SUCH a fan of this new series. It rings of Harry Potter, but has all the good detective stuff like Sherlock Holmes. I really wish there was a school that taught detective skills!
September 1, 2015
I loved this mystery!
September 26, 2015
What a cute story! I loved this book!! It keeps one rooting for the characters and trying to guess what the ending would be! I would recommend this book to others.
November 13, 2015
S1V1L1 (11)
December 25, 2015
It's a great mystery
May 14, 2016
#boutofbooks
August 13, 2018
Started this book as a fun read on a lazy holiday, and the first word that pops up is cute. A short read which can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike.
July 19, 2011
Loved it more the fifth time!
May 3, 2019
Sherlock Academy is moving into the elite position of one of my all-time favorites. This is a perfect mystery for middle-grade readers (8-12 years old).
Rollie has a rambunctious family, an elderly Great-Aunt Ei, and the opportunity to attend Sherlock Academy. At the orientation, the students are given a box of objects. Each one is a clue to figure out their class schedule.
Once in class, the teachers take roll in a unique way and clue-type way. The school has a rotating library, and each child is encouraged to try and solve the mystery. Not only do class mysteries abound, but there is a criminal. Rollie and Cecily, his best friend, work at piecing together the clues.
I enjoyed this story because the teachers are nearly caricatures and humorous. The chums at school are each unique, but the main focus stays on Rollie with Cecily and his roommate as secondary characters.
The story ends in a great place for future books but leaves the reader feeling satisfied with this one too. Adults will enjoy searching for the Easter Eggs in the novel - one of my favorites was about beekeepers. This book is absolutely darling and fun! The detective work was a bonus. I highly recommend this book.
Rollie has a rambunctious family, an elderly Great-Aunt Ei, and the opportunity to attend Sherlock Academy. At the orientation, the students are given a box of objects. Each one is a clue to figure out their class schedule.
Once in class, the teachers take roll in a unique way and clue-type way. The school has a rotating library, and each child is encouraged to try and solve the mystery. Not only do class mysteries abound, but there is a criminal. Rollie and Cecily, his best friend, work at piecing together the clues.
I enjoyed this story because the teachers are nearly caricatures and humorous. The chums at school are each unique, but the main focus stays on Rollie with Cecily and his roommate as secondary characters.
The story ends in a great place for future books but leaves the reader feeling satisfied with this one too. Adults will enjoy searching for the Easter Eggs in the novel - one of my favorites was about beekeepers. This book is absolutely darling and fun! The detective work was a bonus. I highly recommend this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews