Lock and Key: The Downward Spiral

by Ridley Pearson

Overview

“Will leave you dying to know more.” —Rick Riordan, author of the #1 bestselling Percy Jackson series

The New York Times bestselling author of the Peter and the Starcatcher and Kingdom Keepers series, Ridley Pearson, brings us the second riveting tale in the Lock and Key trilogy.

This bravely reimagined origin story of the rivalry of literature’s most famous enemies—Sherlock Holmes and James Moriarty—is told from the perspective of James’s observant little sister, Moira.

At the thrilling conclusion to book one, we left off with James and Moira’s father dying horribly and unexpectedly. Now the search is on to find out what really happened to their father. Did he fall or was he pushed? Sherlock, James, and Moira reluctantly partner up, trusting no one, not even each other, as they uncover a secret sect, a rare jewel, and a sordid history. Blood is spilled, trusts broken, and friendships lost in this story of how one simple mistake cost Father his life and James his heart, and sent the Moriartys spiraling ever downward.

It’s a highly original and satisfying take on the Sherlock Holmes series as only master of suspense Ridley Pearson could envision. As Rick Riordan, author of the Percy Jackson series, says, “This tale will change the way you see Sherlock Holmes and leave you dying to know more.”

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780062399045
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	10/10/2017
Series:	Lock and Key , #2
Pages:	432
Product dimensions:	5.80(w) x 8.40(h) x 1.30(d)
Age Range:	8 - 12 Years

About the Author

Ridley Pearson is the bestselling author of over fifty novels, including Peter and the Starcatchers (cowritten with Dave Barry) and the Kingdom Keepers and Lock and Key series. He has also written two dozen crime novels, including Probable Cause, Beyond Recognition, Killer Weekend, The Risk Agent, and The Red Room. To learn more about him, visit www.ridleypearson.com.

Hometown:

St. Louis, Missouri

Date of Birth:

March 13, 1953

Place of Birth:

Glen Cove, New York

Education:

Kansas University, B.A., Brown University

Website:

http://www.ridleypearson.com/

Editorial Reviews

A fine option for kids who like action-packed mysteries. A must-have where the author is popular.” — School Library Journal

“Mystery, romance, and teen angst—the game is definitely afoot.” — Kirkus Reviews

“There’s adventure aplenty [...] Sherlock’s characterization is spot-on, though, and that alone will keep readers coming back for more.” — Booklist

“Of the many Holmesian spinoffs on the youth literary market, this is definitely one worth following.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

From the Publisher

Of the many Holmesian spinoffs on the youth literary market, this is definitely one worth following.

Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

There’s adventure aplenty [...] Sherlock’s characterization is spot-on, though, and that alone will keep readers coming back for more.

Booklist

Of the many Holmesian spinoffs on the youth literary market, this is definitely one worth following.

Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

There’s adventure aplenty [...] Sherlock’s characterization is spot-on, though, and that alone will keep readers coming back for more.

Booklist

07/01/2017
Gr 4–6—This sequel begins where the first book, The Initiation, ended: with the death of the elder James Moriarty, father of Moira and James. Sherlock Holmes is James's roommate at Baskerville Academy. Sherlock, Moira, and James believe that Mr. Moriarty's death was no accident. Who is responsible, and why? In the first installment, young James was initiated into a secret society, the Scowerers, that his father had led. In this follow-up, he discovers a rival secret society. Both are determined to uncover the shady dealings of Mr. Moriarty and to take over his vast international holdings. The three young sleuths attempt to decipher the clues surrounding the network while trying to avoid the threats the gangs pose. Pearson provides a nonstop stream of undercover work, thievery, ciphers, and violence that is the stuff of nightmares. On a lighter note, there is a tender romance between the cold-tempered James and a fellow student, Alexis. Meanwhile, Moira is attracted to Sherlock, who reciprocates. Readers are left with questions concerning the mysterious disappearance of Mrs. Moriarty, and James is implicated in murders of his own. While Sherlock learns the identity of Mr. Moriarty's killer, he will need proof to make the case. It will take another volume to complete this tale. Holmes's powerful intellect is fully at work in this rousing story of greed and mayhem. VERDICT A fine option for kids who like action-packed mysteries. A must-have where the author is popular.—Lillian Hecker, Town of Pelham Public Library, NY

School Library Journal

2017-08-02
Twelve-year-old Moria Moriarty chronicles the continuing teenage adventures of the famous archenemies Sherlock Holmes and James Moriarty. Still reeling from the mysterious death of their father, Moria and James scour their Boston home for clues. But it is a bit of cleverly worked geometry on the part of Sherlock that reveals a hidden room that offers more puzzles than it solves. Back at boarding school, James finds himself increasingly involved in a secret criminal organization and agrees to prey upon the romantic aspirations of a fellow classmate for leverage. Sherlock, ever the bloodhound, seeks to solve the various cases swirling around the secretive Moriarty family. But his discoveries make it increasingly difficult to know whom and what to trust. As James becomes more withdrawn, Moria partners with the intelligent and conceited Sherlock. This is an origin story that is rich in teen angst, romance, and intrigue. Unfortunately, mysteries range from the far too simple (references to Poe's writing) to the intriguing (using a pencil to escape from a locked room). The meandering story will keep the attention of stalwart Sherlock fans, but it is the budding relationship between Moria and Sherlock that steals the story. The central characters are all white. Mystery, romance, and teen angst—the game is definitely afoot. (Mystery. 9-12)

Kirkus Reviews