A good, kid-friendly mystery with a quick pace and good structure.
Plot
Underground tunneling is upsetting the city of London. When accidents galore plague the project and a suspicious messenger boy crosses their path, the Baker Street Brigade are sure something's up. At first, even the great Sherlock Holmes doesn't believe them...until things get worse. It's a race against the clock to figure out what is going on underground and stop it before it's too late.
Morality
Danny and Peachy watch out for Duff, making sure he is not taken advantage of because of his slower mind. Duff helps a boy he strongly dislikes. The boys rush into a potentially dangerous situation to help a couple people. Holmes reprimands Danny and Peachy when they do something illegal for the sake of the case, though he commends their desire for the right thing.
Spiritual Content
The Brigade are Christians. A couple verses are quoted.
One man says, "Cut along sharp, or you'll be strumming a harp," and remarks to someone, "I'm sure that's what God made you for," though there is no indication that he really believes. A protest meeting is held in a church and Holmes asks for the opinion of the "man of cloth".
Violence
One man dies in a railway explosion. Holmes tells Danny and Peachy about a man who was killed with acid. Peachy passes out. A chunk of stone hits Duff's shoulder. A boy is hit a couple times. The butt of a gun is used as a weapon. A boy is given a gun to kill with (he does not do it); he later charges a man. Two people are bound. The villains plan to kill a couple people. The Brigade watches someone set up a dynamite charge for purposes other than railway tunneling. A man is found dead.
Drug and Alcohol Content
Some characters smoke; others drink (not witnessed). Peachy buys lunch from a pub.
Sexual Content
None. Danny and Peachy try to attract the same girl, but it is of little consequence.
Crude or Profane Language or Content
One exclamation of "blast!" Though not defined as corruptions of God and Christ, "cor", "crikey", and "cripes" are commonly used.
Conclusion
The skill of sometimes having to work backward in detective work - and life in general - is displayed. Though brief, it is also made clear that God is an important part of the first step of choosing what to do with your life.
Note: The portrayal of Sherlock Holmes in this for-kids story is not necessarily accurate to the originals by Arthur Conan Doyle.
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