WILD WEST

From Mr. B, Children's Librarian at the Grandview Branch Library

The Case of the Deadly Desperados

By Caroline Lawrence

In “The Case of the Deadly Desperados” [Western Mysteries, Book 1], Sid Fleishman-like charm meets modern sensibilities as 12 year-old half-breed P.K. Pinkerton tracks down his step-parents’ murderers and the silver mine deed they were trying to steal. Along the way, P.K. (who may or may not be the son or nephew of a more famous Pinkerton) hides-out in an opium den disguised as a Chinese boy (aka “a Celestial”); disguises himself as a girl to escape the murders only to run into reporter Samuel Clemens; and learns to read the body language of feet from a professional gambler. Confused? Exactly what author Caroline Lawrence hopes you will be. She lets P.K. fill in the details in his own words as he describes the danger, greed, and culture of Virginia City, silver mining, and the great Comstock Lode with warmth, humor, and a dash of innocence.

This historical tale is not for the faint-hearted, but should please many a 6-9^th grade adventure fan whether or not assigned to read “historical fiction.”