The Children’s Book Review | March 25, 2019
Written by Marissa Moss
Illustrated by Jeremy Holmes
Age Range: 6-9
Publisher: Abrams Books (2018)
ISBN: 978-1-4197-3064-1
What to Expect: History, Mystery, Gothic, Victorian
Sometimes history and real life can be every bit as exciting and extraordinary as the best fiction. Sherlock Holmes, with his deer-stalker, pipe, and magnifying glass, might not be real, but young readers will delight in this new volume narrating the genuine, extraordinary adventures of the closest thing real-life has to offer: Allan Pinkerton, the first detective at the Chicago Police Department, and America’s most notorious private investigator.
Telling the story of Pinkerton’s rise to fame, from his humble beginnings as a Scottish fugitive right through to saving the life of future-President Lincoln, this volume is packed with excitement: there are late-night stake-outs, secret messages, and convoluted plans involving disguises and mysterious parcels. Adding to the Gothic air of the volume is the intricate illustration, which combines historic fonts with muted tones of purple, black, and sepia, and illustrations rich in minute detail allowing readers to sift each image for clues of their own. Particularly enjoyable are the newspaper inserts and hand-drawn maps, inviting readers to imagine themselves back in time. The volume concludes with historical notes, and artist’s note, and a bibliography for further reading. Both enjoyable narrative and thorough historical exploration, this is a non-fiction volume sure to be enjoyed by mystery fans young and old alike.
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About the Author
Marissa Moss is the bestselling author of the Amelia series, Barbed Wire Baseball, and Nurse, Soldier, Spy. She lives in Berkeley, California.
About the Illustrator
Jeremy Holmes has illustrated a number of children’s books, including the Templeton Twins series and There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly. He lives in Abington, Pennsylvania.
The Eye That Never Sleeps: How Detective Pinkerton Saved President Lincoln, written by Marissa Moss and illustrated by Jeremy Holmes, was reviewed by Dr. Jen Harrison. Discover more books like Bridges!: With 25 Science Projects for Kids by following along with our reviews and articles tagged with Abraham Lincoln, Gothic Books, History, Jeremy Holmes, Marissa Moss, Mysteries, Non-Fiction, Picture Book, and Victorian.