Review by Chethana Venkataraghavan
The Fall of the Amazing Zalindas
Author/s: Tracy Mack and Michael Citrin
Price : Rs.76
If you are an avid Sherlock Holmes reader you might have heard him say to Watson – ‘my eyes and ears on the streets.’ He has been assisted by them in many cases and in the short story of Holmes- The Stuart Chronicle, Holmes gathers a lot of information by just remaining in his place and a gang of homeless and faithful boys help him.
Now meet the heroes of our story – The Baker Street Irregulars. Headed by Wiggins, a fat, ever positive leader whose decisions that even Holmes seem to value (Yes, we all know how reserved Holmes is) and he in turn assisted by Ozzie (Osgood Manning) the brain of the gang.
He plays an important part in this story and has a talent for forging. Not knowing this, he is used by the owner of Oxford Scriveners, Crumbly. Rohan known as the gentle giant takes care of the group whenever Wiggins is out. Elliot nicknamed as stitch is from a tailor’s family and has made nearly all the shoes for the irregulars. He can also stitch wounds with the speed and precision of a doctor and is indeed very useful for the group towards the end. Alfie known as Elf is an inquisitive boy who is very lovable and appears to be overconfident at times. Apart from the ones mentioned above the irregulars consist of several other boys who have escaped the workhouse and never want to go back there again.
The story begins when, only three Zalindas (there are supposed to be four of them) who are tightrope walkers take a step onto a rope amidst applause, the rope is frayed and breaks killing the three of them.
Holmes is then called to investigate this case and finds out that this has a connection to the theft of The Stuart Chronicle. Holmes immediately suspects that it is the work of Moriatry, the Napoleon of crime. The irregulars are called upon to help and asked to go to the circus to collect information for Holmes. They then meet a gypsy girl called Pilar who proves to be of immense help towards the end and Holmes actually mentions her as a little Irene Adler. Together they hit upon a plan where Orlando Vile (The murderer of the Zalindas) is captured and a dark story of conceit and deceit heard but Moriatry disappears with The Stuart Chronicle.
Wait! The story does not end here. Then Moriatry turns up at the place where he is least expected to be and more of excitement and adventure follows.
A brilliant tale woven with the finest cloth. Awesome plot with exciting plot points!