P. K. Pinkerton and the Petrified Man

Gr 6–8—Opening a detective agency is only the first amazing thing that 12-year-old P.K. Pinkerton does in this action-packed, dryly humorous, Wild West adventure (2013). Fresh from escaping death at the hands of greedy gunmen in P.K. Pinkerton and the Deadly Desperados (2012, both Putnam), he sets up shop in Virginia City, Nevada, in 1862 and is quickly hired to solve the murder of a local "soiled dove." Through his investigation, the young sleuth meets an array of colorful characters who lead him into bars, stables, brothels, and numerous life-threatening situations. What makes this book unusual is the fact that P.K. makes his observations, takes careful notes of clues, and eventually solves the crime while presenting symptoms of high-functioning autism. The detective repeatedly refers to his inability to interpret facial expressions and distinguish emotions in others, and the calm feeling he gets from organizing his various collections. The precise logic and reasoning he uses to solve the case are great examples for students. The difficulty with this book is in determining the intended audience. The brothel setting and references to "soiled doves" and the jealous men with "desires" for them does not seem appropriate for elementary grade listeners, but T. Sands's narration would seem juvenile to middle school students.—Tara Hixon, Cashion Public Schools, OK