This smart and witty first book in the Wollstonecraft Detective Agency mystery series features celebrated figures Ada Lovelace, considered the world's first computer programmer, and Mary Shelley, credited with creating the science fiction genre, as young detectives-in-training. Although Stratford (who raised more than $90,000 on Kickstarter to publish the series, prior to its acquisition) admits he's taken liberties with some facts and dates, he vividly recreates the social and economic milieu of 1826 England through the girls' eyes. Lady Ada, 11, is an awkward but brilliant mathematician, while Mary, 14, is socially adept and loves the romantic, adventurous side of life. When the girls come across newspaper pieces about crime, they resolve form a "secret constabulary" to catch criminals. As they use quick thinking, book smarts, and social know-how to find a stolen gemstone with the help (willing and unwilling) of their tutor, Peebs (Percy Bysshe Shelley), and travelmate (a young Charles Dickens), they also navigate the difficult terrain of despair and injustice. Skilled b&w illustrations and comical narration and dialogue will charm readers thoroughly. Ages 8–12. Author's agent: Heather Schroder, Compass Talent Agency. (Jan.)

Set in an alternate 1826, Ada Byron, the first computer programmer, and Mary Godwin, future author of Frankenstein, are brought together to be tutored. During their investigation of a stolen Turkish jewel, complications include the fact that the jewel owner's maid has confessed to the robbery. The girls' work leads them inside dark Newgate Prison as they discover that greed and hypnotism both had a role in the theft. Stratford has moved Mary Godwin's birth date ahead 15 years; Percy Shelley, the girls' tutor, likewise was moved in time. The girls' messenger to the Times is none other than a young Charles Dickens. This first mystery in The Wollstonecraft Detective Agency series incorporates elements of Wilkie Collins' The Moonstone, considered to be the first mystery novel. This quirky middle grade series will appeal to readers who enjoy untangling puzzles with a hint of adventure.

Gr 5–8—History meets mystery in this story in which the author reimagines the lives of Ada Byron and Mary Shelley as two girls who meet in 1826 London, agree to form a secret detective agency, and embark upon a series of adventures together. Ada (who will later become known as Lady Lovelace, often considered the world's first computer programmer) is a reclusive genius, lacking in social skills. Mary, who will one day become the author of the classic novel Frankenstein, is observant and a bit romantic. While the author admits to taking a few liberties with historical facts (for example, some of the characters were much further apart in age than are presented in the story), there are plenty of historical and scientific tidbits that may inspire readers to investigate the real-life figures as well as their discoveries and creations evolve. A good fit for Common Core curricula and a fun overall read, this is a winner.—Jessica Marie, Salem Public Library, OR