What child is this? A Sherlock Holmes Christmas adventure

MacBird's diverting fifth Sherlock Holmes adventure (after 2021's The Three Locks) draws Holmes and Watson into two cases involving children shortly before Christmas Eve. First, they thwart the attempted abduction of a four-year-old boy from his mother, though the would-be kidnapper escapes. The grateful parent turns out to be Lady Endicott, who visits Baker Street with her son, who happens to have a star-shaped birthmark on the back of his neck, an unusual feature that may connect to the criminal's motive for trying to snatch him. The truth behind the crime proves complex and calls for an unconventional resolution. Meanwhile, Holmes is also consulted by the Marquis of Blandbury, who's worried about his adult son, who has been missing for months. The subsequent inquiry likewise takes some unexpected turns. MacBird does a good job showing how her Holmes evolves from a Scrooge-like character ("Those infernal Christmas Carols are enough to drive one mad," the detective declares at the outset) into a kindlier soul. Fans of her previous books are likely to enjoy this one as well. Agent: Linda Langton, Langtons International. (Nov.)