Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ

In "Flintstaff and Cramp" (I think I had that condition once at coed overnight camp) the author juxtaposes 19th century British detection and modern monster fighting in a way that makes you believe these two always belonged together.

Vivid settings and warm camaraderie stabilize stiff-upper-lip insanity, somehow keeping the action from slipping into mere farce. This tightrope walk is deftly pulled off by Duncan Howard who shows off his considerable comedic talent in at least 100 places.

Can a high-tech Holmes and Watson and a group of kids stave off the ugliness in the world? Is there any room for monster-empathy? Who made the rules for killing (A) Zombies, (B) Vampires or (C) The Monster of your Choice [Enter Here]? And just who are the real monsters, anyway?

None of these questions is answered in "The Curious Case of the Case"--at least not completely. But you'll keep turning the pages anyway.

[Reviewed by Steve Ross, Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ Author]