Buffalo Bill Wanted!
The Raven League
Alex Simmons and Bill McCay

Razorbill (Hardcover)
ISBN-10: 1-59514-073-5 (1595140735)
ISBN-13: 978-1-59514-073-9 (9781595140739)
Publication Date: January 2007
List Price: $10.99

Review: Want to read a book about the amazing American Western front during the western expansion? Well many people would be tricked by reading this book, thinking that it will be a complex mystery of American history. The cover looks like the book should be in some sort of American history setting, but it is not. It’s the second installment in The Raven League series. It is entitled Buffalo Bill Wanted!. This title is given by authors Alex Simmons and Bill McCay.

Once again, if you enjoy reading historical fiction novels about America’s western expansion, DO NOT READ THIS BOOK! It is based in London, and a when a police constable is severely beaten and shot, all of London believes that the American performer, Colonel William Cody, had committed the crime. He was in London at the time of the crime, and clues were set up to frame him. The four young sleuths, with awkward names like Dooley, Owens, and Wiggins however, know that Cody was not the criminal. It is up to them to find out whodunit, for they cannot locate their old friend Mr. Sherlock Holmes. Through perils and accusations, they find the culprit.

This was one of the most boring books that I have ever read, and is not only a poor mystery, but a poorly written plot just made it a bad book. I was excited by the title, because it was seemingly about the “wild” west, but it was not. Also, I was not able understand any integration of the characters. Their backgrounds from the first book were very unclear. It would be easier to read if you knew what happened earlier in the series. Also, some of the side characters had similar names, so I found myself confused at points. Furthermore, the authors try to make certain scenes and pictures that are fast paced. These feeble attempts are just sad. One last thing is that I was able to figure out whodunit on page 48. There are 202 pages. It was not a good story.

The book has not won any awards. I believe it should never win any. It is also the second in the series of mysteries.

Of course, I do not recommend this terrible book. Do not waste your time reading this sack of garbage. Want to go to sleep fast? Well then this book is good for that, but nothing else.

Review written by Alex, Grade 7. Date of review: April 2009.

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