Common Sense Media Review
By Mary Eisenhart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Autistic kid detective returns in wacky Wild West tale.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
As P.K. PINKERTON AND THE PISTOL-PACKING WIDOWS opens, the young detective is thrown in a sack and kidnapped by unknown assailants -- only the first of many perils to be encountered in 1862 Nevada. Amid gunplay, "soiled doves," gambling, and natural disaster, P.K. tries to do the right thing -- in this case, keep adult friend Poker Face Jace from falling into the clutches of Violetta de Baskerville, whose husbands have a way of getting killed. Along the way, our hero deals with challenges from autism to puberty and once again receives help and guidance in the strangest of places.
Is It Any Good?
Lawrence loves to bombard readers of this series with a madcap barrage of historic detail, bizarre plot developments, and slapstick, and this may be her most successful outing yet. P.K.'s resolute, deadpan delivery -- and attempts to find the truth in a deceptive world -- make the fast-moving plot even more fun, and history buffs will be in heaven at the lively incidental detail (such as the fact that solferino and magenta were the fashionable shades for ladies' dresses). Many peripheral characters, from P.K.'s partner Ping to new pal Barry, come into their own here.
Adult and kid readers will particularly love the pure clarity of P.K.'s insights. After many disguises, P.K. reflects, "I don't feel like a 'he' or a 'she,' I just feel like a 'me.' But boys have more freedom. And better clothes."
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about historical fiction. Do you think stories such as the P.K. Pinkerton saga are a good way to learn about the past? How can you tell the difference between what's real and what's made up?
Had you ever heard of shorthand before reading this story? Do you think it might be a useful skill, or has technology made it obsolete?
Sam Clemens (Mark Twain) is an ongoing character in this series. Have you read any of his books?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Richard Lawrence
- Genre : Historical Fiction
- Topics : Adventures , Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Putnam Juvenile
- Publication date : March 6, 2014
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 304
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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