Book Review: Basil of Baker Street

Basil of Baker Street

written by Eve Titus
illustrated by Paul Galdone
96 pages
originally published in 1958

"The Mystery of the Missing Twins could never have been solved by an ordinary detective."

(...that is the first sentence of the cutest mouse book ever... )


Basil is a mouse with a nose for solving problems, just like his hero, Sherlock Holmes. In this story, Basil and his comrade, "Dr. Dawson", are presented with The Mystery of the Missing Twins---a quaint storyline that all little children will love---and adults will too. The author, Eve Titus, so clearly depicts the true Holmes through Basil's demeanor, thinking patterns, and mindset. A story just can't get any better than a mouse who learned his skill of deducting by listening at the very feet of Sherlock Holmes!


Along with Basil and Dr. Dawson, there is also their "mousekeeper" who's name is "Mrs. Judson". They live in a mouse village called---well, the village name is so cute and Holmes related, but I'll let you find out the name for yourself.

This is a book I wish I would have known about years ago, so that it could have been a childhood favorite growing up. At least I have found it now. The lovely story and the delightful illustrations of this vintage book create something to cherish. If you feel silly getting the book from your library, then just grab a younger sibling and read it to them. Besides you never know what little ones you may be able to start on the trail of Mr. Holmes himself.

Basil of Baker Street is the most adorable detective story... I mean, what other detective could console a distressed mother whose children are lost, by saying: "I can offer you only crumbs of comfort." Yes, just what a mouse should say!


The book was first published in 1958 and has gone through many editions since then. If you like old vintage books, with charming illustrations, I'm pretty sure you'd like this one.


The Author: Eve Titus was an American children's author, born in 1922. She wrote at least twenty books in her lifetime---five of which are about Basil, the mouse.