27. Something Rotten: A Horatio Wilkes Mystery by Alan Gratz

1. Bibliographic Information
Gratz, A. (2007). Something rotten: A Horatio Wilkes mystery. New York: Dial Books.
ISBN: 978-0-8037-3216-2
207 pages

2. Plot Summary
While visiting his friend, Hamilton Prince in Denmark, Tennessee, Horatio Wilkes notices that all is not what it seems. Two months after the death of Hamilton’s father, Hamilton’s mother, Trudy, marries her brother-in-law, Claude. Hamilton, still grieving over the death of his father, takes an active dislike towards his uncle/step-father. Olivia, Hamilton’s ex-girlfriend and daughter of the Prince’s family lawyer, is an environmental activist who opposes the water pollution that the paper mill creates. Candy, a servant with a fetish for western wear, seems too aggressive as the Prince’s hired help. Ford Branff, Trudy’s ex-boyfriend is trying to blackmail the paper company into selling to him. Lastly, Claude has always been jealous of his older brother’s success. After Hamilton shows Horatio a video showing Hamilton’s father stating he was poisoned; Horatio agrees to help Hamilton discover the truth behind his father’s death. With a slew of suspects, can Horatio confirm that Rex Prince was murdered or was he simply a casualty of cancer?

3. Critical Evaluation
This modern retelling of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, is a fun and fast-paced read. Gratz success stems from his ability to take a well-known play and make the story appear fresh. Horatio is a likeable if not conceited narrator. As a high school senior, his behaviors do seem somewhat unrealistic. As a detective of sorts, Horatio is similar to the likes of Poirot and Columbo; he uses other people’s stereotypes of him to further his investigation. In this case, it is Horatio’s age and conceit that people tend to misread. While Horatio’s character is not always believable when put in context with his age, his interactions and dialogues with the other characters does sound like a teenager’s. Horatio is constantly belittling and insulting Candy, Claude, Branff and even Hamilton. As stated previously, the novel succeeds in its fresh interpretation. The author is able to create a believable story with a quirky setting. Current ideas about the need to protect the environment are also an added element to the story’s conclusion. Ultimately, it is an enjoyable read.

4. Reader’s Annotation
When Rex Prince the owner of Elsinore Paper dies, his son Hamilton wonders if his uncle is to blame. Sound all too familiar? See if Hamilton and his friend Horatio can get to the bottom of this mystery in Alan Gratz’s Something Rotten.

5. Information about the Author
Alan Gratz was born in Knoxville, Tennessee. Alan graduated from the University of Tennessee with a College Scholars degree with a specialization in creative writing. He also obtained a Master’s degree in English education. His other novels include Samurai Shortstop, The Brooklyn Nine, and the sequel to Something Rotten entitled, Something Wicked.

6. Genre
Mystery, however, for those who have read Hamlet, it should not be difficult to figure out the ending.

7. Curriculum Ties
This novel would be an interesting adaptation to include in an English class’ lesson on Hamlet/Shakespeare.

8. Booktalking Ideas
-What are some similarities and differences between Something Rotten and Hamlet?
-How well do you think this adaptation lives up to the original?

9. Reading Level/Interest Age
I think that this novel would be appropriate for readers aged 15-18.

10. Challenge Issues
This novel does have instances of drinking, and violence. The violence includes cars blowing up, and someone getting shot. There is mention of murder; however, the novel does not implicitly describe the murder.

If a parent did ask to challenge this book I would refer them to the ALA’s challenge form and website at:

http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/challengeslibrarymaterials/index.cfm

11. Why was it selected?
I enjoy reading adaptations of classics.

12. Citation Page

Challenges to library materials. (2010). In American Library Association. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/challengeslibrarymaterials/index.cfm

Gratz, A. (2010). Alan Gratz: About me. Retrieved from http://www.alangratz.com/about.htm

Picture
Amazon.com. (2010). Something rotten (a Horatio Wilkes mystery). Retrieved from http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/014241297X/ref=s9_simh_gw_p14_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=0Y61Z1ZMP29531JMFWS8&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846

13. Awards
2008 ALA Quick Pick for Young Adult Readers