The Private Nose

Jack Watson gets more than he bargained for when his new neighbors include Saturday Holmes, a young detective who enlists his help in solving local whodunits. Taylor's three entertaining cases include a puzzling bearnapping, a not-so-subtle ghost and the suspicious doings of the crotchety Mrs. Grump. Though Saturday's proboscis makes her the undisputed leader (``I've got the Holmes Nose''), Jack upholds the noted Watson's fame when he betters the imperious girl by getting them out of a locked basement. With their straightforward, naturalistic dialogue, these two chums make crackerjack flatfoots, whose stealth and common sense reflect admirably on their celebrated namesakes. Refreshing in their lack of scary elements, these mysteries may prove good training ground for aspiring detectives and will gratify those intrepid youngsters who spot intrigue in their very own neighborhoods. Schongut's loosely drawn black-and-white illustrations nicely enhance the book's ambience. Ages 5-9. (Mar.)