You want to read this book if you care about the news, how it is reported, how it is used, how it is misused, or what it means.

You can use this book in a classroom on civics, journalism, or business.

Or you can read this book as a confection... an enjoyable way of passing the time.

Here is the surface plot (but, like the news, you'll have to read it, think about it, and do a little digging to find what is below the surface:

More than 100 years ago Mr. Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson learned the secret of eternal life. This explains how they were able to fight crimes and pursue justice for more than a century without seeming to age.

By 1982 people had stopped caring about learning the truth. Without consulting clients, Holmes transformed himself into a hedge fund manager making rich people richer, and Dr. Watson became a speech writer for many of the world's most influential people.

They assumed new identities and for three decades they lived separate lives as they became wealthy beyond measure. However, they began to age rapidly and in the fall of 2015 Holmes rented 221b Baker Street where he hoped to live out his final days. They reunited just as Holmes was about to apply the “seven percent solution” to his problems. But then a cryptic message arrived that sent the pair on their final adventure.

Now their time is running out. In Calling All Irregulars they ask their trusty band of misfits to join the battle for truth and justice against the news media under the influence of the evil Professor Moriarty, who only cares about page views and profits.

This book includes more than 45 puzzles that you can solve. Some are so easy that they will take only a few minutes and others might require dozens of people to collaborate for weeks or longer. Instructions are provided for how you can follow the progress of your fellow "Irregulars" as you become a consulting detective just like Sherlock Holmes.