Synopsis (from Goodreads)
Pages: 192
Publisher: Floris Books
Released: 1st of June 2017
One day Arthur Conan Doyle will create the greatest detective of all -- Sherlock Holmes. But right now Artie Conan Doyle is a twelve-year-old Edinburgh schoolboy with a mystery of his own to solve. While sneaking out to explore Greyfriars Kirkyard by night, Artie and his best friend Ham spot a ghostly lady in grey and discover the footprints of a gigantic hound. Could the two mysteries be connected? These strange clues lead them to a series of robberies carried out the sinister Gravediggers' Club and soon they find themselves pitted against the villainous Colonel Braxton Dash. Will Artie survive his encounters with graveyards and ghosts in the foggy streets of nineteenth century Edinburgh -- or will his first case be his last?
What I Have to Say
This is perhaps my new favourite Middle-Grade mystery series! I was worried it would be overdone or written down too much, but I found it such a great read. Artie is a really great character based on a lot of research that the author has done on Arthur Conan Doyle and his life. I liked the fact that it wasn't all centred around Sherlock Holmes (though there were some great references) but also took into account Conan Doyle's interest in the afterlife as well.
The mystery was very well written and also brought in components of two Sherlock Holmes stories, though not in a way that was too obvious. Harris built his own mystery around these two stories making a wonderfully original and thrilling mystery. I loved all the historical references as well and the Latin that was brought up from time to time.
I think this is a great introduction to Arthur Conan Doyle and Sherlock Holmes for young readers who have never read the books, but also a really great series for readers who are already fans of the books and the man behind them, young and old.
I really wasn't sure what this book would be like, but I'm so glad I requested it because it was a really great book.
My thanks go to Floris Books and Netgalley for providing me with this copy for review.
This sounds great! What age would you recommend it for?
ReplyDeleteSorry I took so long to reply! I've been so busy.
DeleteI'd put it about an 8 - 12 age range but I think older readers could enjoy it too. It really is a great bit and it isn't written down too much.
Knowing your reading tastes, I think you'd get a lot of enjoyment from it even if it's a little young.