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A wickedly funny, edge-of-seat crime caper featuring a brilliant cast of characters and one utterly heartwarming canine pal.
Darkus Knightley, tweed-wearing, mega-brained, thoroughly logical 13-year-old investigator of the weird, was just getting used to having his dad back in his life. Then Alan Knightley went off-radar, again, leaving Darkus with a traumatised ex-bomb-disposal dog as his only partner in crime-solving.
Now things are getting even stranger. Family pets are being savaged by a beast at a top London beauty spot. Policemen have been tracked and attacked by a particularly aggressive canine. And two curiously alert hounds seem to be watching Darkus’s house. No one is using the word werewolf – yet – but as the full moon approaches, it doesn’t take Sherlock Holmes to work out that someone or something sinister is messing with the minds of London’s dog population. A mysterious canine conspiracy is howling for the attention of Knightley & Son . . .
Criminally good detective adventure, perfect for fans of Sherlock and sharp-minded sleuths of all shapes and sizes . . .
Darkus Knightley, tweed-wearing, mega-brained, thoroughly logical 13-year-old investigator of the weird, was just getting used to having his dad back in his life. Then Alan Knightley went off-radar, again, leaving Darkus with a traumatised ex-bomb-disposal dog as his only partner in crime-solving.
Now things are getting even stranger. Family pets are being savaged by a beast at a top London beauty spot. Policemen have been tracked and attacked by a particularly aggressive canine. And two curiously alert hounds seem to be watching Darkus’s house. No one is using the word werewolf – yet – but as the full moon approaches, it doesn’t take Sherlock Holmes to work out that someone or something sinister is messing with the minds of London’s dog population. A mysterious canine conspiracy is howling for the attention of Knightley & Son . . .
Criminally good detective adventure, perfect for fans of Sherlock and sharp-minded sleuths of all shapes and sizes . . .
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First published August 14, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
October 11, 2014
I have just spent a healthy hour or so on the Knightley & Son website, going through all of the hilarity and trying to satiate the yearning to read this book... there are actually four chapters available to read online but I can't bring myself to do that, despite my curiosity. I want all the surprises to unfold in my very hands... August seems so far away... *lingers in the shadows, waiting like a restless soul for K-9 to be published*.
Edit:
Now that I have actually read the book, thanks to winning a set on the Knightley & Son website, I can gladly say that I really enjoyed it, although not quite as much as the first. The first one was just... on another level.
This one is as brilliantly written as its predecessor, the plot is good and rather unique, but I felt it was a lot more simple than that of the first Knightley & Son.
However the stars of the show for me were Clive & Co. All the scenes with him in it are so funny. He was amusing enough in the first book, but he outdid himself in this one.
Edit:
Now that I have actually read the book, thanks to winning a set on the Knightley & Son website, I can gladly say that I really enjoyed it, although not quite as much as the first. The first one was just... on another level.
This one is as brilliantly written as its predecessor, the plot is good and rather unique, but I felt it was a lot more simple than that of the first Knightley & Son.
However the stars of the show for me were Clive & Co. All the scenes with him in it are so funny. He was amusing enough in the first book, but he outdid himself in this one.
January 14, 2020
K-9 is an interesting mystery novel, but in my opinion, it falls flat after the first book in the series. The thing that kept me most hooked in Knightly & Son was the characters, but in this sequel, Darkus, his father, and his stepsister Tilly seemed to stop growing entirely, stuck in their roles from the first book without attempting to change. This is possibly a minor complaint, but combined with some other issues I had with the book, it definitely tipped what could have been a fun romp into just so-so territory.
The plot of the book itself, as I mentioned, is solid and a good adventure. It's the trappings that are nixed my enjoyment. First, there's a quiet bit of sexism prevading the entire book. The male/female, rational/emotional division is getting old. Turn that trope in for something fresh. After the first book, I was expecting Darkus to push back against his father's attitude on this, but then he... didn't. Instead of defending Tilly's right to be involved in the investigation, he sat back and let it happen, even though he is otherwise very precocious and not afraid to stand up for himself. And that doesn't even get into the topic of why intelligence and emotion aren't actually somehow mutually exclusive...
A second point is the tone of the book, which seems to be torn between humorous middle-grade romp and at times a serious, mature mystery. The antics of Clive, for example, fit poorly with the starkly graphic descriptions ofskinned and tortured family pets or dog-mauling victims. In some ways, it felt like the author couldn't choose an audience, and tried to include both, but it makes for a jarring reading experience at times.
Clearly, since I still gave this book three stars, there's plenty I still enjoyed about it. But there were too many little things that bugged me for it to be a keeper or for me to continue the series.
[I received this book for free through First Reads and was not required to write a positive or any other type of review. All opinions stated herein are solely my own.]
The plot of the book itself, as I mentioned, is solid and a good adventure. It's the trappings that are nixed my enjoyment. First, there's a quiet bit of sexism prevading the entire book. The male/female, rational/emotional division is getting old. Turn that trope in for something fresh. After the first book, I was expecting Darkus to push back against his father's attitude on this, but then he... didn't. Instead of defending Tilly's right to be involved in the investigation, he sat back and let it happen, even though he is otherwise very precocious and not afraid to stand up for himself. And that doesn't even get into the topic of why intelligence and emotion aren't actually somehow mutually exclusive...
A second point is the tone of the book, which seems to be torn between humorous middle-grade romp and at times a serious, mature mystery. The antics of Clive, for example, fit poorly with the starkly graphic descriptions of
Clearly, since I still gave this book three stars, there's plenty I still enjoyed about it. But there were too many little things that bugged me for it to be a keeper or for me to continue the series.
[I received this book for free through First Reads and was not required to write a positive or any other type of review. All opinions stated herein are solely my own.]
December 9, 2016
Suite de Détectives de Père en Fils.
Dans une ambiance très holmesienne, rappelant l'incontournable Chien des Baskerville, le roman de Rohan Gavin n'en demeure pas moins une étonnante lecture qui impose aussi ses propres codes, ses personnages attachants, son histoire élaborée et son dénouement inattendu & poignant.
Qu'on soit lecteurs débutants ou plus affirmés, amateurs de suspense londonien et de détectives privés, appréciant aussi le burlesque et une pincée de stress, il y a matière à trouver son bonheur dans ce livre. Outre des décors soignés, un contexte bien en place et qui n'a plus à faire ses preuves, l'histoire nous entraîne dans son univers british avec un raffinement remarquable. Le rythme de lecture coule facilement et nous balade avec aisance dans des aventures aux rebondissements parfois saisissants. Vraiment, bluffant.
Dans une ambiance très holmesienne, rappelant l'incontournable Chien des Baskerville, le roman de Rohan Gavin n'en demeure pas moins une étonnante lecture qui impose aussi ses propres codes, ses personnages attachants, son histoire élaborée et son dénouement inattendu & poignant.
Qu'on soit lecteurs débutants ou plus affirmés, amateurs de suspense londonien et de détectives privés, appréciant aussi le burlesque et une pincée de stress, il y a matière à trouver son bonheur dans ce livre. Outre des décors soignés, un contexte bien en place et qui n'a plus à faire ses preuves, l'histoire nous entraîne dans son univers british avec un raffinement remarquable. Le rythme de lecture coule facilement et nous balade avec aisance dans des aventures aux rebondissements parfois saisissants. Vraiment, bluffant.
January 3, 2015
I liked Tilly and the ending (not because it was over, but I can't say anything without spoiling the book). I didn't really like the story, but the ending may make me want to read the 3rd book.
July 31, 2017
It's rare I enjoy the second installation in a series more than the first, but K-9 is far more thrilling, suspenseful, and engaging than its predecessor.
I am looking forward to reading the third book and hope there are further iterations in the series.
I am looking forward to reading the third book and hope there are further iterations in the series.
November 13, 2018
SPOILER ALERT
Overall, I enjoyed this sequel more then the first Knightly and Son, however, I did take 2 stars off because the bastard author didn't have to kill Wilbur!!
Overall, I enjoyed this sequel more then the first Knightly and Son, however, I did take 2 stars off because the bastard author didn't have to kill Wilbur!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2020
Just as good as the other books in the series maybe a little worse but still a decent book
October 27, 2020
Amazing adventures of a 13 yr old boy/private inquiry agent working with his Dad and step-sister and a shadow government agency. Contains some gruesome bits though. And sadly, Wilbur dies.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to read
April 14, 2021Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
August 3, 2021
Well-written and interesting mystery with an unusual ending. Don't expect a happy ending with all the heroes okay. Lots of dogs appear in this book. Also plenty of gore and horrific events.
February 4, 2015
An Ambitious "Baskerville Hound of Hampstead Heath" That Embraces the Paranormal
This is the second of the Knightley & Son books and follows directly after the first book's conclusion. You don't have to have read the first book in order to get into and enjoy this one, although it would be best to read them in order. The first few chapters of this book have enough little throwaway bits, (Dad was in a coma; teen son Darkus wants to be Dad's detective partner; Dad is distant and the father/son dynamic is pretty dysfunctional; their nemesis is the "Combination"), that you will be up to speed in no time.
So, the real question is whether you want to bother getting up to speed and reading this. It's a detective/suspense sort of book and for me the appeal of the kid hero, the slightly formal yet slightly awkward style of writing, the action and the interesting plot all added up to a good reading experience. That said, each character has some tics and idiosyncrasies that a reader, with good cause, could either take or leave. There was enough dry humor and enough engaging byplay that I was willing to overlook the points at which the characters went a bit over the top.
What mostly makes everything work is our hero thirteen year old Darkus, who remains particularly engaging. There have been lots of reviews and blurbs that invoke that hoary old description "a young Sherlock Holmes". But, Darkus is not developed as simply some lame mini-Sherlock. He follows instincts that are coupled with a keen deductive mind, and he is a bit fussy and compulsive, but he is his own character. Refreshingly, he is not played as a geeky nerd type just because he thinks clearly. He is much more in the resourceful "boys own" style and can deliver a punch as well as he can find a clue, and that's a pretty engaging combo. The book is narrated in the third person, but the third person narrator is so omniscient that we spend a lot of time inside Darkus's head, so we do end up, as a practical matter, following the action from his point of view. That makes everything more immediate and gripping, which always strikes me as an attractive approach for a middle grade thriller.
On top of a fine protagonist we get a ripping plot with a lot of colorful touches and dastardly villainy. Secondary characters, (step-sister Tilly, Dad, Uncle Bill, Alexis, Bogna), all have a fair bit to do and have some featured scenes so this is more than just following Darkus about. While there is some broad humor built around one or two of the characters, most of the chuckles are droll and deadpan, and since I think there isn't enough dry middle grade humor being produced that was all fine by me.
The K-9 comes from Wilbur, the retired war dog who plays a featured role throughout the book. While Wilbur is mostly a device rather than a "real" dog he is so skillfully woven into the story that he still takes on great weight as a dramatic, and touching, force.
This is all wrapped up and presented in an elegant style. The writing has just a slight touch of the old-fashioned and is just ever so slightly stilted. It always felt that every character was carrying a furled umbrella. While set in the present there is a hint of that old Victorian restraint and formality that adds an additional touch of portent and suspense to a thriller. It also means that in terms of vocabulary, grammar, syntax and the like this book has been thoroughly and well edited. The ultimate effect is that the book feels somehow a bit "unconventional" and it is certainly different in style from most other slam bang middle grade detective/actioners.
As a consequence of the foregoing I don't know about the overall wide appeal of this series. But, for an ambitious and confident reader this feels like it could be a nice choice.
Please note that I received a free advance ecopy of this book in exchange for a candid review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.
This is the second of the Knightley & Son books and follows directly after the first book's conclusion. You don't have to have read the first book in order to get into and enjoy this one, although it would be best to read them in order. The first few chapters of this book have enough little throwaway bits, (Dad was in a coma; teen son Darkus wants to be Dad's detective partner; Dad is distant and the father/son dynamic is pretty dysfunctional; their nemesis is the "Combination"), that you will be up to speed in no time.
So, the real question is whether you want to bother getting up to speed and reading this. It's a detective/suspense sort of book and for me the appeal of the kid hero, the slightly formal yet slightly awkward style of writing, the action and the interesting plot all added up to a good reading experience. That said, each character has some tics and idiosyncrasies that a reader, with good cause, could either take or leave. There was enough dry humor and enough engaging byplay that I was willing to overlook the points at which the characters went a bit over the top.
What mostly makes everything work is our hero thirteen year old Darkus, who remains particularly engaging. There have been lots of reviews and blurbs that invoke that hoary old description "a young Sherlock Holmes". But, Darkus is not developed as simply some lame mini-Sherlock. He follows instincts that are coupled with a keen deductive mind, and he is a bit fussy and compulsive, but he is his own character. Refreshingly, he is not played as a geeky nerd type just because he thinks clearly. He is much more in the resourceful "boys own" style and can deliver a punch as well as he can find a clue, and that's a pretty engaging combo. The book is narrated in the third person, but the third person narrator is so omniscient that we spend a lot of time inside Darkus's head, so we do end up, as a practical matter, following the action from his point of view. That makes everything more immediate and gripping, which always strikes me as an attractive approach for a middle grade thriller.
On top of a fine protagonist we get a ripping plot with a lot of colorful touches and dastardly villainy. Secondary characters, (step-sister Tilly, Dad, Uncle Bill, Alexis, Bogna), all have a fair bit to do and have some featured scenes so this is more than just following Darkus about. While there is some broad humor built around one or two of the characters, most of the chuckles are droll and deadpan, and since I think there isn't enough dry middle grade humor being produced that was all fine by me.
The K-9 comes from Wilbur, the retired war dog who plays a featured role throughout the book. While Wilbur is mostly a device rather than a "real" dog he is so skillfully woven into the story that he still takes on great weight as a dramatic, and touching, force.
This is all wrapped up and presented in an elegant style. The writing has just a slight touch of the old-fashioned and is just ever so slightly stilted. It always felt that every character was carrying a furled umbrella. While set in the present there is a hint of that old Victorian restraint and formality that adds an additional touch of portent and suspense to a thriller. It also means that in terms of vocabulary, grammar, syntax and the like this book has been thoroughly and well edited. The ultimate effect is that the book feels somehow a bit "unconventional" and it is certainly different in style from most other slam bang middle grade detective/actioners.
As a consequence of the foregoing I don't know about the overall wide appeal of this series. But, for an ambitious and confident reader this feels like it could be a nice choice.
Please note that I received a free advance ecopy of this book in exchange for a candid review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.
March 9, 2017
The story was good. But I didn't like it when Wilbur (the dog) died.
January 14, 2016
K-9 by Rohan Gavin is the second book in the Knightley and Son series. This is a series that is important to read in order. There are major plot points and character traits that are explained by the first book, and only glossed over briefly in this installment to remind readers. I really enjoyed the first book, so if this one sounds interesting I would recommend starting at the beginning with Knightly and Son.
Darkus Knightley, the thoroughly logical 13-year-old investigator of the weird, was just getting used to having his dad back in his life. Then Alan Knightley went off-radar, again, leaving Darkus with a traumatized ex-bomb-disposal dog as his only partner in crime-solving. Now things are getting even stranger. Family pets are being savaged by a beast at a top London beauty spot. Policemen have been tracked and attacked by a particularly aggressive canine. And two curiously alert hounds seem to be watching Darkus's house. As the full moon approaches, it doesn't take Sherlock Holmes to work out that someone or something sinister is messing with the minds of London's dog population. A mysterious canine conspiracy is howling for the attention of Knightley & Son.
K-9 is a fast paced mystery with a nice level of character growth and development. Darius is only 13, and has a mind better suited to solving mysteries and puzzles than understanding other people. His small group off confidants is not even that, as he keeps small details and theories to himself. However, he is not the only one keeping secrets in order to solve the mystery or protect others. The chase was complicated and fairly involved, leaving some pieces of it never really explained as far as I was concerned. but the big mystery was solved with a great climax and good humor tossed in along the way. If you enjoyed the first book, you will enjoy this one. I do not think it was as good as the first, but it was still an entertaining and enjoyable read.
K-9 is a wonderful book for mystery fans. Those that enjoyed the first book and books with a highly intelligent and analytic lead that is a little behind on social skills and cues will enjoy this series. Sherlock for the middle grade set.
Darkus Knightley, the thoroughly logical 13-year-old investigator of the weird, was just getting used to having his dad back in his life. Then Alan Knightley went off-radar, again, leaving Darkus with a traumatized ex-bomb-disposal dog as his only partner in crime-solving. Now things are getting even stranger. Family pets are being savaged by a beast at a top London beauty spot. Policemen have been tracked and attacked by a particularly aggressive canine. And two curiously alert hounds seem to be watching Darkus's house. As the full moon approaches, it doesn't take Sherlock Holmes to work out that someone or something sinister is messing with the minds of London's dog population. A mysterious canine conspiracy is howling for the attention of Knightley & Son.
K-9 is a fast paced mystery with a nice level of character growth and development. Darius is only 13, and has a mind better suited to solving mysteries and puzzles than understanding other people. His small group off confidants is not even that, as he keeps small details and theories to himself. However, he is not the only one keeping secrets in order to solve the mystery or protect others. The chase was complicated and fairly involved, leaving some pieces of it never really explained as far as I was concerned. but the big mystery was solved with a great climax and good humor tossed in along the way. If you enjoyed the first book, you will enjoy this one. I do not think it was as good as the first, but it was still an entertaining and enjoyable read.
K-9 is a wonderful book for mystery fans. Those that enjoyed the first book and books with a highly intelligent and analytic lead that is a little behind on social skills and cues will enjoy this series. Sherlock for the middle grade set.
February 5, 2016
I received a print copy of this title from the publisher for review.
Ten Second Synopsis:
Darkus is thrown back into the fray against the Combination (possibly) with a case involving some very intelligent and violent dogs. Luckily he has his father to help him out (sometimes) as well as Wilbur, Darkus' returned service-dog and friend.
Out of all three books, I enjoyed this one the most. The story was just complicated enough to be interesting, without having twists that were too complex or unbelievable for the age group. The characters – particularly Uncle Bill – were generally less annoying to me (although I will make an exception for Clive, who seems to be trying for the “Most Annoying Character Ever Penned” award), and I really liked the inclusion of Wilbur, the ex-war dog. We get to find out a little more about each of the characters here, and I particularly enjoyed seeing another side of Darkus, which is developed through his work with Wilbur. Overall, I found this to be an enjoyable and engaging read, despite the fact that my favourite character, Tilly, was missing from the plot for a good deal of the book. The ending left a question mark over the detective agency’s continuation and generally, the two-dimensionality that so irked me in the first book seemed to be slowly oozing away. Essentially, while I didn’t love it to bits and some characters were still giving me the irits, K-9’s focused plot seemed like an improvement over book one.
Ten Second Synopsis:
Darkus is thrown back into the fray against the Combination (possibly) with a case involving some very intelligent and violent dogs. Luckily he has his father to help him out (sometimes) as well as Wilbur, Darkus' returned service-dog and friend.
Out of all three books, I enjoyed this one the most. The story was just complicated enough to be interesting, without having twists that were too complex or unbelievable for the age group. The characters – particularly Uncle Bill – were generally less annoying to me (although I will make an exception for Clive, who seems to be trying for the “Most Annoying Character Ever Penned” award), and I really liked the inclusion of Wilbur, the ex-war dog. We get to find out a little more about each of the characters here, and I particularly enjoyed seeing another side of Darkus, which is developed through his work with Wilbur. Overall, I found this to be an enjoyable and engaging read, despite the fact that my favourite character, Tilly, was missing from the plot for a good deal of the book. The ending left a question mark over the detective agency’s continuation and generally, the two-dimensionality that so irked me in the first book seemed to be slowly oozing away. Essentially, while I didn’t love it to bits and some characters were still giving me the irits, K-9’s focused plot seemed like an improvement over book one.
September 30, 2015
{My Thoughts} – Darkus and Tilly are back and are both on another case that involves them attempting to get to the bottom of an odd occurrence. It appears that they have yet another situation that may or may not have to do with the likes of “the mysterious combination” that has seemingly become the solution to many of the problems taking place. There is also a new character added to the story a dog named Wilbur – he is a retired service dog that was a gift to Darkus from his father Alan.
This book is jammed packed with factual information from present and past. I enjoy reading the factual information. However, I had found it really difficult to want to stay focused on reading this book. I have picked it up and put it down so many times in the last few months that I have lost count. I have re-read the first two chapters just as many because I need to refresh myself and just couldn’t keep my attention on it.
I am glad to say that after the first five or so chapters the book picked up a lot and became a much more intriguing read for me. The last handful of chapters even more so. That gives you all something to look forward to should you decide to pursue reading it. It does get better.
I do believe that the first book was a far better read then this one, however, it is still none the less well written.
This book is jammed packed with factual information from present and past. I enjoy reading the factual information. However, I had found it really difficult to want to stay focused on reading this book. I have picked it up and put it down so many times in the last few months that I have lost count. I have re-read the first two chapters just as many because I need to refresh myself and just couldn’t keep my attention on it.
I am glad to say that after the first five or so chapters the book picked up a lot and became a much more intriguing read for me. The last handful of chapters even more so. That gives you all something to look forward to should you decide to pursue reading it. It does get better.
I do believe that the first book was a far better read then this one, however, it is still none the less well written.
February 1, 2015
*Thank you to Bloomsbury USA Children's Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with a digital ARC copy of this book for review!*
This would have been a 3/3.5 star review were it not for those last two-ish chapters. I think I enjoyed this book even more than the first one -- and I had so much fun with "Knightley and Son", which I continually pitched as basically the BBC 'Sherlock' but with a father-and-son dynamic. Really great stuff.
But this book had Wilbur. Wilbur and his continual helpfulness in the plot was a wonderful addition to the Darkus and Knightley team, to the point that I might have gotten far too attached to this canine companion. As for the humans, I enjoyed that there was some genuine (and understandable) father-and-son friction between those two.
And the mystery -- talk about throwing me for a loop at the end! I definitely did not anticipate what happened and the last few chapters of this left me gaping...and misting up just a wee bit. Actually, no, I'm not misting up: I'm flailing internally within a glass case of emotion. I won't say why, but I will just say that I am SO NOT HAPPY WITH YOU RIGHT NOW, MR. GAVIN. YOU'RE KILLING ME WITH THE FEELS.
Anyways, so much fun and I can't wait for book 3!
This would have been a 3/3.5 star review were it not for those last two-ish chapters. I think I enjoyed this book even more than the first one -- and I had so much fun with "Knightley and Son", which I continually pitched as basically the BBC 'Sherlock' but with a father-and-son dynamic. Really great stuff.
But this book had Wilbur. Wilbur and his continual helpfulness in the plot was a wonderful addition to the Darkus and Knightley team, to the point that I might have gotten far too attached to this canine companion. As for the humans, I enjoyed that there was some genuine (and understandable) father-and-son friction between those two.
And the mystery -- talk about throwing me for a loop at the end! I definitely did not anticipate what happened and the last few chapters of this left me gaping...and misting up just a wee bit. Actually, no, I'm not misting up: I'm flailing internally within a glass case of emotion. I won't say why, but I will just say that I am SO NOT HAPPY WITH YOU RIGHT NOW, MR. GAVIN. YOU'RE KILLING ME WITH THE FEELS.
Anyways, so much fun and I can't wait for book 3!
May 28, 2015
Although it features Wilbur, a dog traumatized by its prior service in life-threatening conditions but now supposedly retired, this one didn't hold my attention quite as much as its predecessor. That was not for the lack of trying, though. I enjoyed how the characters were fully fleshed out, giving me a chance to understand Darks Knightley and his family dynamics a little more. I even tittered as Uncle Bill fell in love with the wrong woman, and admired the partnership Darkus and Tilly established. I still disliked Darkus's insufferable stepfather but failed to completely understand his father and his own behavior. If he and his son are now partners, then why does it seem that he is unable to express his feelings about his son and why is Darkus so unwilling to share his suspicions about the werewolves that seem to be plaguing London? There are thrills aplenty here, and I was enraptured for the most part with all the suspense and creepiness--read it and see--but the revelation of who or what is behind all of that just didn't work for me. I was moved, though, by Wilbur's dedication to Darkus and to his job, and his fate broke my heart. Worth reading? Yes, of course, and I will read the next one, but I was disappointed with how things were wrapped up here.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2021
We picked up this paranormal detective series at the library, after a recent re-release with the new cover art. My son and daughter devoured them.
The context: Darkus' father, a private-detective in London who veers toward the paranormal for explanations of weird events, has been in a coma for four years. Darkus reads his father's case files to feel closer to him, while he's sleeping, and learns the family business. Then his father wakes, and they're on the hunt for a shadowy, paranormal group called The Combination.
Each mystery is a bit different, with a slight twist at the end that could be explained rationally or could be paranormal. We really enjoyed the second book, K-9, but I won't say exactly why...it would spoil the read! This book has a particularly dark tone, and if your MG reader is sensitive about dogs, I'd skip it.
The third one is set in LA and the desert southwest, where Darkus and his Dad meet their American "clones," or close enough to it, track The Combination to Area 51, and end up in Las Vegas, where his father ends up in a coma, again.
Visit my blog for more great middle grade recommendations, free teaching materials and fiction writing tips: https://amb.mystrikingly.com
The context: Darkus' father, a private-detective in London who veers toward the paranormal for explanations of weird events, has been in a coma for four years. Darkus reads his father's case files to feel closer to him, while he's sleeping, and learns the family business. Then his father wakes, and they're on the hunt for a shadowy, paranormal group called The Combination.
Each mystery is a bit different, with a slight twist at the end that could be explained rationally or could be paranormal. We really enjoyed the second book, K-9, but I won't say exactly why...it would spoil the read! This book has a particularly dark tone, and if your MG reader is sensitive about dogs, I'd skip it.
The third one is set in LA and the desert southwest, where Darkus and his Dad meet their American "clones," or close enough to it, track The Combination to Area 51, and end up in Las Vegas, where his father ends up in a coma, again.
Visit my blog for more great middle grade recommendations, free teaching materials and fiction writing tips: https://amb.mystrikingly.com
January 30, 2015
3.5 stars
While K-9 is the second in the series Knightley and Son, you certainly will not have needed to read the first to enjoy this middle-grade mystery. Delightfully quirky characters and a fun mischievous plot make this an easy title to hand over to readers grades 4-7. The plot may seem obvious to seasoned readers, but from the eyes of a new mystery reader the ending will be a surprise. Darcus Knightley is a teen sleuth investigating disappearing pets, murdered police officers, and hounds stalking his home along with his narcoleptic detective father, hacker stepsister, PSTD dog, and a kooky Scottish officer.
A few minor things. I understand this is an English publication, but some of the slang may be unknown to young readers and should perhaps be changed or explained. The same thing goes for Uncle Bill's Scottish accent. I often had to read a line twice to understand what he was saying. At least some of the time it was in fact nonsense, but that could be made clearer.
All in all a good teen sleuth adventure for fans of Sherlock.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
While K-9 is the second in the series Knightley and Son, you certainly will not have needed to read the first to enjoy this middle-grade mystery. Delightfully quirky characters and a fun mischievous plot make this an easy title to hand over to readers grades 4-7. The plot may seem obvious to seasoned readers, but from the eyes of a new mystery reader the ending will be a surprise. Darcus Knightley is a teen sleuth investigating disappearing pets, murdered police officers, and hounds stalking his home along with his narcoleptic detective father, hacker stepsister, PSTD dog, and a kooky Scottish officer.
A few minor things. I understand this is an English publication, but some of the slang may be unknown to young readers and should perhaps be changed or explained. The same thing goes for Uncle Bill's Scottish accent. I often had to read a line twice to understand what he was saying. At least some of the time it was in fact nonsense, but that could be made clearer.
All in all a good teen sleuth adventure for fans of Sherlock.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
March 17, 2015
Originally posted on Londiniumgirlbooks
*This book was provided free on Netgalley in return for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this novel. It was very well written, the characters were very fleshed out, and the story was well thought-out and engaging for kids, teens, and adults to enjoy. Plus, it reminded me( a little) of Starlight Barking by Dodie Smith (who is one of my all-time favorites). I can see reluctant readers and avid readers alike being drawn into this story.
This is the second installment of the Knightley and Son series, but I honestly read a detailed summary of the first book and moved on to this one and it was still enjoyable. That’s mainly because this is a Middle Grade/Tween book so it heavily explained what happened in the last book so kids can remember without having to re-read. The first book is called Knightley and Son. I’ve moved it further up on my to-read list after reading its sequel.
I definitely recommend both books for lovers of Middle Grade/YA mystery.
*This book was provided free on Netgalley in return for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this novel. It was very well written, the characters were very fleshed out, and the story was well thought-out and engaging for kids, teens, and adults to enjoy. Plus, it reminded me( a little) of Starlight Barking by Dodie Smith (who is one of my all-time favorites). I can see reluctant readers and avid readers alike being drawn into this story.
This is the second installment of the Knightley and Son series, but I honestly read a detailed summary of the first book and moved on to this one and it was still enjoyable. That’s mainly because this is a Middle Grade/Tween book so it heavily explained what happened in the last book so kids can remember without having to re-read. The first book is called Knightley and Son. I’ve moved it further up on my to-read list after reading its sequel.
I definitely recommend both books for lovers of Middle Grade/YA mystery.
February 5, 2015
Received as free ebook from NetGalley.
K-9 is the second book in the Knightley and Son series. Book two picks up from where book one ends, but it is not necessary to read them in order as the story is different. Details carried over from book one are easily explained and understand in book 2 and will not confuse the reader. It is marketed towards middle grade readers, but I enjoyed it and I'm way past middle school.
The characters are interesting and the storyline moves along rather quickly. Some readers may even solve the mystery before the book ends, while others may be surprised by the turn of the events.
It's definitely worth a read and the setting in another country may be refreshing for a bit of change. Kids will get a kick of saying some of Uncle Bill's words.
K-9 is the second book in the Knightley and Son series. Book two picks up from where book one ends, but it is not necessary to read them in order as the story is different. Details carried over from book one are easily explained and understand in book 2 and will not confuse the reader. It is marketed towards middle grade readers, but I enjoyed it and I'm way past middle school.
The characters are interesting and the storyline moves along rather quickly. Some readers may even solve the mystery before the book ends, while others may be surprised by the turn of the events.
It's definitely worth a read and the setting in another country may be refreshing for a bit of change. Kids will get a kick of saying some of Uncle Bill's words.
June 11, 2015
Although it has its moments, this detective tale is surprisingly slow-paced, with long descriptions that mirror Darkus’ commitment to the facts, but these do not serve the narrative well. The characters are well-drawn, and some readers may enjoy the inclusion of a variety of dog characters, especially Wilbur (making it all the more upsetting when he dies in the end). This book is suitable for grades 7 and up due to the violent nature of King’s conquests; the text describes his flayed pet ‘trophies’ in his lair, where he later captures and keeps student reporter Alexis. Readers would probably benefit from knowing the back story by reading the first novel in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 14, 2015
Clive is so horrible, but he's not a villain. He just seems like he goes with stuff like toe jam, morning breath, and chewing noises.
As for the plot, a good mystery. A villain who MAJOR SPOILER! is interesting.
The end was .
Content: Some violence, some language,
Recommended: 13+, people who like British mysteries.
As for the plot, a good mystery. A villain who MAJOR SPOILER! is interesting.
The end was .
Content: Some violence, some language,
Recommended: 13+, people who like British mysteries.
March 26, 2015
A marvelously fun plot involving missing dogs and werewolf sightings.
There are references to: "The Shaggy Dog," and "Werewolf of London," within the story.
The tribute to military service dogs is moving and well done.
Darkus is very similar to Artemis Fowl and is a character with more books in his future.
There are references to: "The Shaggy Dog," and "Werewolf of London," within the story.
The tribute to military service dogs is moving and well done.
Darkus is very similar to Artemis Fowl and is a character with more books in his future.
March 29, 2016
3.5 if I could.
Another Knightley & Son adventure, though they seem to be working rather more independently in this one. Plenty of humour, and some great action scenes. I just didn't particularly buy into the Barabas King alter-ego story, and the characters didn't seem to gel as well this time round.
Another Knightley & Son adventure, though they seem to be working rather more independently in this one. Plenty of humour, and some great action scenes. I just didn't particularly buy into the Barabas King alter-ego story, and the characters didn't seem to gel as well this time round.
November 17, 2016
The first book was so much better! Darkus's character is richly developed but the adults around him are so ridiculous that it makes the plot seem silly at some points. There will be another book but this one ended on such a sad note that some younger readers may be disturbed. (This older reader was!)
July 15, 2015
It was better than the last book. the action really just comes toward the end and it was disturbing when fiona transforms into king. thats a spoiler but it doesn't matter bc no one is gonna read this lol. all in all, meh.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2015
I love these characters, especially Tilly and now I have a dog to love too! Very English, clever and funny and a page turner extraordinaire!
December 18, 2015
Here's my full review: http://www.compassbookratings.com/rev...
September 20, 2015
I really enjoyed the background information on war dogs. The story itself was a little too gruesome at times but lots of good parts too.
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