What do you think?
Rate this book
The Case of the Fallen Gladiator & Other Solve-it-Yourself Whodunits
Mini mysteries for kids to solve.
96 pages, Unknown Binding
Published January 1, 2024
About the author
Hy Conrad
48 books187 followersHY CONRAD has made a career out of murder, earning the 2022 Independent Press Award for Best Mystery (“The Fixer’s Daughter”) and 2022 NYC Big Book Awards for Best Mystery Series (“The Fixer’s Daughter,” “Sins of the Family”), a Scribe Award for Best Novel (“Mr. Monk Helps Himself”) and garnering three Edgar nominations from the Mystery Writers of America (for the “Monk” TV series). Along the way, he developed a horde of popular games and interactive films, hundreds of short stories and a dozen books of solvable mysteries, published in over 15 languages. Hy is best known for his eight seasons as writer/co-executive producer for the ground-breaking TV series, “Monk.” Other shows include “White Collar” and “The Good Cop.”
As a novelist, Hy authored the final four books in the Monk series, the Amy Travel Mysteries (“Toured to Death,” “Dearly Departed” and “Death on the Patagonian Express”) and the Callie McFee Mysteries (“The Fixer’s Daughter,” a Barnes & Noble bestseller and “Sins of the Family”).
In the world of theatre, his produced works consist of “Home Exchange” (a mystery), “Ta-Dah!” (a musical), and “Quarantine for Two” (a socially distanced dark comedy about the pandemic).
When he looks up from his keyboard, Hy sees either the hills of Vermont or the palm trees of Key West, depending on the time of year. He also sees Jeff Johnson, his partner of 43 years, now his husband, plus Nelson and Stella, the latest in a dynasty of mini-schnauzers.
www.hyconrad.com
Facebook: hyconrad
Instagram: hyconrad1
As a novelist, Hy authored the final four books in the Monk series, the Amy Travel Mysteries (“Toured to Death,” “Dearly Departed” and “Death on the Patagonian Express”) and the Callie McFee Mysteries (“The Fixer’s Daughter,” a Barnes & Noble bestseller and “Sins of the Family”).
In the world of theatre, his produced works consist of “Home Exchange” (a mystery), “Ta-Dah!” (a musical), and “Quarantine for Two” (a socially distanced dark comedy about the pandemic).
When he looks up from his keyboard, Hy sees either the hills of Vermont or the palm trees of Key West, depending on the time of year. He also sees Jeff Johnson, his partner of 43 years, now his husband, plus Nelson and Stella, the latest in a dynasty of mini-schnauzers.
www.hyconrad.com
Facebook: hyconrad
Instagram: hyconrad1
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
June 27, 2026
The Case of the Fallen Gladiator is a fun early reader mystery that deserves a place on the shelves of young readers. Especially for boys. Though plenty of girls who enjoy whodunits will like it too.
The story is engaging, and I especially appreciated the clever setup of including "the rest of the story" at the back of the book. It reminded me of Paul Harvey's famous "The Rest of the Story" segments. It was a fun twist that rewards readers for sticking with the mystery until the end.
I did notice a couple of minor issues. There was one typo, and there were a few moments where the explanation of what it means to be "robbed" needed to be researched as it was used incorrectly.
That said, I still give it 4 stars. The mysteries were just challenging enough to encourage beginning readers to keep turning the pages, building both confidence and reading habit.
The story is engaging, and I especially appreciated the clever setup of including "the rest of the story" at the back of the book. It reminded me of Paul Harvey's famous "The Rest of the Story" segments. It was a fun twist that rewards readers for sticking with the mystery until the end.
I did notice a couple of minor issues. There was one typo, and there were a few moments where the explanation of what it means to be "robbed" needed to be researched as it was used incorrectly.
That said, I still give it 4 stars. The mysteries were just challenging enough to encourage beginning readers to keep turning the pages, building both confidence and reading habit.
July 23, 2025
Interesting and challenging if you liked Encyclopedia Brown.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews