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Artie Conan Doyle Mysteries #1
Artie Conan Doyle and the Gravediggers' Club
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? Robert J. Harris, author of The World Goes Loki series and William Shakespeare and the Pirate's Fire, brings the young Conan Doyle to life in this ingenious detective story full of twists, turns and shocking reveals.
192 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2017
3 people are currently reading
117 people want to read
About the author
Robert J. Harris
41 books37 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Robert J. Harris (Bob) is a Scottish academic and author of children's fantasies and historical novels, best known for his collaborations with Jane Yolen. He also designed the fantasy board game Talisman. Recently Bob released his sequel to Talisman, Mythgardia. He lives in Scotland and is married to American author Deborah Turner Harris.
Robert J. Harris (Bob) is a Scottish academic and author of children's fantasies and historical novels, best known for his collaborations with Jane Yolen. He also designed the fantasy board game Talisman. Recently Bob released his sequel to Talisman, Mythgardia. He lives in Scotland and is married to American author Deborah Turner Harris.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 17, 2018
Robert J. Harris is a new author to me, but after reading the synopsis for The Grave Diggers’ Club I knew I had to read more, even though I’ve never really watched Sherlock Holmes, which hopefully meant I didn’t have expectations going into this book. The moment I began reading The Grave Diggers’ Club I was hooked. Arthur and Edward just stand out from the pages, I instantly loved the friendship between this duo, the comradery, and how their personalities just work so well together.
The story begins with Artie and Edward ‘Ham’ taking a walk through a cemetery, when they see strange shadows and hear strange noises. But pretty soon this duo soon find themselves caught in a puzzling investigation of grave robbers, ghosts, and mysterious lodgers.
The Gravediggers’ Club is a book that draws you in, and leads you around with false clues. I loved how naive Artie was, wanting to find a clue in everything and solve this investigation, some were pretty far reached to be honest, but that just made him more endearing. I love how Ham is always thinking of food, and can often be found with snacks in his pockets, which really come in handy.
I really liked how easy the plot was to follow, whilst also letting you try to solve the mystery yourself. The book has easy to read text, as well as small images related to notes, or grave stones. The characters have distinctive personalities that make it easy to differentiate them from each other.
The Grave Diggers’ Club is a book that I really enjoyed reading, and I could not read fast enough, wanting to know what was really going on. I thoroughly enjoyed reading. This book and can’t wait to dive into the next book to see what the next mystery will be.
Final Verdict
The Gravediggers’ Club is a great read for middle grade. It has humour, friendship, and an easy to follow plot that will keep readers wanting to know who did it.
The story begins with Artie and Edward ‘Ham’ taking a walk through a cemetery, when they see strange shadows and hear strange noises. But pretty soon this duo soon find themselves caught in a puzzling investigation of grave robbers, ghosts, and mysterious lodgers.
The Gravediggers’ Club is a book that draws you in, and leads you around with false clues. I loved how naive Artie was, wanting to find a clue in everything and solve this investigation, some were pretty far reached to be honest, but that just made him more endearing. I love how Ham is always thinking of food, and can often be found with snacks in his pockets, which really come in handy.
I really liked how easy the plot was to follow, whilst also letting you try to solve the mystery yourself. The book has easy to read text, as well as small images related to notes, or grave stones. The characters have distinctive personalities that make it easy to differentiate them from each other.
The Grave Diggers’ Club is a book that I really enjoyed reading, and I could not read fast enough, wanting to know what was really going on. I thoroughly enjoyed reading. This book and can’t wait to dive into the next book to see what the next mystery will be.
Final Verdict
The Gravediggers’ Club is a great read for middle grade. It has humour, friendship, and an easy to follow plot that will keep readers wanting to know who did it.
January 20, 2021
What a fabulous series to get your kids hooked on, so that they'll develop an interest in Sherlock Holmes' cases! "Artie Conan Doyle and the Gravediggers' Club" is the first (in a long line of many, I hope) book chronicling the childhood mystery-solver before he grew up to become Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, creator of the Great Detective himself.
Artie and his best friend Ham, both aged 12, scour the streets of Edinburgh for clues pertaining to some suspicious activity in the area, especially around the graveyards at nighttime. This mystery had me hooked from page 1. I'm terribly excited to find book 2.
The author uses a fun and flowing whimsical writing style to keep readers engaged. The scenes come alive, like watching a movie. (Sometimes it feels a little bit like a Victorian-era Goosebumps-esque plot -- with plenty of actual mystery to solve.) I also love how the author incorporates interesting happenings of the time period into the plot itself; topics like Greyfriars Bobby, the Lady in Grey, and Galvani the physicist.
Suitable for: 9 to 14 and up - Adults
(Recommended for kids who can swallow a little talk about graverobbing or ghosts. Also there are some subtle references to adults drinking.)
Overall, it's such a fun and engaging story, that adults (like myself) can enjoy it too!
My favorite quote, from Ham:
“I think I had a sudden attack of courage. I hope it doesn’t happen again. My knees are shaking.”
Artie and his best friend Ham, both aged 12, scour the streets of Edinburgh for clues pertaining to some suspicious activity in the area, especially around the graveyards at nighttime. This mystery had me hooked from page 1. I'm terribly excited to find book 2.
The author uses a fun and flowing whimsical writing style to keep readers engaged. The scenes come alive, like watching a movie. (Sometimes it feels a little bit like a Victorian-era Goosebumps-esque plot -- with plenty of actual mystery to solve.) I also love how the author incorporates interesting happenings of the time period into the plot itself; topics like Greyfriars Bobby, the Lady in Grey, and Galvani the physicist.
Suitable for: 9 to 14 and up - Adults
(Recommended for kids who can swallow a little talk about graverobbing or ghosts. Also there are some subtle references to adults drinking.)
Overall, it's such a fun and engaging story, that adults (like myself) can enjoy it too!
My favorite quote, from Ham:
“I think I had a sudden attack of courage. I hope it doesn’t happen again. My knees are shaking.”
December 25, 2017
This was a children's book that tells the story of a Young Arthur Conan Doyle's adventures in Edinburgh and the mystery he helps solve. Whilst admittedly it is a children's book I felt it was a bit light and shallow, and there are most definitely better children's books out there. Happy to have read it but won't actively go searching for the next one. There is a good link in this one to The Charge of the Light Brigade.
February 21, 2018
A fun read enjoyed in a single sitting, full of pace, atmosphere and excitement. Think The Sinclair's Mysteries by Katherine Woodfine but swap the main protagonists for two boys, and place all the action in a wintry and wonderful Victorian Edinburgh. There's humour, there's treasure and there are also quite a few currant buns!
Plenty of twists and turns ensure the mystery isn't solved by the reader ahead of time and the friendship between the two main characters, Artie and Ham, develops in a rather lovely way. There's a tender conversation at one point between the two of them about the dynamics of their relationship where Ham, the quieter, plumper one wonders if he's accepted as Artie's sidekick simply to make Artie look better. This honesty, and the sincere support Ham receives from his bolder friend boosts Ham's confidence and in the end it is Ham's brave actions which play a crucial role in ensuring that all's well that ends well.
The book stands well on its own terms as a detective story for 10-12 year olds, but an added level of interest comes from the fact that it is actually an imagined childhood of the author Arthur Conan Doyle. Whilst the plot is fiction (with a couple of knowing nods to two Sherlock Holmes novels), the background is all based on historical fact. You certainly don't need to have read any Conan Doyle or be a fan of Sherlock to enjoy this but it may well act as a gateway into those classics, which can be no bad thing.
The book is also very much rooted in its geographical setting and I also found myself thinking that I would be recommending this to friends with kids visiting Edinburgh who wanted a different sort of travel writing to share as a family. Lots of landmarks feature and a wonderful tour of the city could be constructed around the book.
As well as lots biographical details about Conan Doyle's family, The Gravediggers' Club includes several links to classic literature and wider history that could be explored, making this an ideal book for a starting point to lots of projects in class or at home. And as Artie says, "Stories give you tricks and plans to deal with all sorts of situations". Hopefully no reader will be digging up bodies, but many may come away from this book with inspiration for being (even more) resourceful, brave and curious.
Plenty of twists and turns ensure the mystery isn't solved by the reader ahead of time and the friendship between the two main characters, Artie and Ham, develops in a rather lovely way. There's a tender conversation at one point between the two of them about the dynamics of their relationship where Ham, the quieter, plumper one wonders if he's accepted as Artie's sidekick simply to make Artie look better. This honesty, and the sincere support Ham receives from his bolder friend boosts Ham's confidence and in the end it is Ham's brave actions which play a crucial role in ensuring that all's well that ends well.
The book stands well on its own terms as a detective story for 10-12 year olds, but an added level of interest comes from the fact that it is actually an imagined childhood of the author Arthur Conan Doyle. Whilst the plot is fiction (with a couple of knowing nods to two Sherlock Holmes novels), the background is all based on historical fact. You certainly don't need to have read any Conan Doyle or be a fan of Sherlock to enjoy this but it may well act as a gateway into those classics, which can be no bad thing.
The book is also very much rooted in its geographical setting and I also found myself thinking that I would be recommending this to friends with kids visiting Edinburgh who wanted a different sort of travel writing to share as a family. Lots of landmarks feature and a wonderful tour of the city could be constructed around the book.
As well as lots biographical details about Conan Doyle's family, The Gravediggers' Club includes several links to classic literature and wider history that could be explored, making this an ideal book for a starting point to lots of projects in class or at home. And as Artie says, "Stories give you tricks and plans to deal with all sorts of situations". Hopefully no reader will be digging up bodies, but many may come away from this book with inspiration for being (even more) resourceful, brave and curious.
May 28, 2024
3.5 :)
February 18, 2017
We are immediately plunged right into the middle of this mystery as Artie and his friend and sidekick, Ham, have a spooky encounter in a churchyard, which persuades Artie that the young trainee doctor lodging at their house is up to no good. Harris has managed to layer the character rather effectively. While watching Artie in action, I’m forcibly reminded of a juvenile Benedict Cumberbatch – opinionated, bossy and invariably convinced he is superior to those around him. More endearingly, Artie is prone to make more mistakes and go blundering more haphazardly into situations than his supercilious sleuth.
The historical feel of the period is effectively depicted with the occasional old fashioned word, such as ‘kirk’ instead of church, for instance but reading the context, I think most young readers could work out what the word means. We also have a number of interesting characters. I like the fact that Artie’s family is rather dysfunctional, with a father suffering depression in a time when there is no sickness benefit or safety net for those struggling on the poverty line. Ham also has a difficult background, with a father who has died and a widowed mother trying to cope.
There is plenty of banter between the two boys, as Ham is reluctantly dragged along in Artie’s wake. Most of the time he goes along with it – but just occasionally his pointed remarks regarding Artie’s tendency to go crashing into a situation make him pause and reconsider. I was pleased it is Ham’s contribution to the adventure that is the major gamechanger during the climactic final flurry of action.
Any niggles? I could have done without Artie’s jabs about Ham’s size. This is particularly unfortunate, I feel, in a book aimed at the children’s market when there are now significant numbers of youngsters heavier than is healthy. Surely, in an escapist adventure overweight children are also entitled to be able to enjoy the fun without such reminders of their problems?
That apart, I enjoyed this romp and I think many youngsters will do, too. There is plenty of action and some creepy moments without slipping into anything too horrific for newly independent readers, or those having this one read to them.
While I obtained the arc of Artie Conan Doyle and the Gravediggers’ Club from the publisher via NetGalley, this has in no way influenced my unbiased review.
8/10
The historical feel of the period is effectively depicted with the occasional old fashioned word, such as ‘kirk’ instead of church, for instance but reading the context, I think most young readers could work out what the word means. We also have a number of interesting characters. I like the fact that Artie’s family is rather dysfunctional, with a father suffering depression in a time when there is no sickness benefit or safety net for those struggling on the poverty line. Ham also has a difficult background, with a father who has died and a widowed mother trying to cope.
There is plenty of banter between the two boys, as Ham is reluctantly dragged along in Artie’s wake. Most of the time he goes along with it – but just occasionally his pointed remarks regarding Artie’s tendency to go crashing into a situation make him pause and reconsider. I was pleased it is Ham’s contribution to the adventure that is the major gamechanger during the climactic final flurry of action.
Any niggles? I could have done without Artie’s jabs about Ham’s size. This is particularly unfortunate, I feel, in a book aimed at the children’s market when there are now significant numbers of youngsters heavier than is healthy. Surely, in an escapist adventure overweight children are also entitled to be able to enjoy the fun without such reminders of their problems?
That apart, I enjoyed this romp and I think many youngsters will do, too. There is plenty of action and some creepy moments without slipping into anything too horrific for newly independent readers, or those having this one read to them.
While I obtained the arc of Artie Conan Doyle and the Gravediggers’ Club from the publisher via NetGalley, this has in no way influenced my unbiased review.
8/10
May 24, 2017
This book is recommended for children ages 9 to 12; however, I admit I’m past the age of 12, and I enjoyed it. I loved that Robert Harris created a book about the author of Sherlock Holmes when he was a child. Years ago, I read a good many of the Holmes books and enjoyed them very much. When I saw this book, I I couldn’t wait to read it.
Within a few pages, I was drawn into the story. The characters were interesting and very realistic. This very group of characters includes; a sometimes unwilling Ham, the mastermind, Artie, a doctor whose experiments with electricity and healing don’t always turn out the way he wants, a medical student who acts suspiciously, a group of people who are digging up graves and Artie’s somewhat dysfunctional family, to name a few. The fog and dark nights really set the scene and add to the spirit of the book since so much of it has to do with graveyards.
I hope this is book 1 of a series because I’d love to read more stories about Artie Doyle.
Within a few pages, I was drawn into the story. The characters were interesting and very realistic. This very group of characters includes; a sometimes unwilling Ham, the mastermind, Artie, a doctor whose experiments with electricity and healing don’t always turn out the way he wants, a medical student who acts suspiciously, a group of people who are digging up graves and Artie’s somewhat dysfunctional family, to name a few. The fog and dark nights really set the scene and add to the spirit of the book since so much of it has to do with graveyards.
I hope this is book 1 of a series because I’d love to read more stories about Artie Doyle.
April 3, 2018
I was very intrigued by the premise of this series, as it focuses not on a younger version of Sherlock Holmes, but instead his creator, Arthur Conan Doyle. The story focuses on Artie and his friend Ham as they become embroiled in solving a mystery involving the rather horrible Gravediggers` Club. I found it interesting to learn more about his background and family, even though I`m not sure whether or not he really was a young sleuth. I thought the mystery was interesting and quite complex, and I loved the homages to Sherlock Holmes which pop up throughout. My favourite part of the book was definitely the friendship between Ham and Artie, especially as Ham isn`t a typical sidekick in that he doesn`t always just follow whatever Artie wants to do and stands up for himself, and also as I liked their bickering/banter. I would have liked this to be a little bit longer, but I think it`s a good start to the series and I look forward to reading the next. 4/5
February 8, 2017
This is a clever and creative imagining of Arthur Conan Doyle as a middle school kid detective with his sidekick, Hamilton. It is a fun read and feels legit based on how I envision Doyle to be like in his younger years. His curiosity, imagination and sense of adventure is off the roof and contagious. He is overly confident, but also very loyal to his partner, Ham. The story isn’t cookie cutter, and the introduction of Artie and Ham (as they are called) was non-traditional. I am reminded a bit of old school Enid Blyton and Franklin Dixon series novels which I devoured when I was in grade school. I won’t spoil the story but the title is definitely linked to the on goings of the mystery. Two thumbs up.
Thanks to NetGalley and the author for the ARC.
Thanks to NetGalley and the author for the ARC.
November 30, 2022
I když je tato kniha určená výrazně mladším čtenářům, rozhodně zaujme i ty starší.
Osobně myslím, že jako způsob, jak představit a přivést mladší čtenáře, k pozdějším dílům A.C. Doyla, má šanci uspět. Příběh je vystavěný na některých reálných prvcích života A.C. Doyla, nechybí ani řada záhad, zvratů a napětí. Kniha sama, je pak moc pěkně graficky zpracovaná, což jí jen přidává na čtivosti a zajímavosti.
Osobně myslím, že jako způsob, jak představit a přivést mladší čtenáře, k pozdějším dílům A.C. Doyla, má šanci uspět. Příběh je vystavěný na některých reálných prvcích života A.C. Doyla, nechybí ani řada záhad, zvratů a napětí. Kniha sama, je pak moc pěkně graficky zpracovaná, což jí jen přidává na čtivosti a zajímavosti.
May 13, 2017
I really liked it.
March 23, 2018
3.5 stars
March 11, 2017
Enjoyable cosy wee jaunt set in my favourite atmospheric city. I look forward to the next in the series.
July 8, 2017
This review and more at www.topshelftext.blogspot.com!
I am a fan of all-things Sherlock Holmes, so anytime I hear about a new spinoff of my favorite detective series I am guaranteed to give it a try. Artie Conan Doyle and The Gravedigger's Club is the first in a new series that I'm looking forward to following. The mystery stars a young Arthur Conan Doyle (the author of the original Sherlock Holmes) as he solves mysteries around his hometown in Edinburgh. In this first adventure, Artie and his best friend Hamilton are exploring a local graveyard late at night when they spot a ghostly woman and the paw prints of a gigantic hound. Soon, they're on a quest to discover the mystery behind the two sightings, as well as the culprit of several robberies carried out by a mysterious society known as The Gravedigger's Club.
I loved that this book carried elements of some of the tales of Sherlock and Watson -- the idea being that these events in Artie's life would later influence his storytelling -- and I also loved how the story was steeped in historical detail. Though the mystery is the main focus of the plot, this also featured a theme of friendship, particularly as it relates to the hero-sidekick relationship that we see in this type of story. Recommended for middle grade readers who enjoy detective stories (and potentially a great summer reading pick)!
Note: I received a copy of this text from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I am a fan of all-things Sherlock Holmes, so anytime I hear about a new spinoff of my favorite detective series I am guaranteed to give it a try. Artie Conan Doyle and The Gravedigger's Club is the first in a new series that I'm looking forward to following. The mystery stars a young Arthur Conan Doyle (the author of the original Sherlock Holmes) as he solves mysteries around his hometown in Edinburgh. In this first adventure, Artie and his best friend Hamilton are exploring a local graveyard late at night when they spot a ghostly woman and the paw prints of a gigantic hound. Soon, they're on a quest to discover the mystery behind the two sightings, as well as the culprit of several robberies carried out by a mysterious society known as The Gravedigger's Club.
I loved that this book carried elements of some of the tales of Sherlock and Watson -- the idea being that these events in Artie's life would later influence his storytelling -- and I also loved how the story was steeped in historical detail. Though the mystery is the main focus of the plot, this also featured a theme of friendship, particularly as it relates to the hero-sidekick relationship that we see in this type of story. Recommended for middle grade readers who enjoy detective stories (and potentially a great summer reading pick)!
Note: I received a copy of this text from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
July 6, 2017
I wanted to check this book out because I’m always looking for something new for my son and I figured since he enjoys watching Sherlock with me then he might get a kick out of this.
After reading it for myself I think he’d enjoy it. It’s a new imagination of Sherlock as if he was a kid just learning to test out his investigative skills. Like his adult counterpart he has a helpful sidekick who adds an additional level of humor.
Harris did a great job in describing and setting his scene so you could feel like you are there. His dialogue, particularly between the kids, is well thought out and realistic. It was easy to imagine Artie as the young version of the adult we’ve all come to know and love. Ham reminded me a bit of Samwise Gamgee from Lord of the Rings.
Even as an adult I liked this story and hope more will be coming out. I’m particularly looking forward to getting my son to read this so we can talk about the story. It was just very refreshing to be able to find something for my son that he can read which is both fun and has an educational tone to it by teaching kids to be more observant.
After reading it for myself I think he’d enjoy it. It’s a new imagination of Sherlock as if he was a kid just learning to test out his investigative skills. Like his adult counterpart he has a helpful sidekick who adds an additional level of humor.
Harris did a great job in describing and setting his scene so you could feel like you are there. His dialogue, particularly between the kids, is well thought out and realistic. It was easy to imagine Artie as the young version of the adult we’ve all come to know and love. Ham reminded me a bit of Samwise Gamgee from Lord of the Rings.
Even as an adult I liked this story and hope more will be coming out. I’m particularly looking forward to getting my son to read this so we can talk about the story. It was just very refreshing to be able to find something for my son that he can read which is both fun and has an educational tone to it by teaching kids to be more observant.
June 23, 2017
I read this to my class of 10/11 year olds as the basis for our study on Edinburgh. I quite liked the story as a whole, being set in old Edinburgh with Arthur Conan Doyle being a young boy. I think it took a long while to get into the action of the story and some parts seemed dragged out. I think Ham's obsession with food was mentioned far too many times so the humour of it was completely lost and it just became annoying and said for said sake.
My class did enjoy the story and some are looking forward to reading the sequel.
On a super positive note, the author came to visit us which was an exciting experience.
My class did enjoy the story and some are looking forward to reading the sequel.
On a super positive note, the author came to visit us which was an exciting experience.
April 23, 2017
Better if you know Edinburgh. The middle grade mystery left me unmoved, but the visit to the city was excellent.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews