Sherlock Sam and the Ghostly Moans in Fort Canning

Sherlock Sam #2

by A.J. Low, Andrew (Drewscape) Tan (Illustrator)

Second Runner-Up, Popular Readers’ Choice Awards 2013, English Children’s Books Category
Recommended by the National Library Board, Singapore

The adventures of Sherlock Sam continue! Together with his loyal sidekick robot Watson, Sherlock Sam is fast becoming Singapore's Greatest Kid Detective!

In Sherlock Sam and the Ghostly Moans in Fort Canning, mysterious sounds fill the air at one of Singapore's most-loved historical attractions. Ghosts don't exist, or do they? Will this mystery prove too difficult for Sherlock Sam to solve?

Genres: Mystery, Middle Grade, Fiction, Childrens

122 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 8, 2013

About the author

A.J. Low is a husband-and-wife writing team!

Born in the San Joaquin Valley in California to Mexican immigrant parents, Adan Jimenez became an immigrant himself when he moved to Singapore after living in New York for almost a decade. He has worked for comic book stores, book stores, and gaming stores. And a hoagie sandwich shop once. He loves comics, LEGOs, books, games (analog and video), Doctor Who, sandwiches, and his wife, Felicia. Not necessarily in that order, though.

Felicia Low-Jimenez has worked in the book industry most of her adult life. She has bought books, sold books, marketed books, and now she is trying her hand at writing books. She loves to nap and eat chocolate, though not at the same time. She spends most of her free time reading and when she can afford it, she travels, usually to look for beautiful bookstores around the world. Most of all, she loves her husband, Adan (who insisted that she include this).

Reviews

[Hestia Istiviani · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read Bahasa Indonesia version and this review is written in Bahasa Indonesia

Berhasil menemukan dimana buku resep Peranakan milik Bibi Kim Lian, petualangan Sherlock Sam dan Watson pun masih berlanjut. Semakin seru dan semakin membuat pembaca ingin tahu misteri di balik situs bersejarah di Singapura.

resensi lengkapnya

BACA. Tetap sama seperti saranku pada buku pertama. Kamu tidak akan menyesal dan malah akan sangat gemas dengan Sherlock Sam.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blog | Twitter | Instagram | As a note, a printed galley of this novel was sent to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.

There's something delightful about Sherlock Sam and his detective work. Bringing a new generation into the problem-solving world that is a retelling of Sherlock Holmes, the highly anticipated second installment is just as fun and mysterious as the first. The Ghostly Moans in Fort Canning, is full of fun and will engage children and adults of all ages.

Back in action, my friend and her daughter positively adored Sherlock Sam and his adventures. I think they enjoyed The Ghostly Moans in Fort Canning more than the last in the series! And I have to admit, so did I. A.J. Low bring so much to the table in this novel targeted at younger kids that it's impossible to put down and you will be sporting a grin from start to finish.

The best part? Kids of all ages will learn a great deal from it--including, ahem, let's say: detective skills and better understanding the world he lives in (that handy section of information at the back of the books? Perfect!) and it's all in good fun. Sherlock Sam proves once again to be a hit waiting to happen and I expect to hear a lot more from this little guy with a healthy appetite and a knack for problem solving.

If you are a teacher or a parent, this series is just what you're looking for. Fast paced, simple, intelligent, thrilling and just flat out fun, Sherlock Sam has something for everyone.

Originally posted on BOOKEDJ

[Pranta Dastider · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a digital copy of this book for review purpose.

Sherlock Sam is back, with a bang! KA-BOOM!

In the last book I had some complains about lots of Singapore word usage. This time it was less (and of course there was a glossary around the end of the book to make things clear like the last time.) Naming was nice and easy. A few enlightening topics which will make kids learn a few things. Overall story was wrapped up well enough.

Again Watson was funnier than all! But I liked Sherlock more in this book. He time to time was so reluctant that there was no ghost... I felt "Ha ha ha ha ..." Wendy was same as before, so was Jimmy. I liked the new characters Nazhar, Siva, Eliza. Their casting were perfect. All the fart and food jokes made me laugh each time. Also, Sherlock's dedication for Science was on the spot. Dad was involved more here, what could be better than that!!

I felt like characters from last book has grown in this one. Wendy shown some responsibilities a few times. Watson had some upgrades, Dad was more explained, Sherlock had better things to do (also I think he ate less compared to the last book!).

The mysteries were easy for the audience. Since this series is targeted for the kids, I think that's great too. Purpose of this book is to entertain, not to throw some brain heavy stuff to make kids confused, and it didn't do so.

Artwork was good as usual.

I am glad I got to read this series so far.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked Sherlock Sam's second adventure slightly less than his first, but that isn't to say it isn't still a great mystery. His dad got a more prominent role here, and he is a giant nerd. Nerd culture is cool! If these books can get kids to be excited about science and math, it's an even better read than before. The authors integrated that into their storytelling in such a seamless way. Watson and Sherlock Sam definitely used help here, and the teamwork was a fun aspect to the book too.

I'm definitely interested in seeing the duo's other mysteries.

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

The second book in this series was even more enjoyable than the first, especially now that I know there is a glossary and character bios at the back of each book. These quick middle grade mysteries are super fun and cute. I think kids will really enjoy reading them. This series would be fun to read as a class, so kids can try to pick out clues and make guesses as Sherlock Sam tries to solve the case.

[Dewi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sherlock Sam dan Watson beraksi lagi!
Kali ini mereka menyelidiki raungan hantu di Fort Canning.
Hantu? Tidak ada hantu. Maka Ayah dan Sherlock memutuskan menyidik atas nama sains. Penyidikan yang berakhir dengan Watson lari tunggang langgang menyeret Ayah dan Sherlock wkwkwkwk.
Buyarlah sudah rencana makan Tau Huay dan Yau Char Kway di warung terdekat.

[Jason Lundberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

As fun and endearing as the first book was, this volume is a vast improvement in storytelling, suspense, and language. I can't wait to read the rest!

[Maya G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sherlock Sam and the Ghostly Moans in Fort Canning is the second book of the middle grade mystery series Sherlock Sam. This book follows Sherlock, Watson, Wendy, and Jimmy, along with some new characters, as they explore a new mystery - During a school trip to Fort Canning, Sherlock and his friends hear mysterious ghostly moans...and it's up to Sherlock to figure out what exactly has happened.

Another 5 star book! The first thing I loved about this book were the characters, how they each had their own role, and were each lovable in their own way. I loved the dynamics going on, and I especially loved Jimmy, his energy, and (sometimes) how confused he gets with big words .

The second amazing thing was of course the mystery. It's not so complex that younger readers won't be able to make connections between the clues, and they'll understand once the explanation was given, but it's not such a simple mystery that adults will easily see through. Kudos to the writers!

Thirdly, I love the tidbits of culture, like how we learn about the history of Fort Canning, and the parts where we hear about food. Problem is, it makes me hungry sometimes.

Highly recommend for anyone looking for middle grade mystery, especially for kids in Singapore.

[Wayne McCoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Sherlock Sam and the Ghostly Moans in Fort Canning' by A.J. Low with art by Drewscape is the second adventure of Sherlock Sam. His heroes are Batman and Sherlock Holmes and he likes to eat.

This time around, he is on a school field trip to Fort Canning with his class and his robot Watson. The fort at the top of the hill is said to be haunted, but Sherlock doesn't believe in ghosts. Then he hears moans coming from the sally ports in the sides of the fort. Along with this mystery, is the mystery of the missing banana money that one of his friends lost at school.

With a teasing sister and a sarcastic robot, Sherlock is also surrounded by a mom that wishes he'd eat healthier and a dad that shares his passion for science and the unknown. I really like this series for young readers that takes place in Singapore. Each volume has had a glossary of terms at the back to learn about the sights and foods of Singapore, and the drawings by Drewscape are fun.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.

[Andrea Beatriz Arango · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've had the first two books from this illustrated series in my classroom library for months, but I finally picked them up and read them myself.

Can I just say how much I adored Sam's character? He's smart and funny and inquisitive, and I love that the Watson to his Sherlock is a robot he built himself. Truly, the only thing I didn't like was how much Sam's mom, sister, and robot teased him about his weight and appetite. Eliminate the fat shaming and this series would be *perfection*. (And maybe it's something that's addressed in future books?) Either way, if you are sharing these stories with a kid in your life, please make sure to have an honest convo about bodies and food, and let them know that just cause it's family saying the comments, that doesn't make it ok.

That being said, check this series out if you like:

🤖 Kid Detective Books (like a cooler Encyclopedia Brown)
🤖 Books Set Outside the US (Singapore)
🤖 10-Yr-Old Asian MC
🤖 Tasty Food Descriptions
🤖 A Sentient Robot
🤖 Books That Easily Work for 2nd-5th Graders

Has anyone else read this series? I've heard rumors an animated adaptation might be in the works 👀

[Ayu Ratna Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this new adventure, Samuel Tan Cher-Lock a.k.a Sherlock Sam and his robot,Watson, while visiting on a school trip to Fort Canning, a world war II bunker in Singapore, hearing a ghostly moans coming out from one of the secret entrance (or Sally Port,..or Jimmy Port?). But Samuel Sam doesn't believe that ghost exists and he will prove it to his friends, until....

I really love this book!! Samual Sam and Watson are hilarious! I was grinning and smiling a lot reading this standing in transjakarta on my way home (looking a lot like a weird auntie, but i don't care anyway). All the other characters are also loveable. But still, my favorite one is the grumpy Watson!!

The book is only about 100 pages with many funny illustrations. You can definitely read it in one sitting. The mystery is interesting and you will learn a lot about Singapore history from this book, like the history of Fort Canning, and the use of a special currency called Duit Pisang during Japanese occupation in Singapore.

And now i'm craving for more Sherlock Sam and Watson adventures. The ebooks are available to read in Everand and i will definitely devour it!

[Percival Buncab · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this story better than the first. The plot and resolution is more interesting and coherent. The references on Singaporean history are also more interesting and insightful than the Singaporean food references from the first book.

As an adult, I see its stance on scientism, as quietly flawed. But it’s a children’s book, so it’s okay—in fact necessary—to not exhaust the philosophy. The authors also introduce other philosophical concepts, like Occam’s razor, which I think are pretty neat.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun hijinks in Singapore, with a not-so-trusty robot sidekick, an annoying older sister, and an amazing variety of food that chubby Sherlock Sam shouldn't eat. Aimed at early chapter book readers in tone and level of mystery, readers should be comfortable with unfamiliar food words and a bit of WWII history. But the glossary and "about the characters" sections at the end will help.

[Raphael Tan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like Sherlock Sam because he is a very smart detective in the story and his sidekick Watson is always very supportive in side help. I wish i have a friend and sidekick like Watson.

[Sadie-Jane Huff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok.. sherlock sam is growing on me and a nice change from the daily grind at work and stuff I've had to read thus far.
I understand why they have so many fans.

[CF · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was interestin

[Andréa]

Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

[jemmaloww]

this gave me nightmares.
i am still scared of fort canning.

[Zeze · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was so scary and the weird part was when Watson heard a voice coming from the cave.

[Rebellrian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm glad I ordered this book series for the students during my stint as a school librarian. Even as an adult, I too thoroughly enjoyed reading the Sherlock Sam series!

[Sam Liu · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun romp through Fort Canning Park. Some moments of genuine humour. Too many exclamation marks.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sherlock Sam and the Missing Heirloom in Katong/Sherlock Sam and the Ghostly Moans in Fort Canning by AJ Low

These are the first two books in the Sherlock Sam series, and were provided to me by the publisher in a two-in-one set.

Samuel Tan Cher Lock, aka Sherlock Sam, is the “Greatest Boy Detective in Singapore”, so says his best friend Jimmy. In the first book of the Sherlock Sam series, Sam, his friends, and his trusty robot sidekick, Watson, are on the search for a missing cookbook. The cookbook is a treasured heirloom belonging to Auntie Kim Lian, but more importantly, Auntie can’t make Sam her delicious ayam buah keluak without it!
In the second book, Jimmy is excited to find an unknown sallyport (Jimmy port!) during a class trip to Fort Canning. That is until the ghostly moans start. Can Sherlock Sam and Watson convince his friends (and possibly his father) that ghosts aren’t real?

These books are a lot of fun, and educational to boot. The author shares Singaporean customs and culture, and kiddos who consult the glossary of the book may pick up some Chinese. Additionally, Sam and his dad love science, and there are several science-y teaching moments throughout each book. The mysteries are low key, with little to no danger quotient. Sam has a great relationship with his father, which especially shines through in the second book, as they go to Fort Canning together to investigate the ghostly moans. Sam’s sidekick robot, Watson, has a dry sense of humor which he dispenses in robotic tones and somehow that makes his jabs at Sam even funnier. I would recommend this book to any kiddo who enjoys mysteries that are more intellectual and less “scary”.

[Donald Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second mystery featuring Singapore's greatest kid detective, Samuel Tan Cher Lock - aka Sherlock Sam, never without his trusty robot (and sometimes smart-mouthed) sidekick Watson. This time, the 10-year-old detective is on a field trip with his school to historic Fort Canning when the gang discovers a previously unknown-of sally port leading underground. Wanting to investigate the doorway to the mysterious tunnel, the kids are suddenly scared off by a series of creepy, ailing moans emanating from the darkness ... and Sam, a man of science like his father, becomes determined to solve the mystery, and prove to his scared friends that there are no such things as ghosts! As an adult who was weaned as a kid on Encyclopedia Brown, the Hardy Boys, and Nancy Drew, I really wish someone like Sherlock Sam had been around when I was a kid. Set in Singapore and with a cast of multi-ethnic characters, not only are both characters and story wholly entertaining, but kids reading these books also become aware of another culture's history, food and language, opening their eyes and minds to a world beyond their own. The characters never come off like stereotypes or cardboard; even Sam's sister and parents, while indulgent - even proud - of Sam's detecting skills, still understand and treat him like the imperfect little boy he is. Only two books in, and I find myself anxious to jump into number three ... Andrew Tan's comic book-like illustrations only further enhancing, perfectly, these wonderfully written stories. 4.5/5 stars

Note: I received a free ARC of this title via NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.

[Paul Franco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second in the series, but the first isn’t necessary to understand this one.
Like the first one, this has a lot of food, but it’s mostly historical, taking place in an old fort that’s now a monument I’ve actually visited in Singapore. Sherlock and his old pals, as well as a new one, find strange goings-on while on a school field trip. It’s amazing how no one—other students, teachers—ever question Watson, like everyone has a robot following him around. And I’m sure that new recording app won’t come in handy at all. . .
Of course he and his sister don’t get along. Perfect example: he can’t give her any kind of compliment, at least not right now. “I’ll only tell her when I’m older. And taller.” Twice.
If you’re equipped to deal with a zombie attack, you’re ready for anything else that might happen. But there’s no evidence of zombies: no disturbed graves, upturned soil, overturned headstones. . . or choreographed dancing. I’m loving this writer. . .
I love the drawing that shows the difference—sorta—between the sandwich in the backpack and in his stomach. Even better is when Sherlock and Dad strike a Gangnam/MC Hammer pose when they’re shouting “Science!” I’m surprised they didn’t so the song. . . Blinded Me With Science, not. . . never mind.
As though having caught a good rhythm, this one builds on the first and is even better.

[Bookish Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me years to pick up this book simply because it's a middle grade book. I first came across this Sherlock Sam series when I was invited as a panel speaker in AFCC 2013. The reason why I finally grabbed a copy is due to pure curiosity because this book is set in Singapore!

This is the second book in the series but I have no problem following the characters. What caught my interest was a talking robot (Watson). It's amusing to read about Sherlock's interaction with Watson. This robot is smart! In this book, the kids get to solve some mysterious moans at Fort Canning and the story was really easy to follow. I really think middle grade kids will enjoy reading this. We get to know some local language too, just some.

I find myself hunting for the first book to read how it all started. Good read!

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series is growing on me. This second book is better than the first, and more accessible to the average Western reader, as the use of foreign words is used less, and isn't quite so important to the plot.

Sherlock Sam is a fun sort of kid, and his robot, Watson is a bit of a smart-ass. This time the mystery involved something more interesting than a missing cookbook, which was the mystery of the first book. This time the mystery was sounds heard at The Battle Box, a former fort used in WWII. So, we get a bit of history as well as a mystery thrown in.

I think early chapter readers will enjoy this book, and enjoy learning a little bit about history.


Thanks to Netgalley for providing this book for an honest review.

[The Book Girl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was so much better than the first. Really enjoyed Sherlock Sam! Review to come

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Singapore's greatest kid detective is back again. This time at Fort Canning Park with strange and spooky sounds adding to the mystery.

[Khristiane Woods]

I read this book to see if it was good for Phase 3 students and I think they will enjoy it.