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Monkey Arkwright
Alternate cover edition of ASIN B077L29WJJ
Budding writer Lorna Bryson is struggling to come to terms with the recent death of her father when she meets Monkey Arkwright, the boy who loves to climb. The two strike up an immediate rapport, and Monkey challenges her to write about him, claiming that he can show her things that are worth writing about.
True to his word, Lorna is catapulted into Monkey’s world of climbing and other adventures in the churches, woodlands and abandoned places in and around their home town of Culverton Beck. When the two teenagers find an ancient coin in the woods, claims from potential owners soon flood in, including the mysterious Charles Gooch, who is adamant that the coin is his. But this is only the opening act in a much larger mystery that has its roots in some dark deeds that took place more than a century earlier.
Combining their talents, Lorna and Monkey set about fitting the pieces together in a tale of budding friendship, train-obsessed simpletons, the shadow of Napoleon and falling pianos.
Budding writer Lorna Bryson is struggling to come to terms with the recent death of her father when she meets Monkey Arkwright, the boy who loves to climb. The two strike up an immediate rapport, and Monkey challenges her to write about him, claiming that he can show her things that are worth writing about.
True to his word, Lorna is catapulted into Monkey’s world of climbing and other adventures in the churches, woodlands and abandoned places in and around their home town of Culverton Beck. When the two teenagers find an ancient coin in the woods, claims from potential owners soon flood in, including the mysterious Charles Gooch, who is adamant that the coin is his. But this is only the opening act in a much larger mystery that has its roots in some dark deeds that took place more than a century earlier.
Combining their talents, Lorna and Monkey set about fitting the pieces together in a tale of budding friendship, train-obsessed simpletons, the shadow of Napoleon and falling pianos.
272 pages, ebook
Published November 29, 2017
5 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
About the author
Rob Campbell
4 books3 followersRob Campbell was born in the blue half of Manchester.
He studied Electrical & Electronic Engineering at Manchester Polytechnic, gaining an honours degree, but the fact that he got a U in his Chemistry O-Level helps to keep him grounded.
Having had a belly full of capacitors and banana plugs, on graduation he transferred his skills to software engineering. He still writes code by day, but now he writes novels by night. Listing his pastimes in no particular order, he loves music, reading and holidays, but he is partial to the words and music of Bruce Springsteen.
His favourite authors are David Morrell, Joe Abercrombie, Scott Lynch & Carlos Ruiz Zafón.
He lives in Manchester with his wife and two daughters.
He studied Electrical & Electronic Engineering at Manchester Polytechnic, gaining an honours degree, but the fact that he got a U in his Chemistry O-Level helps to keep him grounded.
Having had a belly full of capacitors and banana plugs, on graduation he transferred his skills to software engineering. He still writes code by day, but now he writes novels by night. Listing his pastimes in no particular order, he loves music, reading and holidays, but he is partial to the words and music of Bruce Springsteen.
His favourite authors are David Morrell, Joe Abercrombie, Scott Lynch & Carlos Ruiz Zafón.
He lives in Manchester with his wife and two daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 16, 2020
Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources and Amazon Digital Services for this free copy. All quotes in this review are taken from the Advanced Reader Copy and may change in final publication.
I’m sorry that this is going to be pretty short. I’ve been having major headaches still and I just want to make sure that this gets out at least sometime today.
This book was interesting for a YA mystery novel. Nothing to take lightly, since one of the book’s main characters has to learn how to deal with the grief that comes with a parent of dying of cancer. That is not a fun topic at all, and honestly I don’t even know how some kids can even handle that, you know? It always kills me to see kids having to deal with the death of a parent because that is one of the main people that you would want to have in your life forever and ever, you know? And they are supposed to be your main source of comfort and security.
But yeah, that part broke my heart from the beginning I will have to say, and stuck with me while I was reading this novel. The name Monkey Arkwright was interesting for a character name, and it makes me wonder if the fact that he’s a climbing extraordinaire is the reason for the “Monkey” part, you know? I mean, I know but do you know? Do you?
I’m sorry that this is going to be pretty short. I’ve been having major headaches still and I just want to make sure that this gets out at least sometime today.
This book was interesting for a YA mystery novel. Nothing to take lightly, since one of the book’s main characters has to learn how to deal with the grief that comes with a parent of dying of cancer. That is not a fun topic at all, and honestly I don’t even know how some kids can even handle that, you know? It always kills me to see kids having to deal with the death of a parent because that is one of the main people that you would want to have in your life forever and ever, you know? And they are supposed to be your main source of comfort and security.
But yeah, that part broke my heart from the beginning I will have to say, and stuck with me while I was reading this novel. The name Monkey Arkwright was interesting for a character name, and it makes me wonder if the fact that he’s a climbing extraordinaire is the reason for the “Monkey” part, you know? I mean, I know but do you know? Do you?
November 27, 2018
This is a tale of mystery and suspense. One where you have to find clues alongside the characters. There were times when I wondered where the story was going, and what some character's motivations were, but all questions were answered.
I enjoyed the supernatural elements to the story. There are no ghosts, vampires etc, but the story does make you question your opinions on luck, faith and why things happen the way they do. One character, Charles Gooch, makes you feel uneasy and wary of his intentions, with his ability to be in the right place at the right time. And what is the darkness in his briefcase?
Some of the description used I really liked. For example, 'But autumn's grasp had shaken the trees bare, and winter's broom had swept away the last few leaves. It seemed that the seasons changed everything except for the graves and their permanent residents.'
Although described as a YA read on Amazon, this book has a wider appeal and would be enjoyed by anyone who likes a well told mystery with a supernatural twist. A great first part to a trilogy.
I enjoyed the supernatural elements to the story. There are no ghosts, vampires etc, but the story does make you question your opinions on luck, faith and why things happen the way they do. One character, Charles Gooch, makes you feel uneasy and wary of his intentions, with his ability to be in the right place at the right time. And what is the darkness in his briefcase?
Some of the description used I really liked. For example, 'But autumn's grasp had shaken the trees bare, and winter's broom had swept away the last few leaves. It seemed that the seasons changed everything except for the graves and their permanent residents.'
Although described as a YA read on Amazon, this book has a wider appeal and would be enjoyed by anyone who likes a well told mystery with a supernatural twist. A great first part to a trilogy.
January 10, 2020
A curious couple of youngsters are drawn together and into a strange and rather dark mystery, with supernatural elements. The characters in this book are complex and quirky, adding to their appeal, and allowing them to view events in a different light from the norm. The plot is detailed and fits together nicely, it is layered without appearing convoluted and is resolved well.
Both teenagers have sadness in their lives, and perhaps they see this similarity in each other and that's what makes them friends. They both have strengths and weaknesses, but like all successful partnerships, together they are strong and successful.
An engaging, original mystery with wonderfully individual characters and interesting potential for further stories.
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
January 17, 2020
Monkey Arkwright is a fun mystery featuring two quirky characters that had me entertained from beginning to end. I absolutely loved the characters. They were immersive and comical.
The mystery is well-developed. I fell right into the story and didn’t want to leave. Rob Campbell is a fantastic writer who is able to suck his readers in and keep them in.
Overall, this was a fun Middle-Grade/YA novel. I really enjoyed it and recommend checking it out!
*I was sent a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review on the Blog Tour hosted by Rachel’s Random Resources. All opinions are my own and unbiased.*
The mystery is well-developed. I fell right into the story and didn’t want to leave. Rob Campbell is a fantastic writer who is able to suck his readers in and keep them in.
Overall, this was a fun Middle-Grade/YA novel. I really enjoyed it and recommend checking it out!
*I was sent a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review on the Blog Tour hosted by Rachel’s Random Resources. All opinions are my own and unbiased.*
January 13, 2019
I’m looking forward to the next one!!
I really enjoy reading YA and love a mystery so when I was contacted to see if I would like to review this, of course I said yes!
This is Campbells first novel and it’s brilliant and very well written. I haven’t read anything similar to this before and really enjoyed the characters and the mystery in it. There are numerous characters that we meet throughout the book, all of which I had strong feelings towards….I either loved them, hated them or was completely unsure of which side of good/evil they stood on!
Both Lorna and Monkey, the two main characters, have their own sad back stories which I think, in the end, is instrumental to them coming together as friends. The story begins with them meeting, building their friendship and going through some rather testing times with some awful bullies. They spend lots of time outside exploring and come across an ancient coin which leads them on a mission to find the owner, together will the local newspaper.
The coin turns out to be much more than just a normal old coin…..does it have some sort of magical powers? Why are there so many people trying to claim it as their own? Who is the mysterious Charles Gooch, and what’s in his briefcase? And, who is train man? (I love him!).
The book takes the reader through lots of mysteries, twists and turns with many storylines appearing, all of which are brilliantly tied up by the end. I’m really looking forward to reading the next book to see what new adventures Lorna and Monkey end up on…..and even after reading the whole book, I’m still not entirely sure that they’ve made the right decision……I’m sure more will be revealed in book 2!
If you love a mystery, I highly recommend you check this out. This is being added to my ‘will read again pile’!
I really enjoy reading YA and love a mystery so when I was contacted to see if I would like to review this, of course I said yes!
This is Campbells first novel and it’s brilliant and very well written. I haven’t read anything similar to this before and really enjoyed the characters and the mystery in it. There are numerous characters that we meet throughout the book, all of which I had strong feelings towards….I either loved them, hated them or was completely unsure of which side of good/evil they stood on!
Both Lorna and Monkey, the two main characters, have their own sad back stories which I think, in the end, is instrumental to them coming together as friends. The story begins with them meeting, building their friendship and going through some rather testing times with some awful bullies. They spend lots of time outside exploring and come across an ancient coin which leads them on a mission to find the owner, together will the local newspaper.
The coin turns out to be much more than just a normal old coin…..does it have some sort of magical powers? Why are there so many people trying to claim it as their own? Who is the mysterious Charles Gooch, and what’s in his briefcase? And, who is train man? (I love him!).
The book takes the reader through lots of mysteries, twists and turns with many storylines appearing, all of which are brilliantly tied up by the end. I’m really looking forward to reading the next book to see what new adventures Lorna and Monkey end up on…..and even after reading the whole book, I’m still not entirely sure that they’ve made the right decision……I’m sure more will be revealed in book 2!
If you love a mystery, I highly recommend you check this out. This is being added to my ‘will read again pile’!
January 16, 2020
Monkey Arkwright is one of those books where you're not sure what to expect, but once you start, you find yourself falling down a rabbit hole filled with mystery, intrigue, and some strangely fascinating supernatural elements. I rather enjoyed this book, and I now can't wait to get my hands on the second book in the series.
The story follows Lorna and Monkey, two teens who discover a mysterious coin in the woods one day, and it's that coin that sets off the crazy events that play out throughout the rest of the book.
I honestly don't know what to say about the book, except I loved it, and it was so much better than I expected it to be.
Monkey and Lorna are great characters. I enjoyed their budding friendship, and even though they had some ups and downs, nothing came between them.
I also really liked Frank. Even with his past, he was a great guy, and he seemed like he genuinely cared for both Lorna and Monkey.
George (aka Goofy) and his gang were just plain awful. I disliked all of them very much.
The plot is nicely paced, and there's enough mystery to keep even the savviest readers guessing as they flip through the pages. I also though the supernatural element to everything was a neat (and unique) touch. I'm a sucker for supernatural mysteries.
I'm curious to see where the series goes and how it'll all play out. I'm definitely looking forward to reading the other books.
4.5 stars from me!
The story follows Lorna and Monkey, two teens who discover a mysterious coin in the woods one day, and it's that coin that sets off the crazy events that play out throughout the rest of the book.
I honestly don't know what to say about the book, except I loved it, and it was so much better than I expected it to be.
Monkey and Lorna are great characters. I enjoyed their budding friendship, and even though they had some ups and downs, nothing came between them.
I also really liked Frank. Even with his past, he was a great guy, and he seemed like he genuinely cared for both Lorna and Monkey.
George (aka Goofy) and his gang were just plain awful. I disliked all of them very much.
The plot is nicely paced, and there's enough mystery to keep even the savviest readers guessing as they flip through the pages. I also though the supernatural element to everything was a neat (and unique) touch. I'm a sucker for supernatural mysteries.
I'm curious to see where the series goes and how it'll all play out. I'm definitely looking forward to reading the other books.
4.5 stars from me!
January 20, 2018
A wonderfully entertaining read! I enjoy books that are exceptionally well written, and Monkey Arkwright did not fail to deliver. Loved my adventure with Monkey and Lorna, and the ending was inspired! Highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good, rollicking mystery.
January 11, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters are well developed — some I loved, some I wanted to punch in the face, and some I’m still not quite sure if they are good guys. The mystery behind missing objects and the magic they held was intriguing. There were a few unexpected twists, and each character had me guessing what their end roll would be in this saga.
The book ends with hints of a sequel!
The book ends with hints of a sequel!
December 24, 2017
If It Wasn't For Those Meddling Kids........
.....there'd be no story, and who would stop the dirty work of the wardens of the black heart? who'd combat the 'bad luck illuminati' ' as fronted by the shady and vindictively poisonous, charles gooch? as you might imagine, cue the meddling kids - 15 year old lorna, who has journalistic ambitions, and 13 year old monkey, who has a passion for climbing things, are thrown together in the pursuit of their interests, and propelled into this absorbing adventure where nothing and nobody are quite what they seem, and before long are operating within a much darker and potentially catastrophic arena! but i'm not going to do all the work for you..........
as a debut, this book has much promise, and contains great potential for expansion - the characters and the ideas are very strong and merit further development, as the story is nicely set up for continuation into what could be, darker areas. the author has very nicely blurred the dividing lines of good and evil, and often we are left with a lot to consider as to the moral aspects of this - do bad to do good kind of thing! keeps the reader interested and wondering. i imagine this story (and the ideas within) will go down very well with it's target audience (it's a good while since i was a 'young adult', but i was able to connect with proceedings with a great deal of sympathy and a sense that the book treats it's target with a good deal of respect).
one small thing that irked me was the, i'm not going to say cliched, i'm going to say well worn, use of descriptive adjectives, but i imagine as things progress, this will become less apparent and take on a more natural form - it was however, only slightly distracting. i seem to be making a few references about future books in a potential series, but only because i think the foundations have been convincingly laid for such, and i would look forward to seeing how things work out for the main protagonists! i would also say that the book has a very definite feel of being something that would transfer very well to the visual arts. at the moment it's all about potential, but this has plenty to be going on with! an absorbing debut!
.....there'd be no story, and who would stop the dirty work of the wardens of the black heart? who'd combat the 'bad luck illuminati' ' as fronted by the shady and vindictively poisonous, charles gooch? as you might imagine, cue the meddling kids - 15 year old lorna, who has journalistic ambitions, and 13 year old monkey, who has a passion for climbing things, are thrown together in the pursuit of their interests, and propelled into this absorbing adventure where nothing and nobody are quite what they seem, and before long are operating within a much darker and potentially catastrophic arena! but i'm not going to do all the work for you..........
as a debut, this book has much promise, and contains great potential for expansion - the characters and the ideas are very strong and merit further development, as the story is nicely set up for continuation into what could be, darker areas. the author has very nicely blurred the dividing lines of good and evil, and often we are left with a lot to consider as to the moral aspects of this - do bad to do good kind of thing! keeps the reader interested and wondering. i imagine this story (and the ideas within) will go down very well with it's target audience (it's a good while since i was a 'young adult', but i was able to connect with proceedings with a great deal of sympathy and a sense that the book treats it's target with a good deal of respect).
one small thing that irked me was the, i'm not going to say cliched, i'm going to say well worn, use of descriptive adjectives, but i imagine as things progress, this will become less apparent and take on a more natural form - it was however, only slightly distracting. i seem to be making a few references about future books in a potential series, but only because i think the foundations have been convincingly laid for such, and i would look forward to seeing how things work out for the main protagonists! i would also say that the book has a very definite feel of being something that would transfer very well to the visual arts. at the moment it's all about potential, but this has plenty to be going on with! an absorbing debut!
May 17, 2018
What a thoroughly engrossing book! From the first chapter describing the meeting of our two heroes, the book kept building on the initial plot of two misfit teenagers getting to know one another, adding layers of plot, I genuinely had no idea where the book was going and was intrigued to read the next chapter each time.
I'd struggle to compare it to any book I'd read but enjoyed a lot of the early building of the relationship between Monkey and Lorna, it reminded me of books I enjoyed as a child, such The Tripods Trilogy or Aquila, however it just had echoes of these, and was definitely aimed at adult. The adventures slowly started to build into something of a conspiracy, the clues were there and the book was well constructed returning to minor earlier details as the plot developed.
The book has clearly been written as part of a longer series, I'd guess at least a trilogy, but I look forward to future books in the series. This novel is a great starting point, it introduces the main characters well, and leaves plenty of mystery which I'm sure will be explained.
I'd struggle to compare it to any book I'd read but enjoyed a lot of the early building of the relationship between Monkey and Lorna, it reminded me of books I enjoyed as a child, such The Tripods Trilogy or Aquila, however it just had echoes of these, and was definitely aimed at adult. The adventures slowly started to build into something of a conspiracy, the clues were there and the book was well constructed returning to minor earlier details as the plot developed.
The book has clearly been written as part of a longer series, I'd guess at least a trilogy, but I look forward to future books in the series. This novel is a great starting point, it introduces the main characters well, and leaves plenty of mystery which I'm sure will be explained.
February 5, 2018
This has a very well-written plot and strong characters, which absorbed me to the last page. Lorna is a young writer looking for a new story to take her mind off the death of her father. When she meets Monkey, an intriguing teenage boy, with a strange talent for climbing, she gets a story far beyond what she bargained for, which turns into an adventure full of mystery and danger. The two friends get involved in a search for the owner of an old coin, but it doesn't end there, as they become embroiled in something far deeper and darker as they discover the existence of more mystical artifacts and a supernatural element to the mystery. Wonderful first book in what promise to be a very readable series. Highly recommended.
February 6, 2018
It takes a while for the story to come together but Campbells writing is entertaining, so the wait in enjoyable. Monkey - yes, that's a person - and his friend Lorna feel like real people so you want to find out what happens to them. The rich excentric that hires them - though doesn't pay them - seems a bit far fetched when he doesn't exactly know what he needs them for apart from Monkey's climbing skills. I'm not sure why Lorna gets to tag along. The plot is intriguing but the whole book seems like a prelude to book II in the series - there are so many questions left unanswered.
April 20, 2018
Finished Monkey Arkwright today.
I liked it, seemed very promising, setting down the groundwork for what looks to be an entertaining series.
It's very well written for someone's first novel.
The characters are very strong, Monkey in particular is great.
Halfway through I was curious as there seemed to be a lot of plot threads unresolved, and I was impressed with how they all came together at the end.
I look forward to the next book in the series.
It gets 4 stars as once it started coming together I read it right through to the finish.
I liked it, seemed very promising, setting down the groundwork for what looks to be an entertaining series.
It's very well written for someone's first novel.
The characters are very strong, Monkey in particular is great.
Halfway through I was curious as there seemed to be a lot of plot threads unresolved, and I was impressed with how they all came together at the end.
I look forward to the next book in the series.
It gets 4 stars as once it started coming together I read it right through to the finish.
January 10, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyed this book recently. A tale of friendship and eccentric characters that moulded into a very fine book.
May 25, 2018
A great debut novel
A more in-depth review to follow...
A more in-depth review to follow...
January 1, 2022
Excellent read. Really enjoyed the exploits of Monkey with some good twists and turns. Highly recommended
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews