Mini review: Artie Conan Doyle and the Gravediggers’ Club by Robert J. Harris

Author: Richard J. Harris

Genre: MG Historical Fiction

Published by: Discover Kelpies

Publication date: 16/02/17

Pages: 192

My rating: ★★★★

 

Synopsis from Goodreads:

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.

I received a copy from Discover Kelpies in exchange for an honest review.

As a fan of Sherlock Holmes, I was excited when I was given the chance to read and review this book. I was so hooked I read it in one sitting. Gravediggers Club is full of fun, adventure and danger. The story follows Artie as he investigates the mystery of the gravediggers’ club who he thinks are behind a string of grave robberies and a student doctor renting a room in his house, who Artie believes is a member.

Artie’s friend, Ham was definitely the highlight of the book for me, I’m all for snacking on the job and enjoyed watching him develop and grow throughout the book. Their friendship and interactions are full of fun and wit. I adored the setting, for me the eerie and creepy moments really add to the atmosphere. I really enjoyed Robert’s style of writing and storytelling. I definitely recommend this books and I will definitely be reading the sequel asap.

Buy from: Waterstones