lovegirl30's review
4.0
This one was so much better than the first. Really enjoyed Sherlock Sam! Review to come
ljrinaldi's review
3.0
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.
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.
kimily's review
3.0
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”.
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”.
andreabeatrizarango's review
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
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 👀
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 👀
bookstacksamber's review
3.0
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.
thesgtrekkiereads's review
4.0
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.
I understand why they have so many fans.
jessicabeckett's review
4.0
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
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
murderwillow's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
Fun story, just like the previous instalment. I loved the creativity in this, A. J. Low have huge potential as writers, keep up the good work!
thebookgirl's review
4.0
This one was so much better than the first. Really enjoyed Sherlock Sam! Review to come
hzboy's review
4.0
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.
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.
More...