Barnaby Grimes: Curse of the Night Wolf

Riddell, C. & Stewart, P. (2008). Barnaby Grimes: Curse of the night wolf. New York: David Fickling Books.

Genre: Mystery/Science Fiction
Format: Chapter Book
Age Recommendation: 10-12 years

Taking place in a Sherlock Holmes-esque setting, Barnaby Grimes works as a tick-tock lad delivering messages, yet he soon finds himself mixed up in an erie mystery when his friend Benjamin suddenly disappears. Already suspicious of a Doctor Cadwallader for his miracle concoction Benjamin spoke so highly of, Barnaby later intercepts a message from the Dr. to Benjamin speaking of a missed appointment and "side effects of the worst kind." Thinking he could be of more service to the Dr. than the lad who delivered the message too late, Barnaby goes to see the Dr. and is indeed hired on to deliver messages to Dr. Cadwallader's many patients. It isn't long before Barnaby finds himself mixed up in a plot involving werewolves, fur coats, disappearing patients, and mad scientists. Children ages 10-12 will especially enjoy this book as it sends them on an intriguing adventure and keeps them guessing the whole way through, yet readers beware...there are scenes describing bloody massacres caused by the werewolf that could easily frighten younger readers. Parents should keep this in mind and use the information to their own discretion. Nonetheless, Barnaby Grimes is a real gem, combining mystery with sci-fi, and all the while keeping the eerie tone of 18th century London that was so well-loved by Sherlock Holmes fans. Libraries shouldn't hesitate to add this to their collection, nor the books that follow.

Knight, E.E. (2008, December 21). Grades 5-8: Curse of the Night Wolf [a review of the book Barnaby Grimes: Curse of the Night Wolf]. School Library Journal. Retrieved April 21, 2010 from http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6618442.html?q=barnaby+grimes.

Knight gives a good overview of the book, describing the plot to readers in a concise, yet detailed manner, and supplying brief quotes for readers to get a taste of the text. A positive review, Knight says of the book, "The setting resembles Sherlock Holmes's London as seen in a shadowed, slightly warped mirror. There are hansom cabs, high-gabled row houses, and foul rat-infested slums, but mad scientists hold sway and fiendish creatures lurk in odd corners. Eerie, angular black-and-white drawings complement the atmospheric text." I love the way Knight describes the setting, and couldn't agree more with her descriptions. Overall a good review, and executed in an unbiased manner, which is always appreciated.