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Sherlock Bones Puzzle Quest #2

Sherlock Bones and the Curse of the Pharaoh’s Mask

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Sherlock Bones, the world’s greatest dog detective, and his trusty sidekick Dr Jane Catson are back for another crime-solving adventure.

This time, the pair are visiting the tombs of the ancient feline kings in Egypt when they discover that a precious mask has been stolen. They have to interview tourists from around the world – including a cowardly lion, a spoiled hippo and two secretive pandas – to discover who is guilty. But the mystery is not as straightforward as it first seems. It will take the pair on a thrilling adventure deep inside the Egyptian tombs and require all of Bones and Catson’s skills to solve the crime.

The second book in Buster’s brand-new Sherlock Bones mystery fiction series features puzzles – including search games, logical conundrums and shadow matches – that are woven into the action, so the reader feels immersed in the exciting detective plot.

Also available in the series:
9781780557502 Sherlock Bones and the Case of the Crown Jewels

Publishing in 2023:
9781780559216 Sherlock Bones and the Mystery of the Vanishing Magician
9781780559223 Sherlock Bones and the Horror of the Haunted Castle

192 pages, Paperback

Published May 1, 2023

6 people are currently reading
76 people want to read

About the author

Tim Collins

244 books73 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Profile Image for Natalie  all_books_great_and_small .
2,992 reviews158 followers
September 23, 2022
I received a gifted advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review as part of the book tour hosted by Lovebookstours.

Sherlock Bones and the Curse of the Pharoahs Mask is the second puzzle adventure quest book in this fabulous children's series and I enjoyed it even more than book one. This time Sherlock Bones and his trusty sidekick Dr Catson have a crime to solve in ancient Egypt. The pair are on a well earned holiday when they become embroiled in the mystery of the missing Pharoahs mask and end up being set up for the theft. This was so much fun helping them crack the puzzles and codes and solve the case. I've always enjoyed books set in Egypt so I jumped at the chance of reading this book. I found the puzzles were slightly harder than book one but this is great as it challenges the thinking of the young reader. I can't wait to see where the pair adventure to next!
Profile Image for Sophie Narey (Bookreview- aholic) .
1,062 reviews124 followers
October 1, 2022
Oh how I loved this book!! This is the first book I have read in this series (but definitely getting the others!) The characters in this book are well developed and I love the pun names given to the characters, they certainly gave me a chuckle or two ! Not only is the crime solving in this book but also mixed with a bit of history in Ancient Egypt!

The book is brilliantly written , it is engaging with the characters and the puzzles to solve. It has a fun , light storyline to go through and it is so very easy to just devour it in one sitting ! Definitely worth a read!
Profile Image for Mehsi.
14.7k reviews440 followers
August 14, 2023
What a mighty fun book! I had so much fun reading it and love love that it took place in Egypt! One of my favourite countries and one with the most interesting history! There is a mummy (who may or may not curse you), there is a tomb (with tons of secrets), an animal who needs to learn that riches cannot buy you everything and that not everyone lower is your servant), an exciting mystery with even more excitement later on (for reals, if you thought you were done with it oh no), then there is the ending which had me longing for the next book! Along the way there are puzzles/fun extras which my ADHD still found distracting, but I was able to not do them later (well for most, haha). There are also terrific fun illustrations and lots of fun references.
RECOMMENDED!
Profile Image for kirsty.
1,240 reviews80 followers
September 23, 2022
I loved the first book in the Sherlock Bones series and so I was so happy to go on another journey and adventure with Sherlock Bones and Doctor Catson and this didn't disappoint it was just as enjoyable as the first.
I enjoyed the adventure and the historical aspect of it, I thought the puzzles were slightly trickier and I loved that element too. The characters were well developed and I felt like we got to know more about old characters as well as learning about new.
An enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Aneliya Petrunova.
Author 53 books76 followers
January 3, 2023
Another wonderful adventure of Sherlock Bones and Dr. Jane Catson, this time in Egypt, among the tombs of ancient cat pharaohs. I liked this book even better than the first one, it reminds a little of the Indiana Jones movies.
Profile Image for Dani (piggindani_reads).
418 reviews11 followers
September 17, 2022
With my trusty dog notepad, I emBARKed (get it?? Lol) on a new adventure with Sherlock Bones and Dr Catson, and what an adventure it was. A clever mystery with delightful surprises and fur-bulous characters. Completely paw-some.

If there was a way to get kids into reading, puzzle books are the answer.
It’s not only a brilliant story but engaging and interactive. I couldn’t help but complete the puzzles along the way because they added a new dimension to the reading experience.

And then we get to the illustrations. These are whimsical, fun and adorable. In the words of my kid “, they are creative, enjoyable and draw you to the book”

It is purr-fect for kids of all ages. Even big kids like me.

I cannot wait to buy book 1 & eagerly await book 3 coming out in Spring 2023.

Thank you, Buster Books & Love Books Tours, for gifting me this paw-some book in return for an honest review.
Profile Image for Iliyana Vacheva.
27 reviews13 followers
January 31, 2024
Втората книга за Шаро Холмс и доктор Котсън е също толкова мила, сладка и интересна, колкото и първата. С голям кеф продължавам да следя поредицата!
Profile Image for JosefineS.
135 reviews6 followers
February 19, 2024
Das Verbrechen macht keinen Urlaub

Sherlock Bones und Jane Catson, die besten Detektive Londons wollen in Ägypten Urlaub machen. Bald hören sie vom Fluch der Maske des Pharaos Tutanchkatzmun, doch das hält die beiden nicht von der weiterreise ab. Als sie ein vergessenes Labyrinth entdecken, gilt es gefährliche Rätsel zu lösen um ihr Fell zu retten. Doch zu allem übel ist auch noch die goldene Maske aus der Grabstätte gestohlen worden. Der Fall beginnt sich ganz nach Sherlocks Geschmack zu entwickeln.

In Sherlock Bones und Dr. Jane Catsons zweitem Abenteuer verschlägt es die beiden nach Ägypten. Ganz zur Freude des Detektivs ist von Erholung schnell keine rede mehr, denn bald wird sein scharfer Verstand benötigt. Ein gefährliches Labyrinth, ein gewitzter Dieb und eine wilde Verfolgungsjagd gilt es zu meistern. 15 Kapitel, mit jeweils circa 10 Seiten Länge, die dank Illustrationen in schwarz/weiß und 2 Rätsel pro Kapitel aufgelockert werden. Die Schrift hätten wir uns etwas größer gewünscht da sie, im vergleich mit anderen Büchern für diese Altersgruppe, schon recht klein ist. Von Spannung, Inhalt und Darstellung kam das Buch sehr gut an. Mich als erwachsenen haben nur die Wortdopplungen im Text etwas gestört. Die Rätsel sind passend zur Geschichte aufgebaut. Viele waren problemlos alleine zu lösen, einzelne bedurften Unterstützung und ein Fehler lies selbst uns erwachsene ratlos zurück. Da die Rätsel nicht zwingend während des Lesens gelöst werden müssen, kann man auch erst die Geschichte weiter lesen ( was bei uns oft der Fall war, weil es zum unterbrechen einfach zu spannend war). Am Ende des Buches befinden sich die Lösungen zum nachschauen. Wir waren sehr vom zweiten Teil begeistert, den wir Profis vor dem ersten gelesen haben, doch das war überhaupt kein Problem, da die Figuren an sich ja nicht unbekannt sind und die Fälle in sich abgeschlossen scheinen. Da, wie schon erwähnt, die Schriftgröße für die zweite Klasse noch etwas anstrengend war, wurde mehr vorgelesen als selbst gelesen. Für uns kein Problem, weil wir das Buch so zusammen genießen konnten.

Fazit: schöne, spannende, wendungsreiche Geschichte mit interessanten Rätseln. Unterhaltsam für groß und klein, doch die Schrift hätte zum selber lesen etwas größer sein dürfen.
Profile Image for Danielle Amor.
700 reviews3 followers
September 26, 2022
Sherlock Bones and the Curse of the Pharaoh’s Mask is the second book in this series. This is such a fun and interactive series of books with Bones exciting adventures.

The story combines easy to read writing and great illustrations with fun puzzles and games so that you can become a detective to help Bones and Catson solve the mystery.

I especially liked the sequence puzzle on page 76/77 as it really made you think.

I cannot wait to share this book with my Godson, he really enjoyed the last one.
Profile Image for Mia.
449 reviews11 followers
December 2, 2024
The second book of the Sherlock Bones series follows our detective duo on vacation, as they travel through Egypt. Of course, it doesn't take long before the two are tasked with solving yet another crime, this time involving a tomb and a pharaoh's mask. Yet again, the young readers are given puzzles to solve along with the detectives. Overall a great series that children, in my experience as a bookseller, love.
1,080 reviews23 followers
September 29, 2022
Another trip into the world of Sherlock Bones and Doctor Catson. They are meant to be on holiday in Egypt but it seems that mystery solving seems to find them wherever they go!
There is some history involved this time with the journey to the Ancient Pyramids and the discovery of Tutancatmun - I do love the play on characters names in this series.
A little more light than the first in the series, there is less time investigating and more time getting to know the characters better.
Moriratty has finally been caught, or has he? I can't wait to catch up with the crew in the next story!
31 reviews2 followers
February 6, 2024
Ganz nett für zwischendurch

Bei dem Buch haben mich Cover und Klappentext angesprochen, weshalb ich es unbedingt lesen wollte. Leider wurde ich aber enttäuscht.
Zunächst aber die positiven Aspekte. Das sind vor allem die Illustrationen. Diese sind richtig schön gezeichnet. Auch sehr gut gefallen mir die vielen Details. Bei einigen Bildern kann man einfach immer wieder etwas Neues darauf entdecken.
Ein weiterer positiver Punkt sind die Charaktere. Ich fand es super, wie aus Sherlock Holmes, Watson und auch anderen bekannten Charakteren Tiere gemacht wurden und auch wie die Namen passend dazu verändert wurden. Viele Charaktereigenschaften sind ähnlich oder gleich wie bei den Vorbildern. Das hat mir als erwachsener Person sehr gut gefallen, da ich die Geschichten von Sherlock Holmes liebe.
Als dritten Punkt kann ich noch den Erzählstil nennen. Dieser ist sehr angenehm zu lesen und auch für Kinder gut lesbar. Die Kapitel haben eine gute Länge und enden auch meist sehr spannend.
Was mir nicht so gut gefallen hat, ist als erstes die Handlung. Leider nimmt die Handlung erst sehr spät Fahrt auf und die Handlung, die im Klappentext verraten wird, passiert erst nach über 110 Seiten. Das Buch hat aber nur 168 Seiten. Die Lösung ging sehr schnell und danach wurde die Handlung noch künstlich in die Länge gezogen.
Ebenfalls enttäuscht hat mich die Gestaltung. Häufig waren Seiten gar nicht ganz bedruckt. Oft waren auch oben und unten kleine Bilder, dann folgte ein großer Abstand, bevor dann ein bisschen Text auf der Seite stand. Eigentlich hätte die Geschichte auf deutlich weniger Seiten gepasst.
Ein letzter negativer Aspekt sind für mich die Rätsel gewesen. Oft hatten diese gar keinen Bezug zur Handlung. Viele Rätsel waren auch sehr schwer, sodass sie für Kinder unter 10 zu anspruchsvoll sind.
Insgesamt eine ganz nette Geschichte für zwischendurch, die mich aber an vielen Stellen nicht überzeugen konnte. Einen weiteren Band davon brauche ich definitiv nicht.
Profile Image for Laura.
691 reviews40 followers
September 18, 2022
Me and my nephew literally couldn’t wait to jump into this one! We love Bones and Catson and we especially like helping them solve the crime mysteries of the world!

This time around Bones and Catson have gone off to Egypt for a much deserved break. Catson meets up with an old friend called ‘Hastings’ who informs them that the place the pair have been looking forward to visiting is cursed and advises them to stay away!

Crime is never far away where Bones and Catson are concerned and they end up having to investigate a crime whilst on their way to their supposedly cursed destination! We meet a cast of great characters here including ‘Florence’ a rather pompous Hippopotamus and also Teddy the Bison, who fancies himself as a bit of a wheeler dealer.

Very soon Catson and Bones arrive at the tomb of king TutanCATmun and this is where the adventure really begins!

There are tons of puzzles throughout the book which relate to the story. My nephew and I made a deal with each other that we must solve each puzzle as they come up, no skipping puzzles or reading ahead! We had so much fun and we both loved the story and illustrations!

This is a great activity story where parents can interact with their kids and have some fun! It encourages communication, critical thinking and strategy! Highly recommended!
Profile Image for Katy Kelly.
2,513 reviews105 followers
January 13, 2025
A lot of fun in both story and puzzles.

Great idea! I haven't read any others in this series but my 7-year-old was very enthusiastic from the cover and looking through at the puzzles.

A series set in an animal world, where Sherlock Bones is a great dog detective, and Caston his sidekick/assistant (also a cat). They appear to have adventures around the world solving cases. And readers at the same time help them, by solving puzzles that fit into the story.

They were great too! The story in this book revolves around Egypt, with the detectives on holiday there and Bones itching for a case. Catson wants to relax. But when exploring the pyramids and tombs, a previous ancient mask is stolen, and it can only have been by one of the animals on board their cruise ship. So who could be the culprit - can we narrow down the suspects?

A wonderful introduction to Conan Doyle's genre for young readers. The story does make you try to deduce from clues who might be guilty, there's lots of fun adventure as Bones and Catson must find their way out of a pyramid that is a cross between an Indiana Jones setup (some definite rip offs!) and a Where's Wally puzzle.

Novel idea which worked really well. Will definitely be a winner and the whole series will be devoured.

For ages 6-10.

With thanks to the publisher for providing a sample reading copy.
217 reviews18 followers
March 10, 2023
It was supposed to be an overdue vacation for hardworking animal sleuths Sherlock Bones (dog) and Dr. Catson (cat), but far more appealing than any of the wonders of the pyramids and the marketplaces of Egypt to Sherlock is the chance for a death-defying cops-and-robbers chase to solve the theft of a valuable mask from Tutancatmun's tomb (animals, remember?), possibly by one of their kooky tour group. The stakes are even higher when, in pursuit of said dangerous grave-robber, the pair cross tails unexpectedly with Bones' mortal enemy Moriratty (rat), coincidentally also in Egypt, and holding sway over a syndicate of cloaked ne'er-do-well felines. Middle-grade mystery fans can expect lots of laughs, lots of red herrings (hypothetically only), and, as in Catson & Bones' first adventure tale, there is also a generous array of challenging picture-puzzles interspersed meaningfully throughout the text, to be savored later or a la minute, according to reader preference. No real bloodcurdling scares, but lots of clever fun.
446 reviews
May 27, 2025
Another great little whodunnit, with lots of puzzles along the way. Beautiful illustrations throughout and fun characters.

Though I wasn't such a fan of those animals worshipping the villain as if he was the Pharaoh come back to life. But at least that was shown as a stupid thing. The other thing I didn't like was that the detectives actually trespass at one point because their tour was cut short, so they felt they deserved a closer look at the Egyptian mask. This was really disappointing, because they're not supposed to be the criminals!

Overall, it didn't have quite the same charm to it as the first or hold the reader's interest as much (at least mine), but still great fun and I think kids will enjoy it.

CW:
-warning of a curse where a mummy will come back to life to get revenge
-dreams of a cat rising out of a sarcophagus and speaking in a dry voice a warning
-the characters trespass so they can see the artifacts up close, because their tour ended early
-brainwashing
-idolatry, worshipping an animal they believe is the embodiment of 'Tutancatmun'
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Книжни Криле.
3,463 reviews201 followers
May 16, 2023
Шаро Холмс и верният му спътник доктор Котсън се завръщат с нов случай! Антропоморфното детективско дуо на британския детски писател Тим Колинс вече си спечелиха куп почитатели и в България, след като собственоръчно разрешиха заплетения случай с кралските бижута в първата книга от поредицата. „Шаро Холмс и проклятието на маската на фараона“ (изд. „Enthusiast“) е следващото приключение на изтъкнатите борци с престъпността. То ще отведе героите и малките читатели в Египет, където ги очакват куп мистерии и пъзели за разгадаване. Втори том отново е изпълнен с веселите илюстрации на Джон Бигуд и е блестящо преведен на български от Анелия Петрунова. Прочетете ревюто на „Книжни Криле“: https://knijnikrile.wordpress.com/202...
Profile Image for Leah.
243 reviews11 followers
September 30, 2022
I loved this book.

The plot and storyline was amazing and I absolutely enjoyed doing the puzzles that were in each chapter! They were entrancing and captivating although some of them proved to be a bit difficult when you're immersed in the storyline.

I love Cattson and Sherlock Bones and I cannot wait to see where they go next.

I feel like this book relates so well to geography and history lessons for children and can be used alongside these lessons to encourage children to read about it in a different more engaging way.
Author 1 book11 followers
December 29, 2022
This second offering in the Sherlock Bones series doesn't disappoint. Sherlock and Dr Catson are taking in the sights of Egypt, but things take a turn when they have to solve a case of a missing mask.

The variety of puzzles make this story really come alive, and make the reader feel they really are a part of the story. Just like with the first book, my nephew loved solving the case.

A brilliant read with plenty of brainteasers. Super learning and super fun - Sherlock Bones is a book series that offers any parent and child loads of fun!
Profile Image for Sapphyria  .
2,177 reviews56 followers
November 17, 2023
Sherlock Bones and the Curse of the Pharaoh's Mask is the second book in the Sherlock Bones Puzzle Quest series. Sherlock Bones and his trusty sidekick, Jane Catson, are visiting the Egyptian Pyramids when a valuable mask is stolen. Filled with puzzles and games, this book is a delight for all ages, but is specifically for middle grade readers.

I love the spin on Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson. Loves of anything Sherlock Holmes will find this series fun, full of adventure, and entertaining.
Profile Image for Kami.
Author 4 books17 followers
July 14, 2024
Купих книгата защото е за любимият ми Египет, но не очаквах, че ще се влюбя толкова много в героите освен в историята, която е уникално пресъздадена. Изключително увлекателно четиво, плавно ме развеждаше из себе си, потопих се с огромно удоволствие в този свят който много ми хареса и мисля да се сдобия с още една или направо и с останалите две преведени книги от поредицата запленила ме така изкусно и лесно. Горещо препоръчвам книгата на всеки с жажда за криминални приключения.
Profile Image for Holly Keimig.
688 reviews
December 30, 2024
Sherlock Bones and Dr. Catson visit Egypt on vacation and end up having to help solve a mystery-the Pharoh's Mask goes missing and everyone around them is a suspect! This was a cute kids mystery with puzzles to solve every few pages ranging from mazes to spot the difference to easy math problems. Definitely a fun light read. Recommend for any kids that love puzzles and mysteries and cat/dog puns!
Profile Image for Becky.
767 reviews2 followers
February 15, 2024
A Sherlock Holmes type mystery- the story moves can be read on its own but there are lots of mazes, puzzles, and math readers can solve- but they do not have to. Kind of a fun idea, but I am trying to decide if kids would really enjoy this or not- those who like to solve puzzles and such would
Profile Image for Bistra Ivanova.
880 reviews213 followers
September 9, 2024
Ой, ой, ой! Тази дори е по-хубава от първата! Жесток детски детективски роман! Страхотно забавление! А както ми се ходи в Египет, съвсем ми пасна... :-) Сакън веднъж Шаро Холмс и Доктор Котсън да идат на ваканция и пак работа! Мистерии, престъпления, загадки и то от най-висока класа! Страшен смях!
Profile Image for Steph.
1,407 reviews88 followers
February 27, 2025
This was a great mystery and a really interesting layout. Missing artefacts, secret societies and detective skills aplenty! There’s a whole host of brilliant puzzles to solve as you go through the story. I think I’ll be picking up another of these if I see them!
Profile Image for Rosie.
264 reviews2 followers
Read
January 24, 2023
Catching up on what the boys have read for bedtime stories.
George loves these books.
Profile Image for Jenn.
Author 2 books25 followers
March 24, 2023
For an interview this week! This series has great writing and illustrations, fun puzzles and games that encourage active reading, and the exact right number of puns.
Profile Image for Мария Змийчарова.
Author 23 books116 followers
May 15, 2024
Тутанкотмон можеше да е Котанкамон, но то така постфактум и без срокове всеки може да остроумничи :))
155 reviews3 followers
August 20, 2024
A clever book that was a fun twist on Sherlock Holmes.

A5R5K3.5
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews

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