This is the first book in a duology. I actually ended up enjoying this book. I liked the historical setting, the characters, and enjoyed learning about phrenology. The writing style was engaging and easy to read.

I did have some issue with the fact that this book didn't really seem to have much of a plot or point. The two main characters basically journey from place to place collecting skulls to study. There is a little bit of a mystery here but it was very predictable.

Overall this was a decent story and well enough written but didn’t seem to have much of a point to it. I enjoyed the historical setting and learning about phrenology. I would recommend this to middle grade readers who enjoy learning about history. Adults might balk at the fact that the story just doesn’t have much of a plot to it. ( )

What an adventure! It's historical fiction, with lots of educational value, but it reads like almost like a mystery-thriller. Plenty of humor, and interesting characters, too. If I were a middle-school teacher I would have all of Karr's works on my classroom shelves. ( )

Well-written thriller for young adults. I enjoyed the topic of phrenology in the novel. I have read this to my students and it gets them talking about the idea of head size being associated with intelligence, personality, and deviance. Great discussion starter for talking about science and how science has evolved over time. The book also opens up discussions about social class, apprenticeships, and social norms. A good read for kids. ( )

In 1839, twelve-year-old Matthew's job as assistant to the phrenologist Dr. Cornwall takes him up and down the eastern seaboard and to Europe, as they rob graves and try to find out who is following them and why.