Bone Dry [Hardcover]

Kathleen Karr (Author)

Book Description

Grade Level: 5 and up

It is said that the Sahara Desert swallows the past. For Matthew Morrissey and his mentor, the eminent phrenologist Dr. Asa B. Cornwall, there's also the danger of its swallowing their present. In their search for the skull of Alexander the Great, Matthew and Dr. ABC journey across the Great Sand Sea in a camel caravan unaware of the perils-both human and otherworldly-that await them. Overtaken by slave traders, Matthew and the doctor must call upon all of their knowledge and wit to save themselves and some unfortunate others from disaster.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The sequel to Skullduggery, which PW called "part 19th-century history lesson and all entertainment," Bone Dry by Kathleen Karr chronicles the further adventures of Matthew Morrissey, young apprentice to phrenologist Dr. ABC (aka Asa B. Cornwall). Here, the duo travels to 1840s Africa in search of the skull of Alexander the Great. Ages 10-14.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-8-In this sequel to Skullduggery (Hyperion, 2000), Matthew and Dr. Asa B. Cornwall are off on an adventure to find the skull of Alexander the Great. The time period is the early 1840s. Dr. Cornwall is a phrenologist who needs the skulls of men in history to confirm his theories about head shape and personality traits. As they travel across the Sahara in a camel caravan, they are taken prisoner by a band of Tuaregs who deal in slaves. Soon afterward, the boy and his mentor come upon an Arab caravan that is actually transporting slaves on foot to Tripoli. By the very last page, almost everything is satisfactorily resolved; however, the door is left open for another sequel. This is historical fiction that goes down very easily. Matthew rivals Indiana Jones for getting himself into and out of trouble. There is a great deal of desert lore, information on the slave trade, and even a cameo appearance by the famous magician Robert-Houdin. Unfortunately, the book does not stand alone. It merely takes up where Skullduggery left off, and too many allusions to the earlier story pepper the book. Also, there is no author's note to explain phrenology or its historical significance. Still, this is a terrific adventure story for fans of the first title, and readers will enjoy the excitement engendered by a larger-than-life hero and a great supporting cast.
Bruce Anne Shook, Mendenhall Middle School, Greensboro, NC
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 230 pages
• Publisher: Hyperion; Edition Unstated edition (August 2, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786807768
• ISBN-13: 978-0786807765
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.7 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,314,401 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, March 30, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Bone Dry (Paperback)

This is the best book (from the Teen section of the library) that I've read in a long time. Actually, ever. That's how good it was. If you know the "Dirk Pitt" books by Clive Cussler, you'll recognize some similarities here. Matthew Morrisey is like a fourteen-year old Dirk Pitt, set in the 1840's. This book has it all - evil bad guys, incredible adventure, and a really terrifying climax. It's been a while since I've read a book where I wasn't sure whether or not the good guy was going to make it...
But anyway, this is a great book. I think everyone should read it.