"If you like the Sherlock Holmes stories by Arthur Conan Doyle (as I do), you will probably enjoy Chumbles and Grim. The stories, while being completely original, are clearly an affectionate nod to Holmes and Watson. Chumbles and Grim are not so much mysteries as adventure stories though, with a lot of wacky physical comedy and character humor thrown in, which I very much enjoyed." --Daniel C. It was quite by chance that I first met the well-known scientist and inventor, Theophilus Grim, on a brisk and beautiful October morning in 1890. I had, of course, heard of Professor Grim prior to that day. Word of the tremendous explosion at the Scientific University of London had reached every corner of the city and far beyond ... So begins the exciting adventures of Professor Theophilus Grim and former surgeon F. Walter Chumbles, a pair of the most unlikely heroes ever to stalk the colorful streets of Victorian London. Join them in these, the first six installments of The Trying Tales of Chumbles & Grim series of fun novelettes for ages nine through adult. "The Foreboding First" includes the following novelettes from "The Trying Tales of Chumbles & Grim" series: "- Theophilus Grim and the Conundrum of Time, Part 1 - Theophilus Grim and the Stones of Agony - Theophilus Grim and the Veritas Vials - Theophilus Grim and the Fowl of Ruin - Theophilus Grim and the Miracle of Christmas - Theophilus Grim and the Conundrum of Time, Part 2" The Trying Tales of Chumbles & Grim The Trying Tales of Chumbles & Grim is a fast-paced series of entertaining novelettes packed with Victorian era mayhem and clever contraptions, with a dose of steampunk and mad science thrown in. Sometimes mysterious, sometimes a bit scary, these short stories for kids are always sure to delight. Great fun for kids aged 9-12, as well as adults who still love stories filled with action and adventure. Professor Theophilus Grim is a clever scientist and inventor who dreams of making the world a better place through his many inventions and various concoctions. The trouble is, every invention he makes has a way of blowing up, or catching him on fire. F. Walter Chumbles, Grim's best friend, is a disgraced former surgeon with a bone saw, a surgeon's bag, and a penchant for Scotch whiskey and declaring Grim dead. Together, the two engage in a series of delightful adventures sure to make your day a bit more fun.