Rebecca Bischoff Books

The Grave Digger

In 1875 Ohio, twelve-year-old Cap Cooper is an aspiring inventor—and a reluctant graverobber—enlisted by his father to help pay for his mother’s medical expenses. When one of the dead returns to life at his touch, Cap unearths a world of dark secrets that someone at the local medical school wants to keep buried. On the brink of discovery, he’ll have to use every ounce of cunning he has to protect those he loves most and save his own skin. 

The Grave Digger is an eerie mystery set in the aftermath of the Civil War, filled with action, friendship, and a hint of the paranormal, perfect for those who enjoy reading late into the night and long after the lights go out.

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The cover of The Grave Digger by Rebecca Bischoff

Book Trailer

Introducing The Grave Digger

Now Available on Audio

Listen to Chapter One of The Grave Digger

Reader Reviews

“This story recounts some fairly heavy aspects of life in the 19th century: what those without money must do to survive, the restrictions on those of color. It also introduces one which kids have probably never heard of, grave robbing. These themes are woven together with the mystery in a way that made this story really very interesting. Also, I was very much drawn to the character of Cap. He is well defined as a young man who is smart, perceptive, and caring. He is aware of the problems that his family is facing, but has the courage to do what’s right in order to help them and his newfound friends.”
“This is going to be a perfect addition to my classroom! It's written at a middle school reading level but includes plenty of gruesome and fantastic details to keep the reader intrigued. It's historic and addresses an aspect of 19th-century history that isn't often shown in young adult fiction. My kids will love reading this one.”
“I don't read a lot of children's fiction but once I saw this cover I couldn't resist. Terrific cover and terrific little story. Not all is what it seems, more people are dying and Cap (our protagonist) needs to find out why before his loved ones do as well. A bit creepy in spots added as a bonus! Loved it!”
“The Grave Digger was a surprising read. I expected an adventure-filled suspenseful tale but the novel was much more than that. It was very informative with the way it painted the time period authentically. There was mystery and adventure, of course, both aspects which would attract middle-grade readers, but the story also tackled more serious issues in a thoughtful way. A very satisfying read.”
“Resurrectionists, or body snatchers as they were commonly known, were active during the 18th and 19th centuries. Bodies recently buried, were removed from their graves and given to medical schools for students to use to study anatomy. The Grave Digger tells the story of Cap, a young man who helps his father as a resurrectionist. Hard-pressed for cash, it was an easy, although dangerous, way for him and his father to raise money quickly. This was an interesting and informative story. The author tells an exciting and engaging tale in the correct historical context; a fun read that should entice young readers to learn more about the time period.”

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