"Two gang members are posted as lookouts in the park at a distance from each other and eight more are gathered in a circle around someone. The one in the middle is not Malefactor. Sherlock can see the boss's tall top hat in the ring of boys looking on. There are eleven visible gang members in the eerie light. There should be twelve Irregulars plus Malefactor, for a total of thirteen. Where are the other two?"
I love it when books live up the expectations that I have of them! That might not be fair to this accomplished and award-winning author; it is the case! And cases are his speciality at the moment. Four books...four winners! I was so happy to open my mail recently and find Sherlock's 4th case awaiting my attention. I had to hold off for a few too many days, as I had other chores to get done. Reading was on the back burner...not usually true.
Then, I got started with Sherlock again...and found it very hard to make myself stop. I did not read in the evening because I knew that I would not sleep until I was done. Rats! That meant another slight delay. But, second sitting took me straight to the conclusion. I should have read it all in a go!
We are back in the streets of Victorian London and Benjamin Disraeli has taken his post at the helm of England, Prime Minister of the Empire. There is much unrest afoot. Sherlock's admirer, Beatrice the hatter's daughter, is walking home late at night with a friend when they are attacked by a fiend, known in earlier times as the Spring Heeled Jack. She is terrified, and Louise is missing! Sherlock is suspicious and not interested in pursuing another mystery. Beatrice persists, Louise is found and Sherlock finds himself in the midst of another mysterious set of circumstances.
The country is filled with fear and paranoia over the election of a Jewish leader. There is much poverty and people endure deplorable living conditions in many areas of England. Charismatic speakers are encouraging chaos in the streets and demands for better living and working conditions for all. As Sherlock plots his next move, his suspicions about friends and foes grow daily. He is not sure who to believe, who to follow or even who to trust as he seeks to find resolution to the fear that is being inflicted upon London as the Fiend's attacks become deadlier and the hysteria heightens.
It is endlessly intriguing to gain knowledge of those traits that will lead Sherlock Holmes to his adult destiny. Shane Peacock has created a character who shows early the man he will become. His powers of keen observation, his intense fire for justice and order, his ability to sort clues that lead to the eventual solution of unspeakable crimes, and his willingness to learn from his mistakes and accept guidance from those who have much to teach endear him as a fallible, while also worthwile, protangonist. Don't miss this wonderful series!
No comments:
Post a Comment