(The Boy Sherlock Holmes series)
by Shane Peacock,
Tundra Books, 2010
You may remember that after young Sherlock's last adventure, he had taken early leave from the detection business. With the apparent return of the "Spring Heeled Jack," a fictional character from the Penny Dreadful thrillers, whose exploits played out in real life London about 30 years earlier and now threaten again, Sherlock is brought out of retirement. The Spring Heeled Jack has red eyes, super human strength and agility, breathes blue fire, and wears a black and green suit with bat-like wings. A terror to all who see and are attacked by him.
When the Jack attacks Beatrice Leckie, an old friend, and daughter of the local hatter, Sherlock reluctantly becomes involved. As he observes, investigates, and makes deductions, the suspects multiply. Could it be his own companion, Sigerson Bell? The politically ambitious Alfred Munby or the popular Robert Hide? Who is Malefactor really? Is it he, Sherlock's arch enemy, who is wreaking havoc and terrorizing the people of London, bringing chaos and possibly murder, as he has suggested he would? Does Beatrice herself, or her friend, Louise, have something to do with the case? And what does Sherlock's old love interest, Irene Doyle, know? She is, after all, far too close to the hoodlum Malefactor, and she is greatly changed.
With plenty of action, mystery, and red-herrings, and set during the time of England's first Jewish Prime Minister, Benjamin Disraeli, when there was much social unrest, Peacock rushes the reader along at a dizzying pace. As this case resolves with typical Sherlock Holmes flair and the fever-pitch of last-minute revelation, the reader is left waiting breathlessly for the next installment in the series.
Showing posts with label Shane Peacock. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Shane Peacock. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Vanishing Girl
by Shane Peacock (Canadian author)
Tundra Books, 2009
The boy Sherlock Holmes cracks his third case, following Eye of the Crow and Death in the Air.
Still smarting from the lack of recognition accorded to him after solving his first two cases, Sherlock is determined to outsmart Inspector Lestrade of Scotland Yard and get the attention and appreciation he is due. When wealthy Lord Rathbone's daughter is abducted in broad daylight, Sherlock is soon on the trail of her kidnappers. But his initial deductions appear to have been wrong when, four months after Victoria's apprehension, she is returned to her family. It isn't long, though, before Lord Rathbone's home is picked clean by thieves. Soon Victoria disappears again. Who is holding her, and why? Can Sherlock piece the clues together in time to save her life, and that of a little workhouse blind boy? Who can he trust, and will he get his just reward or be thwarted once again?
Peacock writes this series very much in the style of 19th century author and Sherlock Holmes creator, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. He has obviously studied the character minutely, and has a sound grasp of 19th century England and the London of Holmes' youth. This is a riveting mystery that ends on a note that will surprise, but not likely disappoint fans of this intrepid detective.
Tundra Books, 2009
The boy Sherlock Holmes cracks his third case, following Eye of the Crow and Death in the Air.
Still smarting from the lack of recognition accorded to him after solving his first two cases, Sherlock is determined to outsmart Inspector Lestrade of Scotland Yard and get the attention and appreciation he is due. When wealthy Lord Rathbone's daughter is abducted in broad daylight, Sherlock is soon on the trail of her kidnappers. But his initial deductions appear to have been wrong when, four months after Victoria's apprehension, she is returned to her family. It isn't long, though, before Lord Rathbone's home is picked clean by thieves. Soon Victoria disappears again. Who is holding her, and why? Can Sherlock piece the clues together in time to save her life, and that of a little workhouse blind boy? Who can he trust, and will he get his just reward or be thwarted once again?
Peacock writes this series very much in the style of 19th century author and Sherlock Holmes creator, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. He has obviously studied the character minutely, and has a sound grasp of 19th century England and the London of Holmes' youth. This is a riveting mystery that ends on a note that will surprise, but not likely disappoint fans of this intrepid detective.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Death in the Air
by Shane Peacock (Canadian author alert!)
Random House, 2008
When Monsieur Mercure, the famous trapeze artist, falls from a great height to crash at Sherlock's feet, the boy is drawn into his second case. A close look at the bar the man had been gripping proves it was no accident.
As Sherlock investigates, it becomes clear that there are three prime suspects, and at least one person knows something that they're withholding. When Sherlock learns that a large sum of money has also been stolen from the entertainment venue, he knows instinctively that the two incidents are linked. But how?
As the case unfolds, the danger to Sherlock increases. Will he solve the crime before Scotland Yard pieces it together? Will he receive the reward and recognition he deserves? Will he even live to tell the tale...?! If you want the answers to these questions, you'll have to read the book.
Random House, 2008
When Monsieur Mercure, the famous trapeze artist, falls from a great height to crash at Sherlock's feet, the boy is drawn into his second case. A close look at the bar the man had been gripping proves it was no accident.
As Sherlock investigates, it becomes clear that there are three prime suspects, and at least one person knows something that they're withholding. When Sherlock learns that a large sum of money has also been stolen from the entertainment venue, he knows instinctively that the two incidents are linked. But how?
As the case unfolds, the danger to Sherlock increases. Will he solve the crime before Scotland Yard pieces it together? Will he receive the reward and recognition he deserves? Will he even live to tell the tale...?! If you want the answers to these questions, you'll have to read the book.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Eye of the Crow
by Shane Peacock (Canadian author alert!)
Tundra Books, 2007
The first in a new series called the Boy Sherlock Holmes.
Sherlock Holmes is a 13 year old boy. He's not too interested in school, though it's not due to a lack of intelligence. There are just too many people problems there. He'd rather be out in London, reading the Illustrated Police News, and knowing what's going on in the world.
Sherlock's parents married for love, and life has not been easy, but they are intelligent individuals who have instilled a love of learning and observing in their offspring. When a woman is murdered and a suspect jailed, Sherlock is drawn into the case. The picture of the woman in the newspaper looks remarkably like a young version of his mother, and when Sherlock goes to the Bow Street Jail to see the suspect admitted, the accused makes eye contact with him and insists that he did not commit the crime. The police witness the communication and assume that Sherlock must somehow be an accessory, and the boy must prove his own and the other's innocence.
Lots of action, great historical and setting detail; cliffhangers at the conclusion of every chapter. Makes for a wonderful read-aloud. Highly recommended for boys and mystery lovers of all ages.
Tundra Books, 2007
The first in a new series called the Boy Sherlock Holmes.
Sherlock Holmes is a 13 year old boy. He's not too interested in school, though it's not due to a lack of intelligence. There are just too many people problems there. He'd rather be out in London, reading the Illustrated Police News, and knowing what's going on in the world.
Sherlock's parents married for love, and life has not been easy, but they are intelligent individuals who have instilled a love of learning and observing in their offspring. When a woman is murdered and a suspect jailed, Sherlock is drawn into the case. The picture of the woman in the newspaper looks remarkably like a young version of his mother, and when Sherlock goes to the Bow Street Jail to see the suspect admitted, the accused makes eye contact with him and insists that he did not commit the crime. The police witness the communication and assume that Sherlock must somehow be an accessory, and the boy must prove his own and the other's innocence.
Lots of action, great historical and setting detail; cliffhangers at the conclusion of every chapter. Makes for a wonderful read-aloud. Highly recommended for boys and mystery lovers of all ages.
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