"It is 1890, and in the days before Christmas Sherlock Holmes and Dr John Watson are visited at Baker Street by a new client. Eve Allerthorpe - eldest daughter of a grand but somewhat eccentric Yorkshire-based dynasty - is greatly distressed, as she believes she is being haunted by a demonic Christmas spirit.
"Eve stands to inherit a fortune if she is sound in mind, but it seems that something - or someone - is threatening her sanity. Holmes and Watson travel to the Allerthorpe family seat at Fellscar Keep to investigate, but soon discover that there is more to the case than at first appeared. There is another spirit haunting the family, and when a member of the household is found dead, the companions realise that no one is beyond suspicion."
My thoughts: James Lovegrove does an excellent job of capturing the tone and spirit of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson in this novel. I loved the Gothic atmosphere of Fellscar Keep, the forbidding and isolated castle where the Allerthorpe family lives, as well as the dark and sinister legend of Black Thurrick. And watching Holmes and Watson work their investigatory magic was as fun as always. Lovegrove really brings these beloved characters come to life. Plus, it takes place at Christmas time, which makes it extra festive. All in all, a very enjoyable and entertaining mystery.
Happy Reading!
You've reminded me that I meant to read more of James Lovegrove's books after reading the Shadwell Shadows book. This is a standalone I think, not one of his Cthulhu books. Will go and look it up.
ReplyDeleteI hope you get a chance to read this one. I thought it was very fun!
DeleteThis sounds great! I've always been a big fan of Sherlock Holmes and have been meaning to read some of James Lovegrove's books. :)
ReplyDeleteYou would probably really like this one, Ashley! :D
DeleteOh, good! I won't get to read it for Christmas, because my library's still messed up, but soon, I hope!
ReplyDeleteFingers crossed! It's an entertaining read. :D
DeleteIt sounds like a captivating and entertaining read that successfully brings beloved characters to life!
ReplyDeleteI thought he did Holmes and Watson very well...especially with their back and forth banter and teamwork.
DeleteI really liked his World of Water. And the one set in Sussex.
ReplyDeleteThe paper lantern scene was neat. I really like the slow burn between Ellie and derek, the feeling their way. The owl hooting. Really sets the scene. And what's with the cat? :)
Thanks for reading our story!! And I'm glad you enjoyed the paper lantern scene; my sister wrote most of that one, but the inspiration for the paper lanterns came from my own trip to Thailand several years ago. As for the cat...gotta keep reading to see. :D
DeleteSounds festive ... a gothic chill at Christmas ... how perfect.
ReplyDeleteIt was so fun! I loved the creepy old castle and Holmes' irrepressible spirit. :D
DeleteYou read so eclectically, I love it! Great review.
ReplyDeleteThat's a happy compliment. Thanks! :D
DeleteThis sounds like the perfect holiday read!
ReplyDeleteIt's very entertaining and well-written. And it reads fast, too.
DeleteSounds like lots of fun! I'll have to check this one out.
ReplyDeleteIf you like a fun Watson and Holmes mystery, this is a very fun one!
DeleteLove it.
ReplyDeletewww.rsrue.blogspot.com
Thank you, Regine!
DeleteThat's an interesting stipulation to be able to inherit money. You have to be of sound mind. I don't think anyone would be able to inherit money if that were to be put in will's now a days. Because we're all crazy. LOL
ReplyDelete;D So true!
DeleteThe premise sounds interesting and all the more with the Gothic atmosphere. Sounds like a good read for Christmas. ;)
ReplyDeleteIt was a lot of fun!
DeleteA Sherlock Holmes Christmas themed mystery! What fun! Glad you enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteI really did. Lovegrove's written other Sherlock Holmes novels which I now want to check out. :D
DeleteIt's amazing how many books and whole series use Sherlock Holmes as the main character. The number seems to be growing faster than ever these days. He's definitely one of my all-time favorite fictional characters.
ReplyDeleteHe's one of mine, too! And I love the way Lovegrove portrayed him here.
DeleteI like the Christmas setting for sure. I haven't read many of the series about Sherlock Holmes written by other authors because I have only read a bit of the original series so far.
ReplyDeleteI've only read two of Doyle's original Sherlock Holmes' stories. ;D But Sherlock Holmes is so well-known he doesn't really need an introduction any more. He's just such a fun character to read about.
DeleteThat is a good attitude, Lark. Since it is taking me so long to get through the original Sherlock Holmes series, I should try some versions by other authors. I have read The Beekeeper's Apprentice by Laurie R. King and I even have a few more of that series on my shelves.
DeleteI've read one book in that series, too, and quite enjoyed it. Thought I think I liked this book a little bit more. :D And the Arthur Conan Doyle books will still be there whenever you do get around to finishing them up.
DeleteCan you believe I've never read any of Sherlock Holmes? My dad has read all the stories many times over. This does sound like a good one. :)
ReplyDeleteIt's lighthearted and fun and full of humor. Plus, I really like Dr. Watson. :D
DeleteOh this sounds fun! I actually tend to prefer the Holmes books written by other people as Doyle does tend to like the sound of his own voice (or the look of his own words I guess) a little too much!
ReplyDeleteI'm the same way! :D
DeleteSounds like a perfect murder story to read for Christmas! I'm no fan of Sherlock Holmes, but would love to try this one. :D
ReplyDeleteIt's a fun one. And I loved that isolated setting.
DeleteThis sounds really good but can you believe I have not read any of the original Sherlock Holmes?
ReplyDeleteI've only read a few of the original Sherlock Holmes stories. I don't love the way Conan Doyle writes, though I do love his characters.
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