annieb123
Written on Jul 13, 2019
Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Undead Client is a horror Holmes and Watson homage with zombies. Released 1st June 2019 it's the first in a new series by M. J. Downing, is 289 pages and available in paperback and ebook formats.
This is supernatural horror with loads of zombies, blood-soaked and stomach turning in a lot of places. The violence is unrelenting and graphic. There are several disparate plot threads (zombies, shady British government goings-on, Jack the Ripper killings, voodoo, etc) and it's not surprising that in some ways, the central plot gets lost in the details.
The author has a strong and deft touch with characterization and detailed flowing period dialogue. I felt, however, that the central characters weren't quite Holmes & Watson. There was much less cerebrating than braining zombies with blunt instruments, or beheading with swords. I felt that most of the plot was action and reaction, fight and retreat. Actually, I was curious enough to search online about the kukri sword which features prominently in the book. Hats off to the author for the quality of historical detail in his background research. (Kukri can, indeed, reportedly decapitate in one stroke (a goat, at least, which is probably more muscular than a zombie).
There are elements of sexual tension in the book, but nothing graphic. In fact, the attraction subplot was well written and added an element of melancholy to the work.
This is a bit more grisly horror fare than I am strictly a fan of, but it's well written and I'll be looking for the next book(s) in the series. For fans of completely canonical Conan Doyle this will no doubt be a shade beyond the pale. For the rest of us, it's a ripping yarn (with zombies).
Worth noting for Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is included in the KU subscription to download and read for free.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.