Reviewed by meowstina on
I know this isn’t the same thing at all, but as a fan of the show Sherlock I was very curious to go on an adventure with a new perspective from this universe: his older brother, Mycroft. I did read A Study in Scarlet, so I am familiar with Doyle’s Sherlock and universe, but I cannot help but think of the show. It’s brilliant. This book is neither of the two, though. Written by two current authors, this is a story of Mycroft Holmes, his best friend Cyrus, a deceitful woman, and a dangerous investigation in Trinidad.
Mycroft has both similarities and differences to Sherlock in this novel. They’re both inquisitive, deductive, and sharp, but Mycroft has a bit more humanity in him. He cares about others’ well-being and is an unashamed romantic. In this story he is twenty-three, so these traits may be chalked up to innocence and youth, but nonetheless they make for a fresh perspective from the Holmes family. A very young and fiesty Sherlock does make a few appearances, but the main stars are Mycroft and Cyrus. Their journey takes many twists and turns, and the stakes become very, very high in their quest for fairness.
The book is written quite well. Though every so often I would long for more stimulation, for the most part it moves at a steady pace. Though the main draw of the book is Mycroft Holmes, issues of race and class during the time period are also explored, which is very refreshing and important. Race discrimination plays a huge part in the book, and even though it unfortunately fits with the time period, it’s challenged and pointed out instead of glazed over.
If you like adventure, mystery, and are looking for someone less cold and more deep than Sherlock, this story fits the bill.
Reading updates
- Started reading
- 1 October, 2015: Finished reading
- 1 October, 2015: Reviewed