Dust & Shadow ~ Book Review

 Dust & Shadow by Lyndsay Faye

"From the gritty streets of nineteenth century London, the loyal and courageous Dr. Watson offers a tale unearthed after generations of lore: the harrowing story of Sherlock Holmes's attempt to hunt down Jack the Ripper.

As England's greatest specialist in criminal detection, Sherlock Holmes is unwavering in his quest to capture the killer responsible for terrifying London's East End. He hires an "unfortunate" known as Mary Ann Monk, the friend of a fellow streetwalker who was one of the Ripper's earliest victims; and he relies heavily on the steadfast and devoted Dr. John H. Watson. When Holmes himself is wounded in Whitechapel during an attempt to catch the savage monster, the popular press launches an investigation of its own, questioning the great detective's role in the very crimes he is so fervently struggling to prevent. Stripped of his credibility, Holmes is left with no choice but to break every rule in the desperate race to find the madman known as "the Knife" before it is too late" ~ Simon and Schuster, Apr 28, 2009 - Fiction - 325 pages

Let's start by saying I love pastiches. Larry Millet's Sherlock books are what drew me into the world of Holmes, long before I ever read a Doyle book. So when I heard Lyndsay Faye's new book was worth read in Sherlockian circles, I knew I had to check it out. (Yes, let's skip over the fact I am a total geek and know all about Sherlockian circles.)

When I saw that Faye's book not only covered Holmes but also addressed Jack the Ripper, I knew I was sold. I love a good serial killer book. This story really did a good job until the end, more about that later.

The book starts off in true Doyle style and keeps the pass of his work true through out most of the book. Which is what a good pastiche should do. She also did her homework and the era and Jack the Ripper where true on form also.

The story moved along quick enough for me, I really like the main female character in the book. I felt Faye did a good job with her and was glad she kept true to Doyle style in Holmes' view of her.

I don't want to give to much away, because even though I wasn't sold on the ending, I do feel the book is worth reading. The ending was just a bit off for me and not really sure why it was.

I all, a good pastiche and good review of the Ripper history.

~ Cassi



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