Sherlock Holmes: The Breath of God by Guy Adams
| Sherlock Holmes: The Breath of God by Guy Adams | |
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| Category: Crime (Historical) | |
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Reviewer: Louise Laurie
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| Summary: Holmes and his ever-faithful companion Watson are on yet another intriguing mission. Time is of the essence as the body count multiplies but with Holmes extremely suspicious of the supernatural world, will he be able to crack this case? | |
| Buy? Yes | Borrow? Yes |
| Pages: 224 | Date: October 2011 |
| Publisher: Titan Boos | |
| ISBN: 978-0857682826 | |
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I've read and reviewed several books regarding the investigative duo recently and overall, I wasn't too impressed. Will this book be any better, I wonder.
A body is discovered in London. The young gentleman concerned, a Mr Hilary De Montfort, had enjoyed a good life: no money problems for example and as far as anyone can ascertain, no enemies either. The motive is therefore fuzzy at best. The state of his body when it was discovered was bizarre - it looked as if he'd been hurled from a great height, even although he'd been discovered in an open space around Grosvenor Square. And in the words of Dr Watson himself (it is he who narrates in the main) ... as varied as our capital might be, it will always be found wanting of mountain ranges.
And this is where I really noticed the sharp writing and wit of Adams. There are wonderful phrases and sentences all over this delightful book. The narrative style is very much of its era (Victorian) so proper language is the norm. Okay, Watson tends to bluster and bumble his words now and again, but that's just his character.
While Holmes is determined to keep a sensible and open mind even although he's paid a rather unwelcome visit by a Psychical Doctor he can barely keep the sneer from his face and is often on the point of rudeness throughout their conversation which centres around the dead body. Watson, as per, steps in as an affable mediator.
We've given quite a bit of background info on this questionable (in Holmes' eyes) doctor. Dr Silence, is his name, would you believe. Adams having a bit of creative fun, no doubt. His expertise is in all things supernatural, or demonic possession as he prefers to call it. And as the plot unfolds, it turns out that the murdered man had been involved in a society concerned with the occult.
There's certainly an 'other-worldly' feel to this book and while the subject matter itself does not interest me the telling of the story in Adams' capable hands, did. He tells a very good story indeed. Plenty of suspense and also, some might say, far-fetched theories and stories but when the good doctor himself becomes involved, Holmes steps in without a moment's hesitation. Other so-called experts are also called upon and we see both Holmes and Watson accompanying their new colleagues to locations outside London in their line of questioning. But the death count still rises ...
The language used is apt. The fire cracked like a coachman's whip in its grate ...' for example and its also fluid and often witty. The sophistication of Holmes' tastes, his impatience, his superior intellect are all on show here to enjoy. This is a lovely Victorian mystery with Holmes at its helm and poor Watson as his gofer. I really enjoyed this book and I really enjoyed Adams' wit and would warmly recommend this book to all who enjoy a good who-dunnit.
If this book appeals then you might like to try The Further Adventures of Sherlock Holmes: The Peerless Peer by Philip Jose Farmer.
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You can read more book reviews or buy Sherlock Holmes: The Breath of God by Guy Adams at Amazon.co.uk Amazon currently charges £2.99 for standard delivery for orders under £20, over which delivery is free.
You can read more book reviews or buy Sherlock Holmes: The Breath of God by Guy Adams at Amazon.com.
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