readingwithhippos's review against another edition
4.0
The day after I started reading Dust and Shadow, I came across Lyndsay Faye's open letter to The President Who Shall Not Be Named, which made me bawl like a baby (in a hopeful way). So yes, I'm officially a fan for life. I've added every book in her back catalog to my TBR. It's happening. Anyway, topical feels-y blog posts aside, this is a great book on its own merits and was just the kind of cozy read I needed to make me feel better about life. Sherlock Holmes and John Watson investigate the notorious Jack the Ripper killings—what could be better? Holmes and Watson are the kind of gallant, stand-up guys you don't see too often these days, in literature or otherwise. They are the opposite of cold and hardened detectives; in fact, their empathy in the face of nightmarish violence is what makes the book so great. Certain politicians should take note.
More book recommendations by me at www.readingwithhippos.com
More book recommendations by me at www.readingwithhippos.com
trudecal's review
5.0
I enjoyed this so much more than I expected to! I honestly forgot it wasn't actually Conan Doyle once the plot really got moving. Clearly very well researched, loved the attention to detail in terms of the city at the time, the known Ripper facts and Conan Doyle's style. I listened to the audiobook through Audible's free books for Amazon Prime members, and the narrator was great - highly recommend.
kittykornerlibrarian's review
4.0
I can't believe I gave a Sherlock Holmes spin-off a four, but this was so good! I think too many authors try too hard to sound just like Conan Doyle, but this one got the voice just right. The premise of the story is that Holmes & Watson are solving the Jack the Ripper crimes. Just enough nods to the Sherlock canon. Very much enjoyed it.
scriniarii's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
cajunliterarybelle's review
4.0
As someone who has long held a slight fascination with the killings of Jack the Ripper, the premise of the book being an account of those killings written by Dr. Watson drew me in. I have never read any of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes books, but I have heard they are very good. With this book being praised by critics for its accuracy in its use of Doyle’s characters and use of research about the infamous England murderer, perhaps it is a positive, modern gateway to introduce someone to Holmes & Watson. Admittedly, I greatly enjoyed the journey of following Holmes in uncovering the killer’s identity and am now curious about the original Holmes stories. The writing transported me back to the London of the 1880’s with description of characters and surroundings not too daunting but vivid enough I could see a movie play out. I recommend for at the very least anyone who would like to imagine yet another unfolding of the Ripper killings and investigation.
lena_m's review
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
gv53's review
4.0
This honestly makes me want to read the other Sherlock holmes books! Excellent read, lovely characters and wonderful twists.