Death Cloud
Author: Andrew Lane
Publisher: Farrar, Strauss and Giroux
Publication Date: Feb. 1, 2011
Pages: 311
Series: Sherlock Holmes: The Legend Begins, book one
Source: purchased hardcover
Read By: Daniel Weyman
Audiobook Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Length: 7 hours, 17 minutes
About the Book: It is the summer of 1868, and Sherlock Holmes is fourteen. On break from boarding school, he is staying with eccentric strangers—his uncle and aunt—in their vast house in Hampshire. When two local people die from symptoms that resemble the plague, Holmes begins to investigate what really killed them, helped by his new tutor, an American named Amyus Crowe. So begins Sherlock’s true education in detection, as he discovers the dastardly crimes of a brilliantly sinister villain of exquisitely malign intent.
My Thoughts: This book had me at “Sherlock Holmes.” I’m a fan of the original Sherlock Holmes stories and of course I love BBC’s Sherlock! So the idea of a teen Sherlock before he became the Sherlock we all know and love? So appealing. Plus, the audiobook was on sale at iTunes for super cheap. I couldn’t resist.
In Death Cloud we meet Sherlock Holmes as he is about to (unknowingly!) embark on his first case. He has some practice with logic and deductive reasoning thanks to his brother Mycroft’s training. Still, he is a fourteen year old boy with much to learn. Enter his somewhat eccentric tutor for the summer: Mr. Amyus Crowe. He is full of practical knowledge and unconventional methods. I loved him. Sherlock also befriends a local orphan named Matty and Crowe’s daughter Virginia. Together they make an interesting crew!
My favorite part of the story was also the part that caused me to yell at my car stereo like a crazy person (I listen to audiobooks while driving to work.) Sherlock Holmes as a teen. It was so fun to see what he might have been like before he had all the knowledge and experience he has as an adult. I loved thinking about the things that might have shaped him. I also loved the bit of hero-worship he had for his older brother. However, when it came to the mystery I couldn’t help but yell at him. You are freaking Sherlock Holmes! How can you not see what is going on?!?!?!? Of course I would then remember that even Sherlock Holmes had to start somewhere and that he is a teen boy getting chased and people are try to kill him. Understandably, this is all new and confusing to him. It totally makes sense that he wouldn’t see everything an adult reader would see. I am just not used to that with Sherlock!
My one lingering question? The housekeeper! What was up with her? She’s all sinister and we’re told that she is, “no friend to the Holmes family” and then…. nothing. While I enjoyed the book overall, this point left me unsatisfied. I hope this story line is picked up in future books!
AUDIOBOOK NOTES: Great narration and pacing. Loved the different voices and ways the Daniel Weyman differentiated between the characters. I really enjoyed listening to this one!
Henry
Looks like an interesting book to listen to! Will definitely check it out when i have the time.