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The New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Titan Books #2
The Army of Dr. Moreau
Following the trail of several corpses seemingly killed by wild animals, Holmes and Watson stumble upon the experiments of Doctor Moreau.
Moreau, through vivisection and crude genetic engineering is creating animal hybrids, determined to prove the evolutionary theories of Charles Darwin. In his laboratory, hidden among the opium dens of Rotherhithe, Moreau is building an army of 'beast men'. Tired of having his work ignored -- or reviled -- by the British scientific community, Moreau is willing to make the world pay attention using his creatures as a force to gain control of the government.
A brand-new adventure for Conan Doyle's intrepid sleuth!
Moreau, through vivisection and crude genetic engineering is creating animal hybrids, determined to prove the evolutionary theories of Charles Darwin. In his laboratory, hidden among the opium dens of Rotherhithe, Moreau is building an army of 'beast men'. Tired of having his work ignored -- or reviled -- by the British scientific community, Moreau is willing to make the world pay attention using his creatures as a force to gain control of the government.
A brand-new adventure for Conan Doyle's intrepid sleuth!
284 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
December 21, 2025
As much as I wanted to really like this book, I have to confess I was disappointed, especially by the ending. I decided to give this book, published in 2012, 3 stars (OK, not great).
After all, it brings together the worlds and characters of two of my favorite authors--Conan Doyle and H.G. Wells. From Doyle, we not only get Sherlock and Watson but, also, Sherlock's big brother Mycroft and Professor Challenger from "The Lost World." But, with this Sherlock, we don't get a very deductive detective, partly because Holmes and Watson separate and we don't see so much of Holmes at work making his deductions. Mycroft actually comes across as a kind of villain and Challenger as just a noisy and annoying character. From Wells, we get the beast-men such as were created by Dr. Moreau. At first, they seem to be a terrifying threat to Man's civilization (at least, the city of London), but, by the end, they are easily defeated--and destroyed--by the team Sherlock puts together to go after them and their leader. Sorry, I suppose that was a spoiler, but you know Sherlock is going to win in the end!
This book is yet another case of the book's cover misleading the reader. On the cover, we see what looks like a German cavalryman of the WWI period, but the soldier has the head and tusks of a wild boar. Guess what? That's not in the story at all. From the cover, I imagined that the animal people had been organized into an actual army (or part of the German Army) that could possibly lead the way for a German invasion of England...
I give this book 3 stars because it was a fun and fast read. I did like the introduction of the characters from other authors besides Doyle and Wells. We meet Professor Lindenbrook from Jules Verne's "A Journey to the Centre of the Earth" and the engineer Abner Perry from Edgar Rice Burroughs' Pellucidar series AND, oh yes, another character from Wells, Professor Cavour from "The First Men in the Moon." The trouble is they weren't given much to do....Some good ideas in this book that went undeveloped--and just maybe I'm being unfair by judging this book by its cover.
After all, it brings together the worlds and characters of two of my favorite authors--Conan Doyle and H.G. Wells. From Doyle, we not only get Sherlock and Watson but, also, Sherlock's big brother Mycroft and Professor Challenger from "The Lost World." But, with this Sherlock, we don't get a very deductive detective, partly because Holmes and Watson separate and we don't see so much of Holmes at work making his deductions. Mycroft actually comes across as a kind of villain and Challenger as just a noisy and annoying character. From Wells, we get the beast-men such as were created by Dr. Moreau. At first, they seem to be a terrifying threat to Man's civilization (at least, the city of London), but, by the end, they are easily defeated--and destroyed--by the team Sherlock puts together to go after them and their leader. Sorry, I suppose that was a spoiler, but you know Sherlock is going to win in the end!
This book is yet another case of the book's cover misleading the reader. On the cover, we see what looks like a German cavalryman of the WWI period, but the soldier has the head and tusks of a wild boar. Guess what? That's not in the story at all. From the cover, I imagined that the animal people had been organized into an actual army (or part of the German Army) that could possibly lead the way for a German invasion of England...
I give this book 3 stars because it was a fun and fast read. I did like the introduction of the characters from other authors besides Doyle and Wells. We meet Professor Lindenbrook from Jules Verne's "A Journey to the Centre of the Earth" and the engineer Abner Perry from Edgar Rice Burroughs' Pellucidar series AND, oh yes, another character from Wells, Professor Cavour from "The First Men in the Moon." The trouble is they weren't given much to do....Some good ideas in this book that went undeveloped--and just maybe I'm being unfair by judging this book by its cover.
February 26, 2014
I bought this book on spec with a voucher I got for Christmas. I am so glad I did. This has to be one of my favourite Sherlock Holmes books outside of the canon.
The word "romp" is often over used in book descriptions, but it certainly describes "The Army of Dr. Moreau". A wild, riotous romp through Victorian London, the chase led by Sherlock Holmes and a posse of characters from other novels.
The premise of the book is that Dr Moreau was working for Mycroft's mysterious Department before and during the incidents of Wells' book "The Island of Dr. Moreau". Moreau appears to be dead, but his creations are creating havoc in London. Who is behind it, and what is their motive? Mycroft enlists his little brother Sherlock and his friend, John Watson, along with Professor Challenger, Cavor, and one or two others, to get to the root of the problem.
The interactions between the Holmes' brothers and Watson are gorgeous. Guy Adams was writing this novel around the same time he was writing the BBC Sherlock tie-in book, and there is a little bleed through in repartee, not to mention one genuine steal from his Sherlock book, which had me laughing.
One interesting character is Kane, a human/hound hybrid. John Watson's method of disposing of this creature after being hunted by it is both humourous and somewhat poignant.
I heartily recommend this book to all Sherlockians, and I would also recommend it to any Sherlock fans who find the jump from Sherlock to Arthur Conan Doyle canon a little abrupt. This book is perfect to ease your way properly into the genre.
The word "romp" is often over used in book descriptions, but it certainly describes "The Army of Dr. Moreau". A wild, riotous romp through Victorian London, the chase led by Sherlock Holmes and a posse of characters from other novels.
The premise of the book is that Dr Moreau was working for Mycroft's mysterious Department before and during the incidents of Wells' book "The Island of Dr. Moreau". Moreau appears to be dead, but his creations are creating havoc in London. Who is behind it, and what is their motive? Mycroft enlists his little brother Sherlock and his friend, John Watson, along with Professor Challenger, Cavor, and one or two others, to get to the root of the problem.
The interactions between the Holmes' brothers and Watson are gorgeous. Guy Adams was writing this novel around the same time he was writing the BBC Sherlock tie-in book, and there is a little bleed through in repartee, not to mention one genuine steal from his Sherlock book, which had me laughing.
One interesting character is Kane, a human/hound hybrid. John Watson's method of disposing of this creature after being hunted by it is both humourous and somewhat poignant.
I heartily recommend this book to all Sherlockians, and I would also recommend it to any Sherlock fans who find the jump from Sherlock to Arthur Conan Doyle canon a little abrupt. This book is perfect to ease your way properly into the genre.
October 2, 2013
A character named Sherlock Holmes, who shares the name, occupation, and nationality (but not the personality) of the famous detective, is menaced by human-animal crossbreeds.
These monsters are the product of a serum that, injected into a living creature, causes instant "evolution" in that creature.
You don't have to be a Holmes purist to recognize idiocy when you see it.
These monsters are the product of a serum that, injected into a living creature, causes instant "evolution" in that creature.
You don't have to be a Holmes purist to recognize idiocy when you see it.
March 25, 2014
Pros:
It did have some wonderful lines: "Only went and got myself bitten by a sharktopuss, didn't I? I mean seriously, the bloody thing went for me like a cross between a Chinese dinner and my mother-in-law."
The author didn't hide facts. A mystery where you don't get all the clues and the perpetrator is someone created out of whole cloth at the end is very unsatisfying.
Cons:
The mystery was not very interesting.
I didn't care much for any of the characters. They were all childish and shallow.
The author changed the perspective several times during the story without warning.
The end felt very rushed and poorly done compared to the rest of the book. The last fight with the big bad guy was particularly horrid. I think it was supposed to be funny but it really fell flat for me.
It did have some wonderful lines: "Only went and got myself bitten by a sharktopuss, didn't I? I mean seriously, the bloody thing went for me like a cross between a Chinese dinner and my mother-in-law."
The author didn't hide facts. A mystery where you don't get all the clues and the perpetrator is someone created out of whole cloth at the end is very unsatisfying.
Cons:
The mystery was not very interesting.
I didn't care much for any of the characters. They were all childish and shallow.
The author changed the perspective several times during the story without warning.
The end felt very rushed and poorly done compared to the rest of the book. The last fight with the big bad guy was particularly horrid. I think it was supposed to be funny but it really fell flat for me.
October 29, 2013
I skipped to the back of this book and read the notes section first. In it, the author said that he could raise much the same points that H.G. Wells raised in the original Island of Dr. Moreau regarding man's inhumane treatment of animals in scientific experiments. I remember immediately thinking, "Man's inhumane...? Man's inhumane treatment of animals??? That's what you got out of The Island of Dr. Moreau? Inhumane treatment of animals??????"
I immediately concluded the author was not a very deep person.
Sadly, as I finished the book, I found that this was a correct assessment. This is the book equivalent of a summer blockbuster. Arnold Schwarzenegger could have played Sherlock Holmes in this and it wouldn't have looked out of place.
This book doesn't fit in the Sherlockian canon. Holmes's ability to cold-read someone and tell their life story or make amazing deductions with a little logical extrapolation of available information takes a back seat to the white-knuckle action that would be more at home in the pen of Sylvester Stallone than Arthur Conan Doyle. This fits squarely in the Robert Downey, Jr. re-imagining.
Coupled with the lack of depth in understanding his source material, Guy Adams makes the villain a complete psychopath rather than use some imagination and come up with a motive for why he was an ecoterrorist with an ironic method. So we don't get to see a misanthrope who's convinced himself he's right; rather, we get someone who has no firm grip on reality anyway who somehow escaped a proper diagnosis. That was disappointing.
At least Holmes himself, in bit of metahumor, points out that this case wasn't a mental challenge as is typical of his cases. Boy, you said a mouthful.
Also, far from a benevolent figure, Mycroft Holmes is portrayed similarly to the Cigarette Smoking Man from The X-files. He clearly has his own agenda and tries to hide government secrets from everyone involved. It's been a while since I've read a Holmes story with Mycroft in it, but I don't remember the detective's brother being a minor villain.
All-in-all, great fun. But it lacks the cool deductive skill that the Sherlock Holmes stories are known for, and all the philosophical depth is stripped from The Island of Dr. Moreau. It was good, but it could have been better.
I immediately concluded the author was not a very deep person.
Sadly, as I finished the book, I found that this was a correct assessment. This is the book equivalent of a summer blockbuster. Arnold Schwarzenegger could have played Sherlock Holmes in this and it wouldn't have looked out of place.
This book doesn't fit in the Sherlockian canon. Holmes's ability to cold-read someone and tell their life story or make amazing deductions with a little logical extrapolation of available information takes a back seat to the white-knuckle action that would be more at home in the pen of Sylvester Stallone than Arthur Conan Doyle. This fits squarely in the Robert Downey, Jr. re-imagining.
Coupled with the lack of depth in understanding his source material, Guy Adams makes the villain a complete psychopath rather than use some imagination and come up with a motive for why he was an ecoterrorist with an ironic method. So we don't get to see a misanthrope who's convinced himself he's right; rather, we get someone who has no firm grip on reality anyway who somehow escaped a proper diagnosis. That was disappointing.
At least Holmes himself, in bit of metahumor, points out that this case wasn't a mental challenge as is typical of his cases. Boy, you said a mouthful.
Also, far from a benevolent figure, Mycroft Holmes is portrayed similarly to the Cigarette Smoking Man from The X-files. He clearly has his own agenda and tries to hide government secrets from everyone involved. It's been a while since I've read a Holmes story with Mycroft in it, but I don't remember the detective's brother being a minor villain.
All-in-all, great fun. But it lacks the cool deductive skill that the Sherlock Holmes stories are known for, and all the philosophical depth is stripped from The Island of Dr. Moreau. It was good, but it could have been better.
September 11, 2012
“A great read. Most Sherlock Holmes fans will find something that they like in Adams’ latest tale of the World’s Greatest Detective .” ~The Founding Fields
I’m going to admit that I wasn’t really introduced to Sherlock Holmes as a character until Steven Moffat’s brilliant modern-day adaption of the series in BBC’s Sherlock. I’d heard about him before, I mean – who hadn’t? It was Sherlock that got me hooked to Conan-Doyle’s creation, and it was Sherlock that got me reading the individual stories, which anybody should read (They’re free downloads on IBooks). When I heard about The Army of Dr. Moreau, Guy Adams’ second novel with Sherlock Holmes, I knew I had to read it as soon as I could. Some of you may know Guy Adams through his work at Angry Robot, with The World House and Restoration (That was where I first heard about Adams, even though I haven’t read the books yet), others may be wanting to read some more Sherlock Holmes. Whatever your taste is, The Army of Dr. Moreau is certainly an enjoyable read.
Dead bodies are found on the streets of London with wounds that can only be explained as the work of ferocious creatures not native to the city.
Sherlock Holmes is visited by his brother, Mycroft, who is only too aware that the bodies are the calling card of Dr Moreau, a vivisectionist who was working for the British Government, following in the footsteps of Charles Darwin, before his experiments attracted negative attention and the work was halted. Mycroft believes that Moreau’s experiments continue and he charges his brother with tracking the rogue scientist down before matters escalate any further.
Although The Army of Dr. Moreau may seem at times a tad too supernatural for Conan-Doyle fans, that doesn’t make it any less enjoyable. It is perhaps one of the more enjoyable reads that I’ve read in while now, standing up there with Jim Butcher’s White Night, because – any Dresden Files novel is a fun read, long-running fans of the series will know that by now. The Army of Dr. Moreau sticks to Conan-Doyle’s characters very well, painting an accurate portrayal of Holmes and of course, is narrated in a first person POV by John Watson. What I liked about this tale is that Adams has managed to make Watson unavailable for some scenes that take place, forcing other characters to have a couple of chapters every now and again where they get the chance to tell the story. We get a POV from both Holmes brothers, (yes – Mycroft does show up in this tale) – and a couple of others.
Released last month, The Army of Dr. Moreau is certainly an engaging read, and Adams, like Conan-Doyle before him, made it seem as though it’s Watson narrating the tale, and not the author in certain places, and there’s even a visit to Watson’s editor, who suggests to him that he should perhaps make his cases more extravagant and longer for readers rather than the short stories that he’s used to, in a brilliant bit of foreshadowing.
See the full review at The Founding Fields: http://thefoundingfields.com/2012/09/....
I’m going to admit that I wasn’t really introduced to Sherlock Holmes as a character until Steven Moffat’s brilliant modern-day adaption of the series in BBC’s Sherlock. I’d heard about him before, I mean – who hadn’t? It was Sherlock that got me hooked to Conan-Doyle’s creation, and it was Sherlock that got me reading the individual stories, which anybody should read (They’re free downloads on IBooks). When I heard about The Army of Dr. Moreau, Guy Adams’ second novel with Sherlock Holmes, I knew I had to read it as soon as I could. Some of you may know Guy Adams through his work at Angry Robot, with The World House and Restoration (That was where I first heard about Adams, even though I haven’t read the books yet), others may be wanting to read some more Sherlock Holmes. Whatever your taste is, The Army of Dr. Moreau is certainly an enjoyable read.
Dead bodies are found on the streets of London with wounds that can only be explained as the work of ferocious creatures not native to the city.
Sherlock Holmes is visited by his brother, Mycroft, who is only too aware that the bodies are the calling card of Dr Moreau, a vivisectionist who was working for the British Government, following in the footsteps of Charles Darwin, before his experiments attracted negative attention and the work was halted. Mycroft believes that Moreau’s experiments continue and he charges his brother with tracking the rogue scientist down before matters escalate any further.
Although The Army of Dr. Moreau may seem at times a tad too supernatural for Conan-Doyle fans, that doesn’t make it any less enjoyable. It is perhaps one of the more enjoyable reads that I’ve read in while now, standing up there with Jim Butcher’s White Night, because – any Dresden Files novel is a fun read, long-running fans of the series will know that by now. The Army of Dr. Moreau sticks to Conan-Doyle’s characters very well, painting an accurate portrayal of Holmes and of course, is narrated in a first person POV by John Watson. What I liked about this tale is that Adams has managed to make Watson unavailable for some scenes that take place, forcing other characters to have a couple of chapters every now and again where they get the chance to tell the story. We get a POV from both Holmes brothers, (yes – Mycroft does show up in this tale) – and a couple of others.
Released last month, The Army of Dr. Moreau is certainly an engaging read, and Adams, like Conan-Doyle before him, made it seem as though it’s Watson narrating the tale, and not the author in certain places, and there’s even a visit to Watson’s editor, who suggests to him that he should perhaps make his cases more extravagant and longer for readers rather than the short stories that he’s used to, in a brilliant bit of foreshadowing.
See the full review at The Founding Fields: http://thefoundingfields.com/2012/09/....
December 22, 2020
This review is listed under Project Sherlock. For more information on this project, click here.
Review posted on my blog The Writer's Library.
Sigh. Not a good book to end Project Sherlock on. You just can't win them all.
I half-expected this book to disappoint me. Over the course of this endeavor, I've come across books that really just flew off the edge of common sense and face planted in the world of the ridiculous. I've come across some select books that were absolute gems, but the key word here is "select".
The worst part is is that it starts off fantastically as bodies wash up in random places and Holmes is called to investigate. How Watson was roped into a false sense of security only to be stabbed in the back and taken away by the villain was a nice touch. Kane was kind of funny, once I saw who he really was. It was nice to see Professor Challenger in there, as a nod to another ACD work.
But Holmes said something to the effect that Moreau's army was just the remains of his experimentation being exploited by a mastermind and he was right. When half-human half-animal hybrids came into the mix, I knew we were headed for the ridiculous and I dreaded it. Why do you think it took me so long to finish it?
The climax did not feel very tense, I didn't feel worried about any main characters being hurt (as we only knew very little about them, they weren't needed all that much), and I really wanted to see some more closure in dealing with Moreau's successor. So they laid a stupidly simple trap and all Holmes had to do was lock him in a room. Woohoo, that's so exciting...... not. The way Kane was handled was just stupid. Yeah, I expected him to be a Pit bull, not a puppy! Sorry if I sound a bit harsh, but that is about the worst thing an author can do: resolve something that is supposed to be terrifying by ending it with a joke. This author should be forced to watch the Sherlock episode The Hounds of Baskerville before he's allowed to handle dogs again.
It's such a shame. This had potential. But it just did not seem like a Holmesian case and was not very grounded in reality at all, something that I have come to expect from good Holmes pastiches.
Oh, and just a little advice for anyone writing a Holmes pastiche.
After all, you don't want to get carried away.
Project: Sherlock is complete. To see the rankings, click here.
Review posted on my blog The Writer's Library.
Sigh. Not a good book to end Project Sherlock on. You just can't win them all.
I half-expected this book to disappoint me. Over the course of this endeavor, I've come across books that really just flew off the edge of common sense and face planted in the world of the ridiculous. I've come across some select books that were absolute gems, but the key word here is "select".
The worst part is is that it starts off fantastically as bodies wash up in random places and Holmes is called to investigate. How Watson was roped into a false sense of security only to be stabbed in the back and taken away by the villain was a nice touch. Kane was kind of funny, once I saw who he really was. It was nice to see Professor Challenger in there, as a nod to another ACD work.
But Holmes said something to the effect that Moreau's army was just the remains of his experimentation being exploited by a mastermind and he was right. When half-human half-animal hybrids came into the mix, I knew we were headed for the ridiculous and I dreaded it. Why do you think it took me so long to finish it?
The climax did not feel very tense, I didn't feel worried about any main characters being hurt (as we only knew very little about them, they weren't needed all that much), and I really wanted to see some more closure in dealing with Moreau's successor. So they laid a stupidly simple trap and all Holmes had to do was lock him in a room. Woohoo, that's so exciting...... not. The way Kane was handled was just stupid. Yeah, I expected him to be a Pit bull, not a puppy! Sorry if I sound a bit harsh, but that is about the worst thing an author can do: resolve something that is supposed to be terrifying by ending it with a joke. This author should be forced to watch the Sherlock episode The Hounds of Baskerville before he's allowed to handle dogs again.
It's such a shame. This had potential. But it just did not seem like a Holmesian case and was not very grounded in reality at all, something that I have come to expect from good Holmes pastiches.
Oh, and just a little advice for anyone writing a Holmes pastiche.
After all, you don't want to get carried away.
Project: Sherlock is complete. To see the rankings, click here.
February 22, 2017
This is one of the better Sherlock Holmes adaptations I have come across so far, while also perfectly capturing the haunting and distributing atmosphere of The Island of Doctor Moreau. Guy Adams portrayed Sherlock very well as the genius, charismatic, cocky, somewhat heartless man he was in Conan Doyle's stories, without making him an asshole. His interactions with his brother and Watson are spot on.
This story is filled with amazing humour that made me chuckle more than ones. This mainly comes from the side characters, but also the jests between the Holmes brothers and Watson.
Only went and got myself bitten by a bloody sharktopus, didn't I? I mean, seriously, the bloody thing went for me like a cross between a Chinese dinner and my mother-in-law.
This story features not only our familiar Sherlock, Watson and Mycroft, but also a grown up Wiggins. It was a delight to see him back again. Of course we also see several characters of The Island of Doctor Moreau pass by, if only by name. Next to that we have a team of well-known scientists, such as Professor Challenger (The Lost World), Professor Lindenbrook (A Journey to the Centre of the Earth) and Abner Perry (At the Earth's Core). And then there is Inspector George Mann (author of The Will of the Death [4*], The Infinity Bridge [4*] The Osiris Ritual [5*])
However, I do have some criticisms which makes this book loose a star. First of all, the mystery isn't very mysterious and things are solved a bit too easy. Secondly, Sherlock and Watson have an argument in the beginning of the book about Sherlock showing-off, after which Sherlock decides not to explain anything anymore and let Watson figure things out on his own. As fitting as this childishness is to the characters, it kinda feels as a way for the author to get out of having to write brilliant deductions. It makes Sherlock more all-knowing instead of a genius... the deductions are what makes Sherlock Sherlock. It also works with the concept of evolution, but it is handled wrong. That is not how evolution works!
Overall a very fun, quick and atmospheric read which I highly recommend for both Holmes and Dr Moreau fans.
This story is filled with amazing humour that made me chuckle more than ones. This mainly comes from the side characters, but also the jests between the Holmes brothers and Watson.
Only went and got myself bitten by a bloody sharktopus, didn't I? I mean, seriously, the bloody thing went for me like a cross between a Chinese dinner and my mother-in-law.
This story features not only our familiar Sherlock, Watson and Mycroft, but also a grown up Wiggins. It was a delight to see him back again. Of course we also see several characters of The Island of Doctor Moreau pass by, if only by name. Next to that we have a team of well-known scientists, such as Professor Challenger (The Lost World), Professor Lindenbrook (A Journey to the Centre of the Earth) and Abner Perry (At the Earth's Core). And then there is Inspector George Mann (author of The Will of the Death [4*], The Infinity Bridge [4*] The Osiris Ritual [5*])
However, I do have some criticisms which makes this book loose a star. First of all, the mystery isn't very mysterious and things are solved a bit too easy. Secondly, Sherlock and Watson have an argument in the beginning of the book about Sherlock showing-off, after which Sherlock decides not to explain anything anymore and let Watson figure things out on his own. As fitting as this childishness is to the characters, it kinda feels as a way for the author to get out of having to write brilliant deductions. It makes Sherlock more all-knowing instead of a genius... the deductions are what makes Sherlock Sherlock. It also works with the concept of evolution, but it is handled wrong. That is not how evolution works!
Overall a very fun, quick and atmospheric read which I highly recommend for both Holmes and Dr Moreau fans.
December 28, 2019
There are a number of different authors who've tried their hand at writing "further adventures" style stories of Sherlock Holmes. This is a testament to how engaging and excellent a character Arthur Conan Doyle created in the great detective (and also in Doctor Watson). Generally, I find that the writers who are best at writing Holmes are the ones who re-imagine the character in a different time or setting because it allows them to interpret the character and make him their own. Those who try to pick up where Doyle left off, end up having to carry the heavy burden of matching Doyle's writing style, characterization, and very intelligent storytelling, which is no easy feat. Unfortunately, this book attempts to do that and fails utterly. The author demonstrates no particular understanding of Doyle's writing style or, even, of the characters themselves. And, most damning of all, neither Holmes nor the villains display any particular intelligence. Holmes just ends up being the least dumb of the people in the book.
This reads like a first draft of a mediocre fanfic - an story whose premise is far better than the execution.
This reads like a first draft of a mediocre fanfic - an story whose premise is far better than the execution.
June 10, 2024
Mycroft Holmes calls on his brother Sherlock to investigate a series of murders, fearing that the murderers may be connected to Department sanctioned experiments by infamous physiologist Dr Moreau.
A fun, pulpy, adventure which features the brash Professor Challenger and some in jokes regarding the writer's curse, an over demanding editor. A blend of science fiction, horror and detective fiction.
A fun, pulpy, adventure which features the brash Professor Challenger and some in jokes regarding the writer's curse, an over demanding editor. A blend of science fiction, horror and detective fiction.
January 26, 2025
Some good pulp fun.
November 22, 2017
Throughout literary history characters have emerged that continue to stand the test of time. Characters such as Bram Stoker’s ‘Dracula’, Mary Shelley’s ‘Frankenstein’ and Arthur Conan Doyle’s ‘Sherlock Holmes’.
Over the years several authors have written books and short stories starring the famous detective. While most were good (and some not so good in my opinion) few were able to capture Doyle’s particular writing style. That is, for me at least, until Guy Adams came along.
As of this writing, Adams has written two original Sherlock Holmes novels. Sherlock Holmes: The Breath of God and Sherlock Holmes: The Army of Dr. Moreau. Breath of God came out first and really should be read before The Army of Dr. Moreau simply because a few characters are introduced in the first book and re-appear in the second. Of course, should the reader not do so it will in no way decrease their enjoyment of the book.
In The Army of Dr. Moreau, we see Sherlock and Watson approached by Sherlock’s older brother Mycroft. Bodies have started to surface bearing wounds that could only be inflicted by wild animals not found in London. The bodies are supposedly the calling card of Dr. Moreau, but as he was drummed out of England and later died, it could not possibly be him murdering these individuals. Some person or persons have picked up Dr. Moreau’s work where he left off and continue to experiment. Mycroft instructs Holmes and Watson to find who it is before their work goes too far.
As you can tell by the title, this book features not one but two well known literary characters. Reading further in to the story, we are introduced to even more literary characters such as Professor Challenger from Doyle’s The Lost World and Abner Perry from Edgar Rice Burroughs’ At the Earth’s Core, among others. I will not divulge their roles in the book as that would ruin the fun. I will say however that Adams weaving of the multiple characters from different authors is well done. They are not simply dropped in to the book but are given a role, one that fits each one well and would be completely plausible should they all exist in the same literary universe.
The pacing of the book was also well done, I found it to be a real page turner. The language and style of speaking is very reminiscent of the original stories. Adams captures not only the cadence of Sherlock Holmes’ speech but that of Dr. Watson and the myriad of other characters within.
I am a big fan of Sherlock Holmes and have been for many years. This recent influx of new fiction with the famous detective delights me to no end. Sherlock Holmes: The Army of Dr. Moreau is one I will be adding to my shelves.
Over the years several authors have written books and short stories starring the famous detective. While most were good (and some not so good in my opinion) few were able to capture Doyle’s particular writing style. That is, for me at least, until Guy Adams came along.
As of this writing, Adams has written two original Sherlock Holmes novels. Sherlock Holmes: The Breath of God and Sherlock Holmes: The Army of Dr. Moreau. Breath of God came out first and really should be read before The Army of Dr. Moreau simply because a few characters are introduced in the first book and re-appear in the second. Of course, should the reader not do so it will in no way decrease their enjoyment of the book.
In The Army of Dr. Moreau, we see Sherlock and Watson approached by Sherlock’s older brother Mycroft. Bodies have started to surface bearing wounds that could only be inflicted by wild animals not found in London. The bodies are supposedly the calling card of Dr. Moreau, but as he was drummed out of England and later died, it could not possibly be him murdering these individuals. Some person or persons have picked up Dr. Moreau’s work where he left off and continue to experiment. Mycroft instructs Holmes and Watson to find who it is before their work goes too far.
As you can tell by the title, this book features not one but two well known literary characters. Reading further in to the story, we are introduced to even more literary characters such as Professor Challenger from Doyle’s The Lost World and Abner Perry from Edgar Rice Burroughs’ At the Earth’s Core, among others. I will not divulge their roles in the book as that would ruin the fun. I will say however that Adams weaving of the multiple characters from different authors is well done. They are not simply dropped in to the book but are given a role, one that fits each one well and would be completely plausible should they all exist in the same literary universe.
The pacing of the book was also well done, I found it to be a real page turner. The language and style of speaking is very reminiscent of the original stories. Adams captures not only the cadence of Sherlock Holmes’ speech but that of Dr. Watson and the myriad of other characters within.
I am a big fan of Sherlock Holmes and have been for many years. This recent influx of new fiction with the famous detective delights me to no end. Sherlock Holmes: The Army of Dr. Moreau is one I will be adding to my shelves.
October 8, 2012
Review brought to you by OBS reviewer Angie
I have not read any of the original Sherlock Holmes books, and was really excited to read something that was an ‘homage’ to this classic series. I was not disappointed in the least.
I have to admit that having seen the recent Sherlock Holmes movies with Robert Downey Jr., I did imagine him in this role as I was reading. It made it quite exciting and really helped to bring it to life in my imagination.
What I enjoyed about this story was the crossover in another well-known story, The Island of Dr. Moreau by HG Wells. It was fascinating to see how the author was able to intertwine the stories in such a way that they felt natural. The interaction between the characters was seamless and felt truly accurate to both original works and the period of the story.
I don’t often read books a second time, but this one will definitely make it on that short list!
http://openbooksociety.com/article/sh...
I have not read any of the original Sherlock Holmes books, and was really excited to read something that was an ‘homage’ to this classic series. I was not disappointed in the least.
I have to admit that having seen the recent Sherlock Holmes movies with Robert Downey Jr., I did imagine him in this role as I was reading. It made it quite exciting and really helped to bring it to life in my imagination.
What I enjoyed about this story was the crossover in another well-known story, The Island of Dr. Moreau by HG Wells. It was fascinating to see how the author was able to intertwine the stories in such a way that they felt natural. The interaction between the characters was seamless and felt truly accurate to both original works and the period of the story.
I don’t often read books a second time, but this one will definitely make it on that short list!
http://openbooksociety.com/article/sh...
August 31, 2012
Alan Moore had begun his "League of Extraordinary Gentlemen" series using some of the greatest works of Victorian fiction as the source of the protagonists & antagonists, but then had allowed things to drift into a surreal fugue state that is typical of his mind (genius, but not exactly.....). Guy Adams didn't attempt something THAT ambitious, but his pastiche is actually a highly enjoyable work that reminds one of the first couple of volumes of 'TLOEG'. The title says a lot, but the dialogues, the action-packed narrative, and the superlative mixing of comic & grotesque across the pages, make this book a very special piece. Highly Recommended.
June 6, 2018
Putting aside the ridiculous lack of scientific reality, I enjoyed this one a bit more than the previous one I read by Adams. The only jarring bit to me was the introduction/inclusion of the various "scientists" that were to serve as a consulting role to Holmes. Only one actually accompanied them on an adventure, and he contributed nothing but hot air. In the author's note at the end, Adams says that he included them as nods to various authors like Jules Verne, but I found the device simply distracting.
April 19, 2023
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle would be rolling in his grave if he read this atrocity by Guy Adams. Every page must include an ellipsis. Probably because he likes making all those dots with the crayon he wrote this drivel with.
This is easily one of the worst books I've ever read. And bear in mind that I've read John Grisham.
This is easily one of the worst books I've ever read. And bear in mind that I've read John Grisham.
December 15, 2018
Awful! Awful, awful, awful. I was really looking forward to this as I imagined it would be akin to Holmes adventures with Dracula, the premise was there, the story was there, the characters were there, how then can it be awful I hear you ask? The book is split into two, the first half is good and I really enjoyed it but bizarrely just after half way through, the author seems to sense this and for the remainder of the book, does his damnedest to ruin the rest of the experience. It starts when Mycroft Holmes ( when speaking with his brother ) calls him Holmes, really? then in an encounter with a man who has already crushed the bones and another mans hand with his own, Holmes somehow manages to have a conversation with Watson while being grabbed around the throat by these very same pneumatic power hands! The final nail in the coffin though is the ending of one of this same power handed villain, I can't describe it because if you are unfortunate enough to be reading this disaster of a book, it will spoil the horror for you, I really wish I could because it deserves an award in stupidity. In fact I can't keep it to my self so if you want to know and prevent yourself the pain of having to read it, after the dots you'll find out. ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................The villain is Kane, a half man half dog with ape hands hybrid created by Dr Moreau's surgery, whilst chasing Watson in order to " suck his bones " it seems that Watson is done for but luckily Watson see's a child's ball on the side of the road ( yup I thought the same thing ) "no way, surely thats not going to happen " but oh yes, he has the idea of throwing the ball into traffic and in a commanding voice shouts " Kane, fetch! " Thus ends the life of one of the primary villains, he managed to run a criminal gang but sadly could not resist the lure of a bouncing ball! Ridiculous.
August 21, 2020
This is the 2nd of Titan's Sherlock Holmes series, which like League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, takes Sherlock and mixes him with other contemporary literary characters. Book 1 - the Breath of God tackles the Supernatural. This one the scientific Romance.
The main references are Conan-Doyle (Sherlock Holmes) and H.G. Wells (The Island of Doctor Moreau) - And we have Holmes & Watson against someone starting up where Moreau left off.... The supporting characters include Challenger (Doyle again, this time The Lost World) Professor Lindenbrook (Jules Verne, Journey to the Centre of the Earth) Abner Perry (Edgar Rice Burroughs - At the Earth's Core) and Calvor (Wells again - First Men in the Moon)
Like LXG when it sticks at what its best at (19th century) this is brilliant - I may be biased being a huge Sherlock and Wells fan and lover of hybrids and the science romance, but I liked the story, pace and thought the characters were spot on. My biggest niggle I guess is the superfluity of Lindenbrook, Perry and Calvor - other than to literature name drop (and annoy Sherlock) they have nothing to do with the story and could happily have been left out.
Holmes is a little more human here than Doyle's creation - you really feel Watson's influence on him - like he manages to praise Wiggins - because its something Watson would have done, and little asides like him thinking Watson would be proud of his sensitivity. While there is nothing overt, fans of Sherlock/Watson slash will love Holmes referring to 'My Watson' - how he wished for 'Watson and no other' when he gets annoyed with his companions. And there's a rather interesting throw away line where after reading Watson's ransom note which ends with 'do not make me turn him into something he will regret' Holmes muttered comment is 'a confirmed bachelor perhaps' - euphemism? up to the reader, but it felt to me like a very queer response from Holmes.
So apart from the disappointing use of the literary team-up the rest of this is cracking and does exactly what it sets out to do, put Holmes in a Scientific Romance. Fans of Sherlock and Wells need this one in their collection. There's even a cameo of a Sharktopus!
The main references are Conan-Doyle (Sherlock Holmes) and H.G. Wells (The Island of Doctor Moreau) - And we have Holmes & Watson against someone starting up where Moreau left off.... The supporting characters include Challenger (Doyle again, this time The Lost World) Professor Lindenbrook (Jules Verne, Journey to the Centre of the Earth) Abner Perry (Edgar Rice Burroughs - At the Earth's Core) and Calvor (Wells again - First Men in the Moon)
Like LXG when it sticks at what its best at (19th century) this is brilliant - I may be biased being a huge Sherlock and Wells fan and lover of hybrids and the science romance, but I liked the story, pace and thought the characters were spot on. My biggest niggle I guess is the superfluity of Lindenbrook, Perry and Calvor - other than to literature name drop (and annoy Sherlock) they have nothing to do with the story and could happily have been left out.
Holmes is a little more human here than Doyle's creation - you really feel Watson's influence on him - like he manages to praise Wiggins - because its something Watson would have done, and little asides like him thinking Watson would be proud of his sensitivity. While there is nothing overt, fans of Sherlock/Watson slash will love Holmes referring to 'My Watson' - how he wished for 'Watson and no other' when he gets annoyed with his companions. And there's a rather interesting throw away line where after reading Watson's ransom note which ends with 'do not make me turn him into something he will regret' Holmes muttered comment is 'a confirmed bachelor perhaps' - euphemism? up to the reader, but it felt to me like a very queer response from Holmes.
So apart from the disappointing use of the literary team-up the rest of this is cracking and does exactly what it sets out to do, put Holmes in a Scientific Romance. Fans of Sherlock and Wells need this one in their collection. There's even a cameo of a Sharktopus!
October 25, 2018
Started to read the book with little expectations, however it was still a big disappointment for me. A poorly written fantasy-adventure youth book with a protagonist accidentally sharing the same name as the world-famous genius detective. I may be too strict with the book, but certainly the genre is closer to fantasy than to mystery.
The character. A figure named Holmes had a lot of running and fighting parts yet survived the whole book without a single use of his much-mentioned logic and deduction skills. At least the author had some self-criticism when he also realized it and expressed the boredom and primitiveness of the case through the very words of Holmes. The author had some previous knowledge about the original Holmes character, but more of the BBC version (which is great by the way), however he couldn’t present the person through the plot. So, the readers were forced to accept Watson’s descriptions and statements about the detective without witnessing the smallest signs of proofs and real stories.
The plot. A very childish fantasy. Under no circumstance it qualifies as scientific-mystery, it seemed to be just a crazy idea of a not so talented fan of animal rights. Poorly written ending – even compared to the whole story itself. The reason for this might be that after the introduction of the ridiculous characters, there were no tensions or anything interesting left, so even the author wanted to reach the end of this book as soon as he can. Among the pastiches this one was the furthest from the original Sherlock canon both for the plot and character.
And some pros. The first chapters were promising, it could have turned into something interesting. And if the reader is looking for a fun book that can be finished within a day, without expecting it to be a real Sherlock Holmes novel, then it might be fine. Also, I can imagine this to be adapted as a summer blockbuster played by Robert Downey Jr.
The character. A figure named Holmes had a lot of running and fighting parts yet survived the whole book without a single use of his much-mentioned logic and deduction skills. At least the author had some self-criticism when he also realized it and expressed the boredom and primitiveness of the case through the very words of Holmes. The author had some previous knowledge about the original Holmes character, but more of the BBC version (which is great by the way), however he couldn’t present the person through the plot. So, the readers were forced to accept Watson’s descriptions and statements about the detective without witnessing the smallest signs of proofs and real stories.
The plot. A very childish fantasy. Under no circumstance it qualifies as scientific-mystery, it seemed to be just a crazy idea of a not so talented fan of animal rights. Poorly written ending – even compared to the whole story itself. The reason for this might be that after the introduction of the ridiculous characters, there were no tensions or anything interesting left, so even the author wanted to reach the end of this book as soon as he can. Among the pastiches this one was the furthest from the original Sherlock canon both for the plot and character.
And some pros. The first chapters were promising, it could have turned into something interesting. And if the reader is looking for a fun book that can be finished within a day, without expecting it to be a real Sherlock Holmes novel, then it might be fine. Also, I can imagine this to be adapted as a summer blockbuster played by Robert Downey Jr.
April 29, 2024
So disappointed. What a wonderful title for a Sherlock Holmes novel, right? I can’t think of anything more interesting than an exploration of the great novel by H.G. Wells and Sherlock Holmes solving some case involving him. Well, the title drew me in, but the story threw me out.
First, I give Guy Adams credit for his writing here. He is actually fairly decent writing in the voice of Holmes, though I’m not sure he does as effective a job with Watson. I enjoyed the presence of Mycroft as well as a few characters from the Diogenes club. The setting rings true for the most part. What really derails this novel is the story, in particular, the ludicrous creatures the villain “vivisects.” I use that term loosely, as what Moreau does in The Island of Dr Moreau is very different from what ends up happening here. In this novel, we get bizarre creatures like a human with the head of a shark, some sort of a humanoid octopus, and any other variety of truly bizarre and utterly unbelievable creatures. Sure, Moreau did create some doozies, but they were within the realm of possibility. He was, after all, trying to humanize animals. What Adams does here is suggest that the villain (who is not Dr. Moreau, by the way) somehow actually creates a new life form that’s a hybrid of man and animal. In short, this wasn’t what Wells intended, and while the author here has every right to do what he wants, I also have the right to find what he’s done ludicrous in the extreme.
I’ve read several of these modern pastiches of Sherlock Holmes. Some have been great, like The Yard. Others have disappointed, like The Army of Dr. Moreau. I still say that Sherlock Holmes is best enjoyed and appreciated in the short story format. This novel does nothing to dissuade me from that belief.
First, I give Guy Adams credit for his writing here. He is actually fairly decent writing in the voice of Holmes, though I’m not sure he does as effective a job with Watson. I enjoyed the presence of Mycroft as well as a few characters from the Diogenes club. The setting rings true for the most part. What really derails this novel is the story, in particular, the ludicrous creatures the villain “vivisects.” I use that term loosely, as what Moreau does in The Island of Dr Moreau is very different from what ends up happening here. In this novel, we get bizarre creatures like a human with the head of a shark, some sort of a humanoid octopus, and any other variety of truly bizarre and utterly unbelievable creatures. Sure, Moreau did create some doozies, but they were within the realm of possibility. He was, after all, trying to humanize animals. What Adams does here is suggest that the villain (who is not Dr. Moreau, by the way) somehow actually creates a new life form that’s a hybrid of man and animal. In short, this wasn’t what Wells intended, and while the author here has every right to do what he wants, I also have the right to find what he’s done ludicrous in the extreme.
I’ve read several of these modern pastiches of Sherlock Holmes. Some have been great, like The Yard. Others have disappointed, like The Army of Dr. Moreau. I still say that Sherlock Holmes is best enjoyed and appreciated in the short story format. This novel does nothing to dissuade me from that belief.
July 4, 2025
Content Warning: Body Horror, Animal Cruelty, Racism, Violence, Suicide, Murder
At the recommendation of a friend, I read both The Island of Dr. Moreau (earlier this year) and Sherlock Holmes: the Army of Dr. Moreau (which I just finished). I do have to admit that I think reading both was a whole lot of fun. Sherlock Holmes is always a fun character, no matter who is writing him, and his adventures always tend to draw me in. This, mixed with the familiar characters and plot of The Island of Dr. Moreau, offered another attempt at uncovering a mystery that was so uncomfortable and disturbing, you couldn't help but try and rubberneck the drama.
The plot of this book takes place about a decade after the events of The Island of Dr. Moreau, and while Edward Prendick was written off as a nutter by the English public, we immediately have to accept that everything he spoke of was absolutely true. Once we've accepted that, the game is on and we're on an adventure where we're trying to guess what happens next to the best of our ability. When all is said and done, we can only consider the horror of what may happen next, because we can never be sure that this end is /the/ end.
Four stars because it's the same rating I gave The Island of Dr. Moreau and the pseudo-science is still so funny to me. I've kept in mind that most characters involved are all borrowed characters from several different books and movies, obviously including the Holmes-based characters as well, and still managed to enjoy myself. The book is fun and easy to read, and I don't have too many complaints.
At the recommendation of a friend, I read both The Island of Dr. Moreau (earlier this year) and Sherlock Holmes: the Army of Dr. Moreau (which I just finished). I do have to admit that I think reading both was a whole lot of fun. Sherlock Holmes is always a fun character, no matter who is writing him, and his adventures always tend to draw me in. This, mixed with the familiar characters and plot of The Island of Dr. Moreau, offered another attempt at uncovering a mystery that was so uncomfortable and disturbing, you couldn't help but try and rubberneck the drama.
The plot of this book takes place about a decade after the events of The Island of Dr. Moreau, and while Edward Prendick was written off as a nutter by the English public, we immediately have to accept that everything he spoke of was absolutely true. Once we've accepted that, the game is on and we're on an adventure where we're trying to guess what happens next to the best of our ability. When all is said and done, we can only consider the horror of what may happen next, because we can never be sure that this end is /the/ end.
Four stars because it's the same rating I gave The Island of Dr. Moreau and the pseudo-science is still so funny to me. I've kept in mind that most characters involved are all borrowed characters from several different books and movies, obviously including the Holmes-based characters as well, and still managed to enjoy myself. The book is fun and easy to read, and I don't have too many complaints.
September 21, 2017
Sherlock Holmes is arguably one of the most, if not the most, popular fictional character ever created. There is still an appetite for his adventures today, and new tales are generated every year featuring Mr. Holmes and his chronicler, Dr. John Watson. Holmes has fought creatures from the Cthulhu Mythos and met Dracula, Jack the Ripper, and even Batman. Apparently there is something about Holmes that (in the right hands) lends itself to hybridization. Which leads us to The Army of Dr. Moreau. Guy Adams' novel is really more of a straight up adventure than a story of deduction. Apparently someone is carrying on the work of a mad scientist named Moreau (yes from the H G Wells novel The Island of Dr. Moreau.) Moreau was actually working for the British government, specifically Mycroft Holmes. Sherlock is called in by his brother to clean up the mess. Something nasty is afoot in the streets of London. (These are not spoilers this information can be found on the back of the book.) Guy Adams has the relationship between Holmes and Watson down pat, though when he switches narrators from Watson to Holmes he loses a few points-Holmes is just a little too catty. There are a lot of fun cameos in this book-I won't give all of them away but I will say it is interesting to see Holmes interact with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's other famous literary creation, Professor Challenger. This book was very enjoyable.
June 3, 2018
Fun well paced romp through Victorian England. Though everything feels a little too smooth. The apparent turning of tables doesn't feel very suspenseful, given Holmes' supreme confidence/arrogance that he has out-thought the 1-d villain.
___
Well, genius often ousts the social niceties. It is so hard to fit everything into a brain after all.
One must concentrate on the tools one needs. What use are social niceties when it comes to creating a new element, exploring a hitherto undiscovered jungle, inventing a new device?
I had never grown used to the notion that I was deemed to be famous by the general public. But then, most famous people probably never do. They see themselves from the inside and therefore know they are the very epitome of normality and drudgery.
"You always think you know the people you read about, of course you only know the half of people's lives."
"The half they choose to tell you."
"Indeed."
In a way Holmes was even more irritating when he capitulated; you wanted to rage at the man and all he could do was nod and admit he was annoying. If there was a better way of taking the wind from a man's sails I didn't know of it.
___
Well, genius often ousts the social niceties. It is so hard to fit everything into a brain after all.
One must concentrate on the tools one needs. What use are social niceties when it comes to creating a new element, exploring a hitherto undiscovered jungle, inventing a new device?
I had never grown used to the notion that I was deemed to be famous by the general public. But then, most famous people probably never do. They see themselves from the inside and therefore know they are the very epitome of normality and drudgery.
"You always think you know the people you read about, of course you only know the half of people's lives."
"The half they choose to tell you."
"Indeed."
In a way Holmes was even more irritating when he capitulated; you wanted to rage at the man and all he could do was nod and admit he was annoying. If there was a better way of taking the wind from a man's sails I didn't know of it.
December 8, 2018
I am a sucker for anything Holmes related. This series is sitting on my shelf waiting to be read. With this book, and The Breath of God, the intertwining of genres into the detective fiction of Holmes is entertaining. Adams mentions in his own comments that this is more of a pulp fiction than moralistic or deep. I agree that it is intended to be entertainment and a nod to early science fiction.
I have not read many of the referenced works relating to various characters in the novel. I would like to have picked up more about some of the side characters, but given the length of the book, the cast seems properly fitted. It is a good reason to go back and read those classic works.
My only criticism is that the ending feels a bit easy. I'm not sure of a way to remedy that, but it is the feeling I get. I think the dividing of perspectives at the end is revealing too much in the course of what's happening. The events that each perspective reveal, in a more traditional Holmes story, would have been the subject of Holmes' revelations after the fact. In this case, there's no need for Holmes to tie everything up at the end.
I have not read many of the referenced works relating to various characters in the novel. I would like to have picked up more about some of the side characters, but given the length of the book, the cast seems properly fitted. It is a good reason to go back and read those classic works.
My only criticism is that the ending feels a bit easy. I'm not sure of a way to remedy that, but it is the feeling I get. I think the dividing of perspectives at the end is revealing too much in the course of what's happening. The events that each perspective reveal, in a more traditional Holmes story, would have been the subject of Holmes' revelations after the fact. In this case, there's no need for Holmes to tie everything up at the end.
May 25, 2017
I loved this story and the journey Holmes and Watson find themselves on this time. I felt that I couldn't read fast enough to keep up with the pace of the story. I was completely drawn to the various characters, which was slightly confusing at parts. It was easy for me to imagine the environment and this importance of them working quickly. The truly hard part for me was the medical science fiction in the story. (Me being a nurse.) It was hard to imagine anyone being successful at any length with what was being described. That's doesn't mean I wouldn't recommend this book to other Sherlock Holmes fans or historical fiction readers. Guy Adams writing was fast paced and left you wanting to know what happens on the next page. As far as my rating at 3 out 5, it was the medical science fiction. Otherwise it would definitely been 4 out of 5!
January 17, 2020
Great Sherlock Holmes adventure, as his brother Mycroft enlists his help in tracking down who is behind the wave of savage killings in London, murders that look like the impossible work of wild animals. Holmes and Dr. Watson discover a link to the late Dr. Moreau, whose work in grafting animals into humans is being continued by an unknown scientist.
This was a quick read, as the story moves along rapidly, and really entertaining. Turn of the century London is brought to life, especially the darker sections of the city. Although there is a large cast of characters, the story doesn't seem crowded due to the shortness of the novel.
If you need to escape from the world for a bit, this book is perfect for it! Loved it and I want to read some others in the series.
This was a quick read, as the story moves along rapidly, and really entertaining. Turn of the century London is brought to life, especially the darker sections of the city. Although there is a large cast of characters, the story doesn't seem crowded due to the shortness of the novel.
If you need to escape from the world for a bit, this book is perfect for it! Loved it and I want to read some others in the series.
February 28, 2023
Jó, hogy nem sorrendben adták ki ezt a sorozatot! :/ Mindenesetre egy jó kis Sherlock Holmes-os sztori, némi Dr.Moreau beütéssel és sok hivatkozással a sorozat előző kötetére. Sherlock itt abszolút önmaga, Guy Adamsnek sikerült teljesen jól megragadnia az egyéniségét, Watson kommentárjai pedig nagyon viccesek, Dr. Moreau szörnyei meg nem kicsit gusztustalanok. Persze tudományosan semmi alapja annak amit itt leír, de szórakoztatóan rémséges. Ehhez képest a megoldás talán kicsit egyszerű volt, és a végén nem értettem Sherlock és Watson szemszögén kívül miért kellett még jó pár szereplő egyedi szemszöge egy-egy fejezet erejéig, de egye kukac belefért.
April 17, 2024
Strange Sherlock Holmes book! It seemed a little too hokey as far as I’m concerned.
Dr. Moreau is a maniacal character. From the beginning of the book we have to decide, is he alive or is he dead.
Strange experiments are taking place and Watson and Holmes are determined to who is performing them. We also hear from Sherlocks brother Mycroft because what is happening is so horrible that it affects the entire UK. There is one episode close to the end of the book that made me LMAO.
Pardon the profanity!🤣
Dr. Moreau is a maniacal character. From the beginning of the book we have to decide, is he alive or is he dead.
Strange experiments are taking place and Watson and Holmes are determined to who is performing them. We also hear from Sherlocks brother Mycroft because what is happening is so horrible that it affects the entire UK. There is one episode close to the end of the book that made me LMAO.
Pardon the profanity!🤣
September 30, 2018
Mediocre
I was not all that impressed with this book. I made several attempts at reading this book. Finally got through it and can say I look forward to more entertaining reads. I had to force myself to finish it in this last ditch effort to find some redeeming quality for my purchase. I found none. I love Sherlock Holmes adaptations, as well as the originals, however, money and time is better spent elsewhere.
I was not all that impressed with this book. I made several attempts at reading this book. Finally got through it and can say I look forward to more entertaining reads. I had to force myself to finish it in this last ditch effort to find some redeeming quality for my purchase. I found none. I love Sherlock Holmes adaptations, as well as the originals, however, money and time is better spent elsewhere.
October 2, 2021
It was much better than the other Sherlock Holmes I previously read. It was slow at the start then started getting better. The book is pretty macabre and I dont really know why I picked it up at the local used book store. I just wanted to read something different I suppose. Well if u like animals with human bodies then You will like it indeed. Me it was just okay more like a 3 and a half star book.
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