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The Boy Sherlock Holmes #4
The Secret Fiend: The Boy Sherlock Holmes, His Fourth Case
It is 1868, the week that Benjamin Disraeli becomes Prime Minister of the Empire. Sherlock's beautiful but poor admirer, Beatrice, the hatter's daughter, appears at the door late at night. She is terrified, claiming that she and her friend have just been attacked by the Spring Heeled Jack on Westminster Bridge and the fiend has made off with her friend. At first Sherlock thinks Beatrice simply wants his attention, and he is reluctant to go back to detective work. He also believes that the Jack everyone fears is a fictional figure. But soon he is suspicious of various individuals, several of them close friends.
Set at a time when many in England were in a state of fear because a Jew was running the country, Shane Peacock presents a compelling story filled with an atmosphere of paranoia and secrets and surprises played out on late-night London streets. Sherlock gets drawn deeper and deeper into the pursuit of the Spring Heeled Jack, whose attacks grow in number until it seems that there are Jacks everywhere.
The Secret Fiend is the fourth book in Shane Peacock's award-winning Boy Sherlock Holmes series, combining brilliant storytelling with fascinating historical detail and a mystery worthy of one of the greatest sleuths in English literature.
Set at a time when many in England were in a state of fear because a Jew was running the country, Shane Peacock presents a compelling story filled with an atmosphere of paranoia and secrets and surprises played out on late-night London streets. Sherlock gets drawn deeper and deeper into the pursuit of the Spring Heeled Jack, whose attacks grow in number until it seems that there are Jacks everywhere.
The Secret Fiend is the fourth book in Shane Peacock's award-winning Boy Sherlock Holmes series, combining brilliant storytelling with fascinating historical detail and a mystery worthy of one of the greatest sleuths in English literature.
272 pages, Paperback
First published April 14, 2010
21 people are currently reading
487 people want to read
About the author
Shane Peacock
37 books133 followersShane Peacock was born in 1957 in Thunder Bay, Ontario, one of four brothers. He attended school in the northern town of Kapuskasing, Ontario, before attending university, where he studied History and English literature. A biographer, journalist, and screenwriter, he is also the author of eighteen novels, a picture book and three plays, and has been won and/or been nominated for numerous awards including two Arthur Ellis Awards for crime fiction, the Geoffrey Bilson Award for historical fiction, the Violet Downey Award, the Libris Award, seven times honored with Junior Library Guild of America selections, and has been on three shortlists for the Canadian Children's Literature Award, and one for the Governor-General's Award. His books have been published in 20 languages in 18 countries. He and his wife, journalist Sophie Kneisel live in Cobourg, Ontario and have two daughters and a son.
Series:
* The Dylan Maples Adventures
* The Boy Sherlock Holmes
The Dark Missions of Edgar Brim
The Seven Series
Awards:
Arthur Ellis Award
◊ Best Juvenile (2008): Eye of the Crow
The Arthur Ellis (2013)
The Violet Downey Award
The Libris Award
The Geoffrey Bilson Award
The Ruth & Sylvia Schwartz Award
Anne Izard Storyteller Choice Award
Junior Library Guild of America Selection (7 times)
Governor-General's Award (shortlist)
TD Canadian Children's Literature Award (shortlist)
Series:
* The Dylan Maples Adventures
* The Boy Sherlock Holmes
The Dark Missions of Edgar Brim
The Seven Series
Awards:
Arthur Ellis Award
◊ Best Juvenile (2008): Eye of the Crow
The Arthur Ellis (2013)
The Violet Downey Award
The Libris Award
The Geoffrey Bilson Award
The Ruth & Sylvia Schwartz Award
Anne Izard Storyteller Choice Award
Junior Library Guild of America Selection (7 times)
Governor-General's Award (shortlist)
TD Canadian Children's Literature Award (shortlist)
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
June 24, 2016
lolz I figured it out before he did!
May 19, 2010
This is the fourth book in Shane Peacock's incredibly rich and wonderful series about Sherlock Holmes as he developed during his youth. The story in this case concerns a "fiend" known as the Spring-Heeled Jack. The Spring-Heeled Jack originated in actual claimed sightings in 1837, and eventually evolved into a kind of bogeyman of cheap Victorian serial tabloid fiction. The case begins after a childhood friend (Beatrice) of Sherlock is attacked by this "fiend". She becomes a new love interest for Sherlock, as something of a foil to Irene Doyle, who of course appears again in this novel.
We see in this novel a further development of the close relationship between Sherlock and his mentor, Bell the apothecary. Indeed, there are fascinating secrets about Bell that are revealed as the story unfolds. But it is Sherlock's continuing nemesis whose development steals the show in this book. I don't wish to include spoilers so let it suffice to say that it becomes very clear by the end of the book the direction in which Peacock is going to take this central figure of the series.
The otherwise wonderful story in the book is blemished by an unfortunate reference to Chaos Theory (in the mathematical sense), which was not formulated until 1961.
While the first three books were relatively tame in this regard, there is sufficient suggested and apparent violence in this fourth book that I would not recommend it for children younger than the target age group (10 and up).
I found this fourth case to be the most interesting and exciting of the books so far. I am eagerly awaiting the next installment in what I think is the most exciting series since Harry Potter.
We see in this novel a further development of the close relationship between Sherlock and his mentor, Bell the apothecary. Indeed, there are fascinating secrets about Bell that are revealed as the story unfolds. But it is Sherlock's continuing nemesis whose development steals the show in this book. I don't wish to include spoilers so let it suffice to say that it becomes very clear by the end of the book the direction in which Peacock is going to take this central figure of the series.
The otherwise wonderful story in the book is blemished by an unfortunate reference to Chaos Theory (in the mathematical sense), which was not formulated until 1961.
While the first three books were relatively tame in this regard, there is sufficient suggested and apparent violence in this fourth book that I would not recommend it for children younger than the target age group (10 and up).
I found this fourth case to be the most interesting and exciting of the books so far. I am eagerly awaiting the next installment in what I think is the most exciting series since Harry Potter.
September 28, 2011
I love Sherlock Holmes, so I began this book expecting the best. It's written for teens, with a little mystery, a little romance, a lot of Sherlock getting himself into trouble. Not the best Holmes book ever, but I loved that Peacock used one of my very favorite non-ficiton books - Victorian London by Liza Picard- to research for the setting and time period.
November 5, 2018
Set in 1868 in a time of change in England’s history with the emergence of Jew turned Anglican Benjamin Disraeli appointed as Prime minister; the defiant rise of the lower classes; the instability of the financial markets; Irish terrorism; and the growing independence of countries in the Empire, “The Secret Fiend” the fourth book in the series opens with fourteen-year-old Sherlock’s friend Beatrice Leckie, the hatter’s daughter appealing to him to find her friend Louise after being attacked by Spring Heeled Jack, a fiend made famous in the Penny Dreadful magazine.
Although at first skeptical as the assaults on innocent women increase and with a murder where he seems to be the chief suspect, Sherlock gets swept up in an investigation with cryptic notes about creating chaos his only lead.
Well-written and action-packed, Shane Peacock shapes a dark mystery building high intensity and suspense as the list of suspects grows with the plotting of anarchists, attacks on Sherlock, and police suspicion that he’s the deadly culprit. In this book Sherlock has put aside his ambition to be a famous detective until older, focusing on school, his work for Sigerson Bell, his Bellist moves and looking for justice when not only Beatrice but other women are attacked by the fiend.
Filled with twist and turns the excitement mounts as Sherlock learns more about his enemy Malefactor who wants him dead, and his friend Irene Doyle whose association with the criminal is changing her, the plot flows quickly and smoothly to an exciting ending and the promise of a fifth book.
Bringing the story to life are the colourful and compelling characters who have developed with each new book in the series, including the observant, quick-witted and brave Sherlock Holmes who’s more interested in justice than his own ambition; independent, feisty and bold Irene Doyle; the secretive, optimistic alchemist Sigerson Bell; as well as bitter and sinister Malefactor. Among the familiar faces there are a bevy of new characters like the handsome and charismatic Robert Hide; the pretty, spirited and political-minded Beatrice; as well as enigmatic Louise Stevenson. All add to a thrilling roller-coaster ride as Sherlock struggles to uncover the identity of an ominous red-eyed, bat-like shadow plaguing the city.
I thoroughly enjoyed “The Secret Fiend” and can’t wait to read the next book in this award-winning series.
Although at first skeptical as the assaults on innocent women increase and with a murder where he seems to be the chief suspect, Sherlock gets swept up in an investigation with cryptic notes about creating chaos his only lead.
Well-written and action-packed, Shane Peacock shapes a dark mystery building high intensity and suspense as the list of suspects grows with the plotting of anarchists, attacks on Sherlock, and police suspicion that he’s the deadly culprit. In this book Sherlock has put aside his ambition to be a famous detective until older, focusing on school, his work for Sigerson Bell, his Bellist moves and looking for justice when not only Beatrice but other women are attacked by the fiend.
Filled with twist and turns the excitement mounts as Sherlock learns more about his enemy Malefactor who wants him dead, and his friend Irene Doyle whose association with the criminal is changing her, the plot flows quickly and smoothly to an exciting ending and the promise of a fifth book.
Bringing the story to life are the colourful and compelling characters who have developed with each new book in the series, including the observant, quick-witted and brave Sherlock Holmes who’s more interested in justice than his own ambition; independent, feisty and bold Irene Doyle; the secretive, optimistic alchemist Sigerson Bell; as well as bitter and sinister Malefactor. Among the familiar faces there are a bevy of new characters like the handsome and charismatic Robert Hide; the pretty, spirited and political-minded Beatrice; as well as enigmatic Louise Stevenson. All add to a thrilling roller-coaster ride as Sherlock struggles to uncover the identity of an ominous red-eyed, bat-like shadow plaguing the city.
I thoroughly enjoyed “The Secret Fiend” and can’t wait to read the next book in this award-winning series.
August 22, 2010
Reason for Reading: Next in the Series.
Shane Peacock has made it to the 4th book in this series and in my opinion the best one so far. I've been consistently rating the books a 4/5, knowing that Mr. Peacock had something more to give that was waiting for my full five rating and "The Secret Fiend" fits the bill. Oh, the case is a bit out there but then some of Doyle's cases were also so I won't hold that against an author who can hold it all together.
Sherlock, who has decided to wait until he has become a man to resume detecting, has been spending his time on his studies: academic, mental and physical, when a very close friend from childhood, Beatrice, arrives at his door saying she and a friend have been attacked. She tells a wild tale and will he come and help find her friend. One thing leads to another and Sherlock decides that this time the case has chosen him and he takes it on. Apparently, all over the East Side of London a figure who may be (or is just dressed like) the legendary character Spring-Heeled Jack is on the loose frightening women, leaving notes about chaos and finally seems to be the culprit in a gruesome murder.
Sherlock is older now, at 14 years-old his studies are quite academic and he sees his future ahead of him, but unfortunately feelings keep getting in his way, interfering with logical deduction. So he continues to struggle with giving up personal feelings. Holmes' character has grown very much over the four books where he is now poised on the edge of the Sherlock Holmes character we know from the source.
Peacock presents us with a fast-paced, action packed, atmospheric and at times dark mystery. The usual character's from the past books return but there are changing dynamics between friends and foes that are very different from earlier books. We get a good inside look into the political and social arena of the times as Disraeli, the first ever Jew, becomes Prime Minister. Peacock also throws a nod out to Robert Louis Stevenson in this book by having a secondary character known only as Louise for most part until eventually her last name is revealed to be Stevenson and further on we are told her father's name is Robert.
I really enjoyed the mystery and was so involved in all the activities going on between Sherlock and the various characters, that while I had the suspects listed in my head I never bothered to try to figure out whodunit as I was having too much fun being wrapped up in all the other story threads. Peacock gives a major clue (to the overall story arc of the series) in this book that Holmesian fans will have solved in a heartbeat, but will make no sense to those who haven't read (or watched) Holmes before. I was excited with this reveal as I had been guessing at it for the last couple of books now and it makes book five an even more eagerly anticipated read. This book (along with the others) is well-written and I don't hesitate to recommend them to adults as well as teens.
Shane Peacock has made it to the 4th book in this series and in my opinion the best one so far. I've been consistently rating the books a 4/5, knowing that Mr. Peacock had something more to give that was waiting for my full five rating and "The Secret Fiend" fits the bill. Oh, the case is a bit out there but then some of Doyle's cases were also so I won't hold that against an author who can hold it all together.
Sherlock, who has decided to wait until he has become a man to resume detecting, has been spending his time on his studies: academic, mental and physical, when a very close friend from childhood, Beatrice, arrives at his door saying she and a friend have been attacked. She tells a wild tale and will he come and help find her friend. One thing leads to another and Sherlock decides that this time the case has chosen him and he takes it on. Apparently, all over the East Side of London a figure who may be (or is just dressed like) the legendary character Spring-Heeled Jack is on the loose frightening women, leaving notes about chaos and finally seems to be the culprit in a gruesome murder.
Sherlock is older now, at 14 years-old his studies are quite academic and he sees his future ahead of him, but unfortunately feelings keep getting in his way, interfering with logical deduction. So he continues to struggle with giving up personal feelings. Holmes' character has grown very much over the four books where he is now poised on the edge of the Sherlock Holmes character we know from the source.
Peacock presents us with a fast-paced, action packed, atmospheric and at times dark mystery. The usual character's from the past books return but there are changing dynamics between friends and foes that are very different from earlier books. We get a good inside look into the political and social arena of the times as Disraeli, the first ever Jew, becomes Prime Minister. Peacock also throws a nod out to Robert Louis Stevenson in this book by having a secondary character known only as Louise for most part until eventually her last name is revealed to be Stevenson and further on we are told her father's name is Robert.
I really enjoyed the mystery and was so involved in all the activities going on between Sherlock and the various characters, that while I had the suspects listed in my head I never bothered to try to figure out whodunit as I was having too much fun being wrapped up in all the other story threads. Peacock gives a major clue (to the overall story arc of the series) in this book that Holmesian fans will have solved in a heartbeat, but will make no sense to those who haven't read (or watched) Holmes before. I was excited with this reveal as I had been guessing at it for the last couple of books now and it makes book five an even more eagerly anticipated read. This book (along with the others) is well-written and I don't hesitate to recommend them to adults as well as teens.
May 18, 2020
I really, really enjoyed this one! Shane Peacock has done another fantastic job and I really hope he continues on with this series.
This title is certainly branching into the young adult genre with Sherlock going through puberty and begining to notice things like how curvy Irene and Beatrice's bodies have gotten, and a very funny conversation about grabbing men by their "unmentionables" in a self-defense class. The variety of euphemisms ("meat and vegetables", "cricket equipment", "private machinery")used made me laugh so hard! While not really sexual in nature, the discussion does get a little more attention than it typically would in a children's book. Too, Irene and Beatrice both try and entice Sherlock at different points in the story. While still acceptable for younger readers, teens may find the story and the more mature elements more enjoyable.
After nearly thirty years of inactivity, The Spring Heeled Jack attacks again! Originally a character in a Penny Dreadful, this time around someone is using his physical attributes to scare and attack poor women across London. When the first attack happens to a childhood friend of Sherlock, he is drawn in whether he wants to be or not. Between dodging Malefactor and his murderous intentions, trying to regain his friendship with Irene, protecting Beatrice and continuing his studies with Bell, Sherlock has a lot on his plate... it doesn't help that the elder Lestrade wants Sherlock's head on a platter...
This title is certainly branching into the young adult genre with Sherlock going through puberty and begining to notice things like how curvy Irene and Beatrice's bodies have gotten, and a very funny conversation about grabbing men by their "unmentionables" in a self-defense class. The variety of euphemisms ("meat and vegetables", "cricket equipment", "private machinery")used made me laugh so hard! While not really sexual in nature, the discussion does get a little more attention than it typically would in a children's book. Too, Irene and Beatrice both try and entice Sherlock at different points in the story. While still acceptable for younger readers, teens may find the story and the more mature elements more enjoyable.
After nearly thirty years of inactivity, The Spring Heeled Jack attacks again! Originally a character in a Penny Dreadful, this time around someone is using his physical attributes to scare and attack poor women across London. When the first attack happens to a childhood friend of Sherlock, he is drawn in whether he wants to be or not. Between dodging Malefactor and his murderous intentions, trying to regain his friendship with Irene, protecting Beatrice and continuing his studies with Bell, Sherlock has a lot on his plate... it doesn't help that the elder Lestrade wants Sherlock's head on a platter...
October 27, 2014
Young Sherlock Holmes comes to life in this intriguing, clue-laden mystery set in 1868 England. Reluctant at first to get involved in a puzzling series of attacks by a fiend who mimics Spring Heeled Jack (a fictional character from the Penny Dreadful books), Sherlock is nonetheless drawn into the fray as friends and foes look to him to solve the mystery. Sherlock studies the clues, tracks apparent suspects, and questions the facts in an effort to stop the criminal activity that threatens the peace of the city. Many characters are suspect, but Holmes needs to follow his nose and sniff out the appropriate clues. In the surprising end, Sherlock is humble as he, once again, sorts the mystery out and comes up with the answer.
The Secret Fiend:The Boy Sherlock Holmes, His 4th Case is full of surprising twists and turns and takes the reader on a trail of murder, attacks, and crime. Young readers will delight in the mystery of it all.
Thank you to LibraryThing, Shane Peacock, and Tundra Books for this free copy of this exciting book!
The Secret Fiend:The Boy Sherlock Holmes, His 4th Case is full of surprising twists and turns and takes the reader on a trail of murder, attacks, and crime. Young readers will delight in the mystery of it all.
Thank you to LibraryThing, Shane Peacock, and Tundra Books for this free copy of this exciting book!
January 16, 2013
In book four of the series, Sherlock must uncover the identity of "Spring-Heeled Jack," a scary caped ruffian with red eyes and blue-flaming breath who is brazenly attacking women around London at night. He doesn't hurt them, just scares and intimidates them, in the guise of a legendary folk character. Sherlock's friend Beatrice is the first witness to such a horror, and for her sake, even though he's sworn off seeking out cases, Sherlock agrees to help. There ends up being more than one Spring-Heeled Jack, in a very confusing and exciting case that delves into British politics of the time, and also gives Sherlock more insight into the life of his enemy, Malefactor.
November 9, 2010
This is the 4th book in a series about the young Sherlock Holmes. Spring Heeled Jack, a character out of old penny dreadfuls, seems to have come alive and is rampaging around London, scaring young women. Sherlock's friend Beatrice has asked him to help. It's a good story, but includes a lot of English political details as well as Sherlock's teenage introspection so needs a reader who isn't too impatient to get to the action. Probably better for middle school or a reader who already is interested in Sherlock Holmes, modern British history, or both.
Read
August 20, 2011Of the 4 Boy Sherlock books by Peacock, I like this one the best. Sherlock must uncover why a character from penny dreadful has resurfaced to terrorize London. The book is set against the background of changing government, the rise of D'Isreali and class, labor, ethic and suffrage protests.
October 11, 2012
I didn't enjoy this one as much as I did he first two. I have the feeling that the stories are getting a little worse, although I did enjoy to read more about Sigerson Bell, an see him in action was worth the reading. I expected more, I hope the next one is better.
December 13, 2010
I didn't enjoy the plot of this one as much as the previous three. I still enjoyed the characters, though, particularly Sigerson Bell (what a guy!)
July 19, 2010
This is an amazingly good series, dark but enjoyable. One feels that this is the only way Sherlock Holmes could have become the man in the famous stories.
April 10, 2011
I really enjoyed this one and think perhaps it is the best one so far in the series. Highly recommended
June 29, 2011
Three-and-a-half. I just love this series. It's so well-written and the author does an amazing job of keeping you yearning for more. I cannot wait for the next one to arrive!
June 15, 2011
I can't wait for more books in this series. This is the best of the series so far! ;)
October 7, 2012
Great book. Brillant and interesting, I need to start reading the whole series from the beginning. Great!
February 5, 2013
This series is really getting good now!
June 27, 2013
Great, as I have come to expect from Peacock.
The only thing is. . . You remember when I said Malefactor reminded me of Moriarty? . . . Yeah, I totally called it.
The only thing is. . . You remember when I said Malefactor reminded me of Moriarty? . . . Yeah, I totally called it.
September 4, 2013
Really good ! Enjoyed it a lot !
December 8, 2011
A very intriguing book, Shane Peacock has yet to disappoint.
February 23, 2013
A very enjoyable Sherlock Holmes series. Each book better than the last.
October 25, 2013
Excellent! Love the series!
October 23, 2017
I'm finding this series thoroughly entertaining.
In the the boy Sherlock Homes fourth case, a Spring Heeled Jack is terrorizing London and though Sherlock has decided to avoid investigating crimes until he is older, a personal connection pulls him into the hunt for the frightening fiend.
Suspects abound in this case and Bell, Sherlock's mentor plays a large role in developments.
Historical details, like the first Jewish-born Prime Minister, make this much more than just entertainment.
In the the boy Sherlock Homes fourth case, a Spring Heeled Jack is terrorizing London and though Sherlock has decided to avoid investigating crimes until he is older, a personal connection pulls him into the hunt for the frightening fiend.
Suspects abound in this case and Bell, Sherlock's mentor plays a large role in developments.
Historical details, like the first Jewish-born Prime Minister, make this much more than just entertainment.
October 28, 2021
Another solid episode of the young Sherlock Holmes character series. He's turned 14 in this one, and is still up to his neck in investigations of evil doings going on in London. This time he has several intense confrontations with Malefactor (who will become Moriarty in future Holmes adventures). There is also an appearance by Benjamin Disraeli, the newly elected Prime Minister of England. I've already Book #5 and am eager to read it.
October 31, 2025
Down
Down
With each book .
Irene and Sherlock lost chemistry with each book and malefactor is more like a parody of a villain . Sherlock in the first book leave Irene and has the mentality that love is dangerous because he don’t want to lose more people that he loves , in this book he absolutely forget that .
Down
With each book .
Irene and Sherlock lost chemistry with each book and malefactor is more like a parody of a villain . Sherlock in the first book leave Irene and has the mentality that love is dangerous because he don’t want to lose more people that he loves , in this book he absolutely forget that .
October 4, 2018
It was pretty nice if I do say so myself.
September 23, 2020
3.5 stars
October 21, 2022
3.5⭐️ i enjoyed this book and the new characters, but while reading didn’t feel like I loved it. I liked the twists and turns and how the story is taking a bit more of a better turn at the end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews