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The Boy Sherlock Holmes #6
Becoming Holmes: The Boy Sherlock Holmes, His Final Case
The surprising and shocking conclusion to the unique BOY SHERLOCK HOLMES series.
Becoming Sherlock is the final 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.
Becoming Sherlock is the final 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.
264 pages, Hardcover
First published September 11, 2012
21 people are currently reading
577 people want to read
About the author
Shane Peacock
37 books134 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 44 reviews
December 17, 2012
I have really enjoyed this series. I feel invested in Sherlocks future, especially after this final book in the series. Bravo Shane Peacock - you created a wonderful youth for Mr Holmes. I am only saddened that the series has ended.
November 18, 2018
In the final exciting adventure of the “Boy Sherlock Holmes” series "Becoming Sherlock", the young detective is swept up in a case that begins with a sinister intrigue being perpetrated at Her Majesty’s Treasury where blackmail has resulted in the hiring of Malefactor’s henchman Grimsby as a desk clerk. Nosing around for information about a criminal objective that could impact the government for years, Sherlock stumbles on a murder that’s connected to Malefactor and his thugs; one which will have him searching for a way to bring them them to justice.
Set in Victorian England in 1870, Disraeli has been defeated in the last election, novelist Charles Dickens has died, as well as Wilberforce Holmes, Sherlock’s father. Into this unsettling atmosphere Sean Peacock creates the darkly vibrant world of London with all its sights, sounds and smells. Interwoven into this action-packed and emotionally-charged plot with death and deception stalking Sherlock, he not only faces the declining health of mentor and friend, the apothecary Sigerson Bell but also brings closure to his romances with Irene Doyle and Beatrice Leckie. In a fluid style that keeps you riveted as the intensity and suspense build, the story progresses quickly and smoothly to a twist at the end that brings a shocking surprise.
Skillfully Sean Peacock has developed a complex character in Sherlock Holmes who’s brilliant, resourceful and shrewd, but also anti-social, driven and moody. Haunted by loss, and ambitious in his compulsion to follow his dream of bringing justice to the criminal element in his world he has little time for the love of his life, the independent, self-absorbed and overly confident Irene Doyle or the adoration of the politically-minded Beatrice Leckie.
In this story Sherlock solidifies his relationship with the aspiring but constrained Scotland Yard detective Lestrade Jr., fears the loss of his friend, the clever and eccentric Sigerson Bell and deplores the self-possessed, genius of Malefactor, a criminal who hates yet respects him.
“Becoming Sherlock” will captivate young and old alike. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend this well-written series set against a historical background with mysteries that will keep you spell-bound from the first book to the last.
Set in Victorian England in 1870, Disraeli has been defeated in the last election, novelist Charles Dickens has died, as well as Wilberforce Holmes, Sherlock’s father. Into this unsettling atmosphere Sean Peacock creates the darkly vibrant world of London with all its sights, sounds and smells. Interwoven into this action-packed and emotionally-charged plot with death and deception stalking Sherlock, he not only faces the declining health of mentor and friend, the apothecary Sigerson Bell but also brings closure to his romances with Irene Doyle and Beatrice Leckie. In a fluid style that keeps you riveted as the intensity and suspense build, the story progresses quickly and smoothly to a twist at the end that brings a shocking surprise.
Skillfully Sean Peacock has developed a complex character in Sherlock Holmes who’s brilliant, resourceful and shrewd, but also anti-social, driven and moody. Haunted by loss, and ambitious in his compulsion to follow his dream of bringing justice to the criminal element in his world he has little time for the love of his life, the independent, self-absorbed and overly confident Irene Doyle or the adoration of the politically-minded Beatrice Leckie.
In this story Sherlock solidifies his relationship with the aspiring but constrained Scotland Yard detective Lestrade Jr., fears the loss of his friend, the clever and eccentric Sigerson Bell and deplores the self-possessed, genius of Malefactor, a criminal who hates yet respects him.
“Becoming Sherlock” will captivate young and old alike. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend this well-written series set against a historical background with mysteries that will keep you spell-bound from the first book to the last.
December 5, 2012
Reason for Reading: Last book of the series!
It was a rather bittersweet feeling to picking up the last book in this series as I knew some finality would come so that Sherlock could go on to become the man he would be in the Doyle books. Sherlock's future has already been written. How would this gap between youth and manhood be handled?
The story concentrates on a passionately, deadly final head-to-head between Sherlock and his mortal enemy Malefactor, and his two henchmen: Grimsby and Crew. While not working actively on cases at the time he stumbles upon information that Malefactor is up to something tremendously criminal that could infiltrate the government for years to come. So he starts poking around and a murder is committed. Knowing everything is connected to Malefactor and his henchmen Sherlock sets about to see them all caught and hanged for their murderous ways and treason. Unfortunately, there really is no mystery here. It is wits against wits, the various powerful characters against each other and the creepings and goings on late at night, but no real mystery for the reader. We know what is going on. At the end we are hit with a twist ending that while I didn't see it coming, I can't say it surprised me and I wonder at it's authenticity to the Sherlock Holmes cannon. Would young Holmes do that? Did he need to, to become the man Holmes?
On another level, his relationships are all wrapped up in this book. He and Lestrade agree on how they will handle themselves from here on in. He puts to rest his relations with Beatrice and Irene and they agree they are also of the past. Sigerson Bell, his mentor, is ill but he finished his job properly before his time comes and he leaves Sherlock well looked after to continue his studies. While Doyle himself never hints at this kind of a childhood, he is very vague. I think Peacock has done a brilliant job of growing a boy into a man who turns out to be the character, both good (brilliant, sharp, imaginative) and not-so-good (addictive, rude, unsociable), that Sherlock Holmes is known to be to wider known adult readers. Not my favourite book of the series, as the actual mystery was weak, but very good closure for the series.
It was a rather bittersweet feeling to picking up the last book in this series as I knew some finality would come so that Sherlock could go on to become the man he would be in the Doyle books. Sherlock's future has already been written. How would this gap between youth and manhood be handled?
The story concentrates on a passionately, deadly final head-to-head between Sherlock and his mortal enemy Malefactor, and his two henchmen: Grimsby and Crew. While not working actively on cases at the time he stumbles upon information that Malefactor is up to something tremendously criminal that could infiltrate the government for years to come. So he starts poking around and a murder is committed. Knowing everything is connected to Malefactor and his henchmen Sherlock sets about to see them all caught and hanged for their murderous ways and treason. Unfortunately, there really is no mystery here. It is wits against wits, the various powerful characters against each other and the creepings and goings on late at night, but no real mystery for the reader. We know what is going on. At the end we are hit with a twist ending that while I didn't see it coming, I can't say it surprised me and I wonder at it's authenticity to the Sherlock Holmes cannon. Would young Holmes do that? Did he need to, to become the man Holmes?
On another level, his relationships are all wrapped up in this book. He and Lestrade agree on how they will handle themselves from here on in. He puts to rest his relations with Beatrice and Irene and they agree they are also of the past. Sigerson Bell, his mentor, is ill but he finished his job properly before his time comes and he leaves Sherlock well looked after to continue his studies. While Doyle himself never hints at this kind of a childhood, he is very vague. I think Peacock has done a brilliant job of growing a boy into a man who turns out to be the character, both good (brilliant, sharp, imaginative) and not-so-good (addictive, rude, unsociable), that Sherlock Holmes is known to be to wider known adult readers. Not my favourite book of the series, as the actual mystery was weak, but very good closure for the series.
January 15, 2017
[“One more thing. What is your name?”
“I am someone who is at your service, sir, and at the service of anyone who is wronged… My name is Sherlock Holmes.”]
As the title suggests, this book serves as the case that will set up the boy Sherlock Holmes for the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle adventures. And as prelude to that life, this novel surrounds Holmes with the theme of death (how lovely).
A portion of this book was used to say goodbye to certain characters: Irene and Beatrice made a short appearance, Inspector Lestrade was mentioned once, and a few characters from the previous novel were briefly used. The only characters worth focusing on were Sigerson Bell, the eccentric mentor of Sherlock, and the ongoing antagonists of the entire series: Malefactor, Grimsby, and Crew.
Unfortunately, there was no major mystery, and the closest one similar to it began at the middle of the book. This mystery was very different compared to the previous ones, for it foreshadowed that something was off with Sherlock’s behavior while he pursued the case. Though revealing the details of the crime would be full of spoilers, it’s safe to say that it played a role in defeating Sherlock’s enemies and questioned whether or not it’s right to do evil in order to stop evil.
Two of my favorite scenes had to be the part depicting a certain storywriter and medical student named John and the scene that involved a deadly battle next to a river. These scenes were reminiscent of the classic Sherlock Holmes adventures, which prompted me to read the canonical stories.
Besides the references of the previous novels or the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle stories, writing off certain characters in a smooth fashion, and providing a reason why certain characters suddenly forget Sherlock in the classic stories, Becoming Holmes solidified the detective’s morals and teaches exactly how far one should ever go in the name of justice. This book is the final installment this brilliant series and transforms the boy detective into the Sherlock Holmes.
Note: Since this novel involves murder/crime and the detective Sherlock Holmes, this book is suitable for an audience interested in adventure/mystery.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
“I am someone who is at your service, sir, and at the service of anyone who is wronged… My name is Sherlock Holmes.”]
As the title suggests, this book serves as the case that will set up the boy Sherlock Holmes for the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle adventures. And as prelude to that life, this novel surrounds Holmes with the theme of death (how lovely).
A portion of this book was used to say goodbye to certain characters: Irene and Beatrice made a short appearance, Inspector Lestrade was mentioned once, and a few characters from the previous novel were briefly used. The only characters worth focusing on were Sigerson Bell, the eccentric mentor of Sherlock, and the ongoing antagonists of the entire series: Malefactor, Grimsby, and Crew.
Unfortunately, there was no major mystery, and the closest one similar to it began at the middle of the book. This mystery was very different compared to the previous ones, for it foreshadowed that something was off with Sherlock’s behavior while he pursued the case. Though revealing the details of the crime would be full of spoilers, it’s safe to say that it played a role in defeating Sherlock’s enemies and questioned whether or not it’s right to do evil in order to stop evil.
Two of my favorite scenes had to be the part depicting a certain storywriter and medical student named John and the scene that involved a deadly battle next to a river. These scenes were reminiscent of the classic Sherlock Holmes adventures, which prompted me to read the canonical stories.
Besides the references of the previous novels or the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle stories, writing off certain characters in a smooth fashion, and providing a reason why certain characters suddenly forget Sherlock in the classic stories, Becoming Holmes solidified the detective’s morals and teaches exactly how far one should ever go in the name of justice. This book is the final installment this brilliant series and transforms the boy detective into the Sherlock Holmes.
Note: Since this novel involves murder/crime and the detective Sherlock Holmes, this book is suitable for an audience interested in adventure/mystery.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
November 7, 2012
This book is the perfect ending to a truly fantastic series, making the reader put it down thinking, "Yes, that's exactly how it must have happened. Surely, If Doyle had given us any details at all about Holmes' pre-Baker Street life, he would have written exactly this." Peacock really nails it, coming up with amazingly believable circumstances & occurrences to explain Holmes' famously unusual personality.
Here's one thing I feel should be mentioned, though: my library shelves this book as "juvenile fiction," & I found myself becoming increasingly uncomfortable with that designation as the series went on. Peacock does a really great job of catching the same feel as the original adventures, complete with disturbing personalities, graphically violent occurrences, & of course the sometimes deeply grim & unsettling atmosphere of the London of the time, complete with plenty of human misery & suffering. It's pitch-perfect & makes for an even more absorbing read, if you know what you are expecting & are equipped to handle it. Yes, the books begin with Holmes as a boy, & yes, the length is one most middle-grade readers can easily tackle, but the material could be too much for some personalities. I know that I myself would have been perfectly capable of reading them at the age of nine or ten, but they'd have given me weeks of nightmares. There are some equally well-done children's series takes on the Holmes universe that would be a much better fit for some kids. That said, if you're able to find the right kids to introduce to this series, it could create the start of a lifelong love for the most famous private consulting detective in literary history - & established adult fans will devour it as voraciously as the original adventures.
Here's one thing I feel should be mentioned, though: my library shelves this book as "juvenile fiction," & I found myself becoming increasingly uncomfortable with that designation as the series went on. Peacock does a really great job of catching the same feel as the original adventures, complete with disturbing personalities, graphically violent occurrences, & of course the sometimes deeply grim & unsettling atmosphere of the London of the time, complete with plenty of human misery & suffering. It's pitch-perfect & makes for an even more absorbing read, if you know what you are expecting & are equipped to handle it. Yes, the books begin with Holmes as a boy, & yes, the length is one most middle-grade readers can easily tackle, but the material could be too much for some personalities. I know that I myself would have been perfectly capable of reading them at the age of nine or ten, but they'd have given me weeks of nightmares. There are some equally well-done children's series takes on the Holmes universe that would be a much better fit for some kids. That said, if you're able to find the right kids to introduce to this series, it could create the start of a lifelong love for the most famous private consulting detective in literary history - & established adult fans will devour it as voraciously as the original adventures.
January 20, 2013
Fans of Sherlock Holmes will surely be interested in knowing more about the formative years of the clever detective. All six of the titles in The Boy Sherlock Holmes titles provide ample psychological fodder for how the curious boy became an even more curious man, but one with excellent investigation skills. Reading this, the sixth and final one, is bittersweet since Sherlock is leaving behind that boyhood. Set during the summer of 1870 in London when he is sixteen, the story contains many elements of death. The great writer Charles Dickens has died, and Sherlock's mentor, Sigerson Bell, is in the last stages of his own terminal illness. When Sherlock learns that his old nemesis, Malefactor, has managed to place one of his cronies in an influential spot, he works hard to figure out how that managed to happen. His investigation leads him to the seedier side of town as well as into the home of a wealthy, influential official with a surprising secret. What makes the story exceptionally appealing, though, is the lengths, risks, and surprising choices that Sherlock himself makes. It turns out that even the great Holmes has quite a past. Although brief, the scenes in which he revisits scenes from his past and considers rekindling old flames are poignant, brimming with unfulfilled possibilities. I really hate to see this series with its masterful character development come to an end.
October 7, 2016
Nếu coi SH trong đây và SH của Conan Doyle hoàn toàn khác nhau, hoặc ít nhất để ý rằng SH của Shane Peacock là SH thời niên thiếu, trí tuệ cũng như năng lực vẫn chưa được phát huy tối đa như SH xịn thì đây thực sự là 1 series đáng đọc. Tác giả đã khắc họa thành công hình ảnh 1 cậu bé Sherlock Holmes thông minh, dũng cảm, liều lĩnh, làm rõ thêm về hoàn cảnh của SH mà Doyle chỉ nhắc qua loa. Nhưng có lẽ do SH còn "teen" nên chất trinh thám của tác phẩm chưa được thoả mãn lắm.
Mình thích tập này nhất trong cả series, vì nó là tập cuối, và vì tập này có twist (dù twist hơi gượng, nhưng đáng khen). Và nó có nhắc qua đến Waston.
Điều mình không thích nhất ở tập này là việc Irene trở thành Irene Adler. Vậy hóa ra SH về sau ngưỡng mộ The Women không đơn thuần chỉ vì tài năng, mà còn vì quen biết (thậm chí còn hơn cả quen biết) nữa sao? Nó còn làm cho sự đối đầu của Giáo chủ Moriaty với SH trở nên tầm thường hơn nữa, như tình địch vậy :/
Mình thích tập này nhất trong cả series, vì nó là tập cuối, và vì tập này có twist (dù twist hơi gượng, nhưng đáng khen). Và nó có nhắc qua đến Waston.
Điều mình không thích nhất ở tập này là việc Irene trở thành Irene Adler. Vậy hóa ra SH về sau ngưỡng mộ The Women không đơn thuần chỉ vì tài năng, mà còn vì quen biết (thậm chí còn hơn cả quen biết) nữa sao? Nó còn làm cho sự đối đầu của Giáo chủ Moriaty với SH trở nên tầm thường hơn nữa, như tình địch vậy :/
November 19, 2012
Not the strongest book in the series, but a satisfying conclusion.
November 28, 2020
Overall i liked this book, it was different. I have read a lot of true Sherlock books and I was very curious to see how this book would be. I was also curious because this was a book about a young Holmes. Also since this adaptation is not written by Doyle the creator or Sherlock Holmes. This book was also somewhat a different reading experience since I purchased this book digitally instead of hard copy, it took longer to read digitally.
I had a personal experience to this book as how a young Sherlock had to do almost everything in this book by himself. This relates to my because my parent is at work almost 24/7. Sherlock had to watch his butler who was a very important figure slowly die from illness. This is how my grandfather died. So some things in this book related to me on a personal level.
I do like how in this book the red herrings are actually very convincing. For example when Holmes goes to Whitechapel to interrogate men at a coffee shop about a body, Holmes pushes and finds out enough evidence to trigger them. He was eventually held at gunpoint and due to the evidence and violence, it made the red herring very convincing.
Overall I liked the book, learning the start of young Sherlock’s life of investigation was very interesting. The book shows Sherlock’s mindsets and thoughts thoroughly throughout the book. Young Sherlock and was very depressed and frequently contemplated a different life without danger. Also this book had a little bit different tone to it compared to Doyle’s Sherlock books. I feel like it got more in-depth into Sherlocks personal life and was a bit more fast paced.
I would recommend this book to anyone who has read the the Sherlock Holmes books or anyone who has seen the movies and would like to start reading the books. Also since this is a mystery book and not only about Sherlock growing up, I would recommend it to anyone that is interested in mystery books.
I had a personal experience to this book as how a young Sherlock had to do almost everything in this book by himself. This relates to my because my parent is at work almost 24/7. Sherlock had to watch his butler who was a very important figure slowly die from illness. This is how my grandfather died. So some things in this book related to me on a personal level.
I do like how in this book the red herrings are actually very convincing. For example when Holmes goes to Whitechapel to interrogate men at a coffee shop about a body, Holmes pushes and finds out enough evidence to trigger them. He was eventually held at gunpoint and due to the evidence and violence, it made the red herring very convincing.
Overall I liked the book, learning the start of young Sherlock’s life of investigation was very interesting. The book shows Sherlock’s mindsets and thoughts thoroughly throughout the book. Young Sherlock and was very depressed and frequently contemplated a different life without danger. Also this book had a little bit different tone to it compared to Doyle’s Sherlock books. I feel like it got more in-depth into Sherlocks personal life and was a bit more fast paced.
I would recommend this book to anyone who has read the the Sherlock Holmes books or anyone who has seen the movies and would like to start reading the books. Also since this is a mystery book and not only about Sherlock growing up, I would recommend it to anyone that is interested in mystery books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 6, 2018
This reviewer is obviously going against the mainstream but granting this title only two stars. The story was weak, the writing disjointed (I think it was to be edgy but it ended up being uneven) and the whole entire story ---spoiler alert----was designed for Sherlock's mentor to commit suicide, leave all his worldly goods to Sherlock, and then give Sherlock the idea of how he could cash in on some favors to get into Oxford or Cambridge. All with the added side story of the two young, women that Sherlock had to meet and leave because he cannot get emotional about things. Sorry, just couldn't warm to this styling of the Sherlock Holmes character.
September 16, 2021
I picked this book up from a library discard pile (for free). The title intrigued me ... a book about Sherlock Holmes as a teenager, before he became the renowned detective we all know and love. How did it all come about?? A few chapters into the book, I happened to look at the back page to see how long the book was, and lo and behold, I found out that I was reading the 6th (and final) book in a series which starts when Sherlock is only 13 years old, and living with his parents. To make a long story short, I really enjoyed Book 6 and have already ordered Book 1 from the library. I'm looking forward to reading the series.
February 19, 2026
It was a great 2 months seeing Sherlock grow. I still see myself reading this in a few years, I imagine I can always learn a thing or two from Holmes or Singerson Bell at any stage of my life. Not the coziest book of the series, but I think the most grandeur. Peacock ended it so so well, I could not have guessed the twist, but more than that was the death of Bell and the image of Holmes being alone again in the world. I surely will miss them.
I do so dearly wish to know more about Singerson Bell, in my head he looks like that scientist from Conan
I do so dearly wish to know more about Singerson Bell, in my head he looks like that scientist from Conan
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 18, 2017
I really enjoyed this series. These were really fun books and they kept me guessing throughout. I felt like this was the best book in the series. It did a good job of combining the past stories and draws closer to the books that have already been written about Sherlock Holmes. There are a few different series out there about Sherlock as a teenager, but I liked this series the best.
February 17, 2018
Cuối cùng cũng đọc xong tập cuối sau 2 năm từ tập 5 vì làm biếng. Xém nữa hụt hẫng cho đến đoạn twist cuối cùng, nên đã phần nào liên kết với các chương trước đỡ hụt hẫng. Mr Bell xứng đáng với 1 cái kết đẹp hơn. Nói chung đây là series tương đối khá hay. Nhẹ và twist đủ đô. Giờ chắc tìm trọn bộ Sherlock Homles gốc về đoc
April 25, 2022
A good book for Young Adult (YA) readers
I enjoyed this tale very much. The characters are well-drawn and the action thrilling. I recommend this book, especially for younger readers. But I don't think I will read the rest of the series.
I enjoyed this tale very much. The characters are well-drawn and the action thrilling. I recommend this book, especially for younger readers. But I don't think I will read the rest of the series.
June 6, 2024
what a strange novel. I need to send my brain to the dry cleaners now. really we did not need to imagine naked Crew wrapped in snakes like a bacon covered prune. I will now repress my every memory of reading this awful book. (I saw the plot twists coming from a mile away, you probably did too)
May 20, 2017
interesting...
August 24, 2021
i really loved this series. sadly, this didn't meet my expectations and was overall unremarkable.
January 23, 2023
Popsugar reading challenge 2023: A Book with A Map.
I enjoyed this series and really liked the ending. Keeping the mystery of the future and the writing was good. Good Canadian author and book.
I enjoyed this series and really liked the ending. Keeping the mystery of the future and the writing was good. Good Canadian author and book.
December 12, 2025
The first book is the best in my opinion and I hate how the female characters act in this book and how stupid Sherlock act when he is in front of one of the girls . The end was good
October 1, 2012
Becoming Holmes by Shane Peacock is the concluding book in “The Boy Sherlock Holmes” series. Mr. Peacock writes this series with the intent of exploring how Sherlock Holmes became Sherlock Holmes. This book picks up several months after the prior book in the series with announcements of the death of Charles Dickens. Sherlock is in a funk, foreshadowing the man he will become. He desperately needs something exciting to get him moving. His mentor, Sigerson Bell, is getting older and his health is waning as he tries to help Sherlock throughout the book. Sherlock’s father has passed away, leaving only a distant brother as his family.
We learn that Malefactor (Dr. Moriarty) is on the rise and has infiltrated London’s governmental structures with his men being planted in key positions, ready to be promoted into positions of influence. Holmes learns of this after going to meet his brother on his way to work at the Treasury. He runs into one of Malefactor’s henchman and learns that he is next in line for a prominent position in the department. Holmes quickly realizes that Malefactor plans to take over parts of the government and is moved out of his doldrums into action.
Along the way we meet familiar characters in the Holmes stories – Lestrade, Irene, Moriarty, and even a hint of Watson. Mr. Peacock also wraps up many of the storylines of characters we’ve become familiar with in this series. Holmes implores them to treat the man he will become as if they’ve never met before. He decides to forgo relationships with those who mean much to him in order to be the crime fighter he must be. Some of these breaking of ties feel a little forced, but do match what we know of Holmes the man.
This is the final case before Holmes moves on to young adulthood. He knows that Malefactor must be stopped. Holmes partners with the police in an attempt to bring him to justice while solving the murder of one of Malefactor’s henchmen. I was a little disappointed with the way this was handled in the story as it just didn’t seem to match my picture of Sherlock Holmes. I will not go into details here as that would give away some major parts of the story and the book is still a good read even if I don’t like that particular part of the story. Despite that part, I think that Mr. Peacock does a great job in showing the growth of a young man into the future detective he will be. There are still a lot of questions we can ask, but those can be left for another story and another day.
Disclaimer: I was given a preview copy of Becoming Holmes with nothing expected in return. An unbiased review was requested, but not mandatory. I was not influenced in any way by the publishers or author to change my opinion of this product.
We learn that Malefactor (Dr. Moriarty) is on the rise and has infiltrated London’s governmental structures with his men being planted in key positions, ready to be promoted into positions of influence. Holmes learns of this after going to meet his brother on his way to work at the Treasury. He runs into one of Malefactor’s henchman and learns that he is next in line for a prominent position in the department. Holmes quickly realizes that Malefactor plans to take over parts of the government and is moved out of his doldrums into action.
Along the way we meet familiar characters in the Holmes stories – Lestrade, Irene, Moriarty, and even a hint of Watson. Mr. Peacock also wraps up many of the storylines of characters we’ve become familiar with in this series. Holmes implores them to treat the man he will become as if they’ve never met before. He decides to forgo relationships with those who mean much to him in order to be the crime fighter he must be. Some of these breaking of ties feel a little forced, but do match what we know of Holmes the man.
This is the final case before Holmes moves on to young adulthood. He knows that Malefactor must be stopped. Holmes partners with the police in an attempt to bring him to justice while solving the murder of one of Malefactor’s henchmen. I was a little disappointed with the way this was handled in the story as it just didn’t seem to match my picture of Sherlock Holmes. I will not go into details here as that would give away some major parts of the story and the book is still a good read even if I don’t like that particular part of the story. Despite that part, I think that Mr. Peacock does a great job in showing the growth of a young man into the future detective he will be. There are still a lot of questions we can ask, but those can be left for another story and another day.
Disclaimer: I was given a preview copy of Becoming Holmes with nothing expected in return. An unbiased review was requested, but not mandatory. I was not influenced in any way by the publishers or author to change my opinion of this product.
January 21, 2013
I hate to see this series end, now that I have become so immersed in the world of the teenage Sherlock Holmes. This final volume is just as well written as the first five, giving us a fun mystery, a very realistic London 1870 setting, some emotional moments, and a Sherlock who has matured considerably since we first encountered him in Eye of the Crow. He still has insecurities and flaws, however, especially when it comes to one young woman in particular. As he tries to unravel the master plan of his nemesis Malefactor--whom we have also watched grow and mature throughout the series, but unfortunately into the ultimate bad guy (Moriarty!) rather than a force for justice--Sherlock Holmes is also dealing with the death of his father and the impending death of his mentor, Sigurson Bell (a fun character whom I'll really miss!). The case here revolves around a politician's well-kept secret, and the mysterious job promotion and then death of a thug, but what really matters in the end is that Sherlock Holmes has arrived for good.
June 3, 2013
Sixth and final in The Boy Sherlock Holmes series by Shane Peacock. Sherlock Holmes, now sixteen, has had many adventures and lost a great deal. His parents are dead, he and his brother rarely speak, the girl he loves was nearly killed because of him and his persistent pursuit of justice. He is becoming the legendary man who's brilliance and deductive skills have lived through centuries. But, for now, his is a lonely young man who wishes he had a friend and confident, someone with writing skills to note his adventures and his genius. The kind apothecary who has taken him in and dubbed him "Young Knight", who has taught him how to defend himself and how to hide in plain site, is slowly dying of consumption. Very soon, Sherlock Holmes will be alone in the world. He can't worry about that now, however. Something sinister is brewing in the halls of the Treasury. London's entire government could be at risk. Holmes knows who is to blame, but can he prove it and survive? An excellent conclusion to the series. Students in grades 7 and up who enjoy mystery and the legendary Sherlock Holmes will like getting to know him from his humble beginnings, as Shane Peacock has imagined it.
June 24, 2013
Whoo! Just finished the last book in this wonderful series by Shane Peacock. And Peacock truly left the best for last. In this case, Sherlock begins to feel lonely with deaths, lack of companionship, and Sigerson's worsening condition; also the lack of action in his life, of course. Then he discovers a new case that includes his brother, a return of Malefactor and his lieutenants, and confrontation of fears. Peacock uses subtext and different perspectives to engage readers, yet he add surprising twist that makes the case seem impossible, but it isn't. The ending was spectacular, except for the fact that the topic of Sherlock being mechanical comes up again; and we all know what happened when Sherlock vowed to do that countless times before. Anyways it was definitely the prefect finish for this great series.
April 27, 2013
This was a fantastic way to end the wonderful series. It was by far one of the best ones that he has written with many twists, surprises and shocks. It was very upsetting that it was the last book, but atleast it ended very well. It was very sad, because of some certain events, but they made the story different than some of the other ones. Not only did he have to say goodbye to many well loved characters, there was an element of growing up. I recommend this to anyone that has read the previous books because unlike some of the other ones where you can just pick it up and read it, this one you need to have developed connections with the characters and know previous events. I loved it, and I am very sad that this was the last one.
November 13, 2013
This was a fantastic ending to the series. I felt like this could be an honest and true prequel to my favorite portrayal of Holmes by Jeremy Brett. All of the seeds of things Holmes will become or encounter are planted in this series, and I take my (deerstalker) hat off to Shane Peacock for his hard work.
If you're looking at this series for younger readers, the books get darker as the series progresses, and I feel like they definitely reach outside of the genre of "juvenile fiction" by the series' end.
I'll definitely be re-reading this series in the future, and I look forward to experiencing the books all over again.
If you're looking at this series for younger readers, the books get darker as the series progresses, and I feel like they definitely reach outside of the genre of "juvenile fiction" by the series' end.
I'll definitely be re-reading this series in the future, and I look forward to experiencing the books all over again.
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March 2, 2014"Becoming Holmes" by Shane Peacock is a good book to recommend to middle school students who likes Sherlock Holmes because this book is a detective story about Sherlock Holmes and his enemies. This book has easy vocabulary, suspense and a very mysterious story. This book was very interesting and it was hard for me to stop reading because I was interested in how Holmes solved mysteries and how his enemies reacted. This book talks about the life of Sherlock Holmes and his combats between his enemies Malefactor, and his two henchmen, Grimsby and Crew. I'm 100% sure that you guys would enjoy this book.
February 9, 2013
Still trying to discern why my opinion of this series changed so much by this last book. I hated to say goodbye to Sherlock, Sigerson, Irene, and Beatrice. Guess I will have to continue with the originals (darn!).
I wasn't as impressesed with, or invested in, the first two installments as I was the latter four. What happened?
I wasn't as impressesed with, or invested in, the first two installments as I was the latter four. What happened?
September 10, 2016
I liked the first couple of books in this series, but then it got so dark and grim I gave it up. This entry was a bit lighter than some of the others, and creative, so I enjoyed it well enough. Many, many writers have taken up Conan Doyle's characters, and I think the Andrew Lane series is more fun, taking young Holmes around the world for harrowing action adventures.
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