Bedlam

Young Sherlock Holmes #3.5

by Andrew Lane

Sherlock has been incarcerated in the Bethlehem Hospital - Bedlam - where Victorian London's most unfortunate citizens are locked away in squalor, cruelty and hopelessness. Sherlock tells them he's not mad - but who'd believe a lunatic? There's only one option: he has to escape - and then use all his rational powers to work out who put him there in the first place . . .

Genres: Mystery, Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Crime, Short Stories, Fiction, Adventure

34 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 30, 2011

About the author

See also work published as Andy Lane

During 2009, Macmillan Books announced that Lane would be writing a series of books focusing on the early life of Sherlock Holmes. The series was developed in conjunction with the estate of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Lane had already shown an extensive knowledge of the Holmes character and continuity in his Virgin Books novel All-Consuming Fire in which he created The Library of St. John the Beheaded as a meeting place for the worlds of Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Who.

The first book in the 'Young Sherlock Holmes' series – Death Cloud – was published in the United Kingdom in June 2010 (February 2011 in the United States), with the second – Red Leech – published in the United Kingdom in November of that year (with a United States publication date under the title Rebel Fire of February 2012). The third book – Black Ice – was published in June 2011 in the UK while the fourth book – Fire Storm – was published originally in hardback in October 2011 with a paperback publication in March 2012. The fifth book, Snake Bite was published in hardback in October 2012 and the sixth book, Knife Edge was published in September 2013. Death Cloud was short-listed for both the 2010 North East Book Award. (coming second by three votes) and the 2011 Southampton's Favourite Book Award. Black Ice won the 2012 Centurion Book Award.

Early in 2012, Macmillan Children's Books announced that they would be publishing a new series by Lane, beginning in 2013. The Lost World books will follow disabled 15-year-old Calum Challenger, who is co-ordinating a search from his London bedroom to find creatures considered so rare that many do not believe they exist. Calum's intention is to use the creatures' DNA to help protect the species, but also to search for a cure for his own paralysis. His team comprises a computer hacker, a free runner, an ex-marine and a pathological liar.

Reviews

[Stephen Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice short story, just a filler.

[Daisy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not amazing, but an enjoyable short story. I feel like I have a better understanding of the villains now, because I didn't really grasp all that in the last book, and the story was pretty interesting. Recommended to fans of this series, especially if you like having Crowe described as the 'big American'. Not that you would or anything... it's just, weirdly, that's done a lot of times in here considering it's only about 50 pages, most of which Crowe isn't even around for...

[Kerry · Rating 2 out of 5]

A little bit disappointing, this book certainly does not explore the full range of the Sherlock Holmes character.

There is a note from the author saying that this short story is basically a section dropped from the main serious of books - it's not hard to see why.

[Veda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just a little taste

As Lane denotes this was out of context with the series itself & fills a spot as a filler. I thought what ?? is going on - a lot! Fan's of the series should keep reading & save Bedlam for boredom, no offense. The author note was far more interesting regarding Lanes research into asylums & his own brush with one, as well as the current inhabitants - fear of the basement!

[Chloé C · Rating 5 out of 5]

It would’ve been nice to have a little extra padding (pardon the pun) of the story regarding the so called ghost however as it was originally a chunk cut out of the third book and made into a .5 mini story, I’ll forgive it it’s sins. It’s still a great story though, nice little quick read before bed!

[Rod Innis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very good short story. the author said that originally he had it as a part of book 3 but felt that it didn't fit well there. so he made it as a bridge to book four and numbered it 3.5. it is intense and very well done.

[Thaddeus Tuffentsamer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun quick adventure

This is a short self contained story of young Sherlock Holmes. At 14 years old, held in an insane asylum. It’s part of the larger narrative of the books, but stands on its own as a short story.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great story in the Young Sherlock Holmes series. At first I thought this one was an alternate part from the book, from when they go to meet Mycroft. After reading along a bit further I realized that it was actually it's own little bit. I'm always a sucker for a story that takes place in a mental institute. I wished this could have been a bit longer, but any amount of Sherlock is better than no Sherlock.

First Line:
"It was one of those rare days in London when the sun shoe on clean streets and the air did not smell of rotten vegetables and horse dung."

Favorite Line:
"He was bald, apart from a fringe of black hair running around the back of his head like a small curtain."


Read more: http://www.areadingnook.com/2013/06/m...

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up before I started reading this series because I had intended to start with this one to see if the Young Sherlock Holmes series was worth reading. When I read a bit more about this Novella it was said that this was to be a part of the third book. I decided to wait a bit and start Death Could first so I could know any recurring characters.

This was decent and an entreating read. You can tell it was meant for a bigger work because the beginning of this story whirls by so quickly I had to go back to make sure I caught all the information I should have. The ending was also very abrupt; Sherlock sort of explains everything in one short section and quickly tells how he got there. Still was very entertaining and I am glad I read it.

[C.O. Bonham · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the young Sherlock Holmes series, and this short stand alone story is no exception.

In this story Sherlock is drugged and kiddnapped. Secretly his captors admit him to Bedlem hospital. Sherlock knows he isn't crazy, but the Doctor isn't so easy to convince.

The young detective must once again rely on his wits to save him from the unethical and often uncareing adults around him.

The only draw back to having a story this short is that it feels rushed. This could have easily been drawn out into a full length novel. There is so much that could have been elaborated on. So minus one star for hurried story-telling.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first, this started out incredibly slow, like the story was fluffed up to try to make it bigger. I imagine the beginning needed to have stuff added to it to make it stand on its own once removed from the 3rd book.

I would have loved for this to have been turned into a novel. So much potential to be fleshed out. Really, Sherlock should have waited a day to see the routine of the guards before wasting his possible single escape attempt.

[Mark Gibbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

The series goes Gothic with this wonderful short story - think male viewpoint of Susan Hill's 'The Woman in Black' and you will get a feeling of what this story is like. Sherlock wakes to find himself incarcerated in Bedlam. - who put him there and why? - the suspense factor and the increasingly threatening atmosphere are both expertly handled here! - the best volume of the series so far - wonderful!

[Karine · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first in the series that I have read. I know it is a book aimed at children but I love stories with Sherlock Holmes so thought I would give this Short Read a go.

I thoroughly enjoyed it. Not a huge amount happens, but it is a SHORT read so I will look forward to one of the longer novels.

You will all be surprised to hear that Sherlock is declared insane in this book. Or is he...?

[Suzan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice short story to compliment the series! Plus an interesting look to the ideas surrounding mental health in young Sherlock's time! Loved seeing him solve a small plot at the assylum before Aymus came to get him.

[Alex Folkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. I haven't read the young Sherlock Holmes series in a while and i am trying to remember the characters and villains. This book was a nice addition to the Sherlock Holmes series by Andrew Lane. Can't wait to read the next book. Keep up the good writing Andrew Lane.

[Kyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I read this just before reading the forth book as it is was originally going to be in the third. This story wasn't any different than the other. Thrilling. Full of twists. A brilliant read. Anyone thinking of reading this book and the series should definately try it for themselves.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic short story. It was actually supposed to be in the third book, but got cut because it didn't fit with the plot. Loved it!! I particularly enjoy the chilling horror of an asylum mystery...

[Sophie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a scene that was originally meant to be in the 3rd book but got taken out. Though at first I was a bit unsure about why I was even bothering to read this by the end I was glad I did. It was short but fun.

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

It left me wanting more. It was well written but it certainly wasn't the Sherlock Holmes I am used to. However, that being said, I may just attempt to read this author from the beginning, to get a better footing as to how his version of Sherlock flows.

[Jack · Rating 2 out of 5]

Turns out this is an piece that was eliminated from the original manuscript and takes place between books 3 and 4. Has the makings of its own book!?!

[Somyajeet · Rating 4 out of 5]

The moment shared was too small for even getting started with enjoying it...

[Nina Sgro]

I need this on my bookshelf YESTERDAY!!!!

[Ray Downton · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable short story page turner

[Dylan Poole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book!

[Rhondda · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short story that would act as a good introduction for young people to the Young Sherlock Holmes series or to the crime genre.

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh. Nothing spectacular but not awful.