The Whistle of Revenge

Sherlock Holmes and Irene Adler #4

by K.D. Sherrinford

Sometimes, our deepest fear is not the darkness but the light that blinds.

If you loved Conan Doyle’s, The Hound of the Baskerville, prepare to be enthralled by KD Sherrinford’s captivating follow-up, The Whistle of Revenge.

The deadly antagonist, Jack Stapleton, makes a spectacular return to the city of Milan in pursuit of his old nemesis, the celebrated Detective Sherlock Holmes.

Adopting the enigmatic persona of Janus, a vengeful Stapleton, along with the Italian mafia, wreak havoc on the Italian horse racing fraternity and fledgling car manufacturing industry, and kidnapping Holmes’s beloved son as part of their evil and well-executed master plan—Operation Whistle.

Will Holmes, Irene Adler, and their trusted ally, Inspector Romano, crack the code, rescue the boy, and unmask the deadly Janus?

Set against the backdrop of modern Milan, mind games and misdeeds of the highest order play out as the story reaches its thrilling and memorable conclusion.

327 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 29, 2024

About the author

KD Sherrinford was born and raised in Preston, Lancashire, and now resides on The Fylde Coast with her husband John, and their four children.
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An avid reader from an early age, KD was fascinated by the stories of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Agatha Christie, she read the entire Doyle Canon by the time she was 13.

A talented pianist, KD played piano from age six, the music of some of her favourite composers, Beethoven, Schubert, Stephen Foster, and Richard Wagner, all strongly feature in her novel.

KD had a varied early career, working with horses and racing greyhounds, she and her husband won the Blackpool Greyhound Derby in 1987 with Scottie.

Then to mix things up KD joined Countrywide, where she was employed for over 20 years and became a Fellow of The National Association of Estate Agents.

Retirement finally gave KD the opportunity to follow her dreams and start work on her first novel. She gained inspiration to write” Song for Someone” from her daughter Katie, after a visit to the Sherlock Holmes museum on Baker Street in 2019. It had always been a passion to write about Irene Adler, she is such an iconic character, and KD wanted to give her a voice.

KD recently completed her second book in the Sherlock Holmes and Irene Adler mystery series, “Christmas at The Saporis”, and is currently working on the third.

Reviews

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
What began as a romantic vacation quickly turns into a disaster when Sherlock Holmes goes undercover, diving into the dark and seedy underbelly of Milan. The situation becomes dire when his beloved wife is attacked, and he learns that their son was the intended target. However, this is not just an isolated kidnapping; it is a cold and calculated plan for revenge that has been in the making for a long time.
The stakes couldn’t be higher as Sherlock faces a nemesis he believed was long gone. He must overcome his fears and embrace the legendary detective within him, fighting through a tangled web of vengeance, lies, deceit, hatred, sinister plots, and chaos to save his son. Nevertheless, being Sherlock's son comes with its own surprises.
KD Sherrinford's gripping narrative is filled with suspense, grit, tension, and mystery, jumping off the pages. Yet, it also contains moments of much-needed wit as the complex layers of the story are gradually revealed.
The Whistle of Revenge is a masterfully woven, fast-paced, and twisty tale indeed.

[Summer Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

*BOOK REVIEW*

BOOK: The Whistle of Revenge
AUTHOR: KD Sherrinford
REVIEW: If you are a huge Sherlock Holmes fan, especially if The Hound of the Baskerville is your favorite book in the series, this book is for you! I enjoyed this book immensely! This was probably my favorite book in the series thus far! In the book, we follow Sherlock Holmes and Irene Adler as they pursue Jack Stapleton. Jack has taken on the Alias of Janus and is working with the Italian Mafia to wreak havoc on a horse-racing fraternity and a car manufacturing company. He has also kidnapped Sherlock and Irene's son! Will they be able to save their son and unmask who Janus is? This book had a lot of twists and turns and was a fast read. It was great to be able to go back to the world of Sherlock Holmes yet again to visit old friends I hold so near and dear. I hope that this isn't the end of the series because I need more!

RATING: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[Bob Fendt · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Whistle Of Revenge by KD Sherrinford.

Book 4 in the thrilling Sherlock Holmes and Irene Adler mystery series.

Lucca Sapori (Sherlock Holmes) and his wife Irene are distraught following the abduction of their son Lucca by an old adversary, antagonist Jack Stapleton and his mob, also involvement of the Italian Mafia, who are causing havoc in in the horse racing circuit and a new car manufacturing company.
The brilliant detective Sherlock and Irene jump straight into action with the aid of their pal and ally, inspector Romano in trying to solve the case and find their son.

This story really is an enthralling mystery thriller of revenge, kidnapping, blackmail and death threat.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, it has very strong relatable characters and great visual settings.
A truly very well written book by KD Sherrinford that gripped me from the beginning.
So deserving of my 5-star rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Josephine Wrightson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, and a great read. I’ve always enjoyed reading about Sherlock and his escapade’s. And this story does not let you down, it’s intriguing and the way the author weaves a character we all know and hate (lol) into this is brilliant. Loved it, it is well written and the story flows with intricate detail and tension. Keeping you wanting more to the very end. And the end! lol I will need more of that …

[Books &Coffee · Rating 4 out of 5]

adventurous emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix

Strong character development? No

Loveable characters? It's complicated

Diverse cast of characters? Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Tragedy strikes close to home for the reputed detective Sherlock Holmes and his lovely clever wife, Irene Adler. The Whistle of Revenge navigates the abduction of the couple's beloved son, and the masterful evil plots of his enemies.

Emotions run high. Betrayal meets them at every corner.

Can't believe I ended up feeling deeply for the villain.

Two quotes stood up to me the most:

"In the fog of war, the desire for revenge is powerful, Nene."

"Beryl," I sighed. "I'm coming, my darling. Didn't I tell you I'd love you to the end?"

I absolutely adored the Italian setting, the mix of cultures and languages.

Looking forward to the next book in the series. That Epilogue has left me wanting and wondering.

- review following Storygraph model

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This spellbinding mystery becomes personal when Nicco, the son of Sherlock Holmes and Irene Adler, is kidnapped. The reader knows that Nicco is unharmed as he manages to find clever ways to get clues as to his location to his father. But, as readers, we know more than Sherlock does and hope that Sherlock receives and correctly deciphers those messages.

Assumed identities, art theft, horse racing….all of these come into play. Yes, there are many characters, but the author helps us keep track of the “who’s who” in this page turning tale.

It is not necessary to be a Sherlock Holmes fanatic to be captivated by this, or any of the other books in this series. You only need to enjoy a well written mystery.

KD Sherrinford does an excellent job of keeping the voice of the time period – there’s no sudden slip into more contemporary language.

Many thanks to the author for allowing me to read an early copy of this book. I have since purchased a copy of The Whistle of Revenge for my personal library.

[Carrie O’Leary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this fourth instalment of the Sherlock Holmes and Irene Adler mysteries. This one is very personal to them when their son is kidnapped. I loved that the story was from several points of view, including that of the antagonist, Jack Stapleton / Robert Barrett, who also has several other aliases throughout the book. The story isn’t particularly fast-paced, things are slowly revealed as the story progresses. There are some beautiful descriptions of Milan and lots of historical references. Another gem. One of these days I must read one of the original Arthur Conan Doyle books to see if I enjoy it as much. After that epilogue I’m really looking forward to the next book in the series.

[VDKeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Y’all buckle up—because this one is a wild ride through modern Milan with Sherlock Holmes, Irene Adler, and the Italian mafia (yes, you read that right). The Whistle of Revenge delivers high-stakes thrills, jaw-dropping twists, and enough clever plotting to make even Moriarty sweat.

Jack Stapleton is back from the dead (again?!), but this time he’s calling himself Janus and pulling mafia strings like a mustache-twirling puppet master. He’s got revenge on the brain, horsepower under the hood, and Holmes’s son in the trunk. Operation Whistle is diabolical, dramatic, and SO MUCH FUN to unravel.

Sherrinford’s writing? Sharp, cinematic, and totally addictive. The pacing had me flipping pages like my Kindle was on fire. And the character development? Chef’s kiss. Holmes and Irene are perfection—equal parts brains, heart, and banter—and Inspector Romano is the low-key MVP I didn’t know I needed.

💣 Explosions. 💼 Secrets. 🐎 Horse races. 👶 Kidnapping. 🇮🇹 Pasta? Probably.

It’s a globe-trotting, villain-chasing, code-cracking adventure that somehow blends old-school Sherlockian vibes with modern drama and just enough sass to keep me smirking between the gasps.

[Matthew Runals · Rating 5 out of 5]

5.0 out of 5 stars A great work that continues to surprise!
Reviewed in the United States on April 21, 2025
I have to say that no matter the genre you prefer, there are aspects of this work that anyone will enjoy. It is fun, entertaining, and, importantly, keeps you guessing about what will happen next!

The style in which KD Sherrinford writes this novel is as if Irene Adler is literally talking to you! It is perfect for those who desire full immersion reads with a little romance and suspense. Wonderful details and a compelling storyline keep the reader engaged. The characters come alive. If you have read the other books in this series, you will also recognize some of the characters. You will not want to put this book down!

[Lucinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Whistle of Revenge" is the fourth book in the Sherlock Holmes and Irene Adler Mysteries series, but it was the first one I read. I believe I would have enjoyed this book more if I had read the previous installments, as it would have helped me understand the relationships and setting better. However, it can still be enjoyed as a stand-alone story.

In this installment, Sherlock Holmes and Irene Adler are married and have a young family. They are on holiday in Milan under assumed identities to protect their privacy. Unfortunately, their vacation quickly turns tragic when an old enemy, long thought to be dead, kidnaps their son, Nicco. This sets off a race against time to rescue him and uncover the villain's motives.

In addition to kidnapping Holmes' son, Jack Stapleton, also known as Janus, is involved in various nefarious activities, including art theft and horse racing schemes.

The writing is very descriptive, although at times it felt excessive due to the abundance of incidental information. Nevertheless, the vivid narrative style beautifully captured the essence of Milan. I also appreciated the chapters from different characters' perspectives, which added depth and richness to the story.

[Hijabi_booklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review: The Whistle of Revenge by K.D. Sherrinford

A moody, intelligent, and emotionally resonant historical mystery, The Whistle of Revenge is a powerful examination of justice, trauma, and the personal cost of vengeance. K.D. Sherrinford delivers a gripping story set in Victorian England, where secrets linger in the shadows and the pursuit of truth is never without consequence.

The novel excels in atmosphere; the foggy streets and rigid social structures of the era are depicted with remarkable authenticity. But it’s the protagonist’s emotional journey, and the quiet fury that drives the story forward, that truly make this book stand out.

What I loved:
✔️ Deeply human and morally layered characters
✔️ A revenge arc that feels earned and emotionally complex
✔️ Elegant, evocative writing
✔️ A strong sense of time and place that enhances the mystery

Minor drawbacks:
A few pacing lulls in the middle, and some side characters fade into the background, but neither detracts much from the overall impact.

Verdict:
If you enjoy slow burn historical mysteries with psychological depth and a protagonist driven by something more than duty, The Whistle of Revenge is well worth your time.

[Lucas W Mayberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holmes is back at his best - While living in Milan, Sherlock and Irene Adler’s peaceful life is rocked when their son Nicco is kidnapped. Upset, Sherlock must put his feelings aside and once again become Holmes, the brilliant cold and calculating detective in order to find him. But could this cold aloofness put a wedge between him and Irene and destroy their relationship? It soon becomes clear that an old enemy from the past, previously thought dead is out for revenge and put in the mix a conspiracy of horse doping, art theft and terrorism this could be one of Sherlock’s hardest cases to date. It’s great to see Nicco is a chip of the old block and although imprisoned he is able to send clues to his father and mother to help them find him. If you are a fan of Arthur Conan Doyle then you will love this. And if you have read KD Sherrinford’s books before you will know how much of a great job she does bringing the detective to life. This is no exception and I reckon it is the best one yet. I hope there is more to come.

[Jane Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Whistle Of Revenge: Sherlock Holmes And Irene Adler Mystery, by K.D Sherrinford.

I have read and enjoyed the author’s other incredible books so was understandably eager to read her fourth book in the series. And yet again, what a thoroughly immersive story it was.
Beautifully written in an elegant, compelling style which conveyed warmth and tenderness.

I loved the dialogue throughout; the descriptive scenes were very visual and satisfying to me as were the rich tapestry of characters interwoven in the twisty plot.

Panic descends on Holmes and Nene, when their son Nicco is abducted. Resolute in their determination to find their beloved son and then bring the culprits to justice. What follows is an absolute thrill of a ride containing, suspense, mystery, tension, heartache, and love.

The touching scene when Nene spoke to her daughter, Charlotte, about “the importance of strong morals, ethics, empathy, integrity, kindness, honesty and love in our children,” struck a deep chord within me.
My sentiments exactly.

A wonderful book. My highest recommendation.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This enjoyable and engaging Sherlock Holmes inspired mystery kept me captivated throughout. In Milan deadly antagonist Jack Stapleton has returned in pursuit of his nemesis, the celebrated Detective Sherlock Holmes. Having taken on the persona of Janus, Stapleton along with the Italian mafia cause chaos amidst the Italian horse racing fraternity and car manufacturing industry. Things become personal when Stapleton is behind the kidnapping of Holmes’s son. All these acts are part of a well-executed and evil master plan named ‘Operation Whistle’.
Holmes along with Irene Adler and ally Inspector Romano must crack the code, rescue Holmes’s son and unmask Janus. This is a real page turner due to the intriguing storyline, fascinating characters and plot twists. Both the characters and the setting are brought vividly to life by the descriptive narrative, making me feel immersed in the story. Although I read it happily as a standalone story, I feel I would have had a better understanding of the characters backstory if I had read the books in this series in order.

[Hayley Bernard-Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came to this book after reading K.D. Sherringford’s “Christmas at the Saporis”, which was also fantastic. The story I just read, “The Whistle of Revenge” was simply amazing. I’ve never read any of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock stories but I think he would agree with me. This book is brimming with intelligence and witty dialogue. It describes the locations beautifully and contains a cast of memorable characters. Both the bad guys and the good guys (and the shady ones in-between!) were written in such incredible detail that I often felt as though I was in the room with them like a fly on the wall, overhearing their interactions to each other. In addition to the danger, mystery and intrigue; this story was also tender and emotional- Nene and Sherlock’s beautiful love for each other was all over the pages. Also, I do love a good villain and in this story there were several. I am very much looking forward to reading more of Sherrinford’s masterful writing.

[Trisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Whistle of Revenge by KD Sherrinford is a thrilling and inventive continuation of the Sherlock Holmes legacy, bringing back the cunning Jack Stapleton for a gripping game of cat and mouse. Set in modern Milan, the novel seamlessly blends classic detective intrigue with high-stakes drama as Holmes, Irene Adler, and Inspector Romano race against time to rescue Holmes’s kidnapped son. Stapleton, now operating under the alias Janus, orchestrates a masterful scheme involving the Italian mafia, horse racing, and the burgeoning car industry, adding layers of complexity to an already tense narrative. Sherrinford’s vivid storytelling and deep understanding of Holmes lore make for an enthralling mystery packed with deception, action, and psychological duels. This provides the feeling that readers are used to when presented with Sherlock Holmes, and will leave you wanting to continue the story further!

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Whistle of Revenge is the fourth book in the Sherlock Holmes and Irene Adler Mysteries series. I didn't know when I grabbed the book that others had been written in this series, but I chose to go ahead and jump in. The story can be read and enjoyed as a standalone book, and I want to go back and read the previous books in the series. We are brought into a complex mystery told from several points of view as Sherlock Holmes and Irene Adler try to find their son Nicco. Nicco was kidnapped by a long-sworn enemy thought to be dead. I enjoyed the story and was pleased with how this author used Holmes in the storytelling. There are clever twists and turns that keep Holmes and Adler guessing while trying to find their son before it is too late. I will now go back and grab the other books in this series and look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

[Heidi Sturgess · Rating 4 out of 5]

I so enjoyed this cover it had that old school feel but a touch of new with it , does that make sense ?!

Jack Stapleton is back in Milan and he’s out for revenge , he’s after Sherlock like a rabid dog and he’s in cahoots with the mafia ! Sherlock’s son is kidnapped and all this drama s part of “operation whistle “

Holmes isn’t on his on though they have inspector Romano on their side and he’s a trustworthy sort …

There was a bit of everything , tension , drama , suspense and tension and I did a get a little emotional at times because I can just imagine the anxiety and fear these parents must have gone through with their son being taken ….

This was definitely a different read for me but most enjoyable 😉

[Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good mystery that takes you on a ride with plenty of twists and turns. This story definitely had that and more. I did not realize this was a part of a series, but that didn't take away from the story one bit. What started out as a pleasant vacation for Sherlock and his family quickly turns into a nightmare. A very worthy adversary Sherlock thought to be long gone has come back for revenge. Jack Stapleton is back, operating under the pseudonym Janus, and has taken Sherlock's son Lucca after attacking his wife Irene. Sherlock must pull out his trusty investigator hat and follow the clues. With the help of their old friend Inspector Romano will they be able to stop Janus and save Lucca?

[Shadel ayerbe · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Whistle of Revenge by KD Sherrinford is a great historical romance series.

Jack Stapleton, the lethal antagonist, returns spectacularly to Milan to hunt down his longtime foe, the renowned detective Sherlock Holmes. As part of their diabolical and well-executed master plan—Operation Whistle—the Italian mafia, a vindictive Stapleton, and the mysterious character of Janus, a vengeful Stapleton, wreak havoc on the Italian horse racing fraternity and nascent automobile manufacturing business, and abduct Holmes's beloved son.

Every page was exciting and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen. The story really brings excitement into your life. I couldn’t put the book down.

[Finn Cunningham · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Whistle of Revenge is book 4 of the "Sherlock Holmes and Irene Adler Mysteries" series by K.D. Sherrinford. I have not read anything else from this author, and read this as standalone. However, I still look forward to reading more of this series in the future! I've been a fan of Sherlock since I was little, so I'll admit I was quick to grab this without realizing it was part of a series. Regardless, Sherrinford's writing is gripping, intense, and complex. The settings and cultures are beautifully represented, the cast of characters rich, and diverse, and just a overall amazing read. I highly recommend diving into this!

[Charissa Costa Bauhaus · Rating 5 out of 5]

KD Sherrinford does it again! In The Whistle of Revenge, readers are once again swept away by the talents of Sherlock Holmes, Irene Adler, and their creative storyteller, Ms Sherrinford. Join Holmes, Adler and others as they race against time to save young Nicco. But the adventures don’t stop there - this tale includes horse-doping, an art heist, explosives, and poisoning… just to name a few. With excellent character development, rich historical ambiance, and more twists and turns than a race track, The Whistle of Revenge serves up surprises from beginning to end… I can’t wait for the next!

[Britney · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hound of the Baskerville is one of my favorite Sherlock stories so I was excited to read this book! This is book 4 in the Sherlock Holmes and Irene Adler series. I have not read the other 3, and wish I had before reading this one. The story is gripping, adventurous, keeping you guessing, and makes the book hard to put down. I’ve added the other 3 books to my TBR and when things calm down plan to revisit the series. I highly recommend this for any fan of Sherlock!

[Sherry Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book four in the series. The wonderful couple Sherlock Holmes and Irene Adler are entangled in a mystery needing solved that hits to close to home! It is filled with worry, excitement, suspense, a mystery that had me longing to found out what was going to happen from chapter to chapter! Very very good!!

[Marcia Clayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this intriguing and well-written story, and the intricate plot kept my attention from beginning to end. Sherlock and his wife, Irene Adler, are shocked and distressed when their beloved son, Nicco, is kidnapped. However, it is essential that Holmes puts his distress to one side and uses his brilliant and calculating mind to find his son. An old enemy from the past, previously thought dead, is after revenge, and the personal element makes Operation Whistle Sherlock’s hardest case so far. I enjoyed the way the book is told by several different narrators, and I felt this worked well. A very enjoyable tale.

[Marianne Antonichuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another book by this author and I just devoured it following Sherlock Holmes and Irene addled in the mystery that they follow and figure out leaves you where you can’t put the book down as you need to know what happens I love all her books and will be watching for another

[Amelia Stansell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fantastic. It is the fourth book of the series. It was supposed to be a sweet get away for Sherlock and his wife. It turns into his worst nightmare when enemy returns and kidnaps a member of his family. Can Sherlock get them back before it’s too late?

[Jules Herbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW What a creative, captivating, twisty tale this talented author has woven for us readers! What starts out as a holiday for Sherlock, his Wife and Son soon turns into Sherlock having dig deep to save his son. There is so much happening you truly will be hooked from start to finish!

[Tabitha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t think I’ve read the previous books in this series, but I really enjoyed this one. There are a Lot of characters to keep straight, but the story pulls you along. Excited to read the next one!

[Christina Mages · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing book in this series. Lots of mystery throughout this book. I love the characters. This book kept me interested the whole time