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Sherlock Holmes #1
Sherlock Holmes and the Whitechapel Vampire
Victorian Englands most famous consulting detective is hot on the trail of London's most notorious serial killer, Jack the Ripper. But in Sherlock Holmes and the Whitechapel Vampire, Jack is a vampire and Holmes refusal to believe it could be his undoing as the two match wits in this delightfully original first novel.
233 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
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1275 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 29, 2012
I won this book on the Goodreads giveaways. I can't scream loud enough that this was one of the greatest books I've ever read!!! Mr. Turnbloom bravo!! He has captured the spirit of vampires, jack the ripper and put it with the greatest detective of all time Sherlock Holmes. The books moves along quickly so you never get uninterested. It is a book with multiple stories going on at the same time and yet all of the stories are intertwined. I recommend this to all Sherlock Holmes fans! It is also perfect for Jack the Ripper fans and vampire fans too!! Thank you Dean Turnbloom for writing such a wonderful, fun, and exciting novel!!
September 12, 2013
The -- third, I think? I'm starting to lose count -- latest book in my Holmes-vs.-Ripper reading quest ...
As always, the most obvious distinction in this particular take on the Holmes-Ripper story is who the identity of the Ripper is revealed to be. And I feel I'm not spoiling much by saying that the Ripper, in this case, is a vampire. (C'mon, it's not a spoiler; it's right there in the title.) Specifically, a Baron, who has passed through the decades and centuries by claiming to be his own son, generation after generation, in order to explain away both his agelessness and immortality.
What he can't explain away is, of course, his insatiable thirst. Upon his arrival to London, the poor destitutes of Whitechapel seem like the easiest pickings for him. The carnage he leaves behind is horrific; so, enter Sherlock Holmes, who believes that there may be a connection between the bodies of prostitutes appearing in Whitechapel, and similar such victims left behind a few months earlier in France. Holmes, for his part, is already involved in a second case, trying to prove the innocence of a young Italian immigrant who stands accused of murder -- but perhaps his two cases are linked together, after all.
Our vampire Ripper is an interesting character -- fortunately, since much of the book is from his perspective. He is torn between his vampire nature and his human one, albeit in a way far less annoying than, say, Edward Cullen (think more in the vein of, oh, Spike from "Buffy," perhaps). Indeed, if I have one complaint, it's that Holmes and Watson get a small chunk of "screentime" in comparison to the Baron, the doctor the Baron hires to "cure" him, and the various policemen brought in to solve the Whitechapel murders. Luckily, I *liked* the other characters (or at least enjoyed reading about them!), and Holmes's frequent absences didn't much stop me from turning the pages.
The Holmes and Watson of this version remind me very much of the Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce portrayals of the characters -- which was quite fine with me, as the Rathbone-Nigel duo is one of my favorite on-screen BFF pairings of all time. And the ending itself was just unambiguous enough to satisfy me.
There were a few flaws here and there (punctuation was a bit off, and one or two bits were stretched out where others were rushed). Still -- I closed the book hoping for a sequel, so that's got to be a good sign!
As always, the most obvious distinction in this particular take on the Holmes-Ripper story is who the identity of the Ripper is revealed to be. And I feel I'm not spoiling much by saying that the Ripper, in this case, is a vampire. (C'mon, it's not a spoiler; it's right there in the title.) Specifically, a Baron, who has passed through the decades and centuries by claiming to be his own son, generation after generation, in order to explain away both his agelessness and immortality.
What he can't explain away is, of course, his insatiable thirst. Upon his arrival to London, the poor destitutes of Whitechapel seem like the easiest pickings for him. The carnage he leaves behind is horrific; so, enter Sherlock Holmes, who believes that there may be a connection between the bodies of prostitutes appearing in Whitechapel, and similar such victims left behind a few months earlier in France. Holmes, for his part, is already involved in a second case, trying to prove the innocence of a young Italian immigrant who stands accused of murder -- but perhaps his two cases are linked together, after all.
Our vampire Ripper is an interesting character -- fortunately, since much of the book is from his perspective. He is torn between his vampire nature and his human one, albeit in a way far less annoying than, say, Edward Cullen (think more in the vein of, oh, Spike from "Buffy," perhaps). Indeed, if I have one complaint, it's that Holmes and Watson get a small chunk of "screentime" in comparison to the Baron, the doctor the Baron hires to "cure" him, and the various policemen brought in to solve the Whitechapel murders. Luckily, I *liked* the other characters (or at least enjoyed reading about them!), and Holmes's frequent absences didn't much stop me from turning the pages.
The Holmes and Watson of this version remind me very much of the Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce portrayals of the characters -- which was quite fine with me, as the Rathbone-Nigel duo is one of my favorite on-screen BFF pairings of all time. And the ending itself was just unambiguous enough to satisfy me.
There were a few flaws here and there (punctuation was a bit off, and one or two bits were stretched out where others were rushed). Still -- I closed the book hoping for a sequel, so that's got to be a good sign!
April 6, 2015
If I never read another Holmes/Ripper combo again It’ll be too soon. Ultimately I am bored with most Sherlock Holmes meets Jack the Ripper. However, I do eat my hat a little bit. I cannot deny that out in the wild world of Sherlock Holmes Pastiche there are a few very good Holmes/Ripper or Holmes/Dracula crossovers.
There are two lines of investigation throughout this story. One follows the murder of a young girl named Gianetta who is engaged and coming to England to her fiancé. While on passage to England she strikes up an affair with a young man, Carlino. He is thought to have killed her in a fit of rage because she would not leave her fiancé to be with him.
Upon the boat is Baron Barclucci. A man who has lived a thousands lives. He is a vampire and he is lose in London feeding sporadically on the lowest in society. He is also Jack the Ripper! He is a tortured creature, hating his existence as a vampire. He thirsts for blood and also a cure that will never come.
A good portion of the book focuses on events away from Holmes and Watson. This is the Baron’s story really. Holmes and Watson’s absence is not a bad thing though, but if there is a drawback it is that. Turnbloom tells an interesting and engaging story. The mixture of vampirism and Ripper worked surprisingly well. While Ripper and Vampires aren’t my cup of tea, especially when it comes to Sherlock Holmes pastiche, I found myself satisfied with what outcome of this narrative and would recommend it.
What tips Turnbloom’s book into the positives is that it’s more sci-fi. You’re reading something fantastic and outrageous but it’s mixed with historical events and has a fun atmosphere about it. You have characterisation that are true to Doyle’s work and that is always a plus side. Turnbloom’s book will keep you turning the page. The drawback is the limited time we get with Holmes and Watson.
There are two lines of investigation throughout this story. One follows the murder of a young girl named Gianetta who is engaged and coming to England to her fiancé. While on passage to England she strikes up an affair with a young man, Carlino. He is thought to have killed her in a fit of rage because she would not leave her fiancé to be with him.
Upon the boat is Baron Barclucci. A man who has lived a thousands lives. He is a vampire and he is lose in London feeding sporadically on the lowest in society. He is also Jack the Ripper! He is a tortured creature, hating his existence as a vampire. He thirsts for blood and also a cure that will never come.
A good portion of the book focuses on events away from Holmes and Watson. This is the Baron’s story really. Holmes and Watson’s absence is not a bad thing though, but if there is a drawback it is that. Turnbloom tells an interesting and engaging story. The mixture of vampirism and Ripper worked surprisingly well. While Ripper and Vampires aren’t my cup of tea, especially when it comes to Sherlock Holmes pastiche, I found myself satisfied with what outcome of this narrative and would recommend it.
What tips Turnbloom’s book into the positives is that it’s more sci-fi. You’re reading something fantastic and outrageous but it’s mixed with historical events and has a fun atmosphere about it. You have characterisation that are true to Doyle’s work and that is always a plus side. Turnbloom’s book will keep you turning the page. The drawback is the limited time we get with Holmes and Watson.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 23, 2012
"Sherlock Holmes and the Whitechapel Vampire" is an enjoyable read. When I began reading the book, I expected the usual Holmes pastiche. To my delight, I found something much different.
There are only a few drawbacks to the book. The grammar could be tweaked a little and the style is a bit repetitive. I felt the ending was a tad bit rushed, though true to certain Sherlockian standards. It did not detract from my enjoyment of the story, however.
I have been a Sherlock Holmes fan for over 27 years, and though a little rigid in my ideal portrayal of Holmes, I am flexible with the pastiches. If you are a purist, you will not enjoy this book. To me, this book was less like the Sacred Writings and more like a Basil Rathbone/Nigel Bruce movie. When I was reading the book, (Which is in third-person narration rather than first-person) I couldn't help but see Basil and Nigel. The way the two characters interacted and spoke to one another, plus the hilarity that ensues from the predicaments that Watson finds himself in, were true to Rathbone and Bruce. I loved it! I could just imagine the two facing down the Draculaesque character. I wish they were alive so that they could make this novel into a motion picture!
The attention to historical detail enthralled me. I am also versed in Ripperology and it was a thrill to see that Turnbloom tied up all of the loose ends with actual facts. I enjoyed his mention of the Ripper letters and the famous "writing on the wall". I also enjoyed how he stayed true to Sherlock's character (as portrayed by Rathbone). It was wonderful!
Give this book a try. I don't think you'll be disappointed!
There are only a few drawbacks to the book. The grammar could be tweaked a little and the style is a bit repetitive. I felt the ending was a tad bit rushed, though true to certain Sherlockian standards. It did not detract from my enjoyment of the story, however.
I have been a Sherlock Holmes fan for over 27 years, and though a little rigid in my ideal portrayal of Holmes, I am flexible with the pastiches. If you are a purist, you will not enjoy this book. To me, this book was less like the Sacred Writings and more like a Basil Rathbone/Nigel Bruce movie. When I was reading the book, (Which is in third-person narration rather than first-person) I couldn't help but see Basil and Nigel. The way the two characters interacted and spoke to one another, plus the hilarity that ensues from the predicaments that Watson finds himself in, were true to Rathbone and Bruce. I loved it! I could just imagine the two facing down the Draculaesque character. I wish they were alive so that they could make this novel into a motion picture!
The attention to historical detail enthralled me. I am also versed in Ripperology and it was a thrill to see that Turnbloom tied up all of the loose ends with actual facts. I enjoyed his mention of the Ripper letters and the famous "writing on the wall". I also enjoyed how he stayed true to Sherlock's character (as portrayed by Rathbone). It was wonderful!
Give this book a try. I don't think you'll be disappointed!
March 12, 2015
By far the worst Holmes pastiche I've read with its clunky, stilted prose, awkward characterisation of Holmes and Watson and tendency towards cliche and melodrama - chapter 2 is basically the plot of the movie Titanic. Could be read as camp material like the 70s Dracula Horror series by Robert Lory, but doesn't have the crude verve of those books.
January 5, 2020
I like Sherlock Holmes, vampires and am a little bit interested in Jack the Ripper, so how could I not enjoy a novel that combines all three? Well, the truth is these sorts of fan-books are rarely any good and it therefore didn’t surprise me that this example this really wasn’t particularly well written, although I have tried and given up on similar books in the past that have been worse, and I did actually enjoy this!
I will give the author marks for trying to combine the real-life facts of the Ripper murders and weave them into a story with two famous literary creation of Sherlock Holmes and Dracula (even though the vampire in this particular story was an Italian Baron rather than a Transylvanian Count), but there were enough historical inaccuracies, all be a lot of them often just misunderstandings rather than dates or particular facts, to again and again detract from the story. This was made worse by the fact the story was set in Britain and I am British, whereas the author was clearly American (we have bank cashiers not tellers for example), but I recognise I am being pedantic and picky but the writing itself wasn’t great I’m afraid and the story was often helped along by quick but unrealistic plot devices that further fuelled a general lack of realism, not that in fairness a vampire Jack the Ripper being hunted by Holmes and Watson was ever going to be realistic!
However having written all that, I did really enjoy this light-hearted read and raced through it in a couple of days (very fast for me), so in fairness to the author I cannot give it the one or two stars out of five that deep down I feel it deserves while still saying I enjoyed it, so will give it three. But with the advisory warning that yes, it is good fun, but only if you realise the book for what it is. It is not high literature and doesn’t pretend to be, but if like me you enjoy the history around the Ripper murders and the history of the period, as well as having nostalgic childhood memories of reading about Sherlock Holmes and vampires, you’ll possibly enjoy it just as I did.
I will give the author marks for trying to combine the real-life facts of the Ripper murders and weave them into a story with two famous literary creation of Sherlock Holmes and Dracula (even though the vampire in this particular story was an Italian Baron rather than a Transylvanian Count), but there were enough historical inaccuracies, all be a lot of them often just misunderstandings rather than dates or particular facts, to again and again detract from the story. This was made worse by the fact the story was set in Britain and I am British, whereas the author was clearly American (we have bank cashiers not tellers for example), but I recognise I am being pedantic and picky but the writing itself wasn’t great I’m afraid and the story was often helped along by quick but unrealistic plot devices that further fuelled a general lack of realism, not that in fairness a vampire Jack the Ripper being hunted by Holmes and Watson was ever going to be realistic!
However having written all that, I did really enjoy this light-hearted read and raced through it in a couple of days (very fast for me), so in fairness to the author I cannot give it the one or two stars out of five that deep down I feel it deserves while still saying I enjoyed it, so will give it three. But with the advisory warning that yes, it is good fun, but only if you realise the book for what it is. It is not high literature and doesn’t pretend to be, but if like me you enjoy the history around the Ripper murders and the history of the period, as well as having nostalgic childhood memories of reading about Sherlock Holmes and vampires, you’ll possibly enjoy it just as I did.
February 13, 2017
OMG Sherlock Holmes, Jack the Ripper, and vampires. So everything I am obsessed with, right? It's also much better than it sounds, really. Despite the premise, it's not jokey. Ugh, I hate it when books or whatever are like, "Oh, this premise isn't literary enough, I guess I should be kinda embarrassed that I'm not trying to win a Pulitzer, I'll write as if it is a joke, then it can be meta and I can be cool again" ugh ugh ugh. Anyhoo.
The characterization of the vampire was something I haven't seen done very often these days (except maybe in the Vampire Diaries). He's regretful and wants to change, but doesn't beat himself up about acting in line with his nature. Also, his justification of his choice of victim, while possibly something a typical non-vampiric Victorian person could maybe understand (if they were one of those social darwinism types), is now something that a modern reader would would find unacceptable. The comparing of Victorian social Darwinists to self-justifying Vampires is something that seems so obvious and perfect now!
It's not a traditional mystery, as we know "who" has done it since the beginning and how many victims there were to be, but Turnbloom does a good job of building suspense. I wasn't sure what was to be the fate of the unfortunate Italian man, for instance, or if the Baron would be cured or not. A lot of the action took place in the dialog, which I'm not a fan of, unfortunately.
The characterization of the vampire was something I haven't seen done very often these days (except maybe in the Vampire Diaries). He's regretful and wants to change, but doesn't beat himself up about acting in line with his nature. Also, his justification of his choice of victim, while possibly something a typical non-vampiric Victorian person could maybe understand (if they were one of those social darwinism types), is now something that a modern reader would would find unacceptable. The comparing of Victorian social Darwinists to self-justifying Vampires is something that seems so obvious and perfect now!
It's not a traditional mystery, as we know "who" has done it since the beginning and how many victims there were to be, but Turnbloom does a good job of building suspense. I wasn't sure what was to be the fate of the unfortunate Italian man, for instance, or if the Baron would be cured or not. A lot of the action took place in the dialog, which I'm not a fan of, unfortunately.
August 22, 2014
I bought this book because I love Sherlock Holmes stories. I thought it would be just another book where Sherlock finds the killer faking vampirism, since we all know Sherlock is a man of proved science. I have even read one where Sherlock kills the vampire, and asks the story never be published by Watson. This story and book was very good. I would gladly give it 4.5 stars. It had the tone in writing to sound as if Conan Doyle was writing it, and the characters were so very real. The vampire is very different than others, because he has been waiting for a long time, over 600 years, and not for the love of his life, but for science to catch up with his disease. It also rings more true since, he was a Knights Templar, and shows some compassion, and regret. It also gives a new idea concerning the mutilations, of the prostitutes, that was original indeed. I really enjoyed this first novel, by a new and upcoming author. Very well done....The game was indeed afoot.....
May 19, 2015
This review excerpt is from Fresh Fiction:
Dean Turnbloom takes Sherlock Holmes and brilliantly transforms him into a ruthless vampire hunter. Baron Antonio Barlucci is wealthy, handsome, and seduces the readers with his charm. The readers will delight in Holmes' immaculately clever detective work which leads him straight to the equally clever baron. Barlucci's unexpected love for Abigail is reminiscent of Dracula's love for Mina. The baron, too, has a love he has never forgotten. Dean Turnbloom's novel is a delightful total original read which fans of all genres will love. SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE WHITECHAPEL VAMPIRE takes Sherlock Holmes, Dracula, and Jack the Ripper and creates a riveting masterpiece of suspense and forbidden romance.
Dean Turnbloom takes Sherlock Holmes and brilliantly transforms him into a ruthless vampire hunter. Baron Antonio Barlucci is wealthy, handsome, and seduces the readers with his charm. The readers will delight in Holmes' immaculately clever detective work which leads him straight to the equally clever baron. Barlucci's unexpected love for Abigail is reminiscent of Dracula's love for Mina. The baron, too, has a love he has never forgotten. Dean Turnbloom's novel is a delightful total original read which fans of all genres will love. SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE WHITECHAPEL VAMPIRE takes Sherlock Holmes, Dracula, and Jack the Ripper and creates a riveting masterpiece of suspense and forbidden romance.
Want to read
August 15, 2012Won in a Goodreads giveaway!
September 17, 2013
seguite il link per leggere la recensione http://booksdreamer.blogspot.it/2013/...
July 4, 2021
As someone who avoids blood and gore in my bones, I knew that anything involving Jack the Ripper was going to have me skipping some parts. But the addition of Holmes, who traditionally does not involve the gory aspects of horror in his stories, convinced me to try it. I still would not recommend this for anyone under 18, and be ready to skip some parts, but I thought that the story was well done. Holmes and Watson have a much smaller role than in most Holmes books, and we instead spend the majority of the book with the vampire's point of view. While still trying to make at least a small part of us feel bad for the ancient vampire who struggles to keep what is left of his humanity, this is not the work of a vampire apologist as we have seen in some other recent books involving them. Even though he was originally a man of faith and a crusader, and wishes to break his curse, the author makes clear the pain and suffering the vampire causes in spite of the vampire's excuses. In many ways the author links the vampire's predatory mindset that sees others as objects rather than sentient life to that of a sexual predator, and fans of true crime podcasts may recognize some of the characteristics of today's serial killers in our vampire.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2023
While there were nice touches of attentiveness to detail, I was disappointed in the Holmes and Watson presented here. A story with a vampire protagonist based on the Jack the Ripper killings may have just raised my expectations too high. I’m a huge Wilkie Collins fan and love. Good gothic mystery, this just wasn’t it.
One last item, the girls uncle agreeing to have her travel l unescorted to another country with an unrelated adult male?! No amount of vampire hypnotism could make that fly….Gert Bell couldn’t walk to school by herself.( if you’ve never heard of her, go grab Gertrude Bell, Queen of the Desert…now)
One last item, the girls uncle agreeing to have her travel l unescorted to another country with an unrelated adult male?! No amount of vampire hypnotism could make that fly….Gert Bell couldn’t walk to school by herself.( if you’ve never heard of her, go grab Gertrude Bell, Queen of the Desert…now)
April 15, 2020
This book was just awful. Historical and scientific inaccuracies, confusing and unnecessary plot “twists,” and what we in fanfic circles call OOC (out of character). Neither Holmes nor Watson are quite themselves throughout the entire adventure. I’m rating it three stars because (like Plan 9 From Outer Space) the story was so outrageously bad it was humorous. It was simultaneously entertaining and frustrating. Don’t even get me started on how a character is somehow fed intravenously through their arm. The author clearly did a lot of research on the Ripper case but egads the rest is a mess!
October 24, 2023
The question of how Sherlock Holmes would investigate Jack the Ripper has always intrigued me. This is the third of this genre that I have read. it is the first to suggest the Ripper as a vampire, An excellent premise! The inner conflict in the Baron, extending to a love interest, was entirely believable. I liked the way Holmes entered the scene investigating the false accusation of the young man. I would’ve liked more witty and wry dialogue between Holmes and Watson. I am looking forward to reading the next two in the series. This is a very respectable start.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2022
Le indagini di Sherlock Holmes e Watson sono messe un po' in disparte per far posto a un inedito Jack Lo Squartatore, un barone...vampiro e la sua storia. Holmes e Jack incrociano i loro destini per via di un nuovo incarico dell'investigatore privato, salvare la pelle a un ragazzo italiano ingiustamente accusato di aver ucciso l'amata.
February 18, 2024
Exactly why did I get hold of this juvenile and amateurish work that uses Sherlock Holmes and Jack the Ripper to liberally name-drop into a basically thin copy of numerous cheap vampire pulps?
Ah! Now I remember. I had supported the Kickstarter effort to bring this product into fruition.
I apologise to others who might feel aggrieved after going through this one.
Believe me. Never Again.
Ah! Now I remember. I had supported the Kickstarter effort to bring this product into fruition.
I apologise to others who might feel aggrieved after going through this one.
Believe me. Never Again.
Read
June 2, 2020Good as a sourcebook
I'm planning a Vampire the Masquerade campaign featuring a very similar storyline, so this book gave me some good ideas to use. But the way Holmes was written felt off. Also, the author tended to explain rather than narrate.
I'm planning a Vampire the Masquerade campaign featuring a very similar storyline, so this book gave me some good ideas to use. But the way Holmes was written felt off. Also, the author tended to explain rather than narrate.
January 21, 2016
Sherlock Holmes and the Whitechapel Vampire by Dean Turbloom
I should note two things here: 1) This is definitely non-canon. It isn’t even written by Watson, it is told third person. 2) It is going to seem like I give a lot of spoilers, but really this just sets up the story. I guarantee that you will have surprises waiting for you in the book itself!
1888. Two twenty-something friends, Carlino Gaetano and Vittorio Martini, buy passage to London aboard the cargo ship Lira. Also aboard is a rich family with their daughter, Gianette Rossini. Also aboard is the mysterious Baron Barlucci, who by his own account is a six hundred year old vampire.
Aboard the ship, the rich Gianette falls for the darkly handsome but poor Carlino. They meet at night and soon are pledged to each other, even though Gianette is headed to England to man the rich man her parents have chosen for her.
She is taken one night by the bloodthirsty Baron, and Carlino Gaetano is arrested for her murder.
Meanwhile, on an unnamed case in France, Holmes and Watson are approached by Chief Inspector Renard. He has a current case of murdered prostitutes being dumped into the Seine. He also mentions that this is a recurring crime that goes back at least one hundred years.
Holmes denies that the events could possibly be connected. He also refuses to listen to Renard’s tales of Vampires. Holmes is standing on science, and discounts vampires as just ignorant superstition.
Baron Barlucci takes a home in London called Darthmore Hall. He engages the services of Doctor Alan Tremaine, a man who specializes in diseases of the blood. Doctor Tremaine agrees to work for the Baron, hoping to find a cure for Vampirism.
Holmes takes the case of Carlino Gaetano at the request of his friend, Vittoiro Martini.
The Baron takes an interest in Sir Charles Warren, The Police Commissioner of Scotland Yard’s niece Abigail Drake. Despite knowing what he is, aka a Vampire, she falls for him.
Meanwhile, the vampire is hungry. This is Whitechapel, 1888. The year of Jack the Ripper…
None of this is really a spoiler, as it is told right up front in the first small chapters of the novel. The fun for the reader lies in the chase, and what lies around the next bend. Much historical fact is told during the investigation in Whitechapel. The search for a cure for Vampirism is a tense scene, as the Doctor wants to cure the Baron. The Baron’s behind the scenes actions leave one in suspense as to whether he is going to make a bad slip-up and reveal his true nature.
I found the pacing and mystery of this novel rather good, and as it is only volume one in a new series by Dean Turnbloom, we have more to look for in the future! I grant this amazing book five stars!
Quoth the Raven…
I should note two things here: 1) This is definitely non-canon. It isn’t even written by Watson, it is told third person. 2) It is going to seem like I give a lot of spoilers, but really this just sets up the story. I guarantee that you will have surprises waiting for you in the book itself!
1888. Two twenty-something friends, Carlino Gaetano and Vittorio Martini, buy passage to London aboard the cargo ship Lira. Also aboard is a rich family with their daughter, Gianette Rossini. Also aboard is the mysterious Baron Barlucci, who by his own account is a six hundred year old vampire.
Aboard the ship, the rich Gianette falls for the darkly handsome but poor Carlino. They meet at night and soon are pledged to each other, even though Gianette is headed to England to man the rich man her parents have chosen for her.
She is taken one night by the bloodthirsty Baron, and Carlino Gaetano is arrested for her murder.
Meanwhile, on an unnamed case in France, Holmes and Watson are approached by Chief Inspector Renard. He has a current case of murdered prostitutes being dumped into the Seine. He also mentions that this is a recurring crime that goes back at least one hundred years.
Holmes denies that the events could possibly be connected. He also refuses to listen to Renard’s tales of Vampires. Holmes is standing on science, and discounts vampires as just ignorant superstition.
Baron Barlucci takes a home in London called Darthmore Hall. He engages the services of Doctor Alan Tremaine, a man who specializes in diseases of the blood. Doctor Tremaine agrees to work for the Baron, hoping to find a cure for Vampirism.
Holmes takes the case of Carlino Gaetano at the request of his friend, Vittoiro Martini.
The Baron takes an interest in Sir Charles Warren, The Police Commissioner of Scotland Yard’s niece Abigail Drake. Despite knowing what he is, aka a Vampire, she falls for him.
Meanwhile, the vampire is hungry. This is Whitechapel, 1888. The year of Jack the Ripper…
None of this is really a spoiler, as it is told right up front in the first small chapters of the novel. The fun for the reader lies in the chase, and what lies around the next bend. Much historical fact is told during the investigation in Whitechapel. The search for a cure for Vampirism is a tense scene, as the Doctor wants to cure the Baron. The Baron’s behind the scenes actions leave one in suspense as to whether he is going to make a bad slip-up and reveal his true nature.
I found the pacing and mystery of this novel rather good, and as it is only volume one in a new series by Dean Turnbloom, we have more to look for in the future! I grant this amazing book five stars!
Quoth the Raven…
February 21, 2022
This is no better than the last one.
I have a few Sherlock fanfiction books lying at home, bought three years ago at a book fair in a sudden, fleeting (which I know now) obsession after reading the Doyle ones. I never got around to reading them, and now I can see I wasn't losing out on much.
This book combines vampirism with Sherlock. The combination was okay, but such drivel I have never seen.
A couple is confiding their love so passionately after meeting a few hours prior with the most cliche backstories you can ever imagine. Somehow we should believe that the baron is aloof yet he marries aristocratic ladies, yet it's easy for him to convince people including his wife's family that he is both father and son (he has a dual role and no body guesses it is the same person! Are you kidding me? Wouldn't they ask the both of them to be present at any time?) There is an insane amount of greetings and civilities - this author's idea of how Victorian aristocratic society was, apparently it was just "I hope you won't mind my saying so", "The beef is delectable" and other polite murmurings. One second Sir Charles is so worried about propriety, the next he is sending his niece alone on a ship with this guy? That would never happen in those times, and it doesn't add up.
There is no substance to any character. The premise was good but there was no substance to the plot either. Literally, the story is just : build out the premise, Sherlock finds a handkerchief, they identify and confront the killer, he confesses.
This book will not stay with me and if I am honest, I knew this would be a waste of time. But my OCD side wants me to checklist all the books I own.
I have a few Sherlock fanfiction books lying at home, bought three years ago at a book fair in a sudden, fleeting (which I know now) obsession after reading the Doyle ones. I never got around to reading them, and now I can see I wasn't losing out on much.
This book combines vampirism with Sherlock. The combination was okay, but such drivel I have never seen.
A couple is confiding their love so passionately after meeting a few hours prior with the most cliche backstories you can ever imagine. Somehow we should believe that the baron is aloof yet he marries aristocratic ladies, yet it's easy for him to convince people including his wife's family that he is both father and son (he has a dual role and no body guesses it is the same person! Are you kidding me? Wouldn't they ask the both of them to be present at any time?) There is an insane amount of greetings and civilities - this author's idea of how Victorian aristocratic society was, apparently it was just "I hope you won't mind my saying so", "The beef is delectable" and other polite murmurings. One second Sir Charles is so worried about propriety, the next he is sending his niece alone on a ship with this guy? That would never happen in those times, and it doesn't add up.
There is no substance to any character. The premise was good but there was no substance to the plot either. Literally, the story is just : build out the premise, Sherlock finds a handkerchief, they identify and confront the killer, he confesses.
This book will not stay with me and if I am honest, I knew this would be a waste of time. But my OCD side wants me to checklist all the books I own.
December 5, 2018
First things first I preferred this book to read solely because of the title Sherlock Holmes- The Whitechapel Vampire. Being an ardent fan of Sherlock Holmes stories I couldn’t keep this book unnoticed. Sherlock Holmes and Jack the Ripper stories are combined in this book, where Jack the Ripper is a 600-year-old vampire.
I haven’t read any vampire stories before, so this was my first vampire read. Sherlock Holmes investigates the brutal murders of women at White-chapel which had been committed by this vampire, Jack the ripper. The story set up in Victorian London.
It is indeed a thriller but not a hardcore one. The plot was somewhat predictable, no twist and turns. It has all sort of Sherlockian elements like deduction, but missed some intrigue elements, especially on the vampire(Jack the Ripper) part.
The author has bestowed justice to both the stories altogether. The ending of the book was vague and abrupt. I have a little disappointed by the book. It doesn’t satisfy my expectation. I would recommend this book to everyone including children because you will get reading Sherlock Holmes in the contemporary English language.
I haven’t read any vampire stories before, so this was my first vampire read. Sherlock Holmes investigates the brutal murders of women at White-chapel which had been committed by this vampire, Jack the ripper. The story set up in Victorian London.
It is indeed a thriller but not a hardcore one. The plot was somewhat predictable, no twist and turns. It has all sort of Sherlockian elements like deduction, but missed some intrigue elements, especially on the vampire(Jack the Ripper) part.
The author has bestowed justice to both the stories altogether. The ending of the book was vague and abrupt. I have a little disappointed by the book. It doesn’t satisfy my expectation. I would recommend this book to everyone including children because you will get reading Sherlock Holmes in the contemporary English language.
November 14, 2015
Truly astounding! The collection of iconic characters that we read about are an absolute joy! Intelligent, thematic mysterious, what more could you ask for?! I've read it a few times now and it never fails to enthrall me!
firstreads
June 23, 2014I recently won this through a Goodreads Firstreads Giveaway in exchange for an honest review. I will update with my review after I've read it.
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