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The Early Case Files of Sherlock Holmes #3
The Adventure of the Deceased Scholar
The Holmes family plans to celebrate the Easter holidays in London until a tragedy during the 1868 Oxford-Cambridge Boat race puts Mycroft Holmes’ reputation on the line.
When Mycroft Holmes identifies a drowning victim, he is drawn into a situation that could destroy not only Lord Surminster's name, but his own reputation as well. If ruled a suicide, the lord’s assets will be returned to the Crown, leaving his mother and siblings destitute. Should that happen, the victim’s sister has threatened to drag Mycroft’s good name through the mire. Will Sherlock be able determine what happened before more than one family is destroyed?
LIESE SHERWOOD-FABRE is a recognized Sherlockian scholar and author of the award-winning series The Early Case Files of Sherlock Holmes.
"A multifaceted and convincing addition to Sherlock-ian lore."
-Kirkus Reviews
When Mycroft Holmes identifies a drowning victim, he is drawn into a situation that could destroy not only Lord Surminster's name, but his own reputation as well. If ruled a suicide, the lord’s assets will be returned to the Crown, leaving his mother and siblings destitute. Should that happen, the victim’s sister has threatened to drag Mycroft’s good name through the mire. Will Sherlock be able determine what happened before more than one family is destroyed?
LIESE SHERWOOD-FABRE is a recognized Sherlockian scholar and author of the award-winning series The Early Case Files of Sherlock Holmes.
"A multifaceted and convincing addition to Sherlock-ian lore."
-Kirkus Reviews
- GenresMysteryHistoricalCrime
314 pages, Paperback
Published May 15, 2021
12 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
About the author
Liese Sherwood-Fabre
38 books495 followersLiese Sherwood-Fabre grew up in Dallas, Texas and knew she was destined to write when she got an A+ in the second grade for her story about Dick, Jane, and Sally’s ruined picnic. After obtaining her PhD from Indiana University, she joined the federal government and had the opportunity to work and live internationally for more than fifteen years—in Africa, Latin America, and Russia. Returning to the states, she seriously pursued her writing career and has published several pieces. Her debut novel Saving Hope, a thriller set in Russia, is now available from Musa Publishing. You can follow her upcoming releases and other events by joining her newsletter at www.liesesherwoodfabre.com, or visiting her Facebook, Twitter, or Bebo accounts. You can also contact her at liese@liesesherwoodfabre.com.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
February 15, 2021
It is a week before Easter and mother Holmes is in London with her 2 boys for the second half of ‘the Season’. When they go to attend the Oxford–Cambridge boat race, the body of one of Mycroft’s schoolmates is retrieved from the river. He hasn’t been seen since Thursday and his mother and sister were looking for him. As lord Surminster moves in higher circles than the Holmes’s, they’re not really acquainted but Mother volunteers to view the body together with the family’s butler. She quickly notices that several things indicate a murder rather than suicide. A verdict that the coroner favours. He is obviously not interested in what really happened to the victims. Of course, this is only the start of their involvement. When Father arrives in London, he’s not pleased with his wife’s interest in yet another murder, certainly not when Scotland Yard also gets involved.
This is already the third book in this series and they seem to get better and better. Don’t fret if you haven’t read those as this story stands on itself. It is just a pleasure to read them in order and get the background stories and family dynamics. This story is complex but well-constructed and suspenseful until the end. There are many mysterious elements that direct you into different directions; a mythical nun’s chest, border disputes, a contested will and a trust fund, vandalised maps, love letters from a French prostitute and more exciting riddles. I only found the solution near the end as well.
Young Sherlock gets introduced to a ‘night house’ (I love those euphemisms!) at the tender age of 14. Even his mother comes along, disguised as a man. This story and adventure is definitely a family affair, with Mother in charge and Mycroft and Sherlock as her runners. Each of them brings their own specific knowledge and strengths to their investigation. We miss uncle Ernest this time as he remained in the country. Father is very much opposed to their meddling in this inquiry but has to give in to his wife, eventually.
I was very pleased to see that Constance, one of my favourites, still lives with the family. She’s the personal maid of Mother who instructs her in more than just good manners and singing. She’s reading and writing now and dreams of performing on stage but has still a long way to go. It also gets more and more visible that there is a huge social gap between her station in life and Sherlock’s although they remain close friends. That the divisions between the different social classes were rigid can also be seen in other aspects of the story; between a lord and a mere squire or between a squire and an untitled barrister or attorney. One's class was so important that everybody could be identified easily by their clothes, shoes or transport.
Liese did some great research and keeps surprising me with exciting facts about and insight into life at the time. Certain opinions and social conventions of the period may be shocking and even offensive for our modern feelings. The fairer sex has to be protected from a lot of things because of their delicate nature, is just one example. The unconventional behaviour of their mother is subscribed to her French heritage and upbringing.
That suicide was a great stigma and scandal for the family, I knew that as well as that the remains could not be buried in a churchyard. But the financial repercussions were e harder. All the assets from suicider did fall to the crown, leaving the family penniless. This was done to stop people from killing themselves as the wife and children would be left to charity from relatives and lose every chance to a good marriage.
A strange fact is that burials would usually take place on the Sunday after one’s demise. I don’t know why but that’s now the only day that there are no funerals.
I received a free ARC from the author and this is my honest and unbiased review of it.
This is already the third book in this series and they seem to get better and better. Don’t fret if you haven’t read those as this story stands on itself. It is just a pleasure to read them in order and get the background stories and family dynamics. This story is complex but well-constructed and suspenseful until the end. There are many mysterious elements that direct you into different directions; a mythical nun’s chest, border disputes, a contested will and a trust fund, vandalised maps, love letters from a French prostitute and more exciting riddles. I only found the solution near the end as well.
Young Sherlock gets introduced to a ‘night house’ (I love those euphemisms!) at the tender age of 14. Even his mother comes along, disguised as a man. This story and adventure is definitely a family affair, with Mother in charge and Mycroft and Sherlock as her runners. Each of them brings their own specific knowledge and strengths to their investigation. We miss uncle Ernest this time as he remained in the country. Father is very much opposed to their meddling in this inquiry but has to give in to his wife, eventually.
I was very pleased to see that Constance, one of my favourites, still lives with the family. She’s the personal maid of Mother who instructs her in more than just good manners and singing. She’s reading and writing now and dreams of performing on stage but has still a long way to go. It also gets more and more visible that there is a huge social gap between her station in life and Sherlock’s although they remain close friends. That the divisions between the different social classes were rigid can also be seen in other aspects of the story; between a lord and a mere squire or between a squire and an untitled barrister or attorney. One's class was so important that everybody could be identified easily by their clothes, shoes or transport.
Liese did some great research and keeps surprising me with exciting facts about and insight into life at the time. Certain opinions and social conventions of the period may be shocking and even offensive for our modern feelings. The fairer sex has to be protected from a lot of things because of their delicate nature, is just one example. The unconventional behaviour of their mother is subscribed to her French heritage and upbringing.
That suicide was a great stigma and scandal for the family, I knew that as well as that the remains could not be buried in a churchyard. But the financial repercussions were e harder. All the assets from suicider did fall to the crown, leaving the family penniless. This was done to stop people from killing themselves as the wife and children would be left to charity from relatives and lose every chance to a good marriage.
A strange fact is that burials would usually take place on the Sunday after one’s demise. I don’t know why but that’s now the only day that there are no funerals.
I received a free ARC from the author and this is my honest and unbiased review of it.
October 18, 2021
7.5/10 stars
My full review on my blog.
I confess I have a soft spot for almost everything Sherlockian. Or Holmesian? 😉 Obviously, Doyle’s original work is in my book incomparable to anything written later on that topic in tribute/pastiche/inspiration/parody/retelling (oh, retelling, gah!) etc. – but I still quite enjoy a new spin on the unique character of Sherlock Holmes and his unsurpassed powers of deduction. And there’s a LOT to pick from, believe me. Some of them are even endorsed by Doyle’s estate, some become a matter for loud lawsuits, and there are even Sherlockian scholars sacrificing most of the waking hours of their life to Doyle’s creation. I don’t pretend to be a Sherlockian pro, far from it. But I’ve read my share of Sherlock Holmes pastiches.
[...]
In The Adventure of the Deceased Scholar we find Sherlock Holmes, 14, in London with his family for the Easter break. A murder disguised as suicide threatens not only the livelihood and good name of the victim’s family, but also of Mycroft Holmes, blackmailed by the desperate sister of the late lord Surminster. Together with Sherlock, Mycroft, and their formidable mother we traipse through Victorian London: from British Museum to seedy brothels, from opera to the docks, from opulent estates to morgues, we’ll see it all. We’ll even visit Baker street, witness Holmes’s first encounter with laudanum, and learn more about the origins of his love for theater and music, as well as his long-lasting cooperation with street urchins.
And certainly, Sherwood-Fabre’s attention to historical detail is commendable; her London, while still retaining some of the faded glamour of old postcards, is believable and lively enough. Servants crowd bachelor’s entrances and streets, jostling with street urchins and bobbies and carriages of the wealthy, and students use their freedoms with abandon. The strict social conventions and hierarchy of the times are also portrayed with creditable fidelity: all those handkerchiefs, written missives, invitations for tea and dinner seem to leave so little time for any sensible activity, it’s no wonder that older Sherlock was inclined to dispense with social norms.
But what I liked the most about The Adventure of the Deceased Scholar was actually the character of Mrs. Holmes. While I’m ill-disposed to ideas of inventing additional members of the Holmes family, such as a younger sister, I’m quite happy to see a believable female character around: and what makes more sense than depicting Holmes’s mother as a resourceful, compassionate, very intelligent, learned and quite independent woman with well-honed observation skills? I really enjoyed the family dynamics depicted by Sherwood-Fabre here: they are both in keeping with the social conventions of the times, when the position of the head of the family required the father to be somewhat distant and stern, and appropriately feminist for modern sensibilites, with the mother taking the mantle of a more accesible role-model for her kids.
Holmes himself might be a bit more sensitive and less OCD then what we’re used to, but hey – he’s still quite recognizable as an early version of the famous detective; he certainly has the latter’s unwavering focus on the goal and his fascination with mysteries. It’s interesting to see the character’s growth here; still making mistakes and learning from them, gently guided by mother and scoffed at by brother, Sherlock Holmes is visibly a teenager in his formative years.
All in all, I enjoyed this little foray in Victorian London, and Sherlock Holmes again proved to be an excellent company. Even though the plot is on the predictable side, the fact that I solved the mystery early on didn’t diminish my reading pleasure. So, if you want to check out some early cases of young Sherlock Holmes, Sherwood-Fabre’s offering is a good place to start. I for one enjoyed it more than the more thriller-like Andrew Lane’s version for young adults.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and the author through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thanks.
My full review on my blog.
I confess I have a soft spot for almost everything Sherlockian. Or Holmesian? 😉 Obviously, Doyle’s original work is in my book incomparable to anything written later on that topic in tribute/pastiche/inspiration/parody/retelling (oh, retelling, gah!) etc. – but I still quite enjoy a new spin on the unique character of Sherlock Holmes and his unsurpassed powers of deduction. And there’s a LOT to pick from, believe me. Some of them are even endorsed by Doyle’s estate, some become a matter for loud lawsuits, and there are even Sherlockian scholars sacrificing most of the waking hours of their life to Doyle’s creation. I don’t pretend to be a Sherlockian pro, far from it. But I’ve read my share of Sherlock Holmes pastiches.
[...]
In The Adventure of the Deceased Scholar we find Sherlock Holmes, 14, in London with his family for the Easter break. A murder disguised as suicide threatens not only the livelihood and good name of the victim’s family, but also of Mycroft Holmes, blackmailed by the desperate sister of the late lord Surminster. Together with Sherlock, Mycroft, and their formidable mother we traipse through Victorian London: from British Museum to seedy brothels, from opera to the docks, from opulent estates to morgues, we’ll see it all. We’ll even visit Baker street, witness Holmes’s first encounter with laudanum, and learn more about the origins of his love for theater and music, as well as his long-lasting cooperation with street urchins.
And certainly, Sherwood-Fabre’s attention to historical detail is commendable; her London, while still retaining some of the faded glamour of old postcards, is believable and lively enough. Servants crowd bachelor’s entrances and streets, jostling with street urchins and bobbies and carriages of the wealthy, and students use their freedoms with abandon. The strict social conventions and hierarchy of the times are also portrayed with creditable fidelity: all those handkerchiefs, written missives, invitations for tea and dinner seem to leave so little time for any sensible activity, it’s no wonder that older Sherlock was inclined to dispense with social norms.
But what I liked the most about The Adventure of the Deceased Scholar was actually the character of Mrs. Holmes. While I’m ill-disposed to ideas of inventing additional members of the Holmes family, such as a younger sister, I’m quite happy to see a believable female character around: and what makes more sense than depicting Holmes’s mother as a resourceful, compassionate, very intelligent, learned and quite independent woman with well-honed observation skills? I really enjoyed the family dynamics depicted by Sherwood-Fabre here: they are both in keeping with the social conventions of the times, when the position of the head of the family required the father to be somewhat distant and stern, and appropriately feminist for modern sensibilites, with the mother taking the mantle of a more accesible role-model for her kids.
Holmes himself might be a bit more sensitive and less OCD then what we’re used to, but hey – he’s still quite recognizable as an early version of the famous detective; he certainly has the latter’s unwavering focus on the goal and his fascination with mysteries. It’s interesting to see the character’s growth here; still making mistakes and learning from them, gently guided by mother and scoffed at by brother, Sherlock Holmes is visibly a teenager in his formative years.
All in all, I enjoyed this little foray in Victorian London, and Sherlock Holmes again proved to be an excellent company. Even though the plot is on the predictable side, the fact that I solved the mystery early on didn’t diminish my reading pleasure. So, if you want to check out some early cases of young Sherlock Holmes, Sherwood-Fabre’s offering is a good place to start. I for one enjoyed it more than the more thriller-like Andrew Lane’s version for young adults.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and the author through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thanks.
March 28, 2021
This book is a mystery set in 1868 in England. It's the third book in a series, but it works as a standalone novel as well. The main character is a teenaged Sherlock Holmes, and the story shows how he learned to be a detective (mainly from his logical, medically-trained mother). I felt like the author did a good job of capturing the personalities of Sherlock and Mycroft as they developed toward the adult characters.
The author has deeply researched this time period. Historical details were woven into the story, bringing the setting and manners alive in my imagination without slowing the pacing. The characters were logical, asked good questions, and followed up on clues. I actually liked that Sherlock got a little sidetracked about the motive behind the events. While whodunit didn't come as a surprise and was guessable from the clues, the big reveal happened when the bad guys captured the Holmes brothers. This case was certainly a learning experience for them. I liked that the official detective on the case was also clever. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable historical mystery.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
The author has deeply researched this time period. Historical details were woven into the story, bringing the setting and manners alive in my imagination without slowing the pacing. The characters were logical, asked good questions, and followed up on clues. I actually liked that Sherlock got a little sidetracked about the motive behind the events. While whodunit didn't come as a surprise and was guessable from the clues, the big reveal happened when the bad guys captured the Holmes brothers. This case was certainly a learning experience for them. I liked that the official detective on the case was also clever. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable historical mystery.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
April 1, 2021
This book is about a young Sherlock Holmes and his family.
It was a little different from what I was expecting. It gives some incite to his younger life. I was surprised it was his mother who appeared the strong resourceful one.
It was a good mystery and I enjoyed the story.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the early copy
It was a little different from what I was expecting. It gives some incite to his younger life. I was surprised it was his mother who appeared the strong resourceful one.
It was a good mystery and I enjoyed the story.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the early copy
April 19, 2021
In the third book of the series, Sherlock, Mycroft, and their mother end up at the scene of a tragedy. A young man has drowned. While authorities believe it is suicide, Mrs. Holmes examines the body and believes otherwise. A lot is at stake: suicide would leave the young man’s family destitute, while murder raises questions of motive. When the victim’s sister tries to blackmail Mycroft, Mrs. Holmes and Sherlock decide to get to the bottom of the mystery.
Liese Sherwood-Fabre’s prose feels effortless as it pulls the reader into the world of London and the Holmes family. Sherlock still has a great deal to learn about eliciting information and coming to accurate conclusions (particularly about the female mind). Yet his mind is in top-notch form already. It’s fun for Sherlockian fans to note the origin of his well-known characteristics. Sherwood-Fabre deftly uses details from the Sherlock canon to create a rich, nuanced portrait of the detective as a young man.
Each new adventure exposes Sherlock to new, seamier aspects of society, far beyond the polite parlors of his upbringing. Here, he ventures into a brothel for the first time, accompanied by his brother and his mother (!), disguised as a young man (!!). We also see the development of his friendship with his mother’s maid Constance, and the difficulties of socially unequal relationships. Sherwood-Fabre does an incredible job researching this time period and bringing its realities to life for twenty-first century readers.
The family dynamics are genuine and realistic for this time period. They are predictably unpredictable and it’s intriguing to see what they do in any given situation. While they love each other, there is often an uneasy tension in how they investigate or whether they even should.
Mycroft prefers his routine and solitude, preferring to let someone else do the “exercise” of leaving home.
Mother knows how to manipulate other women (and her beloved but conventional husband) yet outside authorities don’t take her seriously.
Father prefers that the family do their duty and then leave well enough alone.
Sherlock, though still outwardly deferential, can be impulsive and overstep his bounds with his elders. He’s beginning to chafe at the limitations placed on him. And while Sherlock still respects his brother, his resentment grows at Mycroft’s arrogance; I definitely see seeds of more discord between the brothers in the future. It will be interesting to see how these dynamics play out as Sherlock grows older.
Sometimes I wonder if Sherlock is the protagonist or his mother is! Violette Angelique Parker Holmes is formidable, intelligent, and undaunted by even the most daunting tasks, whether that’s breaking painful news to relatives, entering a hospital morgue, or solving a murder. She’s often the one who drives forward the investigation, usually in the face of male opposition. This book (and this series) isn’t only a book about young Sherlock. It’s about an equally intelligent woman who has to rely on others to follow her passion for uncovering the truth.
The story moves rapidly. I really didn’t see the ending coming, nor did I anticipate most of the plot turns. The book comes to a satisfying conclusion, one that promises a sequel in the future.
Another solid mystery from Liese Sherwood-Fabre. Well-written and engaging. I heartily recommend this book and this series to any Sherlockian fan!
Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Liese Sherwood-Fabre’s prose feels effortless as it pulls the reader into the world of London and the Holmes family. Sherlock still has a great deal to learn about eliciting information and coming to accurate conclusions (particularly about the female mind). Yet his mind is in top-notch form already. It’s fun for Sherlockian fans to note the origin of his well-known characteristics. Sherwood-Fabre deftly uses details from the Sherlock canon to create a rich, nuanced portrait of the detective as a young man.
Each new adventure exposes Sherlock to new, seamier aspects of society, far beyond the polite parlors of his upbringing. Here, he ventures into a brothel for the first time, accompanied by his brother and his mother (!), disguised as a young man (!!). We also see the development of his friendship with his mother’s maid Constance, and the difficulties of socially unequal relationships. Sherwood-Fabre does an incredible job researching this time period and bringing its realities to life for twenty-first century readers.
The family dynamics are genuine and realistic for this time period. They are predictably unpredictable and it’s intriguing to see what they do in any given situation. While they love each other, there is often an uneasy tension in how they investigate or whether they even should.
Mycroft prefers his routine and solitude, preferring to let someone else do the “exercise” of leaving home.
Mother knows how to manipulate other women (and her beloved but conventional husband) yet outside authorities don’t take her seriously.
Father prefers that the family do their duty and then leave well enough alone.
Sherlock, though still outwardly deferential, can be impulsive and overstep his bounds with his elders. He’s beginning to chafe at the limitations placed on him. And while Sherlock still respects his brother, his resentment grows at Mycroft’s arrogance; I definitely see seeds of more discord between the brothers in the future. It will be interesting to see how these dynamics play out as Sherlock grows older.
Sometimes I wonder if Sherlock is the protagonist or his mother is! Violette Angelique Parker Holmes is formidable, intelligent, and undaunted by even the most daunting tasks, whether that’s breaking painful news to relatives, entering a hospital morgue, or solving a murder. She’s often the one who drives forward the investigation, usually in the face of male opposition. This book (and this series) isn’t only a book about young Sherlock. It’s about an equally intelligent woman who has to rely on others to follow her passion for uncovering the truth.
The story moves rapidly. I really didn’t see the ending coming, nor did I anticipate most of the plot turns. The book comes to a satisfying conclusion, one that promises a sequel in the future.
Another solid mystery from Liese Sherwood-Fabre. Well-written and engaging. I heartily recommend this book and this series to any Sherlockian fan!
Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
February 13, 2021
The Adventure of Deceased Scholar can be read by its own in the trilogy regarding the youth of Sherlock.
I've read the first two books, and it was like meeting old friends. I just read and felt being there, in London. Why ? Because of the consistency of the story telling.
Everything clicked into place so perfectly well that it does not feel like a story but like life unravelling and you, the reader, just a silent actor in the mystery. Everytime you will close the book, you'll be able to do some sleuthing of your own. The ending is not peaceful, the pace speeds up and action gets unnerving.
I can't wait to read Book 4 ! Book 3 is a book that will stay with me for a while, I just appreciated so much to follow my favorite characters caught up in solving a crime while at the same time reading so many details about Victorian England. A masterpiece crafted with scientific precision !
All opinions are mine, I received an advanced copy in exchange for a fair review.
I've read the first two books, and it was like meeting old friends. I just read and felt being there, in London. Why ? Because of the consistency of the story telling.
Everything clicked into place so perfectly well that it does not feel like a story but like life unravelling and you, the reader, just a silent actor in the mystery. Everytime you will close the book, you'll be able to do some sleuthing of your own. The ending is not peaceful, the pace speeds up and action gets unnerving.
I can't wait to read Book 4 ! Book 3 is a book that will stay with me for a while, I just appreciated so much to follow my favorite characters caught up in solving a crime while at the same time reading so many details about Victorian England. A masterpiece crafted with scientific precision !
All opinions are mine, I received an advanced copy in exchange for a fair review.
April 5, 2021
The Holmes family has come to London for the Easter holiday. During the oxford-Cambridge boat race, a drowning victim is found and Mycroft identifies it as one of his classmates. Though the initial suspicion is the young man took his own life, Mrs. Holmes quickly deduces that the man had been murdered. The victim's sister threatens to drag Mycroft's name through the mud unless the Holmes' prove the murder happened. Time is short and much is on the line.
This book definitely builds on the previous books and makes the matter more of a family affair than they faced before. Still, I think this could easily be read without the first two with enough clues to the previous mysteries being left to remind the reader.
It was a bit sad to see that Mr. and Mrs. holmes have not found a balance in their marriage, with neither willing to compromise when it comes to their viewpoints. One would think after their years of marriage, they would be more in tune with each other. Mr. holmes is more traditional, and she is a freethinker. This causes conflict and an obstacle to solving the murder.
Mycroft is also ruder than ever. I'm not sure if this is to convey that he is still a teenager, but he speaks to his mother in a way that is unacceptable.
The case itself was a delight. The clues are laid out in a way when one path seems likely, only for the truth to be in another direction. The culprit is truly a despicable one. Overall, it is a good mystery and an interesting take on how Sherlock Holmes learned his investigative skills as a youth.
I would recommend this to readers looking for a young Sherlock Holmes. I received a free copy from NetGalley for reviewing purposes, and all opinions expressed are my own.
This book definitely builds on the previous books and makes the matter more of a family affair than they faced before. Still, I think this could easily be read without the first two with enough clues to the previous mysteries being left to remind the reader.
It was a bit sad to see that Mr. and Mrs. holmes have not found a balance in their marriage, with neither willing to compromise when it comes to their viewpoints. One would think after their years of marriage, they would be more in tune with each other. Mr. holmes is more traditional, and she is a freethinker. This causes conflict and an obstacle to solving the murder.
Mycroft is also ruder than ever. I'm not sure if this is to convey that he is still a teenager, but he speaks to his mother in a way that is unacceptable.
The case itself was a delight. The clues are laid out in a way when one path seems likely, only for the truth to be in another direction. The culprit is truly a despicable one. Overall, it is a good mystery and an interesting take on how Sherlock Holmes learned his investigative skills as a youth.
I would recommend this to readers looking for a young Sherlock Holmes. I received a free copy from NetGalley for reviewing purposes, and all opinions expressed are my own.
April 10, 2021
I enjoy this series. I like reading about Sherlock's formative years and the mysteries are always engaging. Although even these books have not made me fond of Mycroft. This time The family is in London and have to work to harder keep the father from knowing what is going on. At least the Police are not actively trying to make the family the guilty party!
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 9, 2021
My goodness, what a joy to read this book! You know that excitement you feel upon discovering an author you click with? Well, that happened with me with this book. As a Sherlock Holmes fan I am thrilled to read about Sherlock and Mycroft as young men. The author is incredibly knowledgeable and an expert on the topic so envisioning them in this light is not a stretch.
Set at a boat race in 1868 London, the Holmes' sons and their mother (I love her!) are out enjoying the race. But what happens next takes their minds off the race as a dead man is discovered drowned. The morgue scene is marvelously done! Lord Surminster is slightly known to Mycroft and he and his mother and brother become involved. If the death is ruled a suicide his family will lose everything. Not only that but great shame comes with suicide in Victorian England when reputation and appearances are everything. And they only have a week to wade through deep waters to find the truth. That is not the only crime in this book, either. There is plenty of mayhem as well as wit. Lots of secrets. Mrs. Holmes' mind works cleverly and her method of meting out discipline is wonderful. Such fun being privy to the daily lives of the brilliant family, their staff and their characters.
Historical Fiction readers, do add this to your list! It is sharp, witty, charming, smart and delightful. The historical details really make it pop.
My sincere thank you to Little Elm Press LLC and NetGalley for the privilege of reading an eARC of this fabulous book!
Set at a boat race in 1868 London, the Holmes' sons and their mother (I love her!) are out enjoying the race. But what happens next takes their minds off the race as a dead man is discovered drowned. The morgue scene is marvelously done! Lord Surminster is slightly known to Mycroft and he and his mother and brother become involved. If the death is ruled a suicide his family will lose everything. Not only that but great shame comes with suicide in Victorian England when reputation and appearances are everything. And they only have a week to wade through deep waters to find the truth. That is not the only crime in this book, either. There is plenty of mayhem as well as wit. Lots of secrets. Mrs. Holmes' mind works cleverly and her method of meting out discipline is wonderful. Such fun being privy to the daily lives of the brilliant family, their staff and their characters.
Historical Fiction readers, do add this to your list! It is sharp, witty, charming, smart and delightful. The historical details really make it pop.
My sincere thank you to Little Elm Press LLC and NetGalley for the privilege of reading an eARC of this fabulous book!
October 3, 2021
Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
The Adventure of the Deceased Scholar is the third book in the early case files series by Liese Sherwood-Fabre. Released 11th May 2021 by Little Elm Press, it's 312 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
There are many pitfalls authors encounter when writing posthumous series continuations. The characters are very well established, and very well loved, especially by die-hard fans of the canonical works. This author handles the young Holmes brothers and family respectfully and does a stellar job painting the Victorian period atmosphere and settings with detail and precision.
This installment follows young Mycroft & Sherlock unraveling the death of one of Mycroft's fellow classmates. I enjoyed this one. It's tightly plotted, engaging, and very well written in the style of its originator. The character backstories are provided by the author and it wasn't obviously a series book. I had no trouble following along and the denouement and resolution were complete and satisfying. It was good enough that I fully intend to chase down the earlier books in the series.
Four and a half stars. Entertaining and well crafted. It would make a superlative choice for library acquisition and for fans of classic Conan Doyle. Much better than the usual Holmes pastiches & homage offerings.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
The Adventure of the Deceased Scholar is the third book in the early case files series by Liese Sherwood-Fabre. Released 11th May 2021 by Little Elm Press, it's 312 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
There are many pitfalls authors encounter when writing posthumous series continuations. The characters are very well established, and very well loved, especially by die-hard fans of the canonical works. This author handles the young Holmes brothers and family respectfully and does a stellar job painting the Victorian period atmosphere and settings with detail and precision.
This installment follows young Mycroft & Sherlock unraveling the death of one of Mycroft's fellow classmates. I enjoyed this one. It's tightly plotted, engaging, and very well written in the style of its originator. The character backstories are provided by the author and it wasn't obviously a series book. I had no trouble following along and the denouement and resolution were complete and satisfying. It was good enough that I fully intend to chase down the earlier books in the series.
Four and a half stars. Entertaining and well crafted. It would make a superlative choice for library acquisition and for fans of classic Conan Doyle. Much better than the usual Holmes pastiches & homage offerings.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
November 5, 2021
Best one yet. Better and better...
Read the series! Her books just get better and better! I loved this one, complex, intriguing, suspenseful, fun, scary, well crafted, love the three dimensional characters. Highly recommended.
Read the series! Her books just get better and better! I loved this one, complex, intriguing, suspenseful, fun, scary, well crafted, love the three dimensional characters. Highly recommended.
March 30, 2021
Ever wonder what a teenage Sherlock Holmes might have been like? Get this book.
Liese Sherwood-Fabre does a wonderful job in describing the family. Father who is very much set on what is proper and what is not, depending on your standing in society. Mother a bit unconventional in multiple ways. She adores her sons and manages to get the three of them in and out of trouble. Mycroft the older brother a bit set in his own ways. He gets annoyed with his mother when she is trying to arrange his social agenda with future marriage possibilities. Like a lot of older brothers he gets sometimes frustrated with the 14 year old Sherlock. Last we have Sherlock who really thinks the world of his family. He is a bit afraid of getting his father angry with him. Not physically but what might result as a punishment. He hates to disappoint his mother and tries hard to please her and meet her expectations of him. Sherlock feelings towards his brother are a bit mixed. Sherlock admires Mycroft and tries to get his approval of his actions but also get frustrated and confused by some of his brothers attitudes. All together we see a loving family with minor problems where every person is rather a unique individual.
Liese Sherwood-Fabre does a wonderful job in describing the family. Father who is very much set on what is proper and what is not, depending on your standing in society. Mother a bit unconventional in multiple ways. She adores her sons and manages to get the three of them in and out of trouble. Mycroft the older brother a bit set in his own ways. He gets annoyed with his mother when she is trying to arrange his social agenda with future marriage possibilities. Like a lot of older brothers he gets sometimes frustrated with the 14 year old Sherlock. Last we have Sherlock who really thinks the world of his family. He is a bit afraid of getting his father angry with him. Not physically but what might result as a punishment. He hates to disappoint his mother and tries hard to please her and meet her expectations of him. Sherlock feelings towards his brother are a bit mixed. Sherlock admires Mycroft and tries to get his approval of his actions but also get frustrated and confused by some of his brothers attitudes. All together we see a loving family with minor problems where every person is rather a unique individual.
October 10, 2021
The Adventure of the Deceased Scholar, A Review
Third in the series of well written historical mysteries about the young Sherlock Holmes. I really enjoyed this story. Well developed characters, a good plot, and excellent detecting skills. Highly recommend.
Third in the series of well written historical mysteries about the young Sherlock Holmes. I really enjoyed this story. Well developed characters, a good plot, and excellent detecting skills. Highly recommend.
February 23, 2021
This is the third book that I have read from this series, and like the other two, this is a fabulous read. I love the way that they connect to each other, yet can be read as stand alones. The characters behave as one would image the young Sherlock family would and it also picks up where later behaviour and characters evolve. The era is captured beautifully and the story just flows.
For those that haven't yet read any of these books, they tell the story of the Sherlock family growing up, and each has a mystery that the book revolves around, each develop the characters and traits that one day turn into Sherlock Holmes - the adult.
The mysteries are a real page turner too.
For those that haven't yet read any of these books, they tell the story of the Sherlock family growing up, and each has a mystery that the book revolves around, each develop the characters and traits that one day turn into Sherlock Holmes - the adult.
The mysteries are a real page turner too.
September 9, 2021
I love the characters of Sherlock as a young boy attending Eton school. How he interacts with Mycroft and his parents as well as friends and staff. He is still learning how to make his way through life and the turns that present themselves.
This book is exciting and full of turns.
This book is exciting and full of turns.
May 18, 2021
The Adventure of the Deceased Scholar by Liese Sherwood-Fabre is a young Sherlock mystery finding Sherlock at age 14 and firmly under his mother's tutelage. He mother is the person from who he learned to observe, use logic, and never act too quickly. In this story a classmate of Mycroft has been pulled from the Thames. Coincidentally, just moments before his sister and his mother had approached to Holmes' to inquire if they had seen him. Because of this the three, Mother, Sherlock, and Mycroft felt compelled to visit them and hopefully impart the news to them before the police got there. Sadly, that was not to be the case, but since they were there, they volunteered to accompany the butler to identify the body. The body was not that of Mycroft's classmate, Lord Surmise, although it was dressed in his clothing. By coincidence there were members of a coroner's jury examining another body, which did turn out to be that of Lord Surminster. What an odd coincidence. Lady Holmes pointed out several oddities to the coroner, who did not seem at all interested. Then they left, knowing they would have to investigate further. That message was imparted to them strongly when Surminster's sister arrived and threatened damage to Mycroft's name if they did no assist. Then, Sherlock and Mycroft's father arrived, and determined that it was none of their business and they should desist.
As you can imagine, they did no desist. They plunged right in. Mrs. Holmes had a way of managing people that quite confounded Sherlock, but it certainly made life easier, especially when the person she was managing was her husband. Sherlock as a boy was not nearly as forceful as he will be as an adult, but he does lack control over his mouth and is not at all tactful. He is willing to jump into any situation and follow any lead, although when his mother is present, he is able to read her signals and behave accordingly. He has not yet formed an opinion of the police, although he leaning away from respecting them while recognizing the power they have. Mycroft is as brilliant as ever but already starting down the path of eating too much and exercising too little. It is entertaining to watch their interactions, knowing what I do of their futures. It is a mesmerizing read. One I can't recommend enough.
I was invited to read a free e-ARC of The Adventure of a Deceased Scholar by Net galley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #theadventureofthedeceasedscholar
As you can imagine, they did no desist. They plunged right in. Mrs. Holmes had a way of managing people that quite confounded Sherlock, but it certainly made life easier, especially when the person she was managing was her husband. Sherlock as a boy was not nearly as forceful as he will be as an adult, but he does lack control over his mouth and is not at all tactful. He is willing to jump into any situation and follow any lead, although when his mother is present, he is able to read her signals and behave accordingly. He has not yet formed an opinion of the police, although he leaning away from respecting them while recognizing the power they have. Mycroft is as brilliant as ever but already starting down the path of eating too much and exercising too little. It is entertaining to watch their interactions, knowing what I do of their futures. It is a mesmerizing read. One I can't recommend enough.
I was invited to read a free e-ARC of The Adventure of a Deceased Scholar by Net galley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #theadventureofthedeceasedscholar
June 16, 2021
In my reviews of the previous two books, I have established my comfort in reading this version of Sherlock as a child because it feels faithful to the original.
Despite his trepidations, he had to return to school, and this story plays out in a breaktime when his mother comes down to London and stays at a house there. This is slightly different from before because the family is not directly connected to the case but is literally dragged in to solve it. The characters are more fleshed out, and we see the behaviour of all members of the Holmes family in different scenarios. There is a lot more action and nail-biting moments before the final scenes leave us with an idea of where we will go next. I will not talk of the mystery itself because it begins innocuously enough but starts to get convoluted from the minute the Holmes family get involved. This means that it is best if I do not unknowingly give away anything to a prospective reader.
The focus here is not only on the plot at the centre of it all - the mysteries but also the social behaviours of the time. We see how Sherlock figures out his role and that of his family in the larger London picture compared to a small town where his family holds more sway. Once again, a quick read which is always a pleasure because you do not have to wait long for the story to wind its course.
I recommend this series to anyone on the lookout for retellings (of a sort) of older classics. Simple mystery lovers would probably enjoy it as well!
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.
Despite his trepidations, he had to return to school, and this story plays out in a breaktime when his mother comes down to London and stays at a house there. This is slightly different from before because the family is not directly connected to the case but is literally dragged in to solve it. The characters are more fleshed out, and we see the behaviour of all members of the Holmes family in different scenarios. There is a lot more action and nail-biting moments before the final scenes leave us with an idea of where we will go next. I will not talk of the mystery itself because it begins innocuously enough but starts to get convoluted from the minute the Holmes family get involved. This means that it is best if I do not unknowingly give away anything to a prospective reader.
The focus here is not only on the plot at the centre of it all - the mysteries but also the social behaviours of the time. We see how Sherlock figures out his role and that of his family in the larger London picture compared to a small town where his family holds more sway. Once again, a quick read which is always a pleasure because you do not have to wait long for the story to wind its course.
I recommend this series to anyone on the lookout for retellings (of a sort) of older classics. Simple mystery lovers would probably enjoy it as well!
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.
May 6, 2021
Having enjoyed the two previous books in this series about a young Sherlock Holmes, I wouldn't have wanted to miss this one.
The Oxford-Cambridge annual boat race turn into a tragedy as a young man is found drowned.
The Holmes family is drawn into the investigation because he is one of Mycroft's fellow students and because Mrs. Holmes is present. Even if Mycroft and Sherlock could avoid a mystery, Mrs. Holmes certainly can't.
Mycroft is reluctantly involved because his reputation is threatened. If the young man who drowned is designated a suicide, the Crown can take his estate and leave his family destitute. His sister decides to blackmail Mycroft into helping prove that the death was not a suicide.
The threat of blackmail certainly gets the family's attention and even Mycroft, the reluctant investigator, knows what is at stake and does his best.
NetGalley/Little Elm Press
Historical mystery. May 15, 2021. Print length: 314 pages.
The Oxford-Cambridge annual boat race turn into a tragedy as a young man is found drowned.
The Holmes family is drawn into the investigation because he is one of Mycroft's fellow students and because Mrs. Holmes is present. Even if Mycroft and Sherlock could avoid a mystery, Mrs. Holmes certainly can't.
Mycroft is reluctantly involved because his reputation is threatened. If the young man who drowned is designated a suicide, the Crown can take his estate and leave his family destitute. His sister decides to blackmail Mycroft into helping prove that the death was not a suicide.
The threat of blackmail certainly gets the family's attention and even Mycroft, the reluctant investigator, knows what is at stake and does his best.
NetGalley/Little Elm Press
Historical mystery. May 15, 2021. Print length: 314 pages.
January 19, 2024
This will be the 3rd SH by Liese Sherwood-Fabre that I have found, it's an entertaining look at a 14 year old SH, with an acceptably invented background to his origins. This tale has the whole family in London and again involved in various murders as the tale progresses. Again a nice rhythm and pace throughout. I especially liked the authentic Victorian misogynistic attitude to what is and is not acceptable behaviour of females in general, but especially within class groups. I'm looking forward to reading the next one which is here and ready. One small spoiler here as Mycroft takes Sherlock to a brothel.
September 10, 2024
Another worthy entry into the 4 book series. This time the Holmes family is in London for a holiday, and naturally a dead person shows up. And it follows that the mystery needs to be solved. A couple twists keep the reader guessing till near the end, until the situation is wrapped up. If you’re a Holmes fan, the authors young Sherlock Holmes series is a worthy entry.
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May 14, 2021Last day for pre-order! Tomorrow, "The Adventure of the Deceased Scholar," releases. The special eBook price goes up May 30.
Get your copy today!
Get your copy today!
August 28, 2022
Tight writing; very atmospheric; lots of depth and side stories.
Well done!
Well done!
May 10, 2021
1868 The Holmes family are in town to watch the Oxford-Cambridge boat race when a body is pulled from the water. When Mycroft Holmes is able to identifiy the victim the family are now unfortunately involved in solving the murder of Lord Surminster, who was a university colleague of Mycroft. So Mrs Holmes investigates with the help of her sons much to the annoyance of her husband
A well-plotted and entertaining historical mystery with its cast of interesting and likeable characters which are developing over the series. This well-written story can easily be read as a standalone story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A well-plotted and entertaining historical mystery with its cast of interesting and likeable characters which are developing over the series. This well-written story can easily be read as a standalone story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 27, 2022
I'd read the two previous, so I knew this would feature Sherlock as a kid, but I was still unpleasantly surprised to see that this was not really about him. The detective is Sherlock’s mother, who investigates when she’s able to lie to her husband and sneak away. Sherlock narrates, but this young version of the character is particularly naive about people and society.
The mystery is convoluted, and the characters, including brother Mycroft and their father, are two-dimensional, making it hard to keep the suspects straight. As with many modern mysteries, the solution isn’t deduced but stumbled into when the brothers are threatened. The abrupt ending is better suited to a thriller. I was ready for the book to be over, though, as none of the characters made me want to spend more time with them.
The mystery is convoluted, and the characters, including brother Mycroft and their father, are two-dimensional, making it hard to keep the suspects straight. As with many modern mysteries, the solution isn’t deduced but stumbled into when the brothers are threatened. The abrupt ending is better suited to a thriller. I was ready for the book to be over, though, as none of the characters made me want to spend more time with them.
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