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A Sherlock Holmes Adventure #5
What Child is This?: Inspired by Conan Doyle’s ‘The Blue Carbuncle’, Sherlock Holmes solves two brand new Christmas mysteries in Victorian London (A Sherlock Holmes Adventure)
It’s the season of peace and goodwill, but a Victorian Christmas is no holiday for the world’s most popular detective in this new book from Bonnie MacBird, author of the bestselling Sherlock Holmes novel Art in the Blood . It’s Christmas 1890, and games are afoot. In a packed Oxford Street, a man tries to kidnap a young woman’s child, but Holmes and Watson leap to their rescue and the assailant escapes empty handed. Who would do such a thing? And more importantly – will he strike again? From the depths of London’s workhouses to the pinnacle of a glittering Christmas Eve party in Mayfair, this is to be a Christmas that will require not only Holmes’s celebrated scientific method, but also the bravery for which he and Watson are renowned. And the final solution will demand something more from the Great Detective – something Watson has never before observed in his friend.
256 pages, Paperback
First published October 13, 2022
About the author
Bonnie MacBird
19 books385 followersBonnie MacBird has been a screenwriter (TRON), studio executive (Universal) producer (three Emmys), a playwright and a classically trained actor. She taught writing at UCLA Extension's Writers' Program, and is a regular speaker on writing, creativity, and Sherlock Holmes.
She has six Sherlock Holmes novels, all for HarperCollins. ART IN THE BLOOD (2015), UNQUIET SPIRITS (2017) and THE DEVIL'S DUE (2019), THE THREE LOCKS (2020) , WHAT CHILD IS THIS? (2022) and THE SERPENT UNDER (2025) A sixth is in work.
MacBird lives in London
She has six Sherlock Holmes novels, all for HarperCollins. ART IN THE BLOOD (2015), UNQUIET SPIRITS (2017) and THE DEVIL'S DUE (2019), THE THREE LOCKS (2020) , WHAT CHILD IS THIS? (2022) and THE SERPENT UNDER (2025) A sixth is in work.
MacBird lives in London
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
December 30, 2023
Christmas is the perfect time to reread this Holmes adventure.
In Bonnie MacBird's fifth novel featuring the great detective we find Holmes & Watson investigating two cases: the attempted kidnapping of a child & the disappearance of the Marquis of Blandbury's twenty-one year old son.
MacBird fills the pages of her novel with drama, humour, action, enotion & much more. Here, as in her previous novels, Holmes & Watson are a brilliant combination of Conan Doyle's creations & her own unique take on them.
Frank Cho provides some nice illustrations to accompany the story & there's a brilliant plot twist that causes Holmes & Watson's friend Heffie to exclaim "Well, Doc, I thought I'd seen plenty, but I'll admit I didn't see that one coming, neither." Nor did I, Heffie. Nor did I!!
In Bonnie MacBird's fifth novel featuring the great detective we find Holmes & Watson investigating two cases: the attempted kidnapping of a child & the disappearance of the Marquis of Blandbury's twenty-one year old son.
MacBird fills the pages of her novel with drama, humour, action, enotion & much more. Here, as in her previous novels, Holmes & Watson are a brilliant combination of Conan Doyle's creations & her own unique take on them.
Frank Cho provides some nice illustrations to accompany the story & there's a brilliant plot twist that causes Holmes & Watson's friend Heffie to exclaim "Well, Doc, I thought I'd seen plenty, but I'll admit I didn't see that one coming, neither." Nor did I, Heffie. Nor did I!!
April 28, 2022
From my endorsement:
Victorian London comes alive in this enthralling Christmas mystery, written with intelligence, style, and lovely period detail.
Victorian London comes alive in this enthralling Christmas mystery, written with intelligence, style, and lovely period detail.
September 23, 2022
I was really looking forward to giving this a read, unfortunately it didn't hit the spot. I worked it out immediately, so there isn't really a mystery, it feels like it's just box ticking. The writing felt lazy at times with references to Bonnie MacBird's previous Holmes and Watson novels thrown in for those readers who are new to the series. There are some excellent modern takes on the Holmes canon however this wasn't one.
Many thanks for the opportunity to read an early copy.
Many thanks for the opportunity to read an early copy.
February 2, 2023
I enjoyed this book, until the author unfortunately decided to add a completely unrelated sub plot/second case. When that case comes to Holmes you can see the possibility of it, but it could also be a regular case. But 142 pages in the author decides to go full woke agenda. It is a unnecessary reach and doesn’t even flow well. And like I mentioned above, is completely unattached to the original storyline. Adding agendas to books, simply to tick a box of your being aligned with current social relevancy is poor writing.
May 27, 2026
Bonnie MacBird’s What Child Is This? is a Sherlock Holmes Christmas tale, which means, quite properly, that nobody is murdered under the mistletoe. A relief, really. There are only so many corpses one can fit beside a Christmas pudding before the festive mood begins to suffer.
This is a softer, warmer Holmes story than usual. Even Holmes himself seems to have allowed a little seasonal spirit into 221B Baker Street, though naturally not enough to damage his reputation. Watson, meanwhile, gets one of the better outings here. Instead of merely standing nearby while Holmes performs mental fireworks, he is allowed to be genuinely useful, especially through his medical skills. It is always pleasant to see Watson as more than the loyal narrator with a notebook and a concerned expression.
And yes, there is also an intelligent and beautiful lady who makes Watson’s heart beat a little faster. He is, of course, a married man, but as the old saying almost certainly does not go, looking is free.
The book contains two mysteries, though neither of them is especially strong. Both are fairly easy to read ahead of, and the direction of travel becomes clear rather quickly. As detective puzzles, they are somewhat thin. As a Christmas flavoured Holmes story, however, the book has charm. It is gentle, atmospheric and oddly sweet, with enough Holmesian flavour to make it enjoyable even when the mysteries themselves are not doing much heavy lifting.
So no, this is not Holmes at his sharpest. But it is Holmes in a warm coat, standing near a Christmas tree, pretending not to be moved by human feeling. And sometimes that is enough.
This is a softer, warmer Holmes story than usual. Even Holmes himself seems to have allowed a little seasonal spirit into 221B Baker Street, though naturally not enough to damage his reputation. Watson, meanwhile, gets one of the better outings here. Instead of merely standing nearby while Holmes performs mental fireworks, he is allowed to be genuinely useful, especially through his medical skills. It is always pleasant to see Watson as more than the loyal narrator with a notebook and a concerned expression.
And yes, there is also an intelligent and beautiful lady who makes Watson’s heart beat a little faster. He is, of course, a married man, but as the old saying almost certainly does not go, looking is free.
The book contains two mysteries, though neither of them is especially strong. Both are fairly easy to read ahead of, and the direction of travel becomes clear rather quickly. As detective puzzles, they are somewhat thin. As a Christmas flavoured Holmes story, however, the book has charm. It is gentle, atmospheric and oddly sweet, with enough Holmesian flavour to make it enjoyable even when the mysteries themselves are not doing much heavy lifting.
So no, this is not Holmes at his sharpest. But it is Holmes in a warm coat, standing near a Christmas tree, pretending not to be moved by human feeling. And sometimes that is enough.
December 25, 2022
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Review to come.
What Child is This? (A Sherlock Holmes Adventure #5) by Bonnie MacBird was easily one of my most highly anticipated reads. I'm so lucky to have been approved for this ARC via NetGalley because it totally lived up to the hype I'd built up for it. I love this author's take on Sherlock Holmes and John Watson. They feel very much like Arthur Conan Doyle's originals, and she's still able to keep them fresh. I know I've said this with every book, but this series just keeps getting better and better as it goes along. I'm not always a fan of holiday themed stories, but this was just delightful from the world-building of Victorian era London to our cast of characters. If you're a fan of Jeremy Brett's Holmes and David Burke's Watson, you can't miss this book. I hope we'll get to visit these characters again in the future.
What Child is This? (A Sherlock Holmes Adventure #5) by Bonnie MacBird was easily one of my most highly anticipated reads. I'm so lucky to have been approved for this ARC via NetGalley because it totally lived up to the hype I'd built up for it. I love this author's take on Sherlock Holmes and John Watson. They feel very much like Arthur Conan Doyle's originals, and she's still able to keep them fresh. I know I've said this with every book, but this series just keeps getting better and better as it goes along. I'm not always a fan of holiday themed stories, but this was just delightful from the world-building of Victorian era London to our cast of characters. If you're a fan of Jeremy Brett's Holmes and David Burke's Watson, you can't miss this book. I hope we'll get to visit these characters again in the future.
September 23, 2022
I had been looking forward to reading this, unfortunately unlike Bonnie MacBird's previous Sherlock Holmes books this left me feeling a bit flat. Sherlock has two cases to investigate, but I had solved them long before the reveal.
However I did really like the illustrations.
If all you want is an easy read, then this is for you.
Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for the ARC
However I did really like the illustrations.
If all you want is an easy read, then this is for you.
Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for the ARC
January 31, 2025
From today, it is the best Christmas book in my opinion. Better than "Christmas Carol" with better Ebenezer Scrooge in a lead.
The climate is wonderful, the cases simple, but gripping and the characters well written. My favourite (except for Holmes and Watson, of course) was propably Peter. I feel sympathy for him and kind of respect. I can only imagine, how hard is decision to leave your child with strangers knowing that you never give it that what it gets from adoptive parents. And he... he is a good man, who just lost himself and just love his son, which he can't have.
The ilustrations by Frank Cho were wonderful and he is such a great ilustrator. I think he is Sidney Paget our times. My favourite was this from chapter "Baby Village". It was kind of... melancholy? I don't know, but it affected me and... just was and is my favourite.
So on the next Christmas you must sit in chair with plate of gingerbread, glass of tea, cocoa or something harder and read this book listening "God Rest Ye Marry Gentleman". It will be the greatest Christmas in your life.
The climate is wonderful, the cases simple, but gripping and the characters well written. My favourite (except for Holmes and Watson, of course) was propably Peter. I feel sympathy for him and kind of respect. I can only imagine, how hard is decision to leave your child with strangers knowing that you never give it that what it gets from adoptive parents. And he... he is a good man, who just lost himself and just love his son, which he can't have.
The ilustrations by Frank Cho were wonderful and he is such a great ilustrator. I think he is Sidney Paget our times. My favourite was this from chapter "Baby Village". It was kind of... melancholy? I don't know, but it affected me and... just was and is my favourite.
So on the next Christmas you must sit in chair with plate of gingerbread, glass of tea, cocoa or something harder and read this book listening "God Rest Ye Marry Gentleman". It will be the greatest Christmas in your life.
January 28, 2023
Great Christmas time story!
I enjoyed the terrific illustrations too.
I hope to see more stories in the future as this is the last one published.
I enjoyed the terrific illustrations too.
I hope to see more stories in the future as this is the last one published.
October 9, 2022
It’s the season of peace and goodwill, but a Victorian Christmas is no holiday for the world’s most popular detective in this new book from Bonnie MacBird, author of the bestselling Sherlock Holmes novel Art in the Blood.
It’s Christmastime in London, and Sherlock Holmes takes on two cases. The angelic three-year-old child of a wealthy couple is the target of a vicious kidnapper, and a country aristocrat worries that his handsome, favourite son has mysteriously vanished from his London pied à terre. Holmes and Watson, aided by the colourful Heffie O’Malley, slip slide in the ice to ensure a merry Christmas is had by nearly everybody . . . (Goodreads synopsis)
I have read one of Bonnie MacBird’s previous Sherlock Holmes novels prior to this one, so I must admit that I did not have the complete backstory for their young friend Heffie. That did not, however, take away from the story at all, as it was obvious that Heffie had originally been a part of Sherlock’s Baker Street Irregulars network.
There were 2 mysteries, and I am somewhat disappointed to say that I had figured out both solutions before the ending. However, I still enjoyed Holmes (and MacBird’s portrayal) and his empathy towards the individuals. Sherlock may not view it as such, but Watson and loyal friends do.
Jean Vidocq also makes an appearance, and I really wish the author had given the reader the scene for the thrashing, instead of just telling us. I found it interesting that the English servants would prefer Holmes over Vidocq, but that Lord Endicott would refer to Holmes as an amateur. Guess it was one to show that the “below stairs” were/are more sensible to life than the “above stairs.”
Overall, I rate this novel 5 out of 5 stars, because it is a great Christmas mystery read filled with intriguing and lots of emotion.
It’s Christmastime in London, and Sherlock Holmes takes on two cases. The angelic three-year-old child of a wealthy couple is the target of a vicious kidnapper, and a country aristocrat worries that his handsome, favourite son has mysteriously vanished from his London pied à terre. Holmes and Watson, aided by the colourful Heffie O’Malley, slip slide in the ice to ensure a merry Christmas is had by nearly everybody . . . (Goodreads synopsis)
I have read one of Bonnie MacBird’s previous Sherlock Holmes novels prior to this one, so I must admit that I did not have the complete backstory for their young friend Heffie. That did not, however, take away from the story at all, as it was obvious that Heffie had originally been a part of Sherlock’s Baker Street Irregulars network.
There were 2 mysteries, and I am somewhat disappointed to say that I had figured out both solutions before the ending. However, I still enjoyed Holmes (and MacBird’s portrayal) and his empathy towards the individuals. Sherlock may not view it as such, but Watson and loyal friends do.
Jean Vidocq also makes an appearance, and I really wish the author had given the reader the scene for the thrashing, instead of just telling us. I found it interesting that the English servants would prefer Holmes over Vidocq, but that Lord Endicott would refer to Holmes as an amateur. Guess it was one to show that the “below stairs” were/are more sensible to life than the “above stairs.”
Overall, I rate this novel 5 out of 5 stars, because it is a great Christmas mystery read filled with intriguing and lots of emotion.
December 26, 2023
I enjoyed the character and world, which held a very similar flavor to the original stories. The language and writing style was a bit modern at times, but that didn't bother me much and allowed the book to be very readable. Sherlock and John also remained true to the original but I had a very BIG reason I didn't like this read: it never made Sherlock smart. I love seeing him deduce from pure logic, and while Sherlock's personality remains the same -- we don't get to see his smarts. We love Sherlock Holmes because we want to see how he solves the mystery and I felt like we weren't getting that.
On top of that, the longer the book went on, the more boring it got. Sherlock wasn't deducing really anything and the plot felt a bit stale.
If you aren't looking for Sherlock's smarts here or a super thrilling read and just want to hang out with Doyle's characters for a a Christmas season, you may enjoy it, but it wasn't for me.
On top of that, the longer the book went on, the more boring it got. Sherlock wasn't deducing really anything and the plot felt a bit stale.
If you aren't looking for Sherlock's smarts here or a super thrilling read and just want to hang out with Doyle's characters for a a Christmas season, you may enjoy it, but it wasn't for me.
April 17, 2023
Dr. Watson is visiting Baker Street over the Christmas holidays, trying to bring his friend Holmes some holiday cheer. But Holmes is having none of it, until he helps rescue a small child from a brazen daylight kidnapping attempt. To Holmes, the only way of ensuring the little boy's safety is finding the kidnapper and his motive. But things are not always what they seem, as is proven when he also accepts the case of a young man who has disappeared from his flat and stopped writing to his adoring parents. Holmes employs Hepzibah, better known as Heffie, to help in both cases.
July 6, 2022
This is such a sweet, fun novel. It has all the virtues of Bonnie MacBirds' other Sherlock Holmes novels - fast pace, entertaining and complex characters, and a social conscience that links issues in Holmes' time to issues in our own time. In addition, What Child Is This? shows a deeply caring side of the man.
December 9, 2023
I want historical fiction to be authentic to the time. This very much feels like it was written today. Sherlock makes a decision that I honestly don't think he would make.
October 17, 2022
Macbird brings Christmas alive and takes us through the streets of Victorian London with Holmes as we try to solve the two mysteries.
This is the fifth in the Sherlock Holmes Adventure series. Sticking with tradition the story is narrated by Sherlock's trusty sidekick Watson.
The descriptions of a Victorian Christmas are absolutely gorgeous; clove studded oranges, mulled wine, candies and the candles on the tree.
Well written, obviously with some great main characters in Holmes and Watson. And a great new take on recreating our favourite detectives with some fantastic new stories and introducing them to new eyes.
Macbird's passion for Holmes shines through on every page and I can't wait to devour the other books in the series.
Many thanks to Random Things Tours for my tour spot.
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is the fifth in the Sherlock Holmes Adventure series. Sticking with tradition the story is narrated by Sherlock's trusty sidekick Watson.
The descriptions of a Victorian Christmas are absolutely gorgeous; clove studded oranges, mulled wine, candies and the candles on the tree.
Well written, obviously with some great main characters in Holmes and Watson. And a great new take on recreating our favourite detectives with some fantastic new stories and introducing them to new eyes.
Macbird's passion for Holmes shines through on every page and I can't wait to devour the other books in the series.
Many thanks to Random Things Tours for my tour spot.
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
December 4, 2022
I devoured this book in less than 2 days. Macbird is one of my favourite Holmes authors, and this latest in her series doesn’t disappoint! The cases were clever and emotional, and really showed the responsibility that Holmes had when deciding how to deliver his accusations, with the impact that these have on the victims and people involved in the crimes. It was heartwarming and heartbreaking in parts, and as always I love Watson and Holmes’ chemistry. I also love how Macbird is gradually exploring Holmes’ background more, and I hope that in future instalments we get to learn even more about his past.
December 12, 2022
Oh Christmas time and the proficient Sherlock Holmes!
December 29, 2022
Holmes and Watson solve 2 mysteries during the Christmas season. The author channels Conan Doyle's writing style. The atmosphere of a Victorian Christmas is captured.
January 27, 2023
I want to read all of her Sherlock books now.
November 29, 2023
Fun book to read
I enjoyed this book. I like the Holmes Christmas stories. Good and fun plot. I will read more in this series
I enjoyed this book. I like the Holmes Christmas stories. Good and fun plot. I will read more in this series
January 4, 2026
Nice story, easy to read and a cute book for the Christmas break. Some of the plot was predictable, some not. I got this as a «blind date with a book» and was not disappointed.
January 2, 2023
I received this book as an Advanced Reader Copy from HarperCollins Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The famous Sherlock Holmes is at it again and this time, just in time for Christmas. Christmas spirit won't get in the way of this Scrooge when it comes to solving mysteries. This Scrooge is the best known detective and for good reason. That's why, this Christmas season, Holmes takes on two new cases, both of loving parents concerned for their children. Can Sherlock "Scrooge" Holmes save Christmas for these two families before it is too late? Can his colleague and friend, Dr. Watson, help Holmes find that little spark of Christmas spirit buried in him somewhere?
"What Child is This?" is my first novel by Bonnie MacBird and my very first Sherlock Holmes novel as well. Don't get me wrong; everyone and their mother knows who Sherlock Holmes is. Am I the only one that pictures Robert Downey Jr. when I think of Sherlock Holmes? Just me? Okay...anyway!
The book is told from the perspective of Dr. Watson. I was not fully into the book at first. As both Watson and Holmes are extremely smart and have amazing vernacular, the language was at times a bit hard to wrap around. But after the first couple chapters and getting used to the verbiage, I really started getting into the book.
As Holmes and Watson are walking along Oxford Street, Holmes being his usual "ba-humbug" self, that happen across a man seemingly trying to rip a young boy out the arms of a woma and her maid. Of course, as good citizens, Watson and Holmes immediately jump in to try to help. The boy is reached away from the man and as the man takes off, Holmes attempts to run after him and capture him for questioning. Upon returning to 221B Baker Street, it seems as though Holmes' mind is already stirring around, trying to figure out the mystery. He even predicted Lady Endicott showing up to 221B looking for Holmes' help. To Watson's delight and a bit of confusion, Holmes agrees to take on the case.
As the duo is leaving, they are approached by another Lord, demanding their help with his "missing" son. His youngest son and his and his wife's favorite child, has seemingly gone missing after moving to the London area. The father has called on the son numerous times only to be met with the valet/bellman telling him that his son is out or some other excuse. The mother is absolutely distraught and extremely worried about her son. Again, much to Watson's surprise, Holmes agrees to take the case.
As mentioned, the verbiage of the book was very difficult to get into at first. But as the book progressed, it began easier and easier to understand. While I did enjoy this book, it flashed back too many times to other Holmes' stories and while it is stated that the books can be read in any order, it definitively did feel like at times I was missing out on something that had happened in a prior novel. I've never been a huge fan of Sherlock Holmes and it's not completely Sherlock's fault. I've just never been super big into detective stories. But as one of my first Holmes novel and one of my first full length detective novel, I did enjoy it.
The timeline seemed to jump so often and there was so many things that seemed to resolve themselves before you know it without any lead up or explanation. I felt lost at times and didn't like the way that the novel was written as if Watson, the narrator was breaking the 4th wall and at times felt like he was directly talking to the audience. I felt that it took away from the story and did not enhance the story.
Overall, it was a good read and I did enjoy it. Would I be willing to pick up another Holmes novel? Yes. But would I be willing to go out of my way to get any new Holmes novel? No, I don't think so. I was hoping this would create a Holmes fan out of me but it definitively did not do that.
The famous Sherlock Holmes is at it again and this time, just in time for Christmas. Christmas spirit won't get in the way of this Scrooge when it comes to solving mysteries. This Scrooge is the best known detective and for good reason. That's why, this Christmas season, Holmes takes on two new cases, both of loving parents concerned for their children. Can Sherlock "Scrooge" Holmes save Christmas for these two families before it is too late? Can his colleague and friend, Dr. Watson, help Holmes find that little spark of Christmas spirit buried in him somewhere?
"What Child is This?" is my first novel by Bonnie MacBird and my very first Sherlock Holmes novel as well. Don't get me wrong; everyone and their mother knows who Sherlock Holmes is. Am I the only one that pictures Robert Downey Jr. when I think of Sherlock Holmes? Just me? Okay...anyway!
The book is told from the perspective of Dr. Watson. I was not fully into the book at first. As both Watson and Holmes are extremely smart and have amazing vernacular, the language was at times a bit hard to wrap around. But after the first couple chapters and getting used to the verbiage, I really started getting into the book.
As Holmes and Watson are walking along Oxford Street, Holmes being his usual "ba-humbug" self, that happen across a man seemingly trying to rip a young boy out the arms of a woma and her maid. Of course, as good citizens, Watson and Holmes immediately jump in to try to help. The boy is reached away from the man and as the man takes off, Holmes attempts to run after him and capture him for questioning. Upon returning to 221B Baker Street, it seems as though Holmes' mind is already stirring around, trying to figure out the mystery. He even predicted Lady Endicott showing up to 221B looking for Holmes' help. To Watson's delight and a bit of confusion, Holmes agrees to take on the case.
As the duo is leaving, they are approached by another Lord, demanding their help with his "missing" son. His youngest son and his and his wife's favorite child, has seemingly gone missing after moving to the London area. The father has called on the son numerous times only to be met with the valet/bellman telling him that his son is out or some other excuse. The mother is absolutely distraught and extremely worried about her son. Again, much to Watson's surprise, Holmes agrees to take the case.
As mentioned, the verbiage of the book was very difficult to get into at first. But as the book progressed, it began easier and easier to understand. While I did enjoy this book, it flashed back too many times to other Holmes' stories and while it is stated that the books can be read in any order, it definitively did feel like at times I was missing out on something that had happened in a prior novel. I've never been a huge fan of Sherlock Holmes and it's not completely Sherlock's fault. I've just never been super big into detective stories. But as one of my first Holmes novel and one of my first full length detective novel, I did enjoy it.
The timeline seemed to jump so often and there was so many things that seemed to resolve themselves before you know it without any lead up or explanation. I felt lost at times and didn't like the way that the novel was written as if Watson, the narrator was breaking the 4th wall and at times felt like he was directly talking to the audience. I felt that it took away from the story and did not enhance the story.
Overall, it was a good read and I did enjoy it. Would I be willing to pick up another Holmes novel? Yes. But would I be willing to go out of my way to get any new Holmes novel? No, I don't think so. I was hoping this would create a Holmes fan out of me but it definitively did not do that.
December 28, 2025
While the writing style may be a bit reminiscent of the original, the 21st century lens given throughout the story diminishes this holiday mystery for Holmes.
September 9, 2022
I enjoyed this story immensely. At the story's core is a double mystery centred around a vicious kidnapper and a missing young aristocrat. Both pull Holmes out of his festive funk and into the streets. When reading a Holmes story from outside the canon, I still expect to find clever deductions, and I'm pleased to say they're plentiful here, along with some vivid, slightly Dickensian side characters, the author's trademark humour, and a few surprises along the way. These elements combine beautifully and result in a highly enjoyable Christmas read that would have an excellent gift for the Holmesian on your list. Frank Cho's illustrations make for a delightful bonus.
December 30, 2024
I love Christmas, and I love Sherlock Holmes. Imagine my excitement when I found a book that married these two loves of mine. It has such a gorgeous cover too.
While the imagery is fantastic, told succinctly and vividly capturing Christmas essence with most scenes, What Child is This falls short in many other areas. The story is intriguing enough, and Holmes’ ability of deduction and picking up clues is fun in the story. So What Child is This started out with promise.
The character of Holmes leaves something to be desired. He is often much more cheerful and jovial than Holmes in his original work. There might be spurts of this in the classics, but his serious, often abrasive, demeanor is not captured well in this book.
Now for the crux of my rating. What Child is This was lining up for a solid three or four-star rating, but LGBT nonsense was the focus of the story. It’s not only that it’s difficult to find stories that aren’t saturated with this junk, but transgender nonsense didn’t even exist in the time period this is written for.
Truly sad, because this book had a lot of potential. I won’t be recommending it for anyone.
While the imagery is fantastic, told succinctly and vividly capturing Christmas essence with most scenes, What Child is This falls short in many other areas. The story is intriguing enough, and Holmes’ ability of deduction and picking up clues is fun in the story. So What Child is This started out with promise.
The character of Holmes leaves something to be desired. He is often much more cheerful and jovial than Holmes in his original work. There might be spurts of this in the classics, but his serious, often abrasive, demeanor is not captured well in this book.
Now for the crux of my rating. What Child is This was lining up for a solid three or four-star rating, but LGBT nonsense was the focus of the story. It’s not only that it’s difficult to find stories that aren’t saturated with this junk, but transgender nonsense didn’t even exist in the time period this is written for.
Truly sad, because this book had a lot of potential. I won’t be recommending it for anyone.
September 9, 2022
What I love most in this series is the humanity that is so skillfully written into all of these very familiar characters. I have loved getting to know them all over again, and this volume gives even more. Such a wonderful read!
December 25, 2022
Some clever mysteries in this! Clearly I’m getting a little better as my theories were correct. I love MacBird’s Holmes stories and as always, she captured Holmes and Watson perfectly. This one didn’t have any clear insights into Holmes’ past as in the other novels in the series, but there were some gentler sides to him in this. I hope that there’s more to come in this series!
September 11, 2023
Did not care for
January 20, 2025
Not sure I'll try other books by MacBird.
November 24, 2025
I just want a Sherlock Homes story as she wrote before these. Then it went agenda woke. I was done with the whole series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews