Sherlock Holmes and the Christmas Demon by James Lovegrove ~ a Review

by MK French

"Father Christmas! Halt right there!"
These words were delivered by Sherlock Holmes in his most stentorian and authoritative tone of voice. (chapter 1)

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

October 2019; Titan Books; 978-1785658020
ebook, print (384 pages); mystery

Eve Allerthorpe believes she's haunted by a demon in the days leading up to Christmas 1890, and if she's not of sound mind she won't inherit her fortune. Sherlock Holmes and John Watson travel to the family manor Fellscar Keep to investigate, and there is more to the case than they were told. Another spirit haunting the family is present, and a member of the household is found dead. At that point, everyone is a suspect.

James Lovegrove has written a number of Sherlock Holmes novels, including some already reviewed at Girl Who Reads: Sherlock Holmes and the Miskatonic Monstrosities (read my review), Sherlock Holmes and the Devil's Dust (read my review), as well as the blending of Sherlock Holmes with the Cthulu mythos as casebooks. James Lovegrove has a great grasp of Holmesian language as well as how 1890's London and its environs worked. It pulls you right into that world, so that it feels like a natural extension after reading Doyle's work.

Since it's Christmastime, we open with the apprehension of a thief dressed like Santa before Eve Allerthorpe shows up. Of course Holmes has to deduce things about her before she goes into the stories about Black Thurrick, the demon her anxious mother used to tell her about. The extended family at Fellscar Keep are brusque and shady from the start, essentially making everyone your suspect as you read. The novel progresses, revealing more and more until we get to the conclusion in true Holmesian fashion. It's a mystery in keeping with the Christmas season, complete with Father Christmas cameos, and would be a great gift for any Holmes fan for the season.

Buy Sherlock Holmes and the Christmas Demon at Amazon

Born and raised in New York City, M.K. French started writing stories when very young, dreaming of different worlds and places to visit. She always had an interest in folklore, fairy tales, and the macabre, which has definitely influenced her work. She currently lives in the Midwest with her husband and three young children. 

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