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A Sherlock Holmes Adventure #6
The Serpent Under
Not yet published
Expected 2 Jan 25Holmes and Watson face treachery and danger in the latest full-length thriller by Bonnie MacBird, author of the bestselling Sherlock Holmes novel Art in the Blood . Murder, jealousy, and deceit underscore three interlocking mysteries as Holmes and Watson take on a high profile case at Windsor Castle, a boy drowned in the Serpentine, and a crusading women’s rights activist who suspects a traitor in her organisation. The cases send them into danger into locales as varied as the palace itself, a dockland cannery, an arts and crafts atelier, and a gypsy encampment. But is there peril underfoot as well – right at 221B Baker Street? The twisting, breathlessly plotted conjoined mysteries that Bonnie MacBird is known for provide a thrill ride that will delight Sherlockians worldwide.
375 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 10, 2024
About the author
Bonnie MacBird
21 books345 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 five Sherlock Holmes novels, out now: ART IN THE BLOOD (2015), UNQUIET SPIRITS (2017) and THE DEVIL'S DUE (2019), THE THREE LOCKS (2020) and WHAT CHILD IS THIS? (2021). A sixth is in work. All are for HarperCollins
MacBird lives in Los Angeles and London
She has five Sherlock Holmes novels, out now: ART IN THE BLOOD (2015), UNQUIET SPIRITS (2017) and THE DEVIL'S DUE (2019), THE THREE LOCKS (2020) and WHAT CHILD IS THIS? (2021). A sixth is in work. All are for HarperCollins
MacBird lives in Los Angeles and London
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
November 27, 2024
"The Serpent Under - Treachery, Twists and Terror in Baker Street" by Bonnie MacBird takes readers into the atmospheric setting of the fog-laden streets of Victorian London, masterfully recreated with rich descriptions and intricate detail. I felt as though I was at the movies!
MacBird's portrayal of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson is both authentic and fresh, breathing new life into these classic characters while staying true to Doyle's original portrayals, while new characters add depth and intrigue. One of my favorites is Heffie, a young, super-intelligent girl off the streets who assists Holmes and Watson by going undercover and fading into society's background, collecting information to assist their case. They continually correct her broken English, and their relationship is a bonus to the storyline.
The plot centers around the torture and murder of a young, high-society woman who is soon to be married. Her body is found in the Queen's castle and made to appear as a horrific suicide. The mystery and investigation that unfolds lead to the discovery of several additional murders. It is a thrilling rollercoaster ride filled with unexpected twists that kept me guessing until the very end - just when you think you know who did it, you find out you're wrong! The intricate web of treachery and deceit surrounding the central murder mystery is expertly woven, with each revelation bringing new layers to the story. MacBird's sharp writing and ability to create tension make it impossible to put the book down.
What truly impressed me was the balance of suspense and historical context, with well-researched references that enhance the narrative without feeling forced. The dialogue sparkles with wit, and the pacing is impeccable. I felt like I just rolled through this story. "The Serpent Under" is a must-read for fans of classic mysteries and new readers alike. I absolutely loved this book and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a captivating page-turner that honors the genius of Sherlock Holmes!
Thank you, #NetGalley, #BonnieMacBird, and #Harper360, for the ARC in exchange for my honest review of #TheSerpentUnder.
MacBird's portrayal of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson is both authentic and fresh, breathing new life into these classic characters while staying true to Doyle's original portrayals, while new characters add depth and intrigue. One of my favorites is Heffie, a young, super-intelligent girl off the streets who assists Holmes and Watson by going undercover and fading into society's background, collecting information to assist their case. They continually correct her broken English, and their relationship is a bonus to the storyline.
The plot centers around the torture and murder of a young, high-society woman who is soon to be married. Her body is found in the Queen's castle and made to appear as a horrific suicide. The mystery and investigation that unfolds lead to the discovery of several additional murders. It is a thrilling rollercoaster ride filled with unexpected twists that kept me guessing until the very end - just when you think you know who did it, you find out you're wrong! The intricate web of treachery and deceit surrounding the central murder mystery is expertly woven, with each revelation bringing new layers to the story. MacBird's sharp writing and ability to create tension make it impossible to put the book down.
What truly impressed me was the balance of suspense and historical context, with well-researched references that enhance the narrative without feeling forced. The dialogue sparkles with wit, and the pacing is impeccable. I felt like I just rolled through this story. "The Serpent Under" is a must-read for fans of classic mysteries and new readers alike. I absolutely loved this book and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a captivating page-turner that honors the genius of Sherlock Holmes!
Thank you, #NetGalley, #BonnieMacBird, and #Harper360, for the ARC in exchange for my honest review of #TheSerpentUnder.
November 8, 2024
This is a gripping and well-written full-length mystery for fans of Sherlock Holmes. The book is rich with detail and well-developed characters (I especially enjoyed Heffie). Without being graphically violent, the plot is so exciting, I did not want to put the book down! The mystery was engaging and not overly easy to solve. Additionally, written in first-person as Dr. Watson, the style does well at emulating Doyle’s. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it to others who enjoy Sherlock who aren’t canon-only purists.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper 360 for the free eARC. I post this review with my honest opinions.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper 360 for the free eARC. I post this review with my honest opinions.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews