"Death Cloud" Mini-Review

"Death Cloud"
by Andrew Lane

Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Release Date: Feb 1, 2011

Source: ARC sent by publisher

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Summary from goodreads.com:

It is the summer of 1868, and Sherlock Holmes is fourteen. On break from boarding school, he is staying with eccentric strangers—his uncle and aunt—in their vast house in Hampshire. When two local people die from symptoms that resemble the plague, Holmes begins to investigate what really killed them, helped by his new tutor, an American named Amyus Crowe. So begins Sherlock’s true education in detection, as he discovers the dastardly crimes of a brilliantly sinister villain of exquisitely malign intent.  

My Mini-Review:

"Death Cloud" is the first in a series of the adventures of young Sherlock Holmes. The book has been approved by the Sir. Author Conan Doyle estate, so you know it's going to be good! This book is really the perfect combination of action/adventure and logical explanations. I love the logic Sherlock is starting to cultivate, and it's great to see everything explained in a detailed way. The explanation of the Death Cloud itself is quite intriguing.


I loved the characters, Sherlock is so lovable in that he's not perfect, but he's learning to see his own flaws and wants to better himself. Sherlock's partners in logic are fun and likable as well, including Matty the street urchin and Sherlock's mentor, Amyus Crowe.


Main Characters: 4/5
Supporting Characters: 4/5
Setting: 4/5
Romance: 2/5

Uniqueness: 4/5
Cover: 4/5
Writing: 4/5



Bottom Line: This is such a fun read, packed with action, and logical thinking that makes you ask "why didn't I think of that?"

16 comments

  1. I *love* Sherlock Holmes! This is soo cute. *chuckles* Sorry. Couldn't help myself.

    A young Sherlock..=) It's pretty neat that the estate approved the book. I may have to try the book out. =)

    Thanks for the review! Love it.

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  2. I so adore Sherlock Holmes and even, when I was much younger, pretended he was my boyfriend. I can't wait to read this. Oh Sherlock. :D

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  3. Young Sherlock, he is so weird, so I wonder if he was the same when he was young

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  4. I really want to try this series. I never read any Sherlock Holmes books, so I this will be a good start. ;)

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  5. I adore Sherlock Holmes! I really have to give this series a try.

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  6. I have never read a Sherlock Holmes book before, but I think I might have to give it a go!

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  7. I love the concept of a young Sherlock Holmes! I didn't know about the Sir. Author Conan Doyle estate approval. Very cool.

    Thanks for the review Carrie. I saw this book around a while back but kind of forgot about it.

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  8. It sounds like a good read, I love books that explore other sides of the lives of famous characters :D

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  9. I've never heard of this one, but I SO love the idea of a young Sherlock! Fab review, Carrie!

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  10. I loved this one too! Look forward to #2.

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  11. I like your mini review. I really want to read this! I will add it to my Wishlist. I've never read Sherlock Holmes. I've seen some BBC movies and the one Robert Downey, Jr. (which I loved). I think this would be a fun read, especially for someone who really hasn't read Holmes. I think it's awesome it's an approved book by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's estate.

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  12. I will have to read this. A young Sherlock is almost more appealing than an adult Sherlock. He looks so cute and serious. I like the mini review. Just enough info.

    Heather

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  13. Love it - I'm adding it to my list!

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  14. Nice review. I have a feeling I'll love this book!

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Thanks so much for your lovely comments!