The author’s latest Sherlock Holmes adventure is filled with thrills, drama and twists to make it one of the best ones of the series to date.
Taking readers into the darkest depths of London to solve another series of interlinked mysteries, Bonnie Macbird once again delivers a thrilling story that travels at a fast and engaging pace.
The Serpent Under sees Sherlock and Watson having to travel to Windsor castle to solve the mystery of the horrific death of a woman who worked at the court of Queen Victoria. What follows is a story of family secrets, treachery and drama that sees the duo travelling to the seedier parts of London to track down a tattoo artist, a band of suffragettes and travelling community all of who can help to solve the mystery.
As always, written from the perspective of Dr Watson, the story is vividly brought life with plenty of detail without getting bogged down by it all. This ensures that the reader is given enough to try and see where the story is heading without jumping too far ahead.
One of the main strengths of Macbird’s Sherlock series is the way in which she brings the characters authentically to life – maintaining Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s approach to Sherlock and Watson but balancing it well with a mystery that would sufficiently intrigue them to want to solve. But as well as the famous detective and his sidekick himself, they are surrounded by equally well rounded characters that fit into their world well – including the feisty Heffie O’Malley who makes a welcome reappearance and proving just as essential in the solving the mystery at the centre of it all.
The theme of serpents is effectively interwoven into the story as Sherlock and Watson edge ever closer to finding the murderer, with the climax delivering plenty of drama and action that is thrilling to read and makes it impossible for the reader to put it down.
There is plenty of darkness and sinisterness to be found throughout this vividly brought to life story. The Victorian world is easy to slip into here and it is clear just how much research Macbird has done into recreating this world effectively and issues that existed at this time such as the fight for women’s rights and attitudes towards the travelling community.
For Sherlock fans, there is plenty to be enjoyed about The Serpent Under, which will leave you wondering what Bonnie Macbird has in store for the famous detective and Dr Watson.
By Emma Clarendon
The Serpent Under is available to buy now.
Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️