Death Cloud

The world’s most famous detective, Sherlock Holmes, is experiencing a resurgence in popularity – multiple TV shows, movies, and books.  Now author Andrew Lane has delved into Holmes’ teen years with his book Death Cloud, the first in a new series Sherlock Holmes: The Legend Begins.

The 14-year-old Sherlock Holmes is forced to spend the summer holiday with eccentric relatives he’s never met before.  His father is heading to India with the military, his older brother Mycroft is busy working in England, and his mother and sister are ill.  His summer is looking pretty dull – until he meets Matty, a local street boy, and Amyus Crowe, the American Mycroft has hired to tutor him over the holidays.

Matty and Sherlock come across some strange deaths, and the people in town are on the verge of panic – could it be the plague returning?  Sherlock and Matty start asking questions, and find some strange answers.  Meanwhile, Sherlock escapes a barn fire, he and Matty fight off attackers, and Matty rescues Sherlock from a kidnapping.

Teens will enjoy these action-packed adventures which keep them anticipating how Sherlock will manage the next challenge.  Holmes enthusiasts will enjoy Lane’s interpretation of a teenage Holmes, and his exploration of the people and the events which made Holmes the man Sir Arthur Conan Doyle introduced to the world at 221B Baker Street.

Recommended for ages 12 and up.