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Sherlock Book Reviews - Black and Deep Desires A Sherlock Holmes Mystery Reedsy 4 out of 5 stars Black and Deep Desires - A Sherlock Holmes Mystery by MX Publishing is a long-form Sherlock Holmes novel that distinguishes itself by pitting a Jack the Ripper-like, vile character against Holmes. The serial killer in this story is bold and cunning, with intelligence that nearly matches Holmes’s. The police and Holmes have a difficult time identifying them. Holmes and the police have to wait patiently while zeroing in, and the killer takes nine innocent lives before the police can arrest them, much to Holmes’ chagrin. Although Sir Arthur Conan Doyle published the first Sherlock Holmes novel in 1887—a year before Jack the Ripper surfaced in 1888—he never wrote a novel matching Holmes and the Ripper in his lifetime. This left a much-desired opportunity for a Holmes vs. the Ripper clash open, and it’s likely this book’s author too seized it to craft this book (a crossover) that brings the two icons face-to-face. Doubtless, he has been successful in this endeavor. The story takes place between 1887 and 1927, when Doyle himself was writing Sherlock Holmes novels and sets Holmes in his native surroundings. It successfully captures the atmosphere of dismay, horror, and mounting tension after the killer strikes for the first time, and despite Holmes’ intervention, takes one life after another in close succession. While speculations run rife about the identity and nature of the ghastly killer, the police remain tight-lipped. Top officials become aware of matters when public discontent can no longer be contained. It’s just before things get out of hand that, in a brilliant move, Holmes and the police trap and arrest the nefarious killer. What sets this story apart when compared to other Sherlock Holmes novels is twofold. First, a brilliant lady detective whom he mentors and teaches the art of deduction joins Holmes. Her performance under Holmes’ supervision is truly commendable. She is crucial to the arrest of the killer. Second is the “Ripper effect”: the unraveling of a lonely, insane, or psychologically twisted maniac who compulsively murders in cold blood without compunction! The book sports a grisly and expressive cover that conveys its contents very well. Readability is excellent, and thanks to the author’s commendable narrative skills, reading is both easy and a pleasure. You can buy Black and Deep Desires direct from this store which supports the WFP ShareTheMeal but also from: Your Other Options: Amazon USA Barnes and Noble Bookshop.org Amazon UK Kindle Audio https://mxpublishing.com/blogs/news/sherlock-book-reviews-black-and-deep-desires-a-sherlock-holmes-mystery