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Sherlock Holmes and the Apocalypse Murders by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Book Description SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE APOCALYPSE MURDERS...London 1895..and the past returns to haunt Sherlock Holmes. A murder with a distinctive signature suggests that Jack the Ripper may be back and no longer confining his attention to ladies of easy virtue. And is his return somehow connected to the charismatic Janus Cain and his Church of the New Apocalypse? Is there indeed, some master plan to bring an end to civilisation as Victorian society knows it? Holmes and Watson set out to find the answer with the unlikely help of Oscar Wilde. But will they be in time to avert the Four Horsemen...Pestilence, Famine, War and Death? From the Publisher Another title in the Sherlock Holmes 'Murder' series. Sherlockian Times reviewer says of Sherlock Holmes and the Apocalypse Murders..."A number of authors have written excellent Sherlock Holmes pastiches. But none exceed Barry Day. He always captures the flavor of Conan Doyle and always comes up with a new, fresh plot. The pace is swift, right from the first page to the thrilling finale. This book is hard to put down. I would rate it a 9.5!" Reader Reviews 10 of 10 people found the following review helpful: The Ripper on a Tear, March 23, 2002 Reviewer: Marc Ruby from Warren, MI USA When Sherlock Holmes and Watson are called in to a gruesome murder they quickly realize that they have met the killer before. For Jack the Ripper's signature is carved on the neck of the victim. For Holmes this is horrible news. When he first discovered the Ripper, the killer's social position was such that it was only possible to quietly oust him from England. Now, years later, he is back, and crazier than ever. In a matter of very little time the Ripper strikes again, this time attacking the new Director of Covent Garden in the middle of a performance of the Flying Dutchman. A performance starring Irene Adler, the only woman to ever best the consulting detective. Not only is the Ripper wandering London seeking out his persecutors, he has also formed an obsession for Ms. Adler. Holmes must split his efforts if the talented Irene is to survive. Holmes works with his brother Mycroft and Detective Lestrade, first trying to discover the killer's new identity, and, when it is found, track him down and discover the rest of his plans. For the new Ripper doesn't want to limit himself to impromptu surgery. He fully intends to bring the four horsemen of the apocalypse down on the city of London. "The Apocalypse Murders" is a good, solid Holmesian romp. Full of action and lots of quick deductions. The villains are villainous and our heroes are as valiant as can be. Expect Lots of atmosphere and spookiness as well. Barry Day writes with no pretension and the result rings much truer than many efforts that are more imitative of Doyle's. Don't expect a lot of depth and laborious efforts at meaning, just settle in for a great read that is just a bit too short. This time you get to wonder if Holmes will get the girl and get his man as well.
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