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bargainsleuth's review against another edition
4.0
For my complete book review, visit www.bargain-sleuth.com
Sherlock Holmes and the Red Demon is the first in a series of books where the great sleuth and Dr. Watson travel to America to solve crimes in Minnesota. Years ago I went through a phase where I read all the original stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and then I continued by reading every other version by many different authors. I read this book years ago and was happy to discover it included with my Audible Plus membership, so I decided to revisit the book.
When I first read the book 25 years ago, I knew nothing of James J. Hill, but in 2018, when I visited my oldest brother in Minneapolis, I took the family to the Hill House in St. Paul, on the infamous Summit Avenue, now a museum. I learned about the railroad magnate and got to tour the largest home in the state of Minnesota. However, you do not need to know a lot about Hill in order to enjoy this book. You just need to know that he was a very powerful man in the mid-west during the Gilded Age.
I’m so glad I discovered this book many years ago and was happy to revisit. If you love a good mystery and don’t mind the thought of Sherlock Holmes in America solving a case, this is for you. And if you enjoyed this mystery, then you’ll love the next book in the series, which I’ll be revisiting in the near future.
Sherlock Holmes and the Red Demon is the first in a series of books where the great sleuth and Dr. Watson travel to America to solve crimes in Minnesota. Years ago I went through a phase where I read all the original stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and then I continued by reading every other version by many different authors. I read this book years ago and was happy to discover it included with my Audible Plus membership, so I decided to revisit the book.
When I first read the book 25 years ago, I knew nothing of James J. Hill, but in 2018, when I visited my oldest brother in Minneapolis, I took the family to the Hill House in St. Paul, on the infamous Summit Avenue, now a museum. I learned about the railroad magnate and got to tour the largest home in the state of Minnesota. However, you do not need to know a lot about Hill in order to enjoy this book. You just need to know that he was a very powerful man in the mid-west during the Gilded Age.
I’m so glad I discovered this book many years ago and was happy to revisit. If you love a good mystery and don’t mind the thought of Sherlock Holmes in America solving a case, this is for you. And if you enjoyed this mystery, then you’ll love the next book in the series, which I’ll be revisiting in the near future.
starthelostgirl's review against another edition
4.0
Very enjoyable pastiche.
I briefly found Holmes to be out-of-character with the cruelty and violence toward the middle of the book. The solution was over-complex (even for a Holmes story) and there were too many characters to make the reveal impactful. Holmes also missed one of the most obvious clues I’ve ever read in my life.
However, I still had a great time listening to this book! I loved recognizing the Minnesota cities and learning about the eccentric Boston Corbett. If I hadn’t enjoyed the rest of the book so much, the above points would have spoiled it for me.
I briefly found Holmes to be out-of-character with the cruelty and violence toward the middle of the book. The solution was over-complex (even for a Holmes story) and there were too many characters to make the reveal impactful. Holmes also missed one of the most obvious clues I’ve ever read in my life.
However, I still had a great time listening to this book! I loved recognizing the Minnesota cities and learning about the eccentric Boston Corbett. If I hadn’t enjoyed the rest of the book so much, the above points would have spoiled it for me.
thebeardedpoet's review against another edition
4.0
This is an exciting Holmes story which treats Holmes and Watson in traditional fashion. Towards the last quarter of the book things start to seem a bit drawn out. There's an awkward bit where Watson conceals the identity of "Red Demon" purely for suspense. Otherwise the narrative is action packed and the dialogue of Watson and Holmes is spot on. Definitely recommended for fans of the original Doyle.
libkatem's review
3.0
I'll be honest; I'm not so much into mysteries. I like Sherlock Holmes as a rule, but I haven't really... gotten into the genre.
However, this book, I didn't think Millett had it in him! But the only thing I've read by him is "Lost Twin Cities." (We read the Star Tribune at our house, not the Pioneer Press.) But I was pleasantly surprised. He didn't get too hung up in the details; it was just enough to paint the picture of the boomtown that was the Twin Cities.
Will I read the other ones? Not sure yet. Maybe when I have more time!
However, this book, I didn't think Millett had it in him! But the only thing I've read by him is "Lost Twin Cities." (We read the Star Tribune at our house, not the Pioneer Press.) But I was pleasantly surprised. He didn't get too hung up in the details; it was just enough to paint the picture of the boomtown that was the Twin Cities.
Will I read the other ones? Not sure yet. Maybe when I have more time!
melziethegreat's review against another edition
3.0
This was an okay book. I would have liked it better if I was in the mood for a mystery. I know who the Red Demon was half way though. The ending is what made the story interesting. Over all it was a good book it could be worth another read.
bev_reads_mysteries's review against another edition
2.0
I did not find this one to be as compelling as other Holmes stories I've read by Millet.
larryschwartz's review against another edition
4.0
It took me longer than it should have to make my way through it, but I look forward to the next installment.
fakepumpkins's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual assault
banana_hutch's review against another edition
3.0
At this time, I can't put my thoughts about this book into words. At least, not words that will make you want to read this book. It was enjoyable. It was historical Sherlock Holmes fanfiction. And who doesn't love a railroad tycoon?
If you like mysteries, you should read it. If you like when people take historical events and write fictional explanations about them, you should read it.
If you like mysteries, you should read it. If you like when people take historical events and write fictional explanations about them, you should read it.
northstar's review
4.0
Sherlock Holmes visits Minnesota on the eve of the Hinckley fire and solves a mystery for James J. Hill. Lots of fun if you love Holmesian stories and/or Minnesota history.