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tarheel99's review against another edition
4.0
This one was a fun, very quick read, and not quick because it was only 240 pages, but quick because it read very easily. Wish the book was longer, and the story had some more depth to it, but all in all I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
smellbelle's review against another edition
4.0
On the whole I liked this. Adams' Holmes is one true to Conan Doyle's and one that I liked very much. He wasn't actually in this novel as much as I'd have liked, however Conan Doyle was prone to having Holmes disappear for good portions of a case, as he is really, a solitary sort of soul. The writing here however was effortless, funny and completely right for the period in which the novel is set.
The interspersing of what is termed the Supernatural in this is something that I thought was an interesting concept, and certainly one that would challenge Holmes. Adams here didn't go as far as I think he could have with Holmes' difficulty to accept things that are beyond explanation, the juxtaposition between rationality and the occult or supernatural could have been more pronounced. However, given Adams' clear desire to keep a little humour in the novel, I can understand why he didn't take it as far as he could have.
In sum, an enjoyable little read that is funny and original in plot, even if it does borrow here and there from characters that others originally wrote.
The interspersing of what is termed the Supernatural in this is something that I thought was an interesting concept, and certainly one that would challenge Holmes. Adams here didn't go as far as I think he could have with Holmes' difficulty to accept things that are beyond explanation, the juxtaposition between rationality and the occult or supernatural could have been more pronounced. However, given Adams' clear desire to keep a little humour in the novel, I can understand why he didn't take it as far as he could have.
In sum, an enjoyable little read that is funny and original in plot, even if it does borrow here and there from characters that others originally wrote.
queerbillydeluxe's review against another edition
4.0
I love this entire series! I have a bunch more to go, but I hope they keep publishing them!
macaylacox's review against another edition
2.0
Very disappointed in this book. Honestly, this did not need to be a Sherlock Holmes story. If you had put any other random detective in his place it would not really have made much difference. I also felt as though this was very predictable. When a story tries to force you to believe in something you can be sure the opposite is true. Would not recommend, I think in the future I’ll stick to James Lovegrove’s adaptions of Sherlock as I find them to be more faithful and better written.
krisrid's review against another edition
1.0
I am always willing to give a try to an author putting a new spin on the Sherlock Holmes character, with whom I am enamoured. The description of this book offered the additional inducement of a supernatural component. Unfortunately, the result was a disappointment.
First off, the book would have benefited enormously from some proper editing, as there are numerous typos and grammatical errors throughout the book. Perhaps the publishers counted on the general populace's lack of knowledge in this area as a way to cut costs. It did not work for me. I am not only distracted by bad editing, which takes me out of the story by glaringly slapping me in the face when they appear, but it irritates me to be disrespected so by both author and publisher to be assumed too ignorant to notice.
Aside from the bad editing, I found the plot to be forced, the pace to be terribly slow and plodding - especially for a book billed as a thriller! - and the billing of the book as a "Sherlock Holmes" story, to be oversold. Holmes appears at the beginning and at the end, and while he does have an important role in solving the mystery, I was disappointed that he left the story for the bulk of the middle section, leaving Watson to carry the plot. This wasn't terrible, but if you are going to call your book "Sherlock Holmes: the breath of God" then I expect Holmes to be there throughout the story.
As to the supernatural component, I won't spoil, but I will say that aspect started out promisingly, but I did not feel it delivered overall.
I am always sorry to have to pan any book I read, as I know every author puts blood into a book they write. Unfortunately, I just did not enjoy this story. I won't be reading others in this series, and cannot recommend it, particularly to fans of the Holmes character.
First off, the book would have benefited enormously from some proper editing, as there are numerous typos and grammatical errors throughout the book. Perhaps the publishers counted on the general populace's lack of knowledge in this area as a way to cut costs. It did not work for me. I am not only distracted by bad editing, which takes me out of the story by glaringly slapping me in the face when they appear, but it irritates me to be disrespected so by both author and publisher to be assumed too ignorant to notice.
Aside from the bad editing, I found the plot to be forced, the pace to be terribly slow and plodding - especially for a book billed as a thriller! - and the billing of the book as a "Sherlock Holmes" story, to be oversold. Holmes appears at the beginning and at the end, and while he does have an important role in solving the mystery, I was disappointed that he left the story for the bulk of the middle section, leaving Watson to carry the plot. This wasn't terrible, but if you are going to call your book "Sherlock Holmes: the breath of God" then I expect Holmes to be there throughout the story.
As to the supernatural component, I won't spoil, but I will say that aspect started out promisingly, but I did not feel it delivered overall.
I am always sorry to have to pan any book I read, as I know every author puts blood into a book they write. Unfortunately, I just did not enjoy this story. I won't be reading others in this series, and cannot recommend it, particularly to fans of the Holmes character.
librarydino's review
4.0
I love this entire series! I have a bunch more to go, but I hope they keep publishing them!
evila_elf's review
4.0
This was an interesting book. It felt like a crossover between Sherlock Holmes and the TV show Supernatural, which I am a huge fan of.
Despite being a Sherlock book, Sherlock himself was absent for large chunks of the book, leaving Watson and friends to carry on alone. But I instantly liked Watson and became fond of some of the other characters, so it didn't bother me too much.
Actually, my biggest complaint was when Sherlock showed back up at the end and resolved the case. I really didn't want everything all explained away, which left a few plot holes.
Despite being a Sherlock book, Sherlock himself was absent for large chunks of the book, leaving Watson and friends to carry on alone. But I instantly liked Watson and became fond of some of the other characters, so it didn't bother me too much.
Actually, my biggest complaint was when Sherlock showed back up at the end and resolved the case. I really didn't want everything all explained away, which left a few plot holes.
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