We Need More Shelves...
  • About This Site
  • Review Index
  • My Favorite Book Links
  • Contact Jan
Dust and Shadow cover

Review: Dust and Shadow: An Account of the Ripper Killings by Dr. John H. Watson

By Jan 
on November 12, 2015

Dust and Shadow coverDust and Shadow: An Account of the Ripper Killings by Dr. John H. Watson
Written by: Lyndsay Faye;
Narrated by: Simon Vance;
Format: Audiobook.

A pastiche of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes stories, this one takes place in 1888 London. The mystery, of course, is Jack the Ripper and the horrible murders that shocked and frightened Victorian England.

Faye has a wonderful talent for writing in the style of Conan Doyle. Other than a few instances of (humorous) sarcasm, I felt like I was reading/listening to an original. Holmes and Watson are true to type. The language is entirely authentic (to my knowledge) and includes rich descriptions and dialog from the voice of Dr. Watson.

The mystery, although well-known by most, is given new life by characterizing Sherlock Holmes as the fallible but tenacious pursuer. His frustration at his inability to find the culprit is palpable, even as his arrogance is irritating. Watson is not the bumbling fool as some have drawn him, but a loyal friend and partner to Holmes. One of the main characters is a lower-class woman who has an important role as a resourceful investigator and who is shown respect by the men; this is obviously a modern affectation that most Victorian novels lack. The end of the book is satisfying and nothing was left hanging.

As for the narration, I’ve stated before that I would listen to Simon Vance read the phone book, he’s that good. He is a prolific narrator and I’m heartily glad of it. His accents in this story, varying between street Cockney and aristocrat, are excellent.

This is an adult story because of the harshness of the murders, but nothing was jarring or out of place for me. There is no sex other than a few references to prostitutes, and no foul language.

I highly recommend this story to history mystery readers, Sherlock Holmes fans, and those who love a good mystery.

Spread the love
Categories Audiobooks, Book Review, Historical Mystery Tags historical mystery, sherlock holmes, Simon Vance
← Previous Post
Next Post →

Search this site

Categories

2021 Reading Challenge

2021 Reading Challenge
Jan has read 32 books toward her goal of 100 books.
hide
32 of 100 (32%)
view books

Currently-reading

Quite Ready To Be Sent Somewhere: The Civil War Letters Of Aldace Freeman Walker
Quite Ready To Be Sent Somewhere: The Civil War Letters Of Aldace Freeman Walker
by Thomas LeDoux
tagged: currently-reading
A Journey Through Texas, Or, A Saddle-trip on the Southwestern Frontier
A Journey Through Texas, Or, A Saddle-trip on the Southwestern Frontier
by Frederick Law Olmsted
tagged: currently-reading
Fingerprints of the Gods: The Quest Continues
Fingerprints of the Gods: The Quest Continues
by Graham Hancock
tagged: currently-reading, audiobook, and history

goodreads.com

Contact JanContact Jan about this site.

I Love Book Covers

Visit Me

LibThing logo

Goodreads

LibThing Early Reviews

Audible logo

NetGalley Reader badge

FTC Disclosure

I have an affiliate relationship with Amazon.com. Some of the links on this site may go there. If you purchase something using one of those links, I may receive a small compensation. I am never paid to review books and am always brazenly honest (ask my husband). Thank you!

2021 - Copyright © Jan McClintock, All Rights Reserved