Originally reviewed at Christa's Hooked on Books

I love all things Sherlock Holmes so I jumped at the chance to read and review this book. If you haven't read the other four books don't worry! This was my first one and I had no trouble getting into the story and finding myself wrapped up in the mystery. I would hazard a guess that the earlier books would provide a richer reading experience and I would like to go back and read them eventually, but overall I think you can start wherever you like in the series (not unlike the classic Sherlock Holmes tales).

At the beginning of this novel, the young Mr. Holmes is trying to distance himself from investigating crimes. This is partially because the police department resents his help and partially at the request of a young lady friend - Irene. As the mystery becomes more and more complex, however, he found he can only hold back so long. I loved how well you got to know Sherlock as a character. He became such an admirable character, especially when you got to see more of his personal and family life. It added a new dimension to my current image of Sherlock Holmes.

Though I enjoyed this book and found it a pleasant read I did feel it didn't pack quite the same punch as your traditional Sherlock Holmes mystery. There's just something about Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's classics that can't be replicated. That being said this is a great gateway book/series to get a younger audience into the Sherlock Holmes mysteries and they do so in that way I can recommend whole heartedly.

When I picked this up, I was expecting something more YA, but it fell a bit short of that. I still have to say that I liked it, because it was a nice, light read and had a really good plot. I haven't read any of the other books in the series, so I did miss some of the character development, but other than that, I was still able to understand the story.

Sherlock is now 15 and "stepping out" (dating, in the 19th century way) with Irene--they go to the theater together, etc. When the famous magician Hemsworth is arrested and charged with murdering his rival, Nottingham, Irene implores Sherlock to investigate and clear his name, because Hemsworth had promised to give Irene a job singing with his act. Hemsworth certainly had the motivation to kill Nottingham, because he stole Hemsworth's wife away from him. But Sherlock's not so sure--how did the magician manage to kill Nottingham in such a way that nothing is left of him but a few grisly chunks of flesh and a lot of blood? It almost looks like Nottingham was eaten by a beast--but surely the "fire-breathing dragon" of Hemsworth's famous stage act is just a marvelous magician's trick? It can't possibly exist in real life...or can it? I loved this installment of the series because Sherlock is maturing, and getting to have more of a personal life with Irene (although, what's this? There is also the lovely Beatrice, the hatter's daughter, to vie for his affections! What's an awkward future detective to do?). And the glimpses behind the scenes of 19th century theatrical life are fascinating. And, there's a terrifically exciting fight and chase scene that I don't want to spoil for anyone! And, as usual, Sherlock's eccentric mentor Bell puts in some funny appearances.

book 5 in the series. Sherlock and Irene attend a show where the magician produces a live Dragon! they go backstage to congratulate him, only to discover that he is being arrested for the murder of his rival. the two slueths sweet or to discover the truth about the murder and the existence of a dragon.
the cover gives away party of the plot but there are lots of unexpected twists and turns to keep readers guessing.