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.