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hoosgracie's review
5.0
How did Sherlock Holmes become the great detective? Lane explores this question with a teen Sherlock. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, especially the supporting characters and the first mystery - involving bees - was intriguing.
mallorykjorgensen's review against another edition
3.0
Seemed more Middle-Grade than YA, but overall I liked it. I sure hope that there is going to be a sequel; otherwise, it was very open-ended.
katha06's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
martine3's review
How could you make a Sherlock story so incredibly dull, I have no idea. I was so interested reading about his childhood and early life, sigh, but sadly this lacked any distinctive traits that makes this character unique and captivating.
poachedeggs's review
3.0
The story begins promisingly with Sherlock's brother Mycroft coming to inform him that Sherlock would not be spending his vacation at home, but instead, with his uncle and aunt, whom he had never seen.
And yes, that is young Sherlock Holmes we are talking about, and this is accessible Holmes for young adults, quite easy to read and fast-paced.
Adults would find characters like Amyus Crowe, Sherlock's tutor, and Mycroft, his elder brother (who seems to be some big shot in an intelligence office) intriguing, but question the realism of certain plot details, such as Sherlock's suddenly-acquired fighting skills in tight spots (wasn't he supposed to be a loner and average Joe at school?). There is some sloppiness in the writing too, like one moment when it was implied that Sherlock had little interest in art, then two pages later, when he was revealed as being only interested in music and art - yet there is no evidence really of his musical inclinations and even though he professes to dislike Math, he actually seems quite good at it.
The mystery is nothing to write Holme (stupid pun at 10 in the morning...) about either, its very improbability acknowledged by Sherlock and his tutor.
And yes, that is young Sherlock Holmes we are talking about, and this is accessible Holmes for young adults, quite easy to read and fast-paced.
Adults would find characters like Amyus Crowe, Sherlock's tutor, and Mycroft, his elder brother (who seems to be some big shot in an intelligence office) intriguing, but question the realism of certain plot details, such as Sherlock's suddenly-acquired fighting skills in tight spots (wasn't he supposed to be a loner and average Joe at school?). There is some sloppiness in the writing too, like one moment when it was implied that Sherlock had little interest in art, then two pages later, when he was revealed as being only interested in music and art - yet there is no evidence really of his musical inclinations and even though he professes to dislike Math, he actually seems quite good at it.
The mystery is nothing to write Holme (stupid pun at 10 in the morning...) about either, its very improbability acknowledged by Sherlock and his tutor.
infinitelibrary's review
1.0
Honestly, I didn't finish this book as I struggled to see him as Sherlock so gave up
missprint_'s review against another edition
3.0
Summer 1868: After an interminable year away at boarding school, fourteen-year-old Sherlock Holmes is eager to return to the family home where he can explore to his heart's content and see his father and mother. Sherlock is crushed when his older brother Mycroft instead tells Sherlock he will be staying with distant relatives in Hampshire.
Dismayed at this horrible turn of events, Sherlock is prepared for a terrible summer. Then he meets a drifter about his own age named Matty Arnett as well as an unconventional tutor named Amyus Crowe. Together the trio are soon drawn into a mystery involving a dead body, noxious gasses and--strangest of all--a cloud that seems to move with purpose.
Death Cloud is the first book in Lane's Young Sherlock Holmes series.
Mystery fans and fans of the worlds greatest detective will all find something to enjoy in this action-packed adventure. Lane gains momentum throughout the narrative seemingly becoming more comfortable with writing about this famous character as the story progresses. Much in the grand tradition of Arthur Conan Doyle's original novels, Lane offers a madcap mystery with imaginative devices and a villain that will likely follow young Sherlock throughout the series.
Lane also offers nods to what seasoned readers know lies in store for Sherlock as well as new insights into how Crowe, Shelock's tutor, helped shape his deductive reasoning. In fact, the biggest problem with Death Cloud is reconciling this young boy who is observant but often also less-than-learned with the brilliant detective that has become part of the public consciousness. While some teachable moments between Sherlock and Crowe feel forced (as Lane tries to use what Sherlock doesn't know to anticipate that which younger readers may not know) the story and characters come together nicely here.
Death Cloud is an approachable, engaging mystery that will appeal to readers (and Sherlock fans) of all ages.
Dismayed at this horrible turn of events, Sherlock is prepared for a terrible summer. Then he meets a drifter about his own age named Matty Arnett as well as an unconventional tutor named Amyus Crowe. Together the trio are soon drawn into a mystery involving a dead body, noxious gasses and--strangest of all--a cloud that seems to move with purpose.
Death Cloud is the first book in Lane's Young Sherlock Holmes series.
Mystery fans and fans of the worlds greatest detective will all find something to enjoy in this action-packed adventure. Lane gains momentum throughout the narrative seemingly becoming more comfortable with writing about this famous character as the story progresses. Much in the grand tradition of Arthur Conan Doyle's original novels, Lane offers a madcap mystery with imaginative devices and a villain that will likely follow young Sherlock throughout the series.
Lane also offers nods to what seasoned readers know lies in store for Sherlock as well as new insights into how Crowe, Shelock's tutor, helped shape his deductive reasoning. In fact, the biggest problem with Death Cloud is reconciling this young boy who is observant but often also less-than-learned with the brilliant detective that has become part of the public consciousness. While some teachable moments between Sherlock and Crowe feel forced (as Lane tries to use what Sherlock doesn't know to anticipate that which younger readers may not know) the story and characters come together nicely here.
Death Cloud is an approachable, engaging mystery that will appeal to readers (and Sherlock fans) of all ages.