Reviews

Sherlock Holmes and The Molly Boy Murders by Margaret Walsh

juhiii_16's review against another edition

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4.0

Finished this book a month ago, and liked it so much, I still remember most of the details.

The author maintains the style of Canon Doyle so effortlessly that it doesn't seem like the book is written by a different author; unless you consider the modern touch to it, that just adds to the overall appeal of the writing. The book highlights the plight of LGBT people in the Victorian era, with reference to the so called "He/She Ladies" - men who dress up like women and walk the streets of London. When two such people are found murdered in the same way, with their genitilias cut, it starts a series of brutal murders and it is up to Holmes and his companions to stop it. Apart from this, an appealing feature of the story is its strong female characters. It also briefly touches upon the issue of female enfranchisement during the Victorian era.

I loved how the author portrayed the close friendship between Watson and Holmes, with deep conversations between them about personal things that I've hardly read in the original Sherlock stories. Also, Lestrade who seems just as close with the other two completes the "Three Musketeers" gang solving the most baffling case. Dr. Watson's sarcastic remarks every now and then is a refresher from all the drama happening in the book. Another aspect I loved about the book is the insights it provided into Mycroft Holmes, Sherlock Holmes's brother, who works for the Government, or rather let me rephrase "is the government". The bond between the Holmeses, the way they are so different, and yet understand each other is beautifully depicted throughout the story.

To all the Sherlock Holmes fans, if you're not convinced even now, let me tell you, you are going to like this one. So go ahead & give it a read!

claudia_is_reading's review against another edition

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5.0

Well, this was a fantastic story. The author manages to keep her story faithful to the Holmesian canon while still creating a unique, original tale.

Watson's voice is wonderful, his dry humour fantastic and I loved Lestrade here. Watson's reflection about strengthening their friendship... perfect!

And all the historical details... Margaret Walsh sure knows her Victorian London :D

The mystery was well-plotted and very interesting; even more, it also highlighted issues of gender that were as relevant then as they are today, so well done!

In short: I want to read more books by this author :D

Oh, and the narration by Steve White is great :D

thevreads's review against another edition

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4.0

Obtained a free copy in exchange for an honest review by Booktasters on Twitter

Sherlock Holmes and the Molly-Boy murders by Margaret Walsh is set in 19th century London. This book is indeed a treat for those who love Sherlock Holmes .
There is a serial killer out there roaming freely and killing people or rather Trans people in a brutal manner. Sherlock and Dr. Watson along with inspector Lestrade should find the killer before he wrecks more havoc.
The author has done her homework about Victorian London and it really shows in the book. Writing through Watson's point of view just like the original series is something I really appreciated.
The rather dry humor of Dr. Watson and his relationship with Sherlock Holmes was portrayed very nicely. The writing style was neat and the vivid description of the scenes added more beauty to the book. Forensic details were noteworthy and it didn't feel like too much.
The main reason I loved this book is because of the fact that the author showed her feminist side here. The references of how women were not allowed to vote or how a man dressed as a woman was being laughed at. Being a transgender was such a rare incident back then that most people didn't even know it was real. But as the story goes on characters started accepting them and also stopped viewing women as dumb and weak.
I would totally recommend it to all the Sherlockians!!

thevreads's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Obtained a free copy in exchange for an honest review by Booktasters on Twitter

Sherlock Holmes and the Molly-Boy murders by Margaret Walsh is set in 19th century London. This book is indeed a treat for those who love Sherlock Holmes .
There is a serial killer out there roaming freely and killing people or rather Trans people in a brutal manner. Sherlock and Dr. Watson along with inspector Lestrade should find the killer before he wrecks more havoc.
The author has done her homework about Victorian London and it really shows in the book. Writing through Watson's point of view just like the original series is something I really appreciated.
The rather dry humor of Dr. Watson and his relationship with Sherlock Holmes was portrayed very nicely. The writing style was neat and the vivid description of the scenes added more beauty to the book. Forensic details were noteworthy and it didn't feel like too much.
The main reason I loved this book is because of the fact that the author showed her feminist side here. The references of how women were not allowed to vote or how a man dressed as a woman was being laughed at. Being a transgender was such a rare incident back then that most people didn't even know it was real. But as the story goes on characters started accepting them and also stopped viewing women as dumb and weak.
I would totally recommend it to all the Sherlockians!!
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