I discovered my love of Sherlock Holmes when I was very young. I recall reading “The Speckled Band” and “A Scandal In Bohemia” around the age of 11 or 12.

From thense forward, after consuming all of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s novels and short stories concerning the Great Consulting Detective, I’ve found it hard to resist new offerings from other fiction authors that deal with Mr. Holmes and his inestimable companion Dr. Watson.

Caleb Carr’s Doyle Estate authorized novel captures the style and tone of the original Holmes novels quite well. Mr. Carr — whose own Alienest, Dr. Laszlo Kreizler, just enjoyed a second season on TNT — concocts a series of gruesome 19th century murders apparently linked to a plot to assassinate Queen Victoria.

Without giving too much of the plot away, Holmes and Watson are in top form for the challenging mystery. The characters are well-drawn and believable. Twists are unexpected, and the denumont and climax thrilling and unpredictable.

Overall 4.5/5 Stars.