Author : Dean P TurnBloom
“Sherlock Holmes: The Whitechapel Vampires” by Dean P Turnbloom, as the name suggests has an additional character of Vampire.This book comes out with a difference in storyline along with the blend of mystery.
As the back cover says ‘ In this fast-paced novel set in the Victorian London, a string of heinous murders in London’s East End has Inspector Abberline of Scotland Yard baffled and his boss, Commissioner Sir Charles Warren furious that no arrests have been made of the culprit the newspapers have dubbed “Jack the Ripper”. With pressure for an arrest mounting, a reluctant Abberline calls on Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson for assistance. Using a combination of intuition, luck, and good old-fashioned police work, the trail they follow leads them directly to Baron Antonio Barlucci. The wealthy Italian financier is a long time family friend of Sir Charles and a ruthless vampire. His trail of blood stretches from Paris to London and if he’s not captured soon an innocent young Italian immigrant will swing from the gallows for a murder he didn’t commit. The baron, though, has other plans. He’s come to London to enlist the aid of a young American, Dr Alan Tremaine, to cure his vampirism. To complicate matters, the baron has fallen in love with Sir Charles’s niece, Abigail Drake. Sherlock Holmes enthusiasts, “Jack the Ripper” aficionados and fans of old school vampires will find something to love in this meticulously researched novel that dares cross multiple genres.’
The lustorous cover invites reader’s attention and the inviting title made it more attentive.Storyline is good enough to spend some time with and is also implemented in a nice way. Along with suspense this book also serves romance that creates its own niche making this book more charming and interesting. Some facets of the story are really very-well imaginative and handsomely portrayed.
The story is a blend of vampires ,Jack the riper with all time greatest detective Sherlock Holmes.This new figment in Sherlock Holmes series brings a new charm in the story.The concept of vampire that has been added in this book gains the credit to grab my attention.At some places,author has done a commendable job to create the suspense. The story paces up in an constant manner that keeps the readers interest alive. The characterization is very good.It was easy for me to picturize the events as the narration fashion of the author is friendly in nature.
About the downfalls of the book: The real essence of Sherlock Holmes series is to some extent is missing.The highly imaginative mystery(as found in the other series) is amiss in this book and some events could be predicted easily and it comes out as thought or predicted.Also, I found some of the facets of the story unclear or confusing.
All in all, an enjoyable read where one would find something new in Sherlock’ s detective series.Also, for the one who loves to read Vampire’s story, this book could be very entertaining.One time read.A good effort.
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Shweta Kesari