Black Ice

Black Ice is the third book in the Young Sherlock Holmes series, featuring a teenage Sherlock solving a baffling mystery in 1868. He must prove his brother's innocence while chasing a killer to Moscow and back.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 19 June 2024
Publisher: Pan Macmillan

Black Ice is the third book in the Young Sherlock Holmes series, which reimagines the iconic detective as a brilliant, troubled, and engaging teenager. Set in 1868, the story follows fourteen-year-old Sherlock Holmes as he faces his most baffling mystery yet. His older brother, Mycroft, has been found with a knife in his hand, locked in a room with a corpse. Sherlock believes that his brother is innocent and sets out to prove it. In a chase that will take him to Moscow and back, Sherlock must discover who has framed Mycroft and why before Mycroft swings at the gallows.

Andrew Lane's Fire Storm and Snake Bite continue the investigative adventures of Sherlock Holmes, offering readers more thrilling mysteries and engaging characters.

Black Ice is a gripping novel that explores the depths of Sherlock's mind and the complexities of his relationships. It delves into the world of Victorian London, where crime and corruption are rampant, and where Sherlock must use his wit and intelligence to solve the most challenging cases.

One of the key themes of Black Ice is the relationship between Sherlock and his brother, Mycroft. Mycroft is a brilliant mind, but he is also a troubled soul. He has a dark past that he is reluctant to discuss, and he often finds himself at odds with his brother. Sherlock is determined to help his brother, but he also struggles to understand him.

The story is filled with twists and turns, and the characters are well-developed. Sherlock is a brilliant detective, but he is also a vulnerable and emotional person. He is constantly struggling with his own demons, and he often finds himself in dangerous situations. Mycroft is a complex character, and he is not always easy to understand. He has a deep love for his brother, but he also has a dark side that he is reluctant to acknowledge.

The plot of Black Ice is fast-paced and exciting. The story moves quickly, and the characters are constantly on the move. The author does a great job of creating a sense of urgency and tension, and the reader is never quite sure what is going to happen next.

One of the strengths of Black Ice is the author's ability to create a sense of place. The story is set in Victorian London, and the author does a great job of describing the city's streets, buildings, and people. The reader can almost feel the cold and dampness of the city, and the author's descriptions of the crime scenes are vivid and detailed.

Another strength of Black Ice is the author's ability to create a sense of mystery. The story is filled with clues and red herrings, and the reader is constantly trying to figure out what is going on. The author does a great job of keeping the reader guessing, and the ending is surprising and satisfying.

However, there are also some weaknesses in Black Ice. Some of the characters are not well-developed, and the plot can be a bit confusing at times. The author also relies on a lot of exposition, which can be a bit tedious for some readers.

Despite these weaknesses, Black Ice is a great book that fans of Sherlock Holmes will enjoy. The story is fast-paced and exciting, and the characters are well-developed. The author's ability to create a sense of place and mystery is impressive, and the ending is surprising and satisfying.

In conclusion, Black Ice is a gripping novel that reimagines the iconic detective as a brilliant, troubled, and engaging teenager. Set in 1868, the story follows fourteen-year-old Sherlock Holmes as he faces his most baffling mystery yet. The relationship between Sherlock and his brother, Mycroft, is a key theme of the story, and the plot is fast-paced and exciting. While there are some weaknesses in the story, it is a great book that fans of Sherlock Holmes will enjoy.

Weight: 214g
Dimension: 197 x 132 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781447265603