Devil's Due

In the third of Bonnie MacBird's Sherlock Holmes Adventures, set in 1890, Holmes faces his worst adversary, a diabolical villain bent on destroying public figures. He battles Scotland Yard and the press as he follows a complex trail, but when his brother Mycroft disappears, people begin to wonder if Holmes has made a deal with the devil.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 17 September 2020
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

After the thrilling adventures of "Art in the Blood" and "Unquiet Spirits," the iconic duo of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson returns to the literary world in the third installment of Bonnie MacBird's critically acclaimed Sherlock Holmes Adventures. Set in the vibrant year of 1890, the renowned Sherlock Holmes encounters his most formidable adversary yet—a diabolical villain determined to wreak havoc upon some of London's most esteemed public figures, employing particularly gruesome methods. Adding to the complexity of the case is the unsettling presence of suicide that closely follows each murder. As Holmes embarks on a perilous journey through the vast and bustling city of London, he must navigate a labyrinthine trail that leads him from performers to princes, anarchists to aesthetes. However, when his beloved brother Mycroft mysteriously disappears, seemingly the victim of a murderous act, even the most devoted followers of Holmes begin to question the extent to which he has ventured into the realm of darkness. The question arises: Has Sherlock Holmes himself struck a deal with the devil?

The novel delves deep into the intricate web of mystery and suspense, as Holmes employs his unparalleled intellect and deductive skills to unravel the truth behind the murders. Along the way, he encounters a cast of intriguing characters, each with their own secrets and motivations. From the enigmatic performers to the powerful princes, the anarchist revolutionaries to the esteemed aesthetes, Holmes navigates through a world of chaos and danger, piecing together the clues that will ultimately lead him to the culprit.

As the stakes rise and the danger intensifies, Holmes finds himself facing not only the wrath of the villain but also the skepticism of the Scotland Yard and the critical press. The press, in particular, becomes a relentless adversary, relentlessly questioning his methods and motives, casting doubt on his abilities and integrity. However, Holmes remains undaunted, determined to prove his worth and bring justice to the victims.

In the midst of the chaos, Holmes must also confront his own demons and fears. He grapples with the knowledge that his brother Mycroft may have been involved in the crimes, and he struggles with the moral implications of his actions. He questions whether he has crossed a line that cannot be undone, and he wonders if he has become the very thing he has been fighting against.

The novel's climax is a heart-pounding and suspenseful affair, as Holmes races against time to prevent the villain from carrying out his final act of destruction. The final confrontation between Holmes and the villain is a tense and intense battle of wits, where both men are pushed to their limits. In the end, Holmes emerges victorious, but at a cost. He pays a heavy price for his victory, as he must confront the consequences of his actions and the toll they have taken on his own soul.

"The Devil's Footsteps" is a masterful work of detective fiction, that pays homage to the legacy of Conan Doyle and his iconic Sherlock Holmes character. It is a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring appeal of the mystery genre. The novel is a must-read for fans of Sherlock Holmes and detective fiction alike, as it offers a thrilling and engaging journey through the streets of London and the depths of the human mind.

Weight: 276g
Dimension: 129 x 198 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780008195106