What do you think?
Rate this book
Unpublished Case Files of John H. Watson, M.D. #1
Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Undead Client: Being Book One of the Unpublished Case Files of John H. Watson, MD
Sherlock Holmes has only been deceased a month when Dr. John Watson, still grieving, recounts his final case with Holmes. A terrifying mystery, it sends Watson and Holmes into the dark reaches of London's back alleys - and the human soul.
It begins when Anne Prescott, a lovely Scottish nurse, begs Sherlock Holmes and Watson to help her find her fianc� and her sister, who have gone missing in the teeming streets of London. Immediately, Watson feels an attraction to her that shocks him. Newly married to Mary, and deeply in love with her, he struggles to put Anne out of his mind.
As Watson and Holmes dig into the slums and sewers of London looking for Anne's fianc� and sister, they uncover a deadly web of bloody murders, horrific medical experiments, and even voodoo ritual that threatens not only London, but the entire British empire, and beyond.
Watson must call on his unique combination of expertise in the medical sciences, as well as his military training to stop this killer before London --and Anne -- are lost to the killer's bloody plan.
But time is short and the mystery ever more complex. How can he manage his feelings for Anne? What about his loyalty to Mary? He can't have both.
It begins when Anne Prescott, a lovely Scottish nurse, begs Sherlock Holmes and Watson to help her find her fianc� and her sister, who have gone missing in the teeming streets of London. Immediately, Watson feels an attraction to her that shocks him. Newly married to Mary, and deeply in love with her, he struggles to put Anne out of his mind.
As Watson and Holmes dig into the slums and sewers of London looking for Anne's fianc� and sister, they uncover a deadly web of bloody murders, horrific medical experiments, and even voodoo ritual that threatens not only London, but the entire British empire, and beyond.
Watson must call on his unique combination of expertise in the medical sciences, as well as his military training to stop this killer before London --and Anne -- are lost to the killer's bloody plan.
But time is short and the mystery ever more complex. How can he manage his feelings for Anne? What about his loyalty to Mary? He can't have both.
270 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2019
66 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
About the author
M.J. Downing
5 books4 followersDowning is a native of Louisville and will remain there until he dies, After that, he might just get around more.
Readers also enjoyed
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
August 27, 2019
I picked up this paperback at the library because of the cover, ignoring what the title was trying to tell me. Do I read zombie books? No. I somehow got through this one with no joy. It had a good start that captured me. Thus...I saw it to the end.
Library Loan
but..available on Kindle Unlimited for zombie lovers + Moriarty and his devilry
Library Loan
but..available on Kindle Unlimited for zombie lovers + Moriarty and his devilry
February 4, 2020
A solid start to this series, there was an interesting narrative and I did enjoy the action sequences, yes you do have to suspend your disbelief in parts of this book but I will be looking out for the second in the series in the future.
One slight niggle was that Watson refers to a nightstick as one of his weapons and then reverts back to a truncheon at the end, being a Victorian Englishman I don't think he would have used the former as a descriptive term.
One slight niggle was that Watson refers to a nightstick as one of his weapons and then reverts back to a truncheon at the end, being a Victorian Englishman I don't think he would have used the former as a descriptive term.
June 11, 2019
It was not bad, but it was way too long and I think that, to made it different from Conan Doyle, the author wrote a plot were our usual characters were induced to do something that I really think were not in their nature, even if it is a fictional nature we are talking about here.
Non é che fosse poi terribile, ma era decisamente troppo lungo e per tentare di distaccarsi da Conan Doyle, l'autore ha scritto una storia dove i personaggi abituali si trovano a fare/dire/agire in modo talmente diverso dal solito che non si riconoscono piú, anche se sí, stiamo parlando di personaggi di finzione.
THANKS NETGALLEY FOR THE PREVIEW!
Non é che fosse poi terribile, ma era decisamente troppo lungo e per tentare di distaccarsi da Conan Doyle, l'autore ha scritto una storia dove i personaggi abituali si trovano a fare/dire/agire in modo talmente diverso dal solito che non si riconoscono piú, anche se sí, stiamo parlando di personaggi di finzione.
THANKS NETGALLEY FOR THE PREVIEW!
December 30, 2019
Sherlock, zombies and Jack the Ripper?
What a fun romp! Yes, you have to suspend disbelief, and no, you can't approach it seriously but this was a riotously fun book. Not anywhere close to canon, in my opinion, but still, fun, energetic and engaging.
Watson's behaviour jarred in one or two points, but that's my only major criticism. Really enjoyed this one!
I received an ebook copy of this book on Netgalley, and chose to review it.
What a fun romp! Yes, you have to suspend disbelief, and no, you can't approach it seriously but this was a riotously fun book. Not anywhere close to canon, in my opinion, but still, fun, energetic and engaging.
Watson's behaviour jarred in one or two points, but that's my only major criticism. Really enjoyed this one!
I received an ebook copy of this book on Netgalley, and chose to review it.
June 10, 2019
I love Sherlock Holmes 🕵️♂️ and his stories. This is told from the perspective of Watson and focuses mainly on Watson and the blow this case delivers to him on a personal, mental, emotional, and physical levels. The case follows our two sleuths as the try and help Anne Prescott find her sister and fiancé. The case devolves into a manic horror ridden chase to stop the villains from releasing an infection upon the population that causes its victims to turn into zombies 🧟♂️. Another twist on the Jack the Ripper legend is tossed into the fray as we see our heroes trying to stop the epidemic weapon from leaving London’s shores. There is forbidden romance and all its ramifications, terror filled chases through the streets and sewers of London, voodoo,zombies, katanas, guns, and battles against the undead. It was written in the original style of Sherlock Holmes with the modern horror of zombies and biological weapons. I really enjoyed the ride. If you don’t like violence, gore, bloody scenes, zombies etc then I wouldn’t recommend. If you do then definitely give this thrill ride a go.
September 6, 2019
I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
So, I’ll be really honest here.. While I am usually a fan of all things Sherlock (Benedict Cumberbatch..I love you <3) this book just fell short for me. It just didn’t hold my attention. I found this to be an easy read, but also easily forgotten. I enjoy stories that stay with me for days at a time, but this one just wasn’t a win for me. I did love Watson in this book. He was pretty entertaining, and I love reading from his perspective (as true to the Sherlock series.) I am not usually a fan of zombie stories, but Downing has a great writing style.
I gave this book 2 stars because of Downings ability to create a great story, however it just wasn’t the story for me.
So, I’ll be really honest here.. While I am usually a fan of all things Sherlock (Benedict Cumberbatch..I love you <3) this book just fell short for me. It just didn’t hold my attention. I found this to be an easy read, but also easily forgotten. I enjoy stories that stay with me for days at a time, but this one just wasn’t a win for me. I did love Watson in this book. He was pretty entertaining, and I love reading from his perspective (as true to the Sherlock series.) I am not usually a fan of zombie stories, but Downing has a great writing style.
I gave this book 2 stars because of Downings ability to create a great story, however it just wasn’t the story for me.
July 28, 2019
A really good descriptive story. A bit more violent than you might expect from a Holmes story! I was a bit surprised by Dr Watson’s behavior. It was a page turner, I really enjoyed it! Thanks to Netgalley for the copy
June 7, 2019
Dr John Watson recounts the case that occurred in 1891. Holmes and Watson are approached by Gladstone (the former P.M.) and a nurse, Anne Prescott. She is looking for her fiancé Tom McHugh and her sister, Kathleen. Their investigation reveal that men that have gone missing from charity wards in Spitalfields and Whitechapel. This leads them to the the discovery of several murders, medical experiments, and voodoo rituals.
An enjoyable and interesting well-written Sherlock Holmes case file.
A NetGalley Book
An enjoyable and interesting well-written Sherlock Holmes case file.
A NetGalley Book
June 11, 2019
Sherlock Holmes and The Case of the Undead Client is a great creepy historical mystery. This is one I could not put down. Well written and great characters.
May 15, 2020
If it hasn’t occurred to my readers by now, I am a fan of Sherlock Holmes. I have read all of the original Conan Doyle tales countless times and continue to enjoy them. I am also one who is more than happy to read other author’s stories starring my favorite detective. And while yes, I will admit, that it is often hit or miss with the books, I still enjoy it.
Unfortunately my dearest readers, Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Undead Client is one of those that is a miss.
A great majority of readers are familiar with fan-fiction, and with that they are generally familiar with the term “Mary-Sue”. The term refers to a female character who is absolutely perfect in every way. She is incredibly smart and exceptionally beautiful, whatever task she attempts to do she is almost immediately proficient. And in almost every case she meets a tragic end.
The character of Anne Prescott is, in my mind, such a character. She comes to Holmes and Watson seeking their help in finding her missing fiance as well as her missing sister. At first, her interactions with Holmes and Watson are fairly standard – she is trying to help them find her loved ones after all. Soon though characterization goes a bit sideways and both Holmes and Watson become almost caricatures.
About halfway through Holmes expresses a wish to be more like Anne Prescott with her strength of character. I thought this was completely out of character for him as he had never wanted to be anyone else but himself. Also, about two-thirds of the way through, Anne seduces Watson and causes him to cheat on Mary. Again, this is quite out of character as in canon Watson professed how much he cared for Mary several times.
Aside from the mis-characterization, the writing itself is often over melodramatic to the point where it almost becomes purple. I understand that Downing was trying to capture the particular writing style of Conan Doyle’s Watson but like most everything else, I found it profoundly lacking.
If this book was about original characters fighting zombies in Victorian England, I would be more inclined to give it a better rating. However, because this is book is centered on the well known characters of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson, I must rate it accordingly and advice my readers to skip it entirely.
September 5, 2019
I am a fan of Sherlock Holmes. My whole family is. I read Sherlock Holmes stories to our son when he was in kindergarten - The Blue Carbuncle at Christmas time naturally. I may be the only one open to reading Sherlock Holmes stories written by authors other than Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and have had varying degrees of enjoyment from them. Sometimes Holmes has been a woman, or it takes place after his retirement and he is beekeeping, or he is a ghost advising a young woman. This time he is fighting zombies.
This book is not for me, it is not for my family. The problem isn't the zombies exactly although they didn't care for the idea but with the way the characters are written. Holmes would not wish to be like anyone but himself contrary to what the author has written mid-story in reference to Anne Prescott and her strength of character. Watson would not cheat on Mary, he just wouldn't. I also believe he would have more regard for the people assisting them and would not recklessly endanger them for what he admits are his own selfish motives.
There are inconsistencies in the story also. For example, in the latter portion of the book, Watson notes that Anne not longer has the capacity for speech yet later she is described during what would be her final battle as screaming "Jack". Did she suddenly regain the power of speech?
I found the general tone of the writing overwrought and melodramatic. The modern flair did not resonate with me. I was surprised upon reading some reviews (upon completing the novel) that several note this is a "must-read" even if or especially for canonical fans of Conan Doyle. I don't think this is for canonical fans at all. I am inclined to think that zombie fans who may be aware of Sherlock Holmes would enjoy this. People who may know of the characters by the Robert Downey, Jr. films will likely enjoy it as well. But fans who know them through the books, Basil Rathbone, Jeremy Brett, et,al. may be in for disappointment. I can not recommend this book for them.
This book is not for me, it is not for my family. The problem isn't the zombies exactly although they didn't care for the idea but with the way the characters are written. Holmes would not wish to be like anyone but himself contrary to what the author has written mid-story in reference to Anne Prescott and her strength of character. Watson would not cheat on Mary, he just wouldn't. I also believe he would have more regard for the people assisting them and would not recklessly endanger them for what he admits are his own selfish motives.
There are inconsistencies in the story also. For example, in the latter portion of the book, Watson notes that Anne not longer has the capacity for speech yet later she is described during what would be her final battle as screaming "Jack". Did she suddenly regain the power of speech?
I found the general tone of the writing overwrought and melodramatic. The modern flair did not resonate with me. I was surprised upon reading some reviews (upon completing the novel) that several note this is a "must-read" even if or especially for canonical fans of Conan Doyle. I don't think this is for canonical fans at all. I am inclined to think that zombie fans who may be aware of Sherlock Holmes would enjoy this. People who may know of the characters by the Robert Downey, Jr. films will likely enjoy it as well. But fans who know them through the books, Basil Rathbone, Jeremy Brett, et,al. may be in for disappointment. I can not recommend this book for them.
July 12, 2019
I was disappointed by this book, not because it's poorly written, but because I just didn't find it a good fit with the Holmes canon, and I'd chosen to read this book because I was hankering for some Holmes. This books lack the kinds of ratiocination that make the Holmes stories so engrossing. In the canon, it's not just that Holmes and Watson solve mysteries; it's that these mysteries become solvable because of the complexity of Holmes' thinking. The Case of the Undead Client reads more like an action movie. Attack, respond, retreat; attack, respond, retreat; attack, respond, retreat. Gun, sword, dagger; gun, sword, dagger; gun, sword, dagger. There is some thinking involved, but the book is propelled by brute force. If you like books where brawn is a key part of solving mysteries, you'll probably enjoy Undead Client. If, like me, you were looking something with a more cerebral core, you'll be disappointed.
February 10, 2020
This is an ARC from NetGalley that I got months ago and stopped and started several times before finally finishing it.
This book is about Sherlock Holmes and zombies, narrated by Watson after Holmes’ ‘death’. Anne Prescott comes to Holmes for help finding her fiance and her sister and this puts them on the trail of dark magic and twisted medicine. Much like in Dracula, we know a lot of the lore about zombies but the characters do not and they find out along the way.
When it came down to it, I enjoyed this plot. I liked how it progressed along, it was well-paced and I really enjoyed reading about how they learned more and more about the zombies and why they were here in England. The connection between the zombies and Jack the Ripper, which is part of this story, was one I had not predicted and I did enjoy seeing how the little details were created by the author, as well as how Jack the Ripper was stopped. Holmes was not in as much as I wanted, he disappeared quite a few times, leaving Watson as the main character, along with Anne Prescott.
And here is the reason why it took me so long to start and continue this book. The main plot of this book is connected to the romance which has come up between Watson and Anne Prescott (and yes, he is still married to Mary at this point) and I found this romance plot irritating and boring, by the end of it. Apart from being very insta-love, Anne is held up as this amazing woman who can even make Holmes reevaluate his long-standing sexism and I wouldn’t have minded that, if it wasn't in the context of the romance. However, she does have flaws that are never addressed (like the fact that she knew Watson was married and it didn’t seem to slow her down at all, but then again, neither did Watson) and after a certain point of the book, she becomes more of a plot point than a character. Things happen to her and she is no longer making her own decisions. All the focus is on Watson and what he feels about what is happening to her and I did not realise quite how much this annoyed me until I was writing this review.
The romance also made Holmes and Watson very unlike themselves, such as having many conversations about Watson’s attraction to Anne Prescott when I’m sure Holmes would not bring up who Watson was pining over, especially since it could only lead to unhappiness. I wanted to see more of the Holmes and Watson team but the scenes with them were few and far between and coloured by whatever was going on with Watson and Anne.
If the romance had been taken out of the book, we could have had some interesting debate within Watson about how to end Jack the Ripper’s reign of terror, juggling his view as a doctor with his need to protect innocents, but instead we got an abrupt turnabout but not before two more women died because of his hesitation. I feel like there was so much potential in that plotline and instead it was taken over by this dull romance subplot.
If I had been going on the plot of this book alone, I would be looking at 4/4.5 stars but with the romance and the treatment of Anne Prescott’s character, I do not think I can give this book more than 3 stars. I sped through the plot parts, I really enjoyed them but I resented everything to do with the romance and found myself wanting to put the book down at those points.
3 stars!
This book is about Sherlock Holmes and zombies, narrated by Watson after Holmes’ ‘death’. Anne Prescott comes to Holmes for help finding her fiance and her sister and this puts them on the trail of dark magic and twisted medicine. Much like in Dracula, we know a lot of the lore about zombies but the characters do not and they find out along the way.
When it came down to it, I enjoyed this plot. I liked how it progressed along, it was well-paced and I really enjoyed reading about how they learned more and more about the zombies and why they were here in England. The connection between the zombies and Jack the Ripper, which is part of this story, was one I had not predicted and I did enjoy seeing how the little details were created by the author, as well as how Jack the Ripper was stopped. Holmes was not in as much as I wanted, he disappeared quite a few times, leaving Watson as the main character, along with Anne Prescott.
And here is the reason why it took me so long to start and continue this book. The main plot of this book is connected to the romance which has come up between Watson and Anne Prescott (and yes, he is still married to Mary at this point) and I found this romance plot irritating and boring, by the end of it. Apart from being very insta-love, Anne is held up as this amazing woman who can even make Holmes reevaluate his long-standing sexism and I wouldn’t have minded that, if it wasn't in the context of the romance. However, she does have flaws that are never addressed (like the fact that she knew Watson was married and it didn’t seem to slow her down at all, but then again, neither did Watson) and after a certain point of the book, she becomes more of a plot point than a character. Things happen to her and she is no longer making her own decisions. All the focus is on Watson and what he feels about what is happening to her and I did not realise quite how much this annoyed me until I was writing this review.
The romance also made Holmes and Watson very unlike themselves, such as having many conversations about Watson’s attraction to Anne Prescott when I’m sure Holmes would not bring up who Watson was pining over, especially since it could only lead to unhappiness. I wanted to see more of the Holmes and Watson team but the scenes with them were few and far between and coloured by whatever was going on with Watson and Anne.
If the romance had been taken out of the book, we could have had some interesting debate within Watson about how to end Jack the Ripper’s reign of terror, juggling his view as a doctor with his need to protect innocents, but instead we got an abrupt turnabout but not before two more women died because of his hesitation. I feel like there was so much potential in that plotline and instead it was taken over by this dull romance subplot.
If I had been going on the plot of this book alone, I would be looking at 4/4.5 stars but with the romance and the treatment of Anne Prescott’s character, I do not think I can give this book more than 3 stars. I sped through the plot parts, I really enjoyed them but I resented everything to do with the romance and found myself wanting to put the book down at those points.
3 stars!
July 14, 2019
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Undead Client is a horror Holmes and Watson homage with zombies. Released 1st June 2019 it's the first in a new series by M. J. Downing, is 289 pages and available in paperback and ebook formats.
This is supernatural horror with loads of zombies, blood-soaked and stomach turning in a lot of places. The violence is unrelenting and graphic. There are several disparate plot threads (zombies, shady British government goings-on, Jack the Ripper killings, voodoo, etc) and it's not surprising that in some ways, the central plot gets lost in the details.
The author has a strong and deft touch with characterization and detailed flowing period dialogue. I felt, however, that the central characters weren't quite Holmes & Watson. There was much less cerebrating than braining zombies with blunt instruments, or beheading with swords. I felt that most of the plot was action and reaction, fight and retreat. Actually, I was curious enough to search online about the kukri sword which features prominently in the book. Hats off to the author for the quality of historical detail in his background research. (Kukri can, indeed, reportedly decapitate in one stroke (a goat, at least, which is probably more muscular than a zombie).
There are elements of sexual tension in the book, but nothing graphic. In fact, the attraction subplot was well written and added an element of melancholy to the work.
This is a bit more grisly horror fare than I am strictly a fan of, but it's well written and I'll be looking for the next book(s) in the series. For fans of completely canonical Conan Doyle this will no doubt be a shade beyond the pale. For the rest of us, it's a ripping yarn (with zombies).
Worth noting for Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is included in the KU subscription to download and read for free.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Undead Client is a horror Holmes and Watson homage with zombies. Released 1st June 2019 it's the first in a new series by M. J. Downing, is 289 pages and available in paperback and ebook formats.
This is supernatural horror with loads of zombies, blood-soaked and stomach turning in a lot of places. The violence is unrelenting and graphic. There are several disparate plot threads (zombies, shady British government goings-on, Jack the Ripper killings, voodoo, etc) and it's not surprising that in some ways, the central plot gets lost in the details.
The author has a strong and deft touch with characterization and detailed flowing period dialogue. I felt, however, that the central characters weren't quite Holmes & Watson. There was much less cerebrating than braining zombies with blunt instruments, or beheading with swords. I felt that most of the plot was action and reaction, fight and retreat. Actually, I was curious enough to search online about the kukri sword which features prominently in the book. Hats off to the author for the quality of historical detail in his background research. (Kukri can, indeed, reportedly decapitate in one stroke (a goat, at least, which is probably more muscular than a zombie).
There are elements of sexual tension in the book, but nothing graphic. In fact, the attraction subplot was well written and added an element of melancholy to the work.
This is a bit more grisly horror fare than I am strictly a fan of, but it's well written and I'll be looking for the next book(s) in the series. For fans of completely canonical Conan Doyle this will no doubt be a shade beyond the pale. For the rest of us, it's a ripping yarn (with zombies).
Worth noting for Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is included in the KU subscription to download and read for free.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
December 1, 2019
Sherlock Holmes meets zombies with a bit of Jack the Ripper. That's quite unexpected but I love the Sherlock Holmes books and enjoy zombie stories/parodies once in a while so it seemed like a good pick. The idea is actually quite nice and the writing style is good but unfortunately it wasn't as great as I'd hoped.
I cannot compare the writing style with the original as I read the original books in another language long ago so I'll only review the story and characters. I liked that the story was told from Watson's point of view like in the original books but that's about the only thing that resembles the original.
The story was less of the original "brainiac" Holmes solving mysteries thanks to his complex thinking but more focused on the usual zombie "hack and slash" style with the plot being a bit of a second thought. Watson felt completely off, not at all the same upstanding and loyal character I learned to know and love. Just married to Mary and suddenly infatuated with a client and acting on it, no, that was too much out of character and bothered me to no end.
My feelings towards this book really changed a lot while I read. It started well and I quite liked the book at the beginning, thinking it's a Sherlock and Watson mystery with a twist. At the end I was only happy I was finally finished because my memories of these great Doyle characters were quite ruined.
I do recommend this book to zombie fans who have heard of Sherlock Holmes and want to read a historical zombie story, I think you'll enjoy it.
For Sherlock and Watson fans, both characters really don't feel like the original characters from Doyle and I think this book won't make you happy.
#SherlockHolmes #NetGalley
Thank you to the publisher who provided me with an e-copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I cannot compare the writing style with the original as I read the original books in another language long ago so I'll only review the story and characters. I liked that the story was told from Watson's point of view like in the original books but that's about the only thing that resembles the original.
The story was less of the original "brainiac" Holmes solving mysteries thanks to his complex thinking but more focused on the usual zombie "hack and slash" style with the plot being a bit of a second thought. Watson felt completely off, not at all the same upstanding and loyal character I learned to know and love. Just married to Mary and suddenly infatuated with a client and acting on it, no, that was too much out of character and bothered me to no end.
My feelings towards this book really changed a lot while I read. It started well and I quite liked the book at the beginning, thinking it's a Sherlock and Watson mystery with a twist. At the end I was only happy I was finally finished because my memories of these great Doyle characters were quite ruined.
I do recommend this book to zombie fans who have heard of Sherlock Holmes and want to read a historical zombie story, I think you'll enjoy it.
For Sherlock and Watson fans, both characters really don't feel like the original characters from Doyle and I think this book won't make you happy.
#SherlockHolmes #NetGalley
Thank you to the publisher who provided me with an e-copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 9, 2019
I was able to read a free e-book version of this novel on Netgalley. Thanks to the publishers and Netgalley!
I'll start this out by saying that this was a pretty enjoyable book, and I'm not generally a zombie lover. It did not, however, really feel like a Sherlock Holmes novel.
I can see why it would be beneficial to operate in an existing world like the one built in previous Sherlock Holmes stories. I also imagine any lover of Conan Doyle's stories would love the chance to write something using his characters. In this case, though, I really felt it made me like the book less than if it had just stood alone, with just a little more building of its own characters.
For one thing, the characters introduced here only felt vaguely like they did in Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories. For another, the narrative style from Watson's point of view seemed so different at points, that it didn't really seem like Watson at all. I found myself disbelieving that this was actually how Sherlock and Watson would respond to this situation.
It's not that I'm against someone taking up the Sherlock torch. And Downing's writing style is pretty nice: straightforward and suited to this more action-packed style of novel. I enjoyed some of the flashbacks to Watson's military life, and actually now think I would like a prequel based on that time. I just found that it all didn't quite mesh for me in this one. It was almost like the modern TV show characters meshed with the old characters in strange ways in an unrealistic scenario.
I'll start this out by saying that this was a pretty enjoyable book, and I'm not generally a zombie lover. It did not, however, really feel like a Sherlock Holmes novel.
I can see why it would be beneficial to operate in an existing world like the one built in previous Sherlock Holmes stories. I also imagine any lover of Conan Doyle's stories would love the chance to write something using his characters. In this case, though, I really felt it made me like the book less than if it had just stood alone, with just a little more building of its own characters.
For one thing, the characters introduced here only felt vaguely like they did in Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories. For another, the narrative style from Watson's point of view seemed so different at points, that it didn't really seem like Watson at all. I found myself disbelieving that this was actually how Sherlock and Watson would respond to this situation.
It's not that I'm against someone taking up the Sherlock torch. And Downing's writing style is pretty nice: straightforward and suited to this more action-packed style of novel. I enjoyed some of the flashbacks to Watson's military life, and actually now think I would like a prequel based on that time. I just found that it all didn't quite mesh for me in this one. It was almost like the modern TV show characters meshed with the old characters in strange ways in an unrealistic scenario.
August 20, 2019
Truthfully, I did not think this novel stood up with the other Sherlock Holmes novels originally by Arthur Conan Doyle. I had just finished the original Sherlock Holmes novels the week before reading this one which may have caused this opinion but I had high hopes that this would be a good one to join in the series.
Unfortunately, for me it did not.
Things i did like:
I liked that it was told my Watson's point of view which is the same as the originals. I also didn't mind the mystery aspect. There is a Jack the Ripper story which was interesting and added a little something to the overall mystery.
Things i didn't like:
I really didn't like the Watson issues in this novel, with Anne and Mary. In the original stories, Mary wasn't a huge character and Watson never thought of another woman. However, this novel may be more like the BBC TV show than the original novels as Mary was not only a larger character but had a background that was very interesting. This Watson didn't seem like the same Watson that was in the original novels.
I am giving this novel ⭐⭐ review. I decided to give it two as Downing's writing was still very well done. Unfortunately the story itself was not one i would recommend if you love the original novels.
#Sherlockholmes #NetGalley
Sherlock Holmes: The Case of the Undead Client by M.J. Downing
Released on June 1, 2019
Thank you to Burns & Lea Books and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this novel!
Unfortunately, for me it did not.
Things i did like:
I liked that it was told my Watson's point of view which is the same as the originals. I also didn't mind the mystery aspect. There is a Jack the Ripper story which was interesting and added a little something to the overall mystery.
Things i didn't like:
I really didn't like the Watson issues in this novel, with Anne and Mary. In the original stories, Mary wasn't a huge character and Watson never thought of another woman. However, this novel may be more like the BBC TV show than the original novels as Mary was not only a larger character but had a background that was very interesting. This Watson didn't seem like the same Watson that was in the original novels.
I am giving this novel ⭐⭐ review. I decided to give it two as Downing's writing was still very well done. Unfortunately the story itself was not one i would recommend if you love the original novels.
#Sherlockholmes #NetGalley
Sherlock Holmes: The Case of the Undead Client by M.J. Downing
Released on June 1, 2019
Thank you to Burns & Lea Books and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this novel!
November 20, 2019
An amazing take on our favourite fictional consulting detective.
There are so many Sherlock Holmes stories out there written by a number of talented storytellers Some are good, some are amazing and a few are simply outstanding. This is one.
The grimy, smokey streets of London come alive in this novel, the characterisations are superlative and Dr John Watson makes his mark here as not simply as a foil for the genius of Holmes but as a three dimensional being in his own right.
What surprised me the most about this novel is that it is by an American who manages to convince us that he is actually a native Londoner writing about a city he grew up in. Mr Downing has certainly done his research thoroughly, not only by using correct British idiom, but using it as if he were living in the late 19th century. This is no small feat.
The drama is fast paced right from the outset and the reader is gripped both by the action but also the humanity of the protagonists. There are a number of moral dilemmas where we are as the reader are forced to ask ourselves questions as to how we would react in certain fraught situations that our heroes find themselves in.
Mr Downing is an author to be reckoned with as this is his debut novel. I hope we will see more of his take on this much loved duo in future stories.
There are so many Sherlock Holmes stories out there written by a number of talented storytellers Some are good, some are amazing and a few are simply outstanding. This is one.
The grimy, smokey streets of London come alive in this novel, the characterisations are superlative and Dr John Watson makes his mark here as not simply as a foil for the genius of Holmes but as a three dimensional being in his own right.
What surprised me the most about this novel is that it is by an American who manages to convince us that he is actually a native Londoner writing about a city he grew up in. Mr Downing has certainly done his research thoroughly, not only by using correct British idiom, but using it as if he were living in the late 19th century. This is no small feat.
The drama is fast paced right from the outset and the reader is gripped both by the action but also the humanity of the protagonists. There are a number of moral dilemmas where we are as the reader are forced to ask ourselves questions as to how we would react in certain fraught situations that our heroes find themselves in.
Mr Downing is an author to be reckoned with as this is his debut novel. I hope we will see more of his take on this much loved duo in future stories.
November 29, 2019
This ramshackle cobbling together of different genres is an injustice to Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson.
My rating for this wavered because initially when the mystery started, I liked it. I like the world of Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson. I know it moderately well, their characteristics and foibles, their associates and enemies and their way of life.
So I was comfortable with the environment and thought The Case of the Undead Client, would provide an odd twist that would be entertaining at the very least. I was not concerned with the focus less on Holmes and more on Watson. What perturbed me was when Dr Watson beginning to behave inexplicably, rashly and distinctly against type.
Until all regard finally, plummeted to “I’m not enjoying this at all and it is ruining my memories – and good feelings – for this duo”.
My thanks to NetGalley and Burns & Lea Books for an ARC of this book in exchange for a candid review
2 stars – it was okay
Full review on blog
Blog | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
My rating for this wavered because initially when the mystery started, I liked it. I like the world of Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson. I know it moderately well, their characteristics and foibles, their associates and enemies and their way of life.
So I was comfortable with the environment and thought The Case of the Undead Client, would provide an odd twist that would be entertaining at the very least. I was not concerned with the focus less on Holmes and more on Watson. What perturbed me was when Dr Watson beginning to behave inexplicably, rashly and distinctly against type.
Until all regard finally, plummeted to “I’m not enjoying this at all and it is ruining my memories – and good feelings – for this duo”.
My thanks to NetGalley and Burns & Lea Books for an ARC of this book in exchange for a candid review
2 stars – it was okay
Full review on blog
Blog | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
September 10, 2023
I tend to shy away from Holmes books that have the duo dealing with the supernatural. As Holmes has always stated he has no belief in that area. But I thought I give this one a go. I did finish the book but was pretty disappointed in it.
SPOILERS FROM HERE ON!!
I found the idea of a hoard of zombies running around London silly. The reader really has to suspend belief here. The author did a pretty good job describing the process, but still. And the other thing I found totally wrong, was that Watson cheated on his wife. The Watson I know would never do such a thing, irregardless of his attraction to another woman. He just wouldn’t.
In this story, it seemed to me Watson was more the main character rather than Holmes. The book focuses a lot on him and often times, Holmes isn’t even around.
And Holmes and Watson taking lessons from a Japanese instructor in sword usage? C’mon. And somewhere Watson is able to battles several zombies at once, throwing them around, lopping off heads, etc., despite the readers knowing his previous war wounds and his physical condition.
It was all just too much for me to take in. If you are willing to see our heroes getting into to it with Moriarty and his legion of zombies, give it a read. It just do it for me.🤨
SPOILERS FROM HERE ON!!
I found the idea of a hoard of zombies running around London silly. The reader really has to suspend belief here. The author did a pretty good job describing the process, but still. And the other thing I found totally wrong, was that Watson cheated on his wife. The Watson I know would never do such a thing, irregardless of his attraction to another woman. He just wouldn’t.
In this story, it seemed to me Watson was more the main character rather than Holmes. The book focuses a lot on him and often times, Holmes isn’t even around.
And Holmes and Watson taking lessons from a Japanese instructor in sword usage? C’mon. And somewhere Watson is able to battles several zombies at once, throwing them around, lopping off heads, etc., despite the readers knowing his previous war wounds and his physical condition.
It was all just too much for me to take in. If you are willing to see our heroes getting into to it with Moriarty and his legion of zombies, give it a read. It just do it for me.🤨
November 22, 2019
I really liked the writing of this, it reminded me of Sir Arthur Conan Doyles from time to time which I really appreciated.
However, I didn't care for Watson in the story which is my main issue. He is married to Mary but he becomes interested in another woman, Anne Prescott, and a majority of the story is him having feelings for Anne while forgetting about Mary. And then feeling guilty about having these feelings because he’s married but still acting on them. I didn’t expect this to be so much of the story, and it was disappointing because I remember Watson being very loyal so this felt wrong.
Jack the Ripper was mentioned as well and I didn’t expect that at all, but I liked how it was woven into the story. I enjoyed the zombie part as well as how Sherlock was written, but Watson bothered me and I found myself rooting against him, which is something I never want to do!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
However, I didn't care for Watson in the story which is my main issue. He is married to Mary but he becomes interested in another woman, Anne Prescott, and a majority of the story is him having feelings for Anne while forgetting about Mary. And then feeling guilty about having these feelings because he’s married but still acting on them. I didn’t expect this to be so much of the story, and it was disappointing because I remember Watson being very loyal so this felt wrong.
Jack the Ripper was mentioned as well and I didn’t expect that at all, but I liked how it was woven into the story. I enjoyed the zombie part as well as how Sherlock was written, but Watson bothered me and I found myself rooting against him, which is something I never want to do!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 22, 2019
Sherlock Holmes and zombies...hmm..the story was definitely unique for a Sherlock Holmes story.
The story follows Holmes and Watson’s last case. A scottish nurse, Anne Prescott asks them to find her sister and her fiancé. And the problems start immediately when Watson feels attracted to her. And as they are looking for Anne’s missing sister and fiancé in slums and sewers troubles are piling up. The investigation lead them to more dissapearance, murders, voodoo ritual and zombies.
The story is told from the perspective of Watson alone so we only get to know his side of the story. I liked his character but Holmes is always my favourite.
I recommend the book because it was a fun read, easy to follow. If you like Sherlock Holmes you have to read this one,
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy.
The story follows Holmes and Watson’s last case. A scottish nurse, Anne Prescott asks them to find her sister and her fiancé. And the problems start immediately when Watson feels attracted to her. And as they are looking for Anne’s missing sister and fiancé in slums and sewers troubles are piling up. The investigation lead them to more dissapearance, murders, voodoo ritual and zombies.
The story is told from the perspective of Watson alone so we only get to know his side of the story. I liked his character but Holmes is always my favourite.
I recommend the book because it was a fun read, easy to follow. If you like Sherlock Holmes you have to read this one,
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy.
July 8, 2019
This book was a bit of a mixed bag. As a true crime fan with a long term interest in Jack The Ripper I was interested to see how the author was going to weave Ripper lore, zombies and Holmes and Watson together.
I was a bit disappointed, while the zombie element was excellently handled (in my opinion) and had sufficient real world basis to work in the Holmes/Watson universe I felt the Jack The Ripper part of the story got a bit lost and there were times I forgot this was even part of the story.
The book was a great easy read and I felt was a great modern refresh of Sherlock Holmes while still maintaining the period charm of the era. I struggled to get into it at the start but once I was a couple of chapters in, the pace moved along nicely with action and intrigue to keep the pages turning.
I was a bit disappointed, while the zombie element was excellently handled (in my opinion) and had sufficient real world basis to work in the Holmes/Watson universe I felt the Jack The Ripper part of the story got a bit lost and there were times I forgot this was even part of the story.
The book was a great easy read and I felt was a great modern refresh of Sherlock Holmes while still maintaining the period charm of the era. I struggled to get into it at the start but once I was a couple of chapters in, the pace moved along nicely with action and intrigue to keep the pages turning.
September 11, 2019
This book was received as an ARC from Burns & Lea books in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
I enjoyed this Sherlock Holmes book the most due to the fact that Watson has now taken over as the lead character and in a dilemma himself when fair maiden Anne Prescott reveals a case of her missing fiance and sister and that there is a killer on the loose but in this case, the killer is the least of Watson’s problems when he is newly we’d to Mary but feels a deep attraction to Anne and as the reader I was more interested in who he was going to choose instead of who is a killer. Our community will love this book because of the new approach taken by this book,
We will consider adding this book to our Historical Fiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
I enjoyed this Sherlock Holmes book the most due to the fact that Watson has now taken over as the lead character and in a dilemma himself when fair maiden Anne Prescott reveals a case of her missing fiance and sister and that there is a killer on the loose but in this case, the killer is the least of Watson’s problems when he is newly we’d to Mary but feels a deep attraction to Anne and as the reader I was more interested in who he was going to choose instead of who is a killer. Our community will love this book because of the new approach taken by this book,
We will consider adding this book to our Historical Fiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
December 19, 2019
I somewhat enjoyed this but you can tell it is not the same as Conan Doyle's writing. It took me a while to get into the story and when I did, I think it was a bit long and it did not have the same feel to them. There is a lot of action in this, and not as much Sherlock's ability to solve the crimes.
I didn't like the actions of Watson in some places, I felt like it was more about him and his love for Anne Prescott than Sherlock and the case itself. And I do not believe that Watson would ever cheat on Mary! So this annoyed me.
It's not a bad story, it's just different and not like the Sherlock Holmes I'm used to. The link to Jack the Ripper was a surprise but worked in cleverly.
Not one for true die-hard Holmes fans, but would be suitable for anyone who likes zombies and those who are fans of the Sherlock characters portrayed by Robert Downey Junior and Jude Law.
I didn't like the actions of Watson in some places, I felt like it was more about him and his love for Anne Prescott than Sherlock and the case itself. And I do not believe that Watson would ever cheat on Mary! So this annoyed me.
It's not a bad story, it's just different and not like the Sherlock Holmes I'm used to. The link to Jack the Ripper was a surprise but worked in cleverly.
Not one for true die-hard Holmes fans, but would be suitable for anyone who likes zombies and those who are fans of the Sherlock characters portrayed by Robert Downey Junior and Jude Law.
December 29, 2019
I loved the original Sherlock Holmes books by Conan Doyle, so I wanted to give this one a shot thinking it couldn't be worse than Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.
Although I liked the plot and the story itself, I am a bit torn in general. One thing is that I didn't think Dr. Watson could be so stupid in terms of his feelings for Anne and act on it as he had Mary. Sherlock was also a bit "off" in a way, so I don't think the author managed to capture the essence of the famous duo correctly in this book. I also noticed the use of "the thousand-yard stare", which wasn't a wording used until WWII in the Pacific, so it's too new to be used in a Victorian setting.
The book did however cleverly mesh together zombies and Jack the Ripper in addition to being fast paced with lots of action.
It's not that it is a BAD book, but it had some room for improvement.
Although I liked the plot and the story itself, I am a bit torn in general. One thing is that I didn't think Dr. Watson could be so stupid in terms of his feelings for Anne and act on it as he had Mary. Sherlock was also a bit "off" in a way, so I don't think the author managed to capture the essence of the famous duo correctly in this book. I also noticed the use of "the thousand-yard stare", which wasn't a wording used until WWII in the Pacific, so it's too new to be used in a Victorian setting.
The book did however cleverly mesh together zombies and Jack the Ripper in addition to being fast paced with lots of action.
It's not that it is a BAD book, but it had some room for improvement.
January 29, 2020
I am a huge fan of Sherlock Holmes. I was really hoping to like this book. I'm fine with the idea of Holmes and Watson facing the supernatural. I like some of the little touches, like explaining why Watson switched out his bullpup for his larger weapon. But Watson's attraction towards one of the female original characters kept throwing me off. I kept trying, like, ok, Watson has always been a gentleman and admired pretty ladies even when married. But I got about 1/5 of the way in and the escalation of Watson's attraction just ruined the book for me and I couldn't keep going. Watson's loyalty is his defining characteristic and he'd never be so dramatically attracted to another woman. Maybe it's a setup for a later plot point or something but I don't really care. It's just not right.
I received a free eARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
I received a free eARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
June 12, 2021
This book claims to be a Sherlockian pastiche. Actually it contains:
a) Lots of American expressions,
b) cheap sensationalism,
c) Moriarty exploiting black magic as practiced in Lousiana,
d) Holmes and Watson doing an insane amount of fighting and general knuckle-beating throughout the story;
e) Watson having an affair;
f) Gladstone in guerrilla-warfare mode;
g) Zombies.
There are several other... aspects, any of which would have given ACD a stroke. But I rest my case.
Guy Richie would love this book. Even I enjoyed it as some kind of brainless love-child of shoddy pastiches and outrageous fan-fictions. But that's all it is.
I would stay away from such stuff. You... may exercise free will etc.
a) Lots of American expressions,
b) cheap sensationalism,
c) Moriarty exploiting black magic as practiced in Lousiana,
d) Holmes and Watson doing an insane amount of fighting and general knuckle-beating throughout the story;
e) Watson having an affair;
f) Gladstone in guerrilla-warfare mode;
g) Zombies.
There are several other... aspects, any of which would have given ACD a stroke. But I rest my case.
Guy Richie would love this book. Even I enjoyed it as some kind of brainless love-child of shoddy pastiches and outrageous fan-fictions. But that's all it is.
I would stay away from such stuff. You... may exercise free will etc.
July 28, 2019
** Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with the digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review **
El libro esta bien escrito, mantiene algunas cosas tradicionales y aporta nuevas a la narrativa de Sherlock. Tengo que decir que tenia grandes expectativas, y aunque esta bien escrito, y en parte lo disfrute, la cuestión ”zombie” arruino todo para mi. Una historia que tenga este tipo de personajes, necesita tener determinadas características para que me guste, sino no las disfruto, cosa que me pasa también con los Aliens por ejemplo. Pero si no tienen problemas con eso, lo recomiendo ampliamente.
El libro esta bien escrito, mantiene algunas cosas tradicionales y aporta nuevas a la narrativa de Sherlock. Tengo que decir que tenia grandes expectativas, y aunque esta bien escrito, y en parte lo disfrute, la cuestión ”zombie” arruino todo para mi. Una historia que tenga este tipo de personajes, necesita tener determinadas características para que me guste, sino no las disfruto, cosa que me pasa también con los Aliens por ejemplo. Pero si no tienen problemas con eso, lo recomiendo ampliamente.
October 27, 2019
Watson & Holmes are at it again but this time the new case is out of this world. Watson knows that Sherlock is keeping something from him and he knows that he will just need to be patient as he will tell him eventually. Their new case involves missing patients and a doctor with a dark family history. Will they be able to stop him from raising an army of dead? But is there more to the story is someone else involved? Will they be able to stop evil was taking over their town? A good read full of twists & turns. I was lucky enough to receive a copy via Netgalley & the publishing house in exchange for my honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
