Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are back on the case in London after the harrowing events in Lifeblood. In a journal account he refers to as Imperial, Watson dictates the perilous tale with his usual wit and intelligence. For this renowned pair, theft, murder, and abduction are par for the course. However, this particular case nearly reaches beyond the purview of a war-weary physician and an eccentric detective. With supernatural criminals rampaging across Europe, Sherlock’s typical power of reason is put fully to the test as he and Watson follow clues that stretch back a century. And they’re not alone in this investigation. The two men now share their 221 B Baker Street flat with young Quincey Harker and a rescue dog named Prince. As a surviving member of the Harker family, Quincey is personally invested in this case, as he has a history with a certain infamous vampire. Scotland Yard and Inspector Lestrade himself feature in the investigation, though none can match wits with Holmes. Authentic figures in history and powerful fictional personalities play smoothly into this dark mystery as the fearless team unearths evidence that points toward an evil that is difficult, maybe even impossible, to eradicate.
Big personalities and even bigger mysteries rule the pages of this second installment in the Sherlock & Dracula series. In an ingenious mashup, Kev Freeman pits the world’s most beloved detective team against the heinous Count Dracula. Keeping true to the roots of both mythoi, the language, setting, and epistolary style help anchor the story in a distinct time and place. Real historical events earn a place next to vampiric monsters, adding chilling realism and a delightful dash of horror to this shrewdly conceived hybrid novel. And a bevy of familiar characters round out the cast, making it feel like a visit with old friends. While grammatical errors, awkward phrases, and inconsistent verb tenses detract from the reading experience of an otherwise clever crossover tale, forgiving readers will be treated to an enigmatic guessing game filled with all the banter and camaraderie that only Holmes and Watson can bring. Add in a vampiric antagonist, crafty foreshadowing, and a town full of fiercely guarded secrets, and you’ve got a ripping-good mystery. History and folklore come together in a bloody twist of wits, clues, and suspense in Sherlock & Dracula: Imperial.
