What do you think?
Rate this book
Sherlock Holmes: The Shadows #1
Shadowfall: A Novel of Sherlock Holmes
When the sacred relics and mystical objects of London begin disappearing, Sherlock Holmes must call on more than his powers of deduction to solve a mystery that threatens the safety of the British Empire and Doctor Watsons mortal soul.
206 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2011
2 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 20, 2013
We all make mistakes in life. Among mine? Reading this book to the end. Please trust me: it isn't worth the time. The premise is ridiculous, the plot a jumble of half-baked set pieces strewn together with sloppy prose that does little to evoke the authentic voice of Dr. Watson. It's not even "just plain silly;" it's an utter waste of time and energy.
June 12, 2021
Well, this surprised me nicely. I'll be honest, as soon as I knew that were involved I almost bailed. But I found the story delightful, and the fact that Watson has a very important role in it might be part of its appeal to me :P
I enjoyed the Marie Laveau's twist and all the voodoo lore :P
Maybe not for the most strict holmesians, but if you enjoy a good 'what if...?' pastiche, this is for you :D
I enjoyed the Marie Laveau's twist and all the voodoo lore :P
Maybe not for the most strict holmesians, but if you enjoy a good 'what if...?' pastiche, this is for you :D
October 5, 2020
When the sacred relics and mystical objects of London begin disappearing, Holmes is reluctant to take the case. But this isn't an ordinary case and Holmes is far from an ordinary man.
Welcome to the world of Shadows.
"Shadowfall" isn't traditional Holmes & Watson. This is a horror story as well as a mystery. Watson is completely human, but Holmes proves to be so much more than human.
Tracy Revels has written a darkly delicious story with much to delight people like myself, who are partial to their Holmes served with a side order of strange.
The book is well written; the writing tight and sharp, with a few light touches to ease the tension. Holmes and Watson in this book are very much in step with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's creations.
I didn't so much read it as devour it. Highly recommended.
Welcome to the world of Shadows.
"Shadowfall" isn't traditional Holmes & Watson. This is a horror story as well as a mystery. Watson is completely human, but Holmes proves to be so much more than human.
Tracy Revels has written a darkly delicious story with much to delight people like myself, who are partial to their Holmes served with a side order of strange.
The book is well written; the writing tight and sharp, with a few light touches to ease the tension. Holmes and Watson in this book are very much in step with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's creations.
I didn't so much read it as devour it. Highly recommended.
April 6, 2011
Well I enjoyed this more than I thought I would! I was quite taken aback at the introduction of Titania but the world all made sense and everything seemed to flow quite well. Fun read and quite a change of pace from the usual Holmes pastiche universe!
I also love the openness of the ending. I, for one, am going to imagine that Watson did remember it all. I almost want write that possibility out for myself! Anyway. It was lots of fun and an interesting world that took me quite by surprise.
There are also two Doctor Who references here - not sure if they're intentional or knowing but they made me smile.
I also love the openness of the ending. I, for one, am going to imagine that Watson did remember it all. I almost want write that possibility out for myself! Anyway. It was lots of fun and an interesting world that took me quite by surprise.
There are also two Doctor Who references here - not sure if they're intentional or knowing but they made me smile.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 18, 2011
I almost put this book down after reading this first chapter. Unfortunately, I didn't.
This book offers a rather unique look at the origins of Holmes. While I am open to new ideas about the detective, this book went from strange to bizarre to outright ridiculous, speeding from conclusion to awkward conclusion with none of the logic that more traditional Holmes pastiches offer.
I DO NOT recommend wasting time with this one.
This book offers a rather unique look at the origins of Holmes. While I am open to new ideas about the detective, this book went from strange to bizarre to outright ridiculous, speeding from conclusion to awkward conclusion with none of the logic that more traditional Holmes pastiches offer.
I DO NOT recommend wasting time with this one.
December 5, 2025
I remember procuring Tracy Revels’ book in Book Fair 2016. Shadowfall stands out boldly from most Holmesian pastiches by blending mystery with dark fantasy in a way that is both unexpected and strangely fitting.
Rather than reconstructing a canonical case, Revels reimagines Holmes as someone caught in the liminal space between the rational world he defends and the supernatural realm he refuses to acknowledge.
From the opening pages, the novel casts an eerie, otherworldly tone. London itself becomes dim and distorted, as if something ancient and malevolent is waking beneath its cobblestones.
Holmes is drawn into a conflict far larger than a typical murder or disappearance. The stakes are cosmic, and the detective—usually so unshakeable—finds himself confronting forces that do not obey logic.
Revels’ boldest achievement lies in her characterization. Holmes retains his skepticism, deductive prowess, and sharp intellect, but he must grapple with the limits of reason when confronted with magical beings, occult influences, and a personal destiny entwined with supernatural balance.
Watson, loyal as ever, struggles to reconcile what he witnesses with his medical and military training. Their friendship becomes a thematic anchor, a steady light against the encroaching darkness.
The prose is lush, immersive, and atmospheric. Fog rolls like sentient mist; shadows lengthen with purpose. Revels excels at creating scenes drenched in Gothic tension while ensuring the plot remains coherent.
Despite the fantastical elements, the mystery structure remains intact—clues are embedded, motives explored, and consequences earned.
This novel may challenge purists who prefer Holmes strictly within rational boundaries. Yet it offers a unique, genre-blending experience that expands what a Holmes story can be without disrespecting the character’s essence.
Holmes’s refusal to surrender to irrationality, even when surrounded by magic, becomes a powerful narrative engine.
By the end, this book feels like an epic confrontation between light and darkness, intellect and chaos—one where Holmes becomes not just a detective but a guardian of equilibrium.
It's imaginative, daring, and haunting in the best sense.
Recommended.
Rather than reconstructing a canonical case, Revels reimagines Holmes as someone caught in the liminal space between the rational world he defends and the supernatural realm he refuses to acknowledge.
From the opening pages, the novel casts an eerie, otherworldly tone. London itself becomes dim and distorted, as if something ancient and malevolent is waking beneath its cobblestones.
Holmes is drawn into a conflict far larger than a typical murder or disappearance. The stakes are cosmic, and the detective—usually so unshakeable—finds himself confronting forces that do not obey logic.
Revels’ boldest achievement lies in her characterization. Holmes retains his skepticism, deductive prowess, and sharp intellect, but he must grapple with the limits of reason when confronted with magical beings, occult influences, and a personal destiny entwined with supernatural balance.
Watson, loyal as ever, struggles to reconcile what he witnesses with his medical and military training. Their friendship becomes a thematic anchor, a steady light against the encroaching darkness.
The prose is lush, immersive, and atmospheric. Fog rolls like sentient mist; shadows lengthen with purpose. Revels excels at creating scenes drenched in Gothic tension while ensuring the plot remains coherent.
Despite the fantastical elements, the mystery structure remains intact—clues are embedded, motives explored, and consequences earned.
This novel may challenge purists who prefer Holmes strictly within rational boundaries. Yet it offers a unique, genre-blending experience that expands what a Holmes story can be without disrespecting the character’s essence.
Holmes’s refusal to surrender to irrationality, even when surrounded by magic, becomes a powerful narrative engine.
By the end, this book feels like an epic confrontation between light and darkness, intellect and chaos—one where Holmes becomes not just a detective but a guardian of equilibrium.
It's imaginative, daring, and haunting in the best sense.
Recommended.
May 12, 2024
In this series, the supernatural games are afoot. You have to read it to find out. Suspend belief and the classic ACD mindset, and you’ll have a great adventure. The narrator was great. His performance brought the characters and story to life. I received a free audiobook code for my honest review.
December 3, 2023
Interesting
February 2, 2014
I usually prefer my Sherlock Holmes stories without any supernatural twists, but this one had a good premise: Titania takes Watson's soul hostage to force Holmes take her case. And the story itself wasn't bad - it just felt like squandered potential. I hoped the author would use the premise to explore Holmes and Watson's friendship a bit more, and though there were some nice touches here and there, the author focused more on the supernatural element of the story, piling one strange thing onto another, than on the characters. Another thing that disappointed me was, that the theft of Watson's soul had no consequences. Once or twice he mentioned feeling lighter without it but that was all. As if he could have kept on living without it and nothing would've changed till he died. Like I said, squandered potential...
December 21, 2011
Better than I expected! When the sacred relics and mystical objects of London begin disappearing, Sherlock Holmes must call on more than his powers of deduction to solve a mystery that threatens the safety of the British Empire. The novel begins with Dr. Watson unexpectedly walking in on Holmes while he is being solicited for help by Titania, the queen of The Sidhe. Although a bit of the fantastic and supernatural are involved, it maintained a wonderful feel of the Victorian period that the reader expects with Holmes!
January 18, 2013
This book was definitely out of Sherlock Holmes usual comfort zone, and I likes that. I ordered this from our library and they were kind enough to agree. I loved the story and it kept my interest. i like all things Sherlock, and at times it is good to read something a little bit new....
April 3, 2011
Enjoyable Holmes story. Weird creatures and a nice pace. Watson plays quite a central role in the story and its all the better for that.
January 7, 2017
Far off canon but think a 'what if?' story and go with the flow.
This was just a great re-imagining of Holmes, and a delight to read!
This was just a great re-imagining of Holmes, and a delight to read!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews