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Hemlock Jones & The Underground Orphans
When orphans vanish from their beds across Victorian London, twelve-year-old demystifier Hemlock Jones and her companion, Edward, take the case! This time, the trail will lead them from their Baker Street home, along lost rivers and into the heart of the city, to face exotic enemies and a charming man with dark plans…
Hemlock Jones & The Underground Orphans is the second of the Hemlock Jones Chronicles, the award-winning series of detective adventures for children and adults.
Hemlock Jones & The Underground Orphans is the second of the Hemlock Jones Chronicles, the award-winning series of detective adventures for children and adults.
250 pages, Paperback
Published November 4, 2019
1 person is currently reading
3 people want to read
About the author
Justin Carroll
3 books21 followersJustin Carroll graduated with a degree in English Literature and Language from King’s College, London in 2004.
In between writing and moonlighting in marketing, he fritters away his time doing all sorts of geeky things.
Shortlisted for several short story competitions, Justin was a finalist in the 2010 British Fantasy Awards.
HEMLOCK JONES & THE ANGEL OF DEATH is his second published novel, available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hemlock-Jone...
In between writing and moonlighting in marketing, he fritters away his time doing all sorts of geeky things.
Shortlisted for several short story competitions, Justin was a finalist in the 2010 British Fantasy Awards.
HEMLOCK JONES & THE ANGEL OF DEATH is his second published novel, available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hemlock-Jone...
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
November 5, 2019
Orphans vanish from their beds across Victorian London. This comes to the notice of Hemlock Jones, who is a highly intelligent twelve-year-old girl. Hemlock and her friend, Edward, live at 211b Baker Street. She titles herself as a demystifier. Due to her exceptional observational skills, she has helped the police in another difficult case before. She, along with her bumbling and unwitting assistant, fast-talks her way with the rather incompetent police officer Trelawny, into landing the job of assisting him with the investigation of the disappearance of the orphans. Jones leads us through the underground sewage system of London in search of the missing orphans. There is adventure, danger, mystery, Chinese pirates, and of course, lots of rats, controlled by the villain, who fancies himself as another Pied Piper of Hamlyn. The adventure is chronicled by Edward Whitlock, who plays Watson to Jones' Sherlock. It is hinted that Sherlock, her neighbor, is her arch-enemy and keeps getting credits for her work. The name dropping is hilarious. The entire book is a fun read and ideal not only for young readers but also for older folks. This book is highly recommended! Not only that, I look forward to the next installment of this adventure series.
November 18, 2019
It's wonderful to be reunited with the intrepid demystifier, Hemlock Jones and her loyal associate, Edward Whitlock after I so enjoyed their previous adventure, Hemlock Jones & The Angel of Death. Although it's been a couple of years between books, this story takes place very soon after their previous case and Hemlock has been left fuming after not being the credit she deserved for solving that mystery. Worse still, the newspapers have reported that her detested Baker Street rival, the Great Consulting Detective himself, was involved in assisting the police in their investigation. As before the book is narrated by Hemlock’s own version of Watson and he is just as variously impressed, irritated or completely in thrall to her as the doctor is to Sherlock.
The book actually opens in St Jerome’s Orphanage as Mrs Thicke firmly informs the eleven children in her care that it is bedtime. It’s not unusual for somebody living in the poor part of London to see a rat or two but when Sammy is awoken in the night, the squeaking and scurrying is just the start of a sinister plot which involves orphans across London disappearing. Having dismissed a request from a Mr Willougby to look into why a rival company excavating under the city for London’s underground railways has been able to dig far more than his own, Hemlock is thrilled to spot a headline in the newspaper which bears two of her favourite words, ‘Police baffled.’ Before long she and Edward are back in front of Inspector Trelawny, who was the officer in charge of the Angel of Death investigation. This time he agrees to let the pair assist him as they try to discover what has happened to the missing orphans.
What follows is a gripping mystery which I found to be a thoroughly enjoyable read despite this being book for children. In ‘On Three Ways of Writing for Children', C.S. Lewis said that “a children’s story which is enjoyed only by children is a bad children’s story.“ but Justin Carroll should have no such concerns because this terrific novel was a sheer pleasure to read from start to finish. This is a proper mystery, with malevolent villains and an intriguing plot which takes Hemlock and Eddie into parts of London they may never have expected to see. They also find themselves in terrible danger on a number of occasions and it's really quite tense at times to discover how they will escape.
Hemlock is a wonderful protagonist; feisty, resourceful and brave but Edward is just as engaging, even if he is a rather more reluctant hero. I love his self-deprecating humour as he reports on his often clumsy attempts to keep up with his redoubtable friend but though he might be less astute than Hemlock, his courage is perhaps even more admirable because he continues to follow her despite often being terrified. He has good reason to be scared too, the young demystifiers have to face some truly frightening antagonists and anybody who suffers from musophobia may be particularly disturbed by a few passages which vividly describe some close encounters with numerous furry foes.
The sense of time and place throughout is described with an atmospheric authenticity which brings Victorian London to life; whether Hemlock and Edward are pitched into the dark world under the city streets or investigating the more opulent surroundings of some familiar landmarks. The pacing is excellent throughout too; the tense action scenes are interspersed with moments which might be quieter but are equally as compelling, not least for the dialogue between Hemlock and Edward which is always delightful but perhaps never more so than the times where their growing bond of affectionate friendship is most reinforced.
Set at Christmas this would be a wonderful gift for young readers who enjoy beautifully written stories with a riveting mystery and main characters who are likable without ever being too perfect. Hemlock Jones & The Underground Orphans was an absolute joy to read and I was thrilled by the conclusion which suggests that Hemlock may soon be facing her nemesis again, in what looks to be her most personal case yet. I can't wait to read it!
My 12yo daughter also read Hemlock Jones & The Underground Orphans. Here is her review.
When I was 9, my mum read Hemlock Jones and The Angel Of Death to me but this time I read the sequel, Hemlock Jones & The Underground Orphans to myself.
Justin Carroll has once again made Hemlock Jones an exceptional character, a bossy, direct 12 year old girl. I think Hemlock is inspirational as she teaches you not to listen to people who think that you can't do something - because you can still try. It was interesting seeing Hemlock through Edward (Eddie) Whitlow's eyes. Eddie is clearly a great friend to Hemlock, although slightly reluctant to join in with her adventures.
Hemlock Jones and the Underground Orphans is a really imaginative page-turner. I really enjoyed the story and there was not one dull moment in it. The descriptions of the setting were really good and allowed me to paint a picture in my mind of where they were.
I think this book is a gripping tale for any age, I strongly recommend it as it is beautifully written. I especially enjoyed the exciting and often foreboding atmosphere as Hemlock and Eddie try to discover what happened to the orphans.
The book actually opens in St Jerome’s Orphanage as Mrs Thicke firmly informs the eleven children in her care that it is bedtime. It’s not unusual for somebody living in the poor part of London to see a rat or two but when Sammy is awoken in the night, the squeaking and scurrying is just the start of a sinister plot which involves orphans across London disappearing. Having dismissed a request from a Mr Willougby to look into why a rival company excavating under the city for London’s underground railways has been able to dig far more than his own, Hemlock is thrilled to spot a headline in the newspaper which bears two of her favourite words, ‘Police baffled.’ Before long she and Edward are back in front of Inspector Trelawny, who was the officer in charge of the Angel of Death investigation. This time he agrees to let the pair assist him as they try to discover what has happened to the missing orphans.
What follows is a gripping mystery which I found to be a thoroughly enjoyable read despite this being book for children. In ‘On Three Ways of Writing for Children', C.S. Lewis said that “a children’s story which is enjoyed only by children is a bad children’s story.“ but Justin Carroll should have no such concerns because this terrific novel was a sheer pleasure to read from start to finish. This is a proper mystery, with malevolent villains and an intriguing plot which takes Hemlock and Eddie into parts of London they may never have expected to see. They also find themselves in terrible danger on a number of occasions and it's really quite tense at times to discover how they will escape.
Hemlock is a wonderful protagonist; feisty, resourceful and brave but Edward is just as engaging, even if he is a rather more reluctant hero. I love his self-deprecating humour as he reports on his often clumsy attempts to keep up with his redoubtable friend but though he might be less astute than Hemlock, his courage is perhaps even more admirable because he continues to follow her despite often being terrified. He has good reason to be scared too, the young demystifiers have to face some truly frightening antagonists and anybody who suffers from musophobia may be particularly disturbed by a few passages which vividly describe some close encounters with numerous furry foes.
The sense of time and place throughout is described with an atmospheric authenticity which brings Victorian London to life; whether Hemlock and Edward are pitched into the dark world under the city streets or investigating the more opulent surroundings of some familiar landmarks. The pacing is excellent throughout too; the tense action scenes are interspersed with moments which might be quieter but are equally as compelling, not least for the dialogue between Hemlock and Edward which is always delightful but perhaps never more so than the times where their growing bond of affectionate friendship is most reinforced.
Set at Christmas this would be a wonderful gift for young readers who enjoy beautifully written stories with a riveting mystery and main characters who are likable without ever being too perfect. Hemlock Jones & The Underground Orphans was an absolute joy to read and I was thrilled by the conclusion which suggests that Hemlock may soon be facing her nemesis again, in what looks to be her most personal case yet. I can't wait to read it!
My 12yo daughter also read Hemlock Jones & The Underground Orphans. Here is her review.
When I was 9, my mum read Hemlock Jones and The Angel Of Death to me but this time I read the sequel, Hemlock Jones & The Underground Orphans to myself.
Justin Carroll has once again made Hemlock Jones an exceptional character, a bossy, direct 12 year old girl. I think Hemlock is inspirational as she teaches you not to listen to people who think that you can't do something - because you can still try. It was interesting seeing Hemlock through Edward (Eddie) Whitlow's eyes. Eddie is clearly a great friend to Hemlock, although slightly reluctant to join in with her adventures.
Hemlock Jones and the Underground Orphans is a really imaginative page-turner. I really enjoyed the story and there was not one dull moment in it. The descriptions of the setting were really good and allowed me to paint a picture in my mind of where they were.
I think this book is a gripping tale for any age, I strongly recommend it as it is beautifully written. I especially enjoyed the exciting and often foreboding atmosphere as Hemlock and Eddie try to discover what happened to the orphans.
November 10, 2019
Oh, it is so good to be travelling around Victorian London with Hemlock and Eddie, oops sorry Edward! Hemlock and Edward are a fabulous combination. Hemlock is a demystifier, she takes the mystery out of criminal cases that she decides to investigate and Edward is her Associate.
Her latest case is one that involves the disappearance of orphans. She is approached as she had helped on a previous case, though she and Edward did not get the credit they deserved, instead it went to that other famous consultant from Baker Street! Though she did not get the credit, she is recognised as being a help, so she agrees to give her expert help in the search for the missing children.
Now, you know I mentioned how I enjoyed wandering around Victorian London with the duo? Well, this time I was glad that as a reader I can experience things from the pages of a book! I bet Edward would wish to be in my position instead of traipsing and crawling through the rat-infested sewers!
This book is fabulous and has mystery, intrigue and uses powers of observation and deduction or should I say demystification! I should mention that it is aimed at a younger audience, but this grown-up (depending on who you ask!) reader loves it!
It is a story that is accessible and is at a pace that holds the attention, there are quieter moments in it but these are moments are essential to the case or are about the lives of the characters themselves. I think this story is ideal for giving a younger audience a mystery novel that has a feel of the classic Sherlock Holmes but in a more upbeat way, it has action and adventure as well as mishaps and danger. I remember trying to read a Sherlock story when I was younger and I was not old enough to understand it, but if I had access to Hemlock Jones I would have been so happy. I will add that as an adult reader I love the Sherlock Holmes books!
The story itself is good and holds the attention, there are mentions of the yuckier side of London and it also has reference to a poem/folk tale that I think would make for good further reading for the target audience. I love that the main heroes of the story are children and their escapades are in an adult world. They are given a chance to deal with an investigation that is adult-sized, but it is their belief in their own instincts and observations that lead to solving the case.
This is a fabulous read and I think that the younger audience would absolutely enjoy it. It is the 2nd book in the Hemlock Jones series and I would definitely recommend it.
Her latest case is one that involves the disappearance of orphans. She is approached as she had helped on a previous case, though she and Edward did not get the credit they deserved, instead it went to that other famous consultant from Baker Street! Though she did not get the credit, she is recognised as being a help, so she agrees to give her expert help in the search for the missing children.
Now, you know I mentioned how I enjoyed wandering around Victorian London with the duo? Well, this time I was glad that as a reader I can experience things from the pages of a book! I bet Edward would wish to be in my position instead of traipsing and crawling through the rat-infested sewers!
This book is fabulous and has mystery, intrigue and uses powers of observation and deduction or should I say demystification! I should mention that it is aimed at a younger audience, but this grown-up (depending on who you ask!) reader loves it!
It is a story that is accessible and is at a pace that holds the attention, there are quieter moments in it but these are moments are essential to the case or are about the lives of the characters themselves. I think this story is ideal for giving a younger audience a mystery novel that has a feel of the classic Sherlock Holmes but in a more upbeat way, it has action and adventure as well as mishaps and danger. I remember trying to read a Sherlock story when I was younger and I was not old enough to understand it, but if I had access to Hemlock Jones I would have been so happy. I will add that as an adult reader I love the Sherlock Holmes books!
The story itself is good and holds the attention, there are mentions of the yuckier side of London and it also has reference to a poem/folk tale that I think would make for good further reading for the target audience. I love that the main heroes of the story are children and their escapades are in an adult world. They are given a chance to deal with an investigation that is adult-sized, but it is their belief in their own instincts and observations that lead to solving the case.
This is a fabulous read and I think that the younger audience would absolutely enjoy it. It is the 2nd book in the Hemlock Jones series and I would definitely recommend it.
November 4, 2019
What a fun read….
Hemlock Jones and her friend, Edward live at 211b Baker Street, she is a demystifier. Due to her exceptional observational skills, she has helped the police on a difficult case before…..but her neighbour Sherlock got most of the credit!
She is a young girl, but certainly knows her own mind.
When 11 orphans disappear from an orphanage she offers her skills to the police….can she find out where these poor boys have gone? Is there a link to the digging of the new London Underground tunnels?
With sewers, rats and the odd pirate, this is an entertaining adventure with a strong female character and a great story that’s ideal for young readers. I can thoroughly recommend it.
Thank you to Caroline Vincent and Bits about Books for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour, for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest, unbiased review.
Hemlock Jones and her friend, Edward live at 211b Baker Street, she is a demystifier. Due to her exceptional observational skills, she has helped the police on a difficult case before…..but her neighbour Sherlock got most of the credit!
She is a young girl, but certainly knows her own mind.
When 11 orphans disappear from an orphanage she offers her skills to the police….can she find out where these poor boys have gone? Is there a link to the digging of the new London Underground tunnels?
With sewers, rats and the odd pirate, this is an entertaining adventure with a strong female character and a great story that’s ideal for young readers. I can thoroughly recommend it.
Thank you to Caroline Vincent and Bits about Books for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour, for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest, unbiased review.
May 14, 2022
Having enjoyed the first in the series immensely, The Undergound Orphans is an excellent sequel.
The strong points from the first book remain, specifically the same richly created world, excellent continued character developments (now with extra shared experiences to draw upon), and a whole new fantastical adventure to demystify.
The pacing continued to drive the story forward to great effect and kept me constantly engaged. Another complete success in my opinion, and I look forward to number 3 with glee.
And finally, just to note, although this can be read as a standalone book, I would strongly recommend that The Angel of Death is read first.
The strong points from the first book remain, specifically the same richly created world, excellent continued character developments (now with extra shared experiences to draw upon), and a whole new fantastical adventure to demystify.
The pacing continued to drive the story forward to great effect and kept me constantly engaged. Another complete success in my opinion, and I look forward to number 3 with glee.
And finally, just to note, although this can be read as a standalone book, I would strongly recommend that The Angel of Death is read first.
November 6, 2019
If there's one thing that I love to do, it's discovering new authors. I particularly love discovering authors who write books that really do stand out from the rest. Nobody can deny that 'Hemlock Jones & The Underground Orphans' blends in with the rest. If the eye catching cover doesn't grab you then the name of the lead character and the synopsis will definitely grab you. I couldn't wait to read it as I had an inkling that I would enjoy it. I wasn't wrong either because I thoroughly enjoyed reading it but more about that in a bit.
Hemlock Jones is a young girl, who just so happens to live on the same road as a certain Mr. Sherlock Holmes. She is a demystifier, which isn't something that I have come across before. Hemlock and her companion Edward have a knack for solving difficult crimes and she has helped the police with a case before although her neighbour Sherlock took most of the credit. The selfish devil. Hemlock has a naturally inquisitive mind, which has been known to get her into a pickle or two when she has poked her nose into matters that she shouldn't have. Hemlock is a tough cookie and a feisty young lady and I couldn't help but take to her from the first time I met her. I loved the close friendship that she shares with Edward, who is to her what Dr. Watson is to her more famous neighbour.
It didn't take me long at all to get into this story. Practically from the moment I reached the bottom of the page I knew that this book was going to prove to be addictive reading and I was so right!!! I would pick the book up only intending to read a couple of chapters but I became so engrossed in the story and in the characters that I would read a lot more than any couple of chapters at any one time. The book isn't particularly long so it didn't take me as much time to read it as I thought it would. I was most tetchy when I reached the end of the book. I don't mean that in a negative way but I was enjoying the author's writing style, the characters and the storylines so much that I just wanted the book to continue for a lot longer than it did.
'Hemlock Jones & The Underground Orphans' is really well written. Once you open the front cover, as it were, you are transported off to another world and to another era. The book had me under its spell from the moment I began to read until the moment I closed the back cover as it were. I became so invested in the story and I was so convinced by the author's writing style that I really did feel as though I was a character in the story myself.
'Hemlock Jones & The Underground Orphans' is advertised as being for children and adults alike. I was a bit concerned as to whether or not the story might work for me as an adult but I needn't have worried because I was right there with them so to speak. I would say that this book will be a hit with adults and children alike- in a similar way as all of the Harry Potter books appeal to readers of all age ranges.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'Hemlock Jones & The Underground Orphans' and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I enjoyed this book so much that I am now off to read the first book in the series which is called 'Hemlock Jones & The Angel Of Death'. I will definitely be reading more of Justin's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 4* out of 5*.
Hemlock Jones is a young girl, who just so happens to live on the same road as a certain Mr. Sherlock Holmes. She is a demystifier, which isn't something that I have come across before. Hemlock and her companion Edward have a knack for solving difficult crimes and she has helped the police with a case before although her neighbour Sherlock took most of the credit. The selfish devil. Hemlock has a naturally inquisitive mind, which has been known to get her into a pickle or two when she has poked her nose into matters that she shouldn't have. Hemlock is a tough cookie and a feisty young lady and I couldn't help but take to her from the first time I met her. I loved the close friendship that she shares with Edward, who is to her what Dr. Watson is to her more famous neighbour.
It didn't take me long at all to get into this story. Practically from the moment I reached the bottom of the page I knew that this book was going to prove to be addictive reading and I was so right!!! I would pick the book up only intending to read a couple of chapters but I became so engrossed in the story and in the characters that I would read a lot more than any couple of chapters at any one time. The book isn't particularly long so it didn't take me as much time to read it as I thought it would. I was most tetchy when I reached the end of the book. I don't mean that in a negative way but I was enjoying the author's writing style, the characters and the storylines so much that I just wanted the book to continue for a lot longer than it did.
'Hemlock Jones & The Underground Orphans' is really well written. Once you open the front cover, as it were, you are transported off to another world and to another era. The book had me under its spell from the moment I began to read until the moment I closed the back cover as it were. I became so invested in the story and I was so convinced by the author's writing style that I really did feel as though I was a character in the story myself.
'Hemlock Jones & The Underground Orphans' is advertised as being for children and adults alike. I was a bit concerned as to whether or not the story might work for me as an adult but I needn't have worried because I was right there with them so to speak. I would say that this book will be a hit with adults and children alike- in a similar way as all of the Harry Potter books appeal to readers of all age ranges.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'Hemlock Jones & The Underground Orphans' and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I enjoyed this book so much that I am now off to read the first book in the series which is called 'Hemlock Jones & The Angel Of Death'. I will definitely be reading more of Justin's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 4* out of 5*.
November 6, 2019
A children/YA story that is perfect for Christmas, It certainly isn’t fluffy. This is a quick paced mystery that will keep readers involved, but it is very much set around and during Christmas.
The cover is eye-catching and immediately spells out trepidation, action and adventure. I already started to have expectations of a good thrilling detective story. It takes place in the north of London, where readers will be transported back in time to workhouses and an orphanage, where readers meet Mr and Mrs Thicke who work there and have reported the disappearance of orphans. It already has a very Victorian air about the story.
Hemlock Jones, has a flat – 211B Baker Street – all very Sherlock Holmes, not a criticism, just got me thinking a lot about Sherlock Holmes, just slightly different number of address.
The story is intriguing and keeps a decent pace and the style of writing is what draws the imagination and desire to read further into the mysterious Victorian London, Justin has created, blending fact and fiction so well.
There’s adventure to be had and a mystery to solve, that takes Hemlock down a sewer. The atmosphere and the descriptions, such as beady eyes looking on are well done and in a way that sets the tone.
There may be pirates afoot and there’s mild trepidation as the orphan’s lives may be in danger. There’s some swashbuckling that bravely goes on. The pace by this time, I decided was terrific. The story just keeps moving on and the time (or pages), between the orphans going missing to readers actually “meeting them” is good, but not too fast that anything is missed. There is the journey above to under London to find them.
There is some welcome humour within the book as Hemlock Jones and her associate try to decide just who the pirates are and if indeed they are and there is quite a mystery surrounding this.
Whether above or below ground within the story, the geography for setting each scene is great and well-written, but still keeping up the pace of the mystery.
The elements of the story that don’t involve the mystery, such as Christmas Day is just as well-written. Christmas Day sounds delightful. The story keeps moving onwards with a mysterious interruption to proceedings and a concern that it could be due to N – their nemeses.
All in all, it is a good story, fairly reminiscent of Charles Dickens and Arthur Conan-Doyle’s stories, which I hope one day the readers will venture into as well, but it sits pretty well in the detective genre and it feels right for the era it is set in. Hemlock Jones sits somewhere nicely in-between those 2 famous authors works and sits well for the aged 10 plus YA age groups and is a good series for readers to get stuck into and explore London and follow the main characters to see if they can solve the mystery and find out who the pirates are and what happens to the orphans.
The conclusion is great and keep reading onto the epilogue because there is more to this mystery than meets the eye as it isn’t just about the missing orphans. There’s more to be solved and to discover that, there is another book too, just waiting to be read.
I recommend this book. It will sit well within the reading for pleasure trend and will make a lovely Christmas present for all genders.
The cover is eye-catching and immediately spells out trepidation, action and adventure. I already started to have expectations of a good thrilling detective story. It takes place in the north of London, where readers will be transported back in time to workhouses and an orphanage, where readers meet Mr and Mrs Thicke who work there and have reported the disappearance of orphans. It already has a very Victorian air about the story.
Hemlock Jones, has a flat – 211B Baker Street – all very Sherlock Holmes, not a criticism, just got me thinking a lot about Sherlock Holmes, just slightly different number of address.
The story is intriguing and keeps a decent pace and the style of writing is what draws the imagination and desire to read further into the mysterious Victorian London, Justin has created, blending fact and fiction so well.
There’s adventure to be had and a mystery to solve, that takes Hemlock down a sewer. The atmosphere and the descriptions, such as beady eyes looking on are well done and in a way that sets the tone.
There may be pirates afoot and there’s mild trepidation as the orphan’s lives may be in danger. There’s some swashbuckling that bravely goes on. The pace by this time, I decided was terrific. The story just keeps moving on and the time (or pages), between the orphans going missing to readers actually “meeting them” is good, but not too fast that anything is missed. There is the journey above to under London to find them.
There is some welcome humour within the book as Hemlock Jones and her associate try to decide just who the pirates are and if indeed they are and there is quite a mystery surrounding this.
Whether above or below ground within the story, the geography for setting each scene is great and well-written, but still keeping up the pace of the mystery.
The elements of the story that don’t involve the mystery, such as Christmas Day is just as well-written. Christmas Day sounds delightful. The story keeps moving onwards with a mysterious interruption to proceedings and a concern that it could be due to N – their nemeses.
All in all, it is a good story, fairly reminiscent of Charles Dickens and Arthur Conan-Doyle’s stories, which I hope one day the readers will venture into as well, but it sits pretty well in the detective genre and it feels right for the era it is set in. Hemlock Jones sits somewhere nicely in-between those 2 famous authors works and sits well for the aged 10 plus YA age groups and is a good series for readers to get stuck into and explore London and follow the main characters to see if they can solve the mystery and find out who the pirates are and what happens to the orphans.
The conclusion is great and keep reading onto the epilogue because there is more to this mystery than meets the eye as it isn’t just about the missing orphans. There’s more to be solved and to discover that, there is another book too, just waiting to be read.
I recommend this book. It will sit well within the reading for pleasure trend and will make a lovely Christmas present for all genders.
March 15, 2020
Hemlock’s back, better and bolder than before! Seems the wait for this next instalment has been too long but was worth it.
I can’t quite put my finger on why but this instalment seems even better than the first. Perhaps the writer is improving his craft. Perhaps it’s the familiarity with the characters and watching them grow. Perhaps it’s knowing the genre from the start this time round and how its grounded made for a different read, as the first instalment left you guessing quite where it would fall but now you know you can sit back and immerse yourself in the world knowing the rules.
I should probably re-read Angel of Death to be certain but I think the mystery in this tale plays less of a part than in the first story and this instalment seems based more around the interaction between our two protagonists. The relationship between Hemlock and Eddie, sorry, Edward, is charming and the characterisation of Hemlock is beautiful.
Sadly I can’t say too much about the bits I found especially enjoyable without spoilers but was glad to say that I spotted the twists before Edward (although only just)...
In short, if you enjoyed Angel of Death you will love Underground Orphans and if you’ve not read Angel of Death I recommend you get started on it!
I can’t quite put my finger on why but this instalment seems even better than the first. Perhaps the writer is improving his craft. Perhaps it’s the familiarity with the characters and watching them grow. Perhaps it’s knowing the genre from the start this time round and how its grounded made for a different read, as the first instalment left you guessing quite where it would fall but now you know you can sit back and immerse yourself in the world knowing the rules.
I should probably re-read Angel of Death to be certain but I think the mystery in this tale plays less of a part than in the first story and this instalment seems based more around the interaction between our two protagonists. The relationship between Hemlock and Eddie, sorry, Edward, is charming and the characterisation of Hemlock is beautiful.
Sadly I can’t say too much about the bits I found especially enjoyable without spoilers but was glad to say that I spotted the twists before Edward (although only just)...
In short, if you enjoyed Angel of Death you will love Underground Orphans and if you’ve not read Angel of Death I recommend you get started on it!
November 11, 2019
The story is very well written, The characters are really fun, The mystery is captivating in its own way, the originality is refreshing. I highy enjoyed reading this book and if you like Sherlock, or Strange mysteries, so will you
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews