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Hemlock Jones & The Angel of Death
Ten doors down from the home of a world famous ‘consulting detective’ lives twelve-year-old Hemlock Jones, and her recently arrived housemate and unwitting companion, Edward Whitlow.Hired to ‘demystify’ the mystery of a man's murder by a terrifying angelic spectre, Hemlock and Edward’s investigations will lead them all over Victorian London, uncovering bizarre and deadly foes, figures from Hemlock’s hidden past, and a plot to take over the city...Hemlock Jones & The Angel of Death is the first of the Hemlock Jones Chronicles, a series of detective adventures for children and adults, set in Victorian Silver Medal, 9-12 year old category, 2017 Wishing Shelf Awards.
208 pages, Paperback
Published October 3, 2019
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 - 16 of 16 reviews
February 6, 2018
Hemlock Jones lives at 211B Baker Street with landlady Mrs. Figgins. Hemlock is a “demystifier“, she takes the mystery out of a problem and works to solve it. Edward Whitlow discovers Hemlock’s demystifying talents when he comes to lodge at the same house. When Hemlock takes on a case Edward becomes her unwitting side kick.
This is an absolutely brilliant read. References are made to the other more well-known “Consulting Detective” and the Doctor just down the road, (I dare not mention their names as it would result in a rather serious scowl or a telling off from Hemlock). In a similar style to the previously mentioned but with twists and turns, Hemlock and Whitlow (12 years old), are determined in their own crime busting escapades. The fearless Hemlock is undeterred in her quest, with the somewhat quite sweet and willing Whitlow, they manage to get involved in a rather intriguing investigation. It is exciting and fast paced, with steam punk elements in a Victorian London setting, what is there not to love. It has all the essential ingredients, good goodies, good baddies, deductions, suspense and it is all wrapped around a wonderful story line with characters that are engaging and fun. It had me hooked right from the out set and kept me hooked till the end.
Now I know this is aimed at children from around 8 years and up, and they will love it, but you know what, never mind the children, this grown up loved it loads 🙂 This is a book I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND to younger readers and for big kids (adults) too. A fun-filled Victorian action adventure packed, steam punk, sleuthing, deductive, murder and mystery. I really am looking forward to reading more in what I think will be a really exciting series and I am really impatient now for the next instalment.
This is an absolutely brilliant read. References are made to the other more well-known “Consulting Detective” and the Doctor just down the road, (I dare not mention their names as it would result in a rather serious scowl or a telling off from Hemlock). In a similar style to the previously mentioned but with twists and turns, Hemlock and Whitlow (12 years old), are determined in their own crime busting escapades. The fearless Hemlock is undeterred in her quest, with the somewhat quite sweet and willing Whitlow, they manage to get involved in a rather intriguing investigation. It is exciting and fast paced, with steam punk elements in a Victorian London setting, what is there not to love. It has all the essential ingredients, good goodies, good baddies, deductions, suspense and it is all wrapped around a wonderful story line with characters that are engaging and fun. It had me hooked right from the out set and kept me hooked till the end.
Now I know this is aimed at children from around 8 years and up, and they will love it, but you know what, never mind the children, this grown up loved it loads 🙂 This is a book I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND to younger readers and for big kids (adults) too. A fun-filled Victorian action adventure packed, steam punk, sleuthing, deductive, murder and mystery. I really am looking forward to reading more in what I think will be a really exciting series and I am really impatient now for the next instalment.
August 16, 2017
When people want a mystery solved and the famous Sherlock Holmes is not available, they come to 211B Baker Street to demystifier Hemlock Jones!
| Introduction |
Hemlock Jones Chronicles #1
The book starts with Professor Bantham and his wife, dining out in a restaurant. Little do they know that their convivial evening will end dramatically with the Professor’s death at the hands of a dark winged creature. Soon, everyone calls the mysterious appearance the ‘Angel of Death.’ Twelve-year-old Edward Whitlow has not heard of the Angel but how could he, since he has never been in London before. Now, he is taking up rooms with Mrs Figgins of 211B Baker Street. Mrs Figgins has one other lodger: Hemlock Jones, a girl of the same age as Edward, or Eddie as Hemlock likes to call him. Hemlock (blame her father for naming her after a poison!) calls herself ‘demystifier’ opposed to the famous detective, Sherlock Holmes of 221B Baker Street, whom she loathes and refers to as her “intellectually impaired rival.” It does not take long for Edward to take on the role of Hemlock Jones’ assistant – as Dr Watson is to Sherlock Holmes.
| Storyline |
As if moving to (Victorian) London is not scary enough for Edward, his meeting Hemlock Jones definitely turns his world upside down. She is completely different from all the girls he has met so far (be it not many since Edward is ‘a young gentleman‘ who had only attended a boys’ school). Hemlock is very confident and regards herself as superior to many a man, including the famous and successful Sherlock Holmes. Is it a coincidence she receives the widow of the murdered Professor? Hemlock does not think so and gladly takes on the case to investigate the curious circumstances in which Professor Bantham died. And to determine whether it was an accident, as the Police seem to believe, or … murder!
As Hemlock explains to Edward, a demystifier is someone who “removes the mystery from the mysterious,” capable of handling “any strange unsolvable problem.” Hemlock has complete confidence in her abilities but this case seems peculiar: a Professor dying at the hand of a winged creature – how will they ever find out what is going on? If it was murder, who would want to kill the Professor? His rival, Mr Lively, perhaps? Like the Professor, Mr Lively is also an inventor on the field of electricity and lighting. Edward tags along with Hemlock through London – to the restaurant where it all took place and to an old and dangerous theatre. Edward has no idea what to think of Hemlock, but nevertheless willingly assists her on her quest for the truth – but then he realises the extent of the growing danger, becoming ever more life threatening with each new discovery…
| My Thoughts |
Who would have thought Sherlock Holmes and his sidekick Dr Watson would have had such worthy rivals? Hemlock Jones is quite a character with her determination and capabilities – she might not like Sherlock Holmes but her method and way of thinking come very close to his! Like Sherlock, she is overly self-confident and has no time to waste for such trivialities as eating or the refined behaviour befitting a young Victorian lady living in England. Edward is a sweet if somewhat conceited boy who has no idea what he is getting into, but he is willing to be an active participant in Hemlock’s adventures. The author has created two lovely characters and his writing style is entertaining and draws you right in. It is an enjoyable and exciting detective novel with whimsical humour and attention for period detail – a great read for .. everyone!
Read the review on my website: https://www.bitsaboutbooks.net/hemloc...
| Introduction |
Hemlock Jones Chronicles #1
The book starts with Professor Bantham and his wife, dining out in a restaurant. Little do they know that their convivial evening will end dramatically with the Professor’s death at the hands of a dark winged creature. Soon, everyone calls the mysterious appearance the ‘Angel of Death.’ Twelve-year-old Edward Whitlow has not heard of the Angel but how could he, since he has never been in London before. Now, he is taking up rooms with Mrs Figgins of 211B Baker Street. Mrs Figgins has one other lodger: Hemlock Jones, a girl of the same age as Edward, or Eddie as Hemlock likes to call him. Hemlock (blame her father for naming her after a poison!) calls herself ‘demystifier’ opposed to the famous detective, Sherlock Holmes of 221B Baker Street, whom she loathes and refers to as her “intellectually impaired rival.” It does not take long for Edward to take on the role of Hemlock Jones’ assistant – as Dr Watson is to Sherlock Holmes.
| Storyline |
As if moving to (Victorian) London is not scary enough for Edward, his meeting Hemlock Jones definitely turns his world upside down. She is completely different from all the girls he has met so far (be it not many since Edward is ‘a young gentleman‘ who had only attended a boys’ school). Hemlock is very confident and regards herself as superior to many a man, including the famous and successful Sherlock Holmes. Is it a coincidence she receives the widow of the murdered Professor? Hemlock does not think so and gladly takes on the case to investigate the curious circumstances in which Professor Bantham died. And to determine whether it was an accident, as the Police seem to believe, or … murder!
As Hemlock explains to Edward, a demystifier is someone who “removes the mystery from the mysterious,” capable of handling “any strange unsolvable problem.” Hemlock has complete confidence in her abilities but this case seems peculiar: a Professor dying at the hand of a winged creature – how will they ever find out what is going on? If it was murder, who would want to kill the Professor? His rival, Mr Lively, perhaps? Like the Professor, Mr Lively is also an inventor on the field of electricity and lighting. Edward tags along with Hemlock through London – to the restaurant where it all took place and to an old and dangerous theatre. Edward has no idea what to think of Hemlock, but nevertheless willingly assists her on her quest for the truth – but then he realises the extent of the growing danger, becoming ever more life threatening with each new discovery…
| My Thoughts |
Who would have thought Sherlock Holmes and his sidekick Dr Watson would have had such worthy rivals? Hemlock Jones is quite a character with her determination and capabilities – she might not like Sherlock Holmes but her method and way of thinking come very close to his! Like Sherlock, she is overly self-confident and has no time to waste for such trivialities as eating or the refined behaviour befitting a young Victorian lady living in England. Edward is a sweet if somewhat conceited boy who has no idea what he is getting into, but he is willing to be an active participant in Hemlock’s adventures. The author has created two lovely characters and his writing style is entertaining and draws you right in. It is an enjoyable and exciting detective novel with whimsical humour and attention for period detail – a great read for .. everyone!
Read the review on my website: https://www.bitsaboutbooks.net/hemloc...
February 18, 2018
https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...
As soon as I read the blurb for this book I was intrigued and couldn't wait to get started as soon as I got my hands on a copy.
The story is brilliant it is so well written that I didn't want to stop reading it or put it down. The book is aimed at children and adults alike and I am sure that both will be massive fans of the story. It is easily one I will read for a second or third time and that is very unusual for me.
Everything about the book worked for me and I thought the whole thing was excellent - the characters, time period, setting, writing style, plot and pace I thought were just superb!
Five stars from me - I really, really enjoyed it - it was a pleasure to read!!
As soon as I read the blurb for this book I was intrigued and couldn't wait to get started as soon as I got my hands on a copy.
The story is brilliant it is so well written that I didn't want to stop reading it or put it down. The book is aimed at children and adults alike and I am sure that both will be massive fans of the story. It is easily one I will read for a second or third time and that is very unusual for me.
Everything about the book worked for me and I thought the whole thing was excellent - the characters, time period, setting, writing style, plot and pace I thought were just superb!
Five stars from me - I really, really enjoyed it - it was a pleasure to read!!
August 30, 2017
Having read all of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes tales, I was immediately intrigued by the idea of his young neighbour solving crimes of her own and my 9 year old daughter and fellow bibliophile agreed so I read it to her over a number of nights. Just as Holmes has Watson so Hemlock has Edward Whitlow and it is he who narrates this tremendously fun steampunk novel. Hemlock herself is a fabulous character, bearing some of her fellow resident of Baker Street's characteristics; she is fiercely intelligent, single-minded and forthright yet despite her rather overbearing ways she inspires the more staid Eddie to follow her into a dangerous mystery that sees both their lives on the line. Sherlock may be a consulting detective but she has little time for him,
"A detective? Me? Why, I am offended! I am nothing so crass as a" - she spat the word as if there were no higher insult - "detective, following obvious clues to their equally obvious conclusion. I am a solver of puzzles, an unraveller of enigmas, a decipherer of conumdrums. I," her chin rose slightly, almost haughtily, "am a demystifier!"
Although ostensibly a book for children, featuring as it does a pair of twelve year old protagonists Justin Carroll has written a mystery that is really quite dark, the victims have died at the hands of a sadistic murderer who is prepared to kill again and again. I don't want to give anything away here but will say that just as Holmes had Moriarty so Hemlock has her own nemesis, a twisted individual whose evil plans are only matched by his seeming ability to continually evade capture. As Hemlock and Eddie are forced to take on clockwork soldiers and giant spiders what really are his plans, and is there really an Angel of Death on the streets on Victorian London?
With its sophisticated prose and dry wit, Hemlock Jones & The Angel of Death invokes the spirit of the Sherlock Holmes stories and is a stylish and enjoyable introduction to what will be a series of books featuring the intrepid pair of youngsters. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it both to children - be aware that some may find it a little too dark - and adults who will appreciate this clearly affectionate nod to the great detective (even if Hemlock wouldn't agree with that description!)
I asked my daughter what she thought about Hemlock Jones & The Angel of Death, so she wrote the following paragraph detailing her own thoughts.
I loved this story because it is not just about a boy or girl but about both. Edward Whitlow worked with Hemlock Jones to demystify many mysteries. In this book they uncover murders, by "The Angel Of Death." Hemlock is very clever and she can figure things out and it has a bit of humour and is very interesting. The mystery not only confuses Eddie and Hemlock, but tricks you into thinking too. There is one problem with this book. I didn't want it to end. I begged my mum to read it to me every night. Hemlock Jones & The Angel of Death is addictive, once you start reading it's nearly impossible to stop. This exciting adventure awaits you. All you have to do is open the book, and READ!! I recommend this to all people that are not creeped out by dark tales. (Involves death!)
"A detective? Me? Why, I am offended! I am nothing so crass as a" - she spat the word as if there were no higher insult - "detective, following obvious clues to their equally obvious conclusion. I am a solver of puzzles, an unraveller of enigmas, a decipherer of conumdrums. I," her chin rose slightly, almost haughtily, "am a demystifier!"
Although ostensibly a book for children, featuring as it does a pair of twelve year old protagonists Justin Carroll has written a mystery that is really quite dark, the victims have died at the hands of a sadistic murderer who is prepared to kill again and again. I don't want to give anything away here but will say that just as Holmes had Moriarty so Hemlock has her own nemesis, a twisted individual whose evil plans are only matched by his seeming ability to continually evade capture. As Hemlock and Eddie are forced to take on clockwork soldiers and giant spiders what really are his plans, and is there really an Angel of Death on the streets on Victorian London?
With its sophisticated prose and dry wit, Hemlock Jones & The Angel of Death invokes the spirit of the Sherlock Holmes stories and is a stylish and enjoyable introduction to what will be a series of books featuring the intrepid pair of youngsters. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it both to children - be aware that some may find it a little too dark - and adults who will appreciate this clearly affectionate nod to the great detective (even if Hemlock wouldn't agree with that description!)
I asked my daughter what she thought about Hemlock Jones & The Angel of Death, so she wrote the following paragraph detailing her own thoughts.
I loved this story because it is not just about a boy or girl but about both. Edward Whitlow worked with Hemlock Jones to demystify many mysteries. In this book they uncover murders, by "The Angel Of Death." Hemlock is very clever and she can figure things out and it has a bit of humour and is very interesting. The mystery not only confuses Eddie and Hemlock, but tricks you into thinking too. There is one problem with this book. I didn't want it to end. I begged my mum to read it to me every night. Hemlock Jones & The Angel of Death is addictive, once you start reading it's nearly impossible to stop. This exciting adventure awaits you. All you have to do is open the book, and READ!! I recommend this to all people that are not creeped out by dark tales. (Involves death!)
December 16, 2017
A twelve year old girl demystifier?
Hmm, you may well be sceptical but as Hemlock herself informs us ..
What these adults don't understand is that children like us can get in almost anywhere ...
I love good strong female leads and Hemlock Jones is no exception. Determined, resourceful if a little opinionated and haughty. A great rival to Sherlock himself, altogether I thought her both a wonderful character and role model. Edward, her side-kick, the Watson to her Holmes, a somewhat reluctant partner in crime. It's refreshing to see the girls on top.
Then there's the case. I won't say too much for fear of a spoiler but, with its mysterious and seemingly deadly apparition and clockwork assassins, what's not to like?
A great first outing, Hemlock Jones & The Angel Of Death is definitely up there as one of my favourite reads of 2017, in what I hope to be many adventures. I loved the whimsical writing and how the author brought to life not only his not quite teenage protagonists but also Victorian London
Copyright: Tracy terry @ Pen and Paper
Disclaimer: Received from the author with thanks, no financial compensation was asked for nor given
Hmm, you may well be sceptical but as Hemlock herself informs us ..
What these adults don't understand is that children like us can get in almost anywhere ...
I love good strong female leads and Hemlock Jones is no exception. Determined, resourceful if a little opinionated and haughty. A great rival to Sherlock himself, altogether I thought her both a wonderful character and role model. Edward, her side-kick, the Watson to her Holmes, a somewhat reluctant partner in crime. It's refreshing to see the girls on top.
Then there's the case. I won't say too much for fear of a spoiler but, with its mysterious and seemingly deadly apparition and clockwork assassins, what's not to like?
A great first outing, Hemlock Jones & The Angel Of Death is definitely up there as one of my favourite reads of 2017, in what I hope to be many adventures. I loved the whimsical writing and how the author brought to life not only his not quite teenage protagonists but also Victorian London
Copyright: Tracy terry @ Pen and Paper
Disclaimer: Received from the author with thanks, no financial compensation was asked for nor given
April 9, 2018
Love
Have you ever wanted to live in Victorian London? This book is your gateway to fulfilling that mission. Phenomenal prose.
Have you ever wanted to live in Victorian London? This book is your gateway to fulfilling that mission. Phenomenal prose.
February 25, 2018
Firstly many thanks to the author Justin Carroll and blog tour organiser Anne Cater for the ARC of Hemlock Jones & The Angel of Death in return for an honest review.
There is so much to love about this YA thriller/fantasy mix, it is fun to read, has great characters and best of all, is likely to be only the start of a series of books based around Hemlock Jones and her sidekick Edward Whitlow.
When reading as a child, I wanted to lose myself in a dam good adventure and that is exactly what this book is. The greatest complement I can pay it is that it reminded me of long days curled up with a paperback as a child. I was completely absorbed in the story and characters, cut off from the world around me and it was fabulous.
In a time when social media has such a hold on the time of younger readers, a book needs something special to get them reading. Hemlock Jones has two fabulous characters and a cover that reminds me of the steam punk books written for adults and closely related to the graphic novels that have such a wide following. This is what I think gives it that little hook that will attract many readers, it is neither pure thriller, but also adventure and with elements of fantasy.
The characters are wonderful , especially Hemlock Jones who is an intelligent and feisty heroine . It’s great to have a strong young female lead who with her flamboyant and eccentric dress sense, says to young readers, especially girls, it’s okay to be different, that you don’t have to conform to traditional norms of behaviour. Then we have Edward who is more your traditional young boy, determined to pursue his education and make his parents proud. The typical roles of a lead character being male and the sidekick female are reversed here and as far as I am concerned earns it massive brownie points. I want my niece and god children to read novels that don’t pidgeon hole them into excepted gender roles, and Hemlock Jones and The Angel of Death gives them the chance to imagine themselves as the leader.
It is a fabulous read. Full of adventure and danger. Perfect reading for young readers.
There is so much to love about this YA thriller/fantasy mix, it is fun to read, has great characters and best of all, is likely to be only the start of a series of books based around Hemlock Jones and her sidekick Edward Whitlow.
When reading as a child, I wanted to lose myself in a dam good adventure and that is exactly what this book is. The greatest complement I can pay it is that it reminded me of long days curled up with a paperback as a child. I was completely absorbed in the story and characters, cut off from the world around me and it was fabulous.
In a time when social media has such a hold on the time of younger readers, a book needs something special to get them reading. Hemlock Jones has two fabulous characters and a cover that reminds me of the steam punk books written for adults and closely related to the graphic novels that have such a wide following. This is what I think gives it that little hook that will attract many readers, it is neither pure thriller, but also adventure and with elements of fantasy.
The characters are wonderful , especially Hemlock Jones who is an intelligent and feisty heroine . It’s great to have a strong young female lead who with her flamboyant and eccentric dress sense, says to young readers, especially girls, it’s okay to be different, that you don’t have to conform to traditional norms of behaviour. Then we have Edward who is more your traditional young boy, determined to pursue his education and make his parents proud. The typical roles of a lead character being male and the sidekick female are reversed here and as far as I am concerned earns it massive brownie points. I want my niece and god children to read novels that don’t pidgeon hole them into excepted gender roles, and Hemlock Jones and The Angel of Death gives them the chance to imagine themselves as the leader.
It is a fabulous read. Full of adventure and danger. Perfect reading for young readers.
Read
March 7, 2018When I was asked if I would like to be part of the blog tour and read the book I wasn’t too sure until I read the premise and as a massive Sherlock Holmes I felt that I would probably enjoy this book.
The book is aimed at young adults, and is a very good read for that age bracket, plus anyone older who loves a nice easy mystery book to read.
The story is set in Victorian Times and is a brilliant read and very well written, although as it is set in the Victorian era I’m not sure how realistic it would be with our main character being female and a child.
This book is a brilliant homage to the great detective that Hemlock lives down the road from and Sherlock himself couldn’t have done a better job at working through all the facts that she uncovers.
Overall I would recommend this to children 10 years and over, or for anyone who is a fan of Sherlock Holmes.
The book is aimed at young adults, and is a very good read for that age bracket, plus anyone older who loves a nice easy mystery book to read.
The story is set in Victorian Times and is a brilliant read and very well written, although as it is set in the Victorian era I’m not sure how realistic it would be with our main character being female and a child.
This book is a brilliant homage to the great detective that Hemlock lives down the road from and Sherlock himself couldn’t have done a better job at working through all the facts that she uncovers.
Overall I would recommend this to children 10 years and over, or for anyone who is a fan of Sherlock Holmes.
January 25, 2018
Hemlock Jones and the Angel of Death by Justin Carroll is a delightful read for not only young adults but everyone. Carroll has blended several classic themes into a fresh page-turning storyline for two precocious children.
Hemlock Jones leads us through the streets of London, described by her newly unwitting accomplice, Edward Whitlock. Both are boarding with Mrs Figgins on Baker Street and are present three weeks before school starts. Hemlock has made it known to Edward, and apparently others, that she can solve mysteries. Her self-described title is a demystifier. A caller, Mrs Bantam, seeks private investigator services for her husband’s murder who died in the middle of dinner when an apparition pointed at him. Hemlock fast-talks her way into landing the job and drags reluctant Edward along as her assistant to investigate the strange circumstances.
The entire book is enjoyable, but I was particularly amused with the spider attack. Darkly hilarious. I recommend this book to everyone.
Hemlock Jones leads us through the streets of London, described by her newly unwitting accomplice, Edward Whitlock. Both are boarding with Mrs Figgins on Baker Street and are present three weeks before school starts. Hemlock has made it known to Edward, and apparently others, that she can solve mysteries. Her self-described title is a demystifier. A caller, Mrs Bantam, seeks private investigator services for her husband’s murder who died in the middle of dinner when an apparition pointed at him. Hemlock fast-talks her way into landing the job and drags reluctant Edward along as her assistant to investigate the strange circumstances.
The entire book is enjoyable, but I was particularly amused with the spider attack. Darkly hilarious. I recommend this book to everyone.
January 15, 2018
Imaginative, delightful, and clever. I thoroughly enjoyed everything about this fast paced mystery. The dialogue between Hemlock and Edward was entertaining to say the least, though at times, I had a hard time believing they were only 12 (ish). Regardless, this is a well written and thought out story. Thumbs up!
December 3, 2017
When I was 12, I snuggled under the covers late at night reading all the mysteries I could get my hands on. The best, it seems, were written for adults, featuring adult protagonists. Now that I am an adult myself, I seem to have reverted to reading teen and YA mysteries.
Hemlock Jones and the Angel of Death by Justin Carroll is one such novel. It is the story of a brilliant 12-year-old girl, Hemlock Jones, who lives near Sherlock Holmes and sometimes steals his cases. She solves them with the help of her also brilliant companion, Edward Whitlow.
If you can imagine the place of a a 12-year-old girl in London during this time period, then you will understand the difficulty that Carroll must have faced writing a believable Hemlock Jones. She persuades numerous adults of her "demystifying" capabilities, convinces a cabby to embark on a high-speed chase and even navigates a gentleman's club. These are but a few of the adventures in this action-packed book.
This book does not come off as fan fiction, but Carroll does a great job capturing the period and the overall flavor of a Holmes investigation. I believe there is but one mention of the great detective's name in the entire book, as it is forbidden to say his name aloud in Hemlock's presence.
Self-published authors are often criticized for editing, proofreading and formatting issues. This particular novel is very professionally edited and formatted. I did not love the cover, but it was professionally done and did not detract from my enjoyment of the book.
I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
Hemlock Jones and the Angel of Death by Justin Carroll is one such novel. It is the story of a brilliant 12-year-old girl, Hemlock Jones, who lives near Sherlock Holmes and sometimes steals his cases. She solves them with the help of her also brilliant companion, Edward Whitlow.
If you can imagine the place of a a 12-year-old girl in London during this time period, then you will understand the difficulty that Carroll must have faced writing a believable Hemlock Jones. She persuades numerous adults of her "demystifying" capabilities, convinces a cabby to embark on a high-speed chase and even navigates a gentleman's club. These are but a few of the adventures in this action-packed book.
This book does not come off as fan fiction, but Carroll does a great job capturing the period and the overall flavor of a Holmes investigation. I believe there is but one mention of the great detective's name in the entire book, as it is forbidden to say his name aloud in Hemlock's presence.
Self-published authors are often criticized for editing, proofreading and formatting issues. This particular novel is very professionally edited and formatted. I did not love the cover, but it was professionally done and did not detract from my enjoyment of the book.
I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
April 19, 2016
Absolutely fabulous a Victorian steam punk romp.
June 21, 2016
This genre is not my favourite, but I loved this book. Skilfully written
March 4, 2017
I wish there had been books like this when I was a kid. Hemlock Jones would've kicked Nancy Drew to the curb.
May 14, 2022
Simply put, a great book.
The pacing was excellent from start to finish. And as the mystery unfolded, urging the reader to turn the next page, it revealed the steady development of characters and plot.
The storyline was original, imaginative, and ingenious, enhanced by the Victorian (near-steampunk) setting. The characters were all believable and human, with an excellent relationship created between Hemlock and Edward, and I was geninely invested in their lives throughout.
I also thoroughly enjoyed that it is part of a bigger series. The references to things yet to be revealed had me yearning for the next book as soon as I was done.
Let us away!
The pacing was excellent from start to finish. And as the mystery unfolded, urging the reader to turn the next page, it revealed the steady development of characters and plot.
The storyline was original, imaginative, and ingenious, enhanced by the Victorian (near-steampunk) setting. The characters were all believable and human, with an excellent relationship created between Hemlock and Edward, and I was geninely invested in their lives throughout.
I also thoroughly enjoyed that it is part of a bigger series. The references to things yet to be revealed had me yearning for the next book as soon as I was done.
Let us away!
May 6, 2018
a enjoyable read
This books title grabbed my attention well the angel of death part anyway. I did enjoy this book but I could not get past comparing it to shear lock Holmes perhaps this is why hemlock jones can not stand him! I think that that young adults would enjoy this book this includes 40 year olds.
This books title grabbed my attention well the angel of death part anyway. I did enjoy this book but I could not get past comparing it to shear lock Holmes perhaps this is why hemlock jones can not stand him! I think that that young adults would enjoy this book this includes 40 year olds.
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