Death in the Air

3.5 stars

In the second book in the series “starring” a 13-year old Sherlock Holmes, Holmes is watching a trapeze performance when one of the performers flies off the bar and lands near Holmes. It appears that someone cut the bar and Holmes is determined to find out who did it. Holmes is also currently homeless and manages to find an apothecary to take him in in return for his help.

I quite enjoyed the mystery in this one, but up until the end, I wasn’t as interested in the secondary characters. However, the last third of the book or so really did pick up for me. I have to admit to not reading much of Conan Doyle’s Holmes, so I’m not sure if these are characters that appear when Holmes is an adult, as well, or not. I would show more think at least some of them are. If so, the series might be even more appealing to those who enjoy Doyle’s adult Holmes. show less

I didn't really like the first Boy Sherlock book, so I didn't expect to like this one. I wasn't disappointed.

It kind of seems like everyone's lost their minds in this book. Sherlock himself, Malefactor, Irene... they're all SO ANGRY all the time.

The only really good part is Sigerson Bell, who is quite a cool character.

I still don't know where Shane Peacock's going with this series, and I don't even know if he has some master plan or if he's just writing along happily. Guess I'll find out eventually.

Death in the Air continues the story of the 13-year-old Sherlock Holmes where Eye of the Crow, the first book in Shane Peacock's series, leaves off. This time, Sherlock investigates a mystery set in the thrilling world inhabited by trapeze artists.

The plot is exciting and fast-paced. However, the real appeal, to this Sherlock Holmes fan at least, is the continued development of the young Sherlock's history and character in a way that is consistent with what we know of the adult from Arthur Conan Doyle's well-loved books. Yet, my 10-year-old daughter, who is not familiar with the original Sherlock Holmes stories, found this book as absorbing as I did.

Shane Peacock's series will appeal to both older children and adults and is a terrific show more introduction to the wonderful world of Sherlock Holmes for those not familiar with the character. show less

The second in Peacock's fantastic young Sherlock Holmes series. Just as with the first one, I really enjoyed it. It breaks my heart, in a way, to see how emotionally distant Sherlock forces himself to become, but at the same time, it makes sense. I also quite like young Lestrade. I look forward to reading the third book in this series.

I am not sure what a young reader would make of this book. It would certainly resonate more with someone very familiar with the original Sherlock Holmes stories. The historical and geographical settings of the book are very well researched, but the story sometimes stalls on those details.

Young Sherlock Holmes finds himself immersed in a new mystery when he attends a trapeze performance at the magnificent Crystal Palace where the troupe's star falls to his death.

This book is about Sherlock Holmes as he investigates the trapeze star's "accident". This is a book about two cases into one.