This is the fourth in Peacock's series about "the boy Sherlock Holmes," and since it's the first I've read, I can assure you that it can stand alone; however, I'm eager to read the series from the beginning.
Sherlock is fourteen years old in this book, and Disraeli has just become the first Jewish prime minister of England, a truly terrifying prospect to some of the ruling class. Social unrest abounds, with increasing demands for expanded voting rights and for feeding the desperately poor. The real terror begins when a mysterious creature, reminiscent of the Spring Heeled Jack of the Penny Dreadfuls, with red eyes and blue flames shooting from its mouth, begins randomly attacking the poor and other marginalized people, beginning with Sherlock's friend Beatrice. Sherlock has apparently decided to forgo sleuthing until he is an adult, but Beatrice more or less drags him into an investigation.

The historical details really make this book rich and enjoyable. 1868 London is beautifully described as Sherlock and his friends walk (not having the money for cabs) back and forth through every part of the city. The social unrest is woven neatly into the story, and if the solution is rather telegraphed, Sherlock's clever sleuthing makes up for it. The seemingly impossible villain is unmasked and Sherlock has another case under his belt.

Sherlock's development will be interesting to fans of Arthur Conan Doyle, as he attempts to shelve emotion in favor of logic and trains in martial arts with the apothecary. I found this a thoroughly enjoyable romp through 1868 London and in the mind of young Sherlock.

Source disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the publisher. ( )

Sherlock is not into action with a character in the Penny Dreadfuls, but he is when it became real. With a voice of the past echoing in his mind, Trust no one, it stands to be true. ( )

Shane Peacock's Secret Fiend was a wonderful surprise to me. I typically am not a reader of mystery or fiction in which crimes are solved. This book completely and totally changed my point of view. Having the main character be a young Sherlock is what won me over. As a lover of middle-grade and young adult fiction, the main character was a true and accurate description of an young adult. I also enjoyed the way the story made reference to difference locations and places. It was fun to learn about the area and region where the book is set. As a media specialist in a 5th through 8th grade middle school, I have been recommending the title to students. I am also planning on purchasing copies of Peacock's other books in the series. Series fiction is incredibly popular students right now. If you can get them to read one that they like, they will eat up the other books in a series.

This book was an interesting unauthorized tie-in book to the Sherlock Holmes series. The characters weren't very relatable but the mystery was compelling. This is probably way too simplistic for a true Holmes fan, but a great introduction for youth. I see this as a book fans of Doyle's would give to their children in the hopes of lighting some spark of interest for the grown up versions.

Another entry in the boy Sherlock Holmes series and I find that I really enjoy this series. I like how the personality and behavior of the adult Sherlock is explained through these boyhood/teen experiences. Also the connection to characters from the adult stories, Irene, Scotland yard, etc. I think with the increase in TV/film adaptations, these might be very interesting to older children and teens.