Sherlock Holmes and the Molly-Boy Murders

Finished this book a month ago, and liked it so much, I still remember most of the details.

The author maintains the style of Canon Doyle so effortlessly that it doesn't seem like the book is written by a different author; unless you consider the modern touch to it, that just adds to the overall appeal of the writing. The book highlights the plight of LGBT people in the Victorian era, with reference to the so called “He/She Ladies” - men who dress up like women and walk the streets of London. When two such people are found murdered in the same way, with their genitilias cut, it starts a series of brutal murders and it is up to Holmes and his companions to stop it. Apart from this, an appealing feature of the story is its strong female characters. It also briefly touches upon the issue of female enfranchisement during the Victorian era.

I loved how the author portrayed the close friendship between Watson and Holmes, with deep conversations between them about personal things that I've hardly read in the original Sherlock stories. Also, Lestrade who seems just as close with the other two completes the “Three Musketeers” gang solving the most baffling case. Dr. Watson's sarcastic remarks every now and then is a refresher from all the drama happening in the book. Another aspect I loved about the book is the insights it provided into Mycroft Holmes, Sherlock Holmes's brother, who works for the Government, or rather let me rephrase “is the government”. The bond between the Holmeses, the way they are so different, and yet understand each other is beautifully depicted throughout the story.

To all the Sherlock Holmes fans, if you're not convinced even now, let me tell you, you are going to like this one. So go ahead & give it a read!