What Child is This?: A Sherlock Holmes Christmas Adventure (A Sherlock Holmes Adventure, Book 5)

by Bonnie MacBird, Frank Cho (Illustrator)

Overview

It’s the season of peace and goodwill, but a Victorian Christmas is no holiday for the world’s most popular detective in this new book from Bonnie MacBird, author of the bestselling Sherlock Holmes novel Art in the Blood.

It’s Christmas 1890, and games are afoot. In a packed Oxford Street, a man tries to kidnap a young woman’s child, but Holmes and Watson leap to their rescue and the assailant escapes empty handed. Who would do such a thing? And more importantly – will he strike again?

From the depths of London’s workhouses to the pinnacle of a glittering Christmas Eve party in Mayfair, this is to be a Christmas that will require not only Holmes’s celebrated scientific method, but also the bravery for which he and Watson are renowned. And the final solution will demand something more from the Great Detective – something Watson has never before observed in his friend.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780008521349
Publisher:	HarperCollins Publishers
Publication date:	10/24/2023
Series:	A Sherlock Holmes Adventure , #5
Pages:	256
Sales rank:	118,556
Product dimensions:	4.90(w) x 7.80(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Bonnie MacBird is passionate about Victorian London and Sherlock Holmes. She lives in an 1890 building right off Baker Street, and fell in love with Holmes as a schoolgirl in her native California. After many years in the entertainment industry as a film executive, Emmy winning producer and screenwriter, she now writes the critically acclaimed Sherlock Holmes Adventure Series for HarperCollins, bringing the much-loved detective back, traditional style, in full-length adventures. Meticulous research, a flair for deductions and a decided sense of humour have turned these into fan favourites. ART IN THE BLOOD was translated into twenty languages and was followed by UNQUIET SPIRITS, THE DEVIL’S DUE and THE THREE LOCKS.

Editorial Reviews

09/26/2022

MacBird’s diverting fifth Sherlock Holmes adventure (after 2021’s The Three Locks) draws Holmes and Watson into two cases involving children shortly before Christmas Eve. First, they thwart the attempted abduction of a four-year-old boy from his mother, though the would-be kidnapper escapes. The grateful parent turns out to be Lady Endicott, who visits Baker Street with her son, who happens to have a star-shaped birthmark on the back of his neck, an unusual feature that may connect to the criminal’s motive for trying to snatch him. The truth behind the crime proves complex and calls for an unconventional resolution. Meanwhile, Holmes is also consulted by the Marquis of Blandbury, who’s worried about his adult son, who has been missing for months. The subsequent inquiry likewise takes some unexpected turns. MacBird does a good job showing how her Holmes evolves from a Scrooge-like character (“Those infernal Christmas Carols are enough to drive one mad,” the detective declares at the outset) into a kindlier soul. Fans of her previous books are likely to enjoy this one as well. Agent: Linda Langton, Langtons International. (Nov.)

Publishers Weekly

What could be a better present this season than a new Christmas case for Sherlock Holmes? Bonnie MacBird’s worthy pastiche takes us back to 221B Baker Street in a snowy Victorian December.” —The Wall Street Journal

“The brilliant MacBird manages to produce a tale which is both authentic and original, yet pays homage to the genius of Arthur Conan Doyle.”
—Dundee Courier

“Neatly emulates the style and tone of Arthur Conan Doyle’s original stories … If you’re in the mood for light seasonal entertainment, albeit with a serious underlay, look no further.”
—Michael Dirda, Washington Post

“MacBird's series grows stronger with each book and she remains the best and most faithful pastiche writer out there today – bar none.”—The Doyleockian

“As long as there are writers as skilful and observant as Bonnie MacBird to keep the Holmes flame alight, I will be warming myself in its glow.”—FullyBooked2017

“Victorian London comes alive in this enthralling Christmas mystery, written with intelligence, style, and lovely period detail.”
—Mimi Matthews, USA Today bestselling author

“What Child Is This? is the most charming, entertaining Holmesian yarn I've read in years… A must read for Holmesians—and others!”
— Matt Witten, author of The Necklace

“Bonnie MacBird’s What Child is This? stimulates the mind while it warms the heart. It confirms what we long believed: Not only is Sherlock Holmes the Great Detective, he is a great man.”—Leslie S. Klinger

“A tender, beautifully fashioned homage to Holmes and Watson, and the power of love.”—Nancy Holder, author of The Wicked Saga

“No one can surpass Conan Doyle at his best, but a select few pastiche writers get close enough that they can almost reach out and touch the master. Bonnie MacBird is one of those writers that achieves this consistently. If you need a Holmes story for Christmas (and who doesn't?) get hold of this immediately.”—The Doyleockian

From the Publisher