Death Cloud by Andrew Lane

Who hasn't heard of Sherlock Holmes. The use of the name Sherlock, as in "I'm no Sherlock, but ..." is part of our popular culture meaning how adept someone is at figuring things out. Sherlock Holmes is a fictional detective in a series of short stories and novels by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle from the late nineteenth century to early twentieth century. The stories have stood the test of time and the character, Sherlock Holmes, is gaining new popularity due to both television and movies based on him.

Andrew Lane wrote Death Cloud to bring the Sherlock Holmes character back to life but as a young teen. In all of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's writings we learn very little of Holmes' early years. What life experiences gave him the ability to see details in events to help him solve mysteries? Why was he able to see the big picture? Who were his friends and teachers? What about his family - parents and siblings?

In Death Cloud we meet Sherlock as he is leaving a boys school for the summer. He must board with an elderly aunt and uncle because his immediate family can not take him in. It is there that he joins with a homeless young man and a tutor. Together they solve the mystery - the death cloud they see is actually hovering swarms of bees. But why?

Read Death Cloud by Andrew Lane to meet young Sherlock Holmes and see what's up with all the bee hives and bees. If you find that you're intrigued and want more, the Afterward that the author leaves the reader with will fuel your appetite and point you in the right direction to discover more about Sherlock Holmes.

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm