When three bodies are found near the Thames, ripped and torn to shreds, London is shaken with fear and questions as to what could have done it. Word on the street is that there’s a shark in the Thames, but what would an Australian Black Tip shark be doing in London? Immediately the question as to whether or not this is one of the infamous Dr. Moreau’s calling cards. Sherlock and Watson is on the case, seeing as the Crown is in danger and Mycroft Holmes, Sherlock’s older brother, have no other option than to call in the best people to solve the mystery and get rid of the threat.
Sherlock Holmes: The Army of Dr. Moreau is an extremely well-written novel that brings together some of literature’s most beloved books in order to create a fantastic plot. H.G. Wells‘ The Island of Dr. Moreau is incorporated into a story with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle‘s beloved characters on the case, whilst bringing into account some of Jules Verne‘s characters from A Journey to the Centre of the Earth as well. Creatures from science-fiction comes to life, mysteries are solved and a homage to some of the best books ever written is given in what can only be deemed as a novel that would make the great authors of yesteryear proud. Guy Adams, the author of this exciting sci-fi mystery, has been able to keep the tongue-in-cheek humour that Doyle wrote the original Sherlock Holmes books with as well as put his own voice and individuality into it. If that’s not enough, Guy Adams brings into account the problems that modern society face with the vivisection dilemma in America, giving a voice to those who don’t have one and saying that it’s not right to “play God”…
It’s safe to say that this is a worthy piece of fan-fiction, though it would also be a worthy fan-written sequel to H.G. Wells’ The Island of Dr. Moreau too. Many people would look down on the term “fan-fiction” though, but Guy Adams has been able to give his own voice to the tale, incorporating the old with the new and still being able to show respect to the authors of the various books that he used as inspiration, instead of breaking them down.
To those who have never read classical literature, Sherlock Holmes: The Army of Dr. Moreau, will definitely change your mind and give you the desire to find the original books. With the creatures that Guy Adams created as the “Army of Dr. Moreau”, you’ll want to pick up a copy of H.G. Wells’ The Island of Dr. Moreau, and just because Professor Lindenbrook – also present in the novel – is such an intriguing character (though he doesn’t get mentioned as often as I’d have liked), you’ll want to get your hands on a copy of A Journey to the Centre of the Earth. That being said, once you’ve finished those, you’ll delve into their other work and so on, and so forth. Guy Adams has written a catalyst novel that will give literature of yesteryear a second life and that alone is a fantastic achievement. However, there’s more. To those horror fanatics, you’ll find plenty of horror here as great descriptions are given and chilling tales are told. To sci-fi lovers, you have your out-of-this-world creatures that will give you plenty of nightmares and fantasies of the “what if’s”… Mystery enthusiasts have the opportunity to follow another new tale of the most distinguished P.I of all time, so what’s not to love?
All in all, this is a great book and anyone who is anyone will find joy out of reading Sherlock Holmes: The Army of Dr. Moreau. It will inspire, give delightful pleasure as one tries to figure out the twists and turns and finally, you will giggle from time to time at the wit Sherlock displays. Definitely a must-have for any reader… Definitely a must-have on any bookshelf.
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