Review: The Dark Lady by Irene Adler

SUMMARY FROM NETGALLEY.COM:

While on summer vacation, little Irene Adler meets a young William Sherlock Holmes. The two share stories of pirates and have battles of wit while running wild on the sunny streets and rooftops. When Sherlock's friend, Lupin, joins in on the fun, they all become fast friends. But the good times end abruptly when a dead body floats ashore on the nearby beach. The young detective trio will have to put all three of their heads together to solve this mystery.
For ages 9-13.
* First story in this engaging crime series
* Features the ever-popular detective Sherlock Holmes as a kid
* Story is told by Sherlock’s love interest, Irene Adler

About the Illustrator:
I once had a very special friend who had everything he could possibly want. You see, ever since we were kids, he owned a magical pencil with two perfectly sharp ends. Whenever my friend wanted something, he drew it and it came to life! Once, he drew a spaceship and we boarded it and went on a nice little tour around the galaxy. Another time, he drew a sparkling red plane that was very similar to the Red Baron’s, only a little smaller. He piloted us inside a giant volcano that had erupted only an hour earlier. Whenever my friend was tired, he drew a big bed. We dreamed through the night until the morning light shone through the drawn shades. This great friend of mine eventually moved to China…but he left his magic pencil with me!

MY TAKE:
When I first read the story's summary, my first thought was "Irene, Sherlock and Lupin?" Color me intrigued.

In The Dark Lady, young Irene Adler meets Sherlock Holmes and Arsene Lupin while trying to get away from her mother and butler. The three get along well. The real adventure begins, however, when they discover a dead body on the beach and decide to get to the bottom of the mystery of man's identity and what brought him to that shore.

I know Irene Adler only appeared in one Sherlock Holmes story, but I did like how Rachel McAdams portrayed her in the movies, so I was curious as to how she would be portrayed here. I rather like Irene in this book, as she's spunky and tough, and while she wants things her way, she doesn't seem like a spoiled brat. I also like how she stands up to Sherlock and Lupin when she feels like they're being rude.

There's sort of a love triangle going on here, but it seems that she's leaning more towards Sherlock. It's a good things that the romance part of the story is in the background, because otherwise, it would take away from the mystery in the story.

With most mysteries and thrillers I read and watch, I try to figure out the plot twist before the reveal and usually I get it right. In some instances when I don't, it's because the plot twist is forced, not enough clues were given, or the answer was outlandish. With The Dark Lady, however, I wasn't able to get the answer but everything seemed logical when it was described near the ending.

I'm definitely looking forward to the next books in the series.

Thanks to NetGalley and Capstone Young Readers for the e-copy.

THE GOOD:

1. You get to imagine what Irene, Sherlock and Lupin were like when they were younger.
2. The mystery is pretty good.
3. Irene is a tough cookie.

THE BAD:

1. The story would be more cohesive without the mystery of the Rooftop Thief.

FAVORITE QUOTE/S:

I'd never told anyone where my room was. How could Sherlock have known? The only possible explanation was that he'd spied on me, which irritated me. But the thought also made me smile.

READ IT IF:

1. You're a fan of Sherlock Holmes.
2. You like reading derivative works featuring younger versions of characters you like.
3. You like a good mystery.

RATING:


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