Sherlock Holmes and The Whitechapel Vampire

This is a first novel by an author new to Sherlockian fiction who has undertaken to unite two of the most popular Sherlockian pastiche subjects into a single volume. The Database of Sherlockian pastiches, parodies and related fiction lists ninety five efforts to have Sherlock uncover the identity of ‘Saucy Jack.’ Further, the database also lists fifty five efforts to tell of Sherlock’s efforts to cope with Vampires. Two of the listed items combine these themes. A short story, “The Children of the Night,” and the current volume are the only combinations of these themes, in so far as I know.This book also combines two investigations. Holmes is convinced that an Italian immigrant, accused of the murder of a young Italian lady on the ship that brought them from Italy, is innocent. Holmes’ efforts to ‘clear up’ this case lead him into the investigation that Scotland Yard are bungling in front of all the world. Prejudice, sloppy investigative techniques and an inability to look for a bloodthirsty murderer outside the lower classes have hamstrung the Yard’s investigation.Holmes’ investigation is meticulous and revealing. It is also unwelcome to ‘the powers that be.’ The cooperation he receives is spotty at best so the final resolution of the ‘Ripper killings’ is left clouded and uncertain. Holmes solves his problems, has the Italian immigrant released and finds employment and new lives for him and his brother-in-arms. The prostitute murderer disappears from history, we hope.The book is reasonably well-written, with only minor editing errors. The investigations are well covered and the characters are sharply drawn. The book is not to my personal taste, but it is an interesting and well conducted effort. The science aspects are imaginative and the settings are well done.Reviewed by: Philip K. Jones, August 2012