A Captivating Sequel to Doyle's "The Hound of the Baskervilles" - an Editorial Review of "The Whistle of Revenge"

Book Blurb:

Sometimes, our deepest fear is not the darkness but the light that blinds.

If you loved Conan Doyle’s, The Hound of the Baskerville, prepare to be enthralled by KD Sherrinford’s captivating follow-up, The Whistle of Revenge.

The deadly antagonist, Jack Stapleton, makes a spectacular return to the city of Milan in pursuit of his old nemesis, the celebrated Detective Sherlock Holmes.

Adopting the enigmatic persona of Janus, a vengeful Stapleton, along with the Italian mafia, wreak havoc on the Italian horse racing fraternity and fledgling car manufacturing industry, and kidnapping Holmes’s beloved son as part of their evil and well-executed master plan—Operation Whistle.

Will Holmes, Irene Adler, and their trusted ally, Inspector Romano, crack the code, rescue the boy, and unmask the deadly Janus?

Set against the backdrop of modern Milan, mind games and misdeeds of the highest order play out as the story reaches its thrilling and memorable conclusion.

Book Buy Link: https://geni.us/7pNqRUi

Author Bio:

KD Sherrinford is a multi-award-winning International author. She was born and raised in Preston, Lancashire, and now lives on the Fylde Coast with her husband, John and their two children—an avid reader from an early age. KD loved the mystery writers Conan Doyle, and Agatha Christie was her favourite. She read the entire Conan Doyle canon by age 13.

KD had a varied career, working with thoroughbred horses and racing greyhounds. To mix things up, she joined Countrywide and became a Fellow of The National Association of Estate Agents. Retirement finally allowed KD the time to write her multi-award-winning debut novel, " Song for Someone." KD got the idea for the story after a visit to The Sherlock Holmes Museum on Baker Street in 2019; KD has always wanted to write about the iconic character Irene Adler. A talented pianist from age six, the music from some of KD's favourite composers, Beethoven, Wagner, and Stephen Foster, all feature strongly in her writing. ." Song for Someone "was awarded The Editors Choice Gold Seal Medal in 2022 and received critical acclaim from Book Viral, Readers Favorite, Literary Titan and The Historical Fiction Company, which described" Song for Someone" as an evocative masterpiece and a book that stands out in contemporary literature. The novel was a recent Finalist at The Chanticleers International Book Awards- The Chatelaine. " Christmas at The Saporis" was published last December. The third book, " Meet Me In Milan", went live on the 29th of September 2023. This thrilling Trilogy was Shortlisted for The CIBA's Series Book Awards in Genre Fiction.KD Sherrinford is a member of The CWA, the RNA and the LWA. Her short, cosy mystery " A Bit of a Do" was published in Marla Breeden's Limited Edition Anthology, entitled " Malice Matrimony and Murder "On the 13th of November 2023. Twenty-five original short, cosy mysteries from international authors, including Deringer and Agatha Finalists, CWA members, and recipients of The Editors Gold Seal, KD is very proud to be a part of this fabulous collection. Book four of the Sherlock Holmes and Irene Adler Mysters, the much anticipated " The Whistle of Revenge" will be released in 2025. You can reach KD on her Facebook author page.

Editorial Review:

Title: The Whistle of Revenge

Author: KD Sherrinford

Rating: 4.5 Stars

“The Whistle of Revenge (Sherlock Holmes and Irene Adler Mysteries Book 4)” by KD Sherrinford is a historical mystery novel that blends romance, opera, and crime with the familiar figure of Sherlock Holmes. The book is told through the perspective of Nene Adler, Sherlock’s wife, and occasionally their son. It is less a classic detective puzzle and more a family drama mixed with intrigue, revenge, and music.

The story opens in 1906. Sherlock and Nene are in Venice, enjoying what feels like a second honeymoon. Their children stay behind, and the couple is given time together in a quiet villa. But the peace does not last. Soon after, their young son Nicco is abducted in a carefully staged trap, and the family is thrown into fear and grief. As Sherlock and Nene search for answers, the tale expands into abduction, ransom, and the dark shadow of revenge that follows them back to Milan.

The first excerpt shows Nene on the train:

“Sitting next to the window, I looked out at the changing landscape. The passing trees and distant localities shimmered in the glow of the morning sun against the backdrop of the vast Tuscan sky as the train gradually picked up speed. I closed my eyes momentarily as the rhythmic tugging and hissing filled the air with bittersweet memories of nostalgia.”

Here the prose is very descriptive. The grammar is correct but heavy with stacked phrases. Words like “bittersweet memories of nostalgia” double up in a way that slows the flow. The impression is one of longing and memory. It sets a soft, reflective tone, but it also risks tiring the reader by layering too many words where fewer would work.

The second excerpt shows their arrival at the villa:

“Finally, he docked outside our destination, located in its private and secluded setting. It was a quaint Venetian villa with Rigoletto charm that would be our home for the next two weeks. Adamo jumped out of the boat and took my hand to disembark before helping Sherlock carry our luggage into the villa.”

The prose here is plainer. The grammar is functional and easy to follow, shorter sentences than the first example. The impression is like a travel diary or stage setting. It paints a picture clearly but without much tension. The choice of “Rigoletto charm” ties the book back to its love of opera, though it may not mean much to readers who do not know the reference. It shows the book’s leaning toward cultural detail, sometimes at the expense of pace.

The third excerpt shifts the mood:

“My wails of anguish echoed into the evening stillness as I repeatedly called out my son’s name, but there was no answer. The only sign of Nicco was the brown paper parcel discarded on the rough ground, and the record Caruso had so lovingly autographed smashed into pieces was all that was left.”

Here the prose is sharper, more emotional. The grammar is straightforward, almost stripped of excess. The image of the broken record is strong and symbolic. It carries more power than the earlier descriptive flourishes. The impression is real grief and panic. This is where the book feels most alive, when the personal stakes rise and description serves the emotion rather than the scenery.

“The Whistle of Revenge (Sherlock Holmes and Irene Adler Mysteries Book 4)” by KD Sherrinford is a tale that ably mixes lush description, cultural references, and melodramatic moments. Although the prose is sometimes overburdened with adjectives and long sentences, at its best it delivers strong images and emotional weight. The three excerpts show both sides: the heavy layering of memory, the straightforward scene-setting, and the tighter, more urgent emotion of crisis. Readers who enjoy slow, detailed historical settings and family drama around Sherlock Holmes may find it rewarding, though others may wish for a leaner style and more focus on the mystery.

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