Book Blurb:
Love is the aria of the soul.
Charlotte Sapori has led a wonderful life, safely tucked in the bosom of her family. Her mother, Irene Adler, is a renowned opera singer, while her father, Lucca Sapori, does important government work that frequently takes him away from them. Charlotte is close to her older brother, Nicco, and they are both doted on by their parents. All is well until her mother receives an unexpected diagnosis which shakes the family to its core.
Knowing herself to be dying, Adler confesses to Charlotte things that have long been kept from her, telling her to find and read her diary. A distressed Lucca Sapori tells his daughter to read his as well. And by the way, Lucca Sapori is not his real name. In fact, she may have heard of him—he is actually the world-famous detective, Sherlock Holmes.
Charlotte finds both diaries and plunges into the hidden world of Irene Adler and Sherlock Holmes as she discovers what brought them together, and how they managed to stay together for thirty years despite having to battle the odds.
Book Buy Link: https://geni.us/RKXexjK
K. D. SHERRINFORD
Editorial Review:
It’s strange how two words can turn your world upside down. I had no way of knowing that the witness to my wedding to the lawyer Godfrey Norton would come back to haunt me in years to come. My cousin Estelle once told me that the true love of one’s life is the one who catches you unaware and changes you inexplicably. I was in my late twenties when I moved to London in 1887, having spent the past few years performing as a contralto at La Scala in Milan, and then a term as prima donna with the Imperial Opera of Warsaw. And it was in Warsaw where I first met Wilhelm Gottsreich Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Feldstein, the hereditary king of Bohemia.
KD Sherrinford's "Song for Someone" is an evocative masterpiece that masterfully intertwines mystery, romance, and historical nuances into a tale that stands out in contemporary literature. From the first line, Sherrinford captures the reader's attention, setting the stage for the emotional and suspenseful journey ahead.
This first book in the Sherlock Holmes and Irene Adler Mysteries series introduces readers to Charlotte Sapori's heart-rending journey into her parents' mysterious pasts, pulling them into a vortex of love, secrecy, and revelation.
The storyline's magnetism lies in its compelling progression. As Charlotte delves deeper into her parent's histories, the revelations about her father's true identity and her mother's concealed affairs unfold with impeccable pacing.
I threw my arms around my friend, hugging her tightly. “Thank God you’re back! I have been so worried. Do you think Holmes suspected anything?”
Sarah shook her head. “I’m sorry I’m late. I wanted to make sure I wasn’t being followed. And to answer your question, Nene, no, I doubt he suspected a thing. He wasn’t the least bit interested in me.” Sarah insisted on pouring us a cup of fresh coffee before she continued to update me on the events of the morning. “I need to concentrate. I have no wish to fluff my lines.” She laughed.
Sarah told me she’d been scrubbing the front steps when a carriage pulled up outside Briony Lodge at approximately 8:30. “Well, you know how I am such a stickler for detail.” Sarah chuckled, continuing her narrative with a theatrical flair. “Holmes, Watson, and Wilhelm Ormstein all jumped out of the brougham and were duly greeted with a sardonic smile by yours truly.
“Top of the morning to you gentlemen,” I said, staring straight at the celebrated detective. “Mr Sherlock Holmes, I believe?”
“I am Mr Holmes,” he replied, although rather ungraciously. He looked at me with a rather puzzled and questioning gaze.
The dialogue is well done and easy to follow throughout. The seamless continuity that bridges the gap between Sherrinford's rebuilt universe and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's world only serves to highlight this magnificent storyline.
The writing style of the prose is excellent. Sherrinford has a refined writing style and precise formatting. Every word has a function, so from the opening line to the gripping end, readers are kept interested. Furthermore, it is impressive how well she was able to weave together a satisfactory conclusion that addressed the several emotional and narrative strands.
Character development is another arena where "Song for Someone" truly excels. The characters in "Song for Someone" have so much depth and development, which is one of its best features. The usually mysterious characters, Sherlock Holmes and Irene Adler, are shown in vivid new colors. Their multifaceted interpretations, which highlight their passions, vulnerabilities, and growth, give these legendary characters new life. As the main character, Charlotte experiences a metamorphosis of her own, masterfully portraying the range of emotions she encounters along the way.
The book is meticulously polished, highlighting Sherrinford's dedication to presenting a seamless reading experience. The editing is spot-on, ensuring that the prose flows without interruption, and the formatting is consistent, making the narrative easily digestible.
Holmes had set off to the village by the time I awoke the following morning. Stepping into the shower, I stared at my reflection in the mirror. The woman who stared back looked pale and drawn, with dark circles under her eyes. I tied my hair up in a knot. I was just about to put the finishing touches on my makeup when I was disturbed by a knock on the door. I opened it expecting to find Violetta or Ava. Instead, a tall, well-built man stood before me, his corpulent frame spanning the doorway. He smiled at me before removing his hat.
“Good morning, Miss Adler. Please allow me to introduce myself, my name is Mycroft Holmes. I am Sherlock’s brother. May I come in?” he asked, offering a soft but purposeful handshake.
“Please do come in, Mr Holmes.” I stared at him with a puzzled expression, inviting him to take a seat in the drawing-room. Mycroft took off his overcoat, placing it on the chair next to him.
“May I offer you a drink?” I smiled at him nervously.
“A glass of port would be more than acceptable. And perhaps a glass of water. I’m not used to this infernal heat.; This will be the death of me.”
In essence, "Song for Someone" is more than just a book; it's an experience. KD Sherrinford crafts a tale rich in emotion, suspense, and historical fidelity. Readers, whether familiar with Sherlock lore or new to the detective's world, will find themselves enchanted by this mesmerizing tale of love and mystery. This is truly a testament to Sherrinford's remarkable storytelling prowess, and one can only wait with bated breath for the next installment in this promising series.
Sherlock Holmes and his world have been reimagined and adapted many times in literature, but Sherrinford's method is pleasantly original. A new and creative viewpoint on these well-known characters is provided by the perspective change, which centers on the connection between Sherlock and Irene and is seen through the eyes of their daughter.
One of the novel's distinctive features is Sherrinford's ability to present an original viewpoint on well-known stories. With Irene's unparalleled intelligence and her reworking of Sherlock as a charming character, we’re given a new perspective on these literary titans.
Without delving into spoilers, the conclusion of "Song for Someone" is both touching and memorable. It beautifully ties up the emotional and narrative threads of the story, providing readers with a sense of closure and anticipation for future installments. This was an enjoyable read.
*****
“Song for Someone” by KD Sherrinford receives 4.5 stars from The Historical Fiction Company
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