Dust and Shadow
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Literature |
| Founded | 2009 |
| Founder | Lyndsay Faye |
| Products | Sherlock Holmes pastiche novel |
| Website | www |
Dust and Shadow: An Account of the Ripper Killings by Dr. John H. Watson is a Sherlock Holmes pastiche penned by Lyndsay Faye, which features a confrontation between Sherlock Holmes and Jack the Ripper. This book marks Faye's first novel and carries the approval of Conan Doyle's descendants.
Title
The name of the book is inspired by an epigram from Horace, "We are but dust and shadow" (Pulvis et umbra sumus), a phrase Holmes cites within the story.
Summary
In a foreword dated 1939, an aged Dr. Watson discloses that his previously confidential manuscript concerning the Ripper murders will be published after his death, aiming to correct Holmes's mistaken assumption that the case had been forgotten.
Holmes and Watson begin their inquiry with a stolen ring from a Baron's residence, discovering that the Baron himself had taken it to settle his brother's gambling debts, which ultimately led to his suicide. While pretending ignorance, Holmes plans to return the ring anonymously but receives a threatening anonymous letter after arriving back at Baker Street.
As the killings of Mary Ann Nichols and Annie Chapman occur, Holmes reluctantly accepts that a serial murderer is at large. He partners with Inspector Lestrade and enlists Mary Ann Monk, a friend of Nichols, to assist in gathering information. Monk points to Johnny Blackstone, a soldier on leave, as a suspect; however, attempts to stop further killings fail when Elizabeth Stride and Catherine Eddowes fall victim. Holmes sustains injuries confronting the murderer and faces damaging press accusations alleging his involvement. The killer then sends Holmes another message identifying himself as "Jack the Ripper."
Holmes uncovers that Constable Edward Bennett is the Ripper, using his police role to avoid suspicion and undermine Holmes. Despite this revelation, their surveillance only leads them to the scene of Mary Jane Kelly's murder. Progress arrives when Bennett’s contact at a newspaper exposes Bennett’s hideout containing horrific evidence.
Holmes and Watson confront Bennett at his mother's run-down home. After rescuing his blind, mentally ill mother from a fire Bennett ignited and saving a drugged yet living Mrs. Monk, Watson fatally shoots Bennett during the confrontation.
To avoid public alarm, the Home Secretary along with Mycroft Holmes orchestrate a cover-up of Bennett's identity, keeping the case officially unresolved while privately acknowledging its closure. As a discreet acknowledgment, Lestrade and Scotland Yard officers present Holmes with a commemorative cigarette case in honor of his critical role in ending the murders without public acclaim.
Reception
Dust and Shadow: An Account of the Ripper Killings by Dr. John H Watson has garnered generally favorable critiques. Tim Rutton from the Los Angeles Times applauded the novel for capturing "the essential element – Watson's voice." Caleb Carr, author of another Sherlock Holmes pastiche, praised Faye's debut for excelling "on every front, delivering exciting entertainment without overt exploitation." The Chicago Center for Literature and Photography awarded the book an 8.9 out of 10 rating.
See also
- Sherlock Holmes Versus Jack the Ripper, an adventure game developed by Frogware
External links
- Dust and Shadow available at Simon & Schuster