Paula Hammond’s novel “A World of Wolves: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery” brings us a brutal case based on a horrifying reality of Victorian times. The first incident, in 1868, is an investigation carried out when Sherlock Holmes was a teenager. Sherlock, with older brother Mycroft’s help, is still developing his observation and deduction skills. He and Mycroft are called to Cambridge to investigate a murder. They assist the police in finding the culprits but the case changes both men and provides insights into the traits the two men develop that will later define them.

Then, in 1893, while Holmes is presumed dead after Reichenbach Falls, Lestrade asks Dr. Watson to assist with solving a puzzling and gruesome murder. They make great strides, but in the end, they can only take the investigation so far. It’s not until Holmes’s return that the pieces are finally put together to reveal one can never escape justice.

I enjoyed this novel very much. I found the writing compelling and true to the style of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Ms. Hammond’s Sherlock, Mycroft, Watson and Lestrade stand up well to the original characters. The early experiences detailed for Sherlock and Mycroft are cleverly interwoven so that the reader can see how both men are changed.

Ms. Hammond also takes time at the end of the story to inform the reader, via a litany of “End Notes,” of various elements of nineteenth century history that are referenced throughout the novel. This demonstrates a significant level of dedication and commitment to provide a well-researched story. These notes provide some additional perspective in which to view the events and people during Holmes’s time. Lastly, there is some “brutal” documentation regarding the realities of Victorian society and morality concerning young girls.

You can get a copy of Ms. Hammond’s Holmes novel here.

Ms. Hammond has also published two well-received collections of Sherlock Holmes short stories titled “Sherlock Holmes: Eliminate the Impossible” and “The Infinitely Stranger Cases of Sherlock Holmes.” You will want to check out both collections. 

While you’re there, you can take a look at my novels here and here.