There are many shared elements between the three works, and while each featured their individual and unique qualities, I couldn’t help but wish Addison had done more to break away from the pack. Denning’s Warlock Holmes and The Affair of the Mysterious Letter by Alexis Hall came to mind frequently as I was reading The Angel of the Crows. In recent years, I’ve read a number of Sherlock retellings, and in particular, G.S. I think that’s why I finished this novel feeling like I wanted more. While the concept of Sherlock Holmes as an outcast angel is a fascinating one, a fantasy twist on the original source material certainly isn’t new. Meanwhile, fans of the original Sherlock stories will also be able to enjoy re-imaginings of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic tales, including A Study in Scarlet, The Sign of the Four, The Hound of the Baskervilles and other such favorites-all seen through an inventive, supernatural lens. It’s up to Crow and Doyle to solve the mystery of his identity and stop his reign of terror on the city. At the moment, a ruthless killer known as Jack the Ripper stalks the streets, taunting Scotland Yard with the butchered bodies of his victims.
As London is his domain, Crows feels obligated to lend his services to the police whenever they need help cracking a tough case. The rest readers can probably work out for themselves. The search for a new roommate leads him to 221B Baker Street, where he meets the inimitable Crow, the declared Angel of London. He’s also a hellhound, recently come home after sustaining an injury from a fallen angel in the war, where he served as a military doctor. Opening in an 1880s alternate London, our story is told through the eyes of Doyle, our “Watson” in this retelling. Its unique provenance resulted in some hiccups, it’s true but on the flip side, there’s no denying the author’s passion for her work behind every word. It certainly wasn’t the book I thought it was going to be, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, especially since it was so very obvious a pet project for Katherine Addison, who explained in her author’s note the concept of “wingfic” and the impetus behind this novel. Sherlock Holmes with angels-which is pretty much The Angel of the Crows in a nutshell. The Angel of the Crows by Katherine Addison This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own. I received a review copy from the publisher.
Book Review: The Angel of the Crows by Katherine Addison
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