Dust and Shadow

An Account of the Ripper Killings by Dr. John H. Watson

By: Lyndsay Faye

Narrated by: Simon Vance

Length: 9 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

Breathless and painstakingly researched, this is a stunning debut mystery in which Sherlock Holmes unmasks Jack the Ripper. Lyndsay Faye perfectly captures all the color and syntax of Conan Doyle’s distinctive 19th-century London.

In Dust and Shadow, Sherlock Holmes hunts down Jack the Ripper—the world’s first serial killer—with impeccably accurate historical detail and without the advantage of modern forensics or profiling. Sherlock’s desire to stop the killer who is terrifying the East End of London is unwavering from the start, and in an effort to do so he hires an “unfortunate” known as Mary Ann Monk, the friend of a fellow streetwalker who was one of the Ripper’s earliest victims. However, when Holmes himself is wounded in Whitechapel attempting to catch the villain and a series of articles in the popular press question his role in the crimes, he must use all his resources in a desperate race to find the man known as “The Knife” before it is too late.

Penned as a pastiche by the loyal and courageous Dr. Watson, this debut signals the arrival of a tremendous talent in the mystery and historical fiction genres.

©2009 Lyndsay Faye (P)2010 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“Impressive…Sherlockians will hope to see further pastiches of this quality from Faye.” ( Publishers Weekly)

“An exciting and grimly vivid tale that confronts the murderous Jack the Ripper with A. Conan Doyle’s immortal detective better than ever before.” (Conan Doyle Estate)

“At long last, an author of rare talent combines a thorough, enthusiastic knowledge of the Sherlock Holmes canon with truly rigorous research into, and respect for, the Jack the Ripper killings.” (Caleb Carr, New York Times best-selling author)

Wow a Sherlock that is a bit different

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. While the identity of Jack is still "in the wind," this book offers one. I found the Sherlock more real than he of the Basil Rathbone movies.

Superb Sherlock Holmes!

A flawless recreation of the tone, language and personality of the world's most famous detective. I have read and reread the original tales of Sherlock Holmes many times over and have enjoyed them immensely as literature, film, and television. But I have also secretly wished that I could read a new story, a new adventure. That I might rediscover the rapt fascination and suspense of following Sherlock that I once had as a child when these tales were true mysteries. This book has given me exactly that. The cadence and mannerisms are completely in sync with the original vision. And while an extremely creative mind is required to develop such minutiae as makes a Holmes story work, that same creativity seems to seek to change other aspects of the place or the cold equation that makes Holmes and Watson what they are. It requires a great creativity accompanied by an equally great humility to invent within the boundaries laid down so long ago. Kudos. I'll be purchasing any another novel Lyndsay Faye cares to write about the great detective.

Fascinating story

Where does Dust and Shadow rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

In the top ten.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I liked the Miss Monk character. I loved how the author brought this "unfortunate" into the role of an accomplice to Holmes' detective work. She was intelligent and resourceful as well as courageous and Holmes and Watson recognized these characteristics and hired her to assist in the investigation. It changed her life.

Which scene was your favorite?

There are so many but the scene when Watson, Monk and the journalist, went into the editor's office to pull a prank is probably my favorite.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When Holmes risked his life to save Miss Monk.

Any additional comments?

Excellent story. I've always been fascinated with this time period in East London and the Ripper murders. Having Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson as fictional investigators in this historic case was especially compelling. Great narration also.

Not bad

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I think I would. It's a pretty good book. It does drag in spots, and I think overall it's a bit long and wordy for the whole plot, but overall, the story is good, the research has obviously been done and is great, and who doesn't love Sherlock Holmes, after all?

Have you listened to any of Simon Vance’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Simon Vance is a master, that's no secret.

Diffirent Strokes

I remember enjoying Holmes stories as a child. At the time, those stories were light and amusing. However, in reading Dust and Shadow, I'm struck by how condescending, arrogant and downright annoying Holmes can be. The Sherlock Holmes in this story is irritating beyond belief. And what is wrong with Dr. Watson? His hero worship and absolute adoration of Sherlock Holmes is actually sad and pathetic. I kept waiting Watson to confess his romantic feelings for Holmes.

Excellent read with fantastic reader!

Loved the entire caper! Added bonus of wicked humor. Mr Vance's characters were easy to follow. I felt like I was watching a play

Jack the Ripper meets Holmes and Watson

If you could sum up Dust and Shadow in three words, what would they be?

Engrossing character driven and challenging

What did you like best about this story?

I am a huge fan of Sherlock Holmes and many if the books using the great detective are disappointing. This was not. This Sherlock is a bit less caustic than Doyle's Sherlock. But it was close enough that I became lost in the story.

What does Simon Vance bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I've listened to quite a few books narrated by Mr. Vance and have yet to be disappointed. He brings the first material to life and is adept at using his voice to differential characters without sounding over the top.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Many. But the loyalty Holmes and Watson have for one another and the loyalty they bring out in others literally saves their lives near the end of the book.

A great twist

A great story with a new twist. You can never go wrong with the ture first great detective.

happily surprised

Was skeptical at first since I'm a huge fan of all the original works and it's often difficult to duplicate an author, but this book does it marvelously! True to form and incredibly well done, I could listen to it again! This author is talented in her own right.

As if Arthur Conan Doyle were still writing

Where does Dust and Shadow rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This was fun, terribly fun. How can a book about the Ripper killings be fun? It is fun because the murderer is caught, by none other than Sherlock Holmes! The feeling of London in 1888 is accurately described. I am absolutely no expert of either Sir Conan Doyle or the Ripper killings, but having listened to this book I feel I am well acquainted with both now.

If you are worried that the story could be too gory, don’t worry. It isn’t. The delight you get from this book is how Sherlock Holmes solves the crime. You will love meeting him. He is so clever. And don’t forget Watson, who writes it all out for us. You come to know him too. Two marvelous people brought to us from the distant past. You will love them for their skill and for their words. They will have you smiling as you listen to their thoughts and speeches and explanations. Me, I need to laugh when I am reading about a terrible event.

Simon Vance’s narration is impeccable. The narration could in absolutely no way be improved. If you listen to the book with your eyes closed you will feel that you are in London, the date is 1888 and Watson, Sherlock Holmes and the other characters are speaking to you.

This book is pure FUN! I have heard that The Gods of Gotham by this author is even better. Really? I will have to find out. This is a complete new genre for me. I never thought I would enjoy solving a mystery! Do I like it so because it has an historical setting? Do I like it so because the Ripper killings did happen? I don’t know. I just know I truly enjoyed every minute spent listening.