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)

Classic Dectives get no better than Sherlock Homes

Would you listen to Dust and Shadow again? Why?

Yes, defiantily a very instereting story and I do believe I missed some parts in the middle that might have helped me be as deductive as Sherlock.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Yeah. Constantly shifting and following the story of one of the worst serial killers of all time.

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

A british accent that is convincing : )

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

As it being a detective book, It makes you want to think a lot and really be a lot more like Mr. Sherlock Holmes.

Excellent Sherlock Holmes Story

Would you consider the audio edition of Dust and Shadow to be better than the print version?

I think this is a dumb question as listening to the book and reading it are two totally different things. Yes, I enjoyed listening to the book, but that is why I joined Audible...

Who was your favorite character and why?

I am a huge Sherlock fan, so I enjoyed all the primary characters. I also found the secondary characters well developed and added a great deal to the story.

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

I have not yet, but I believe I will definitely seek him out in the future as this was very well performed.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Pure Evil vs Pure Genius

Any additional comments?

As a huge Sherlock Holmes fans I find that often authors trying to spin off their own version fall flat. However, this did not disappoint. It was very true to form for a Sherlock story, sticking closely to the original Sherlock and Watson.

Nice job fitting into the Sherlock style.

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

First of all, I love listening to anything Simon Vance reads.

What a great mix for historical fiction,Jack the Ripper and Sherlock.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Sherlock and Mary Ann. She was better than The Women in the Doyle books. Mary Ann is much more interesting. Sherlock was still his quirky self.

Excellent!

Both author and narrator did a breathtakingly good job! Conan Doyle would have heartily approved!

If only

If only there had been a real Sherlock Holmes, this could precisely explain Jack the Ripper. An engrossing telling of one of history’s most puzzling mysteries.

Awesome, Not Just for Sherlock Holmes Fans

It's a great story, as Sherlock Holmes and Watson try to catch Jack the Ripper. Compelling story, great plot twists. It's particularly good if you've found yourself wishing Holmes stories were more in-depth. But, this is a great mystery even if you're not a Homes aficionado. My only nit is the narrator could better differentiate the voices of Holmes and Watson, but you'll get used to the subtle distinction soon enough. Awesome book!

Fantastic performance of an authentic feeling Holmes story.

I love Sherlock Holmes and Watson and have found Lindsay Faye’s version to be well written and believable. Simon Vance is as always a superb narrator.

Superb in every detail

There have been other imaginings of Holmes and Watson vs. every kind of villain. Even Holmes vs. Jack the Ripper. Faye, and the incredible performance by Simon Vance, leave all of those efforts in the shade. Throughout, I felt I was hearing authentic A. C. Doyle, and yet, a depth of feeling that was refreshing, but entirely in keeping with two of literature's most enduring and beloved characters. It is a credit to Faye that such familiar material, the Ripper case, was made fresh, chilling, and exciting yet again.

Perfect!

15 Words

Trilling story ,very enjoyable reading
Good narrations
Recommend it
A b c d

Just as good as Conan Doyle himself!

I have not enjoyed the Sherlock Holmes stories by other authors. I appreciate their attempts, but they are not the same. This author nailed it, it was almost as if it was one of the original stories. I am going to download some of her other books about Sherlock Holmes. If your an aficionado, I highly recommend this book. And she's a girl! I was able to only deduce one nod towards feminism, but other than that the story was excellent!!! Also, there is no other narrator for Sherlock Holmes but Simon Vance. Dr. Watson would be pleased.