Sherlock Holmes and the Hellfire Heirs

By: Margaret Walsh

Narrated by: Kevin E Green

Length: 4 hrs and 12 mins

Publisher's summary

When Mrs. Hudson asks Holmes and Watson to find a missing girl, neither men expected what they would find.

Along with Lestrade, they are plunged into a case of abduction and murder. As they race from Marylebone, to Finchley, to Wapping, and back again, time is running out for them to solve the case without further casualties. With two of their own under threat, the pressure is mounting to catch and stop the group known as "Hellfire Heirs".

But just who are the shadowy men known as "The Hellfire Heirs"?

©2023 Margaret Walsh (P)2023 MX Publishing

Great story of a sensitive issue

Sherlock Holmes and the Hellfire Heirs by Margaret Walsh involves a case of kidnapping and human trafficking in Victorian England. The aunt of a missing girl approaches Sherlock Holmes to find out what happened to her niece. As Holmes & Watson investigate, they realize its a bigger criminal enterprise and get help from Scotland Yard and others. The writing is rich and evokes the atmosphere of Victorian times. The details, such as the description of the meals,are a treat. narration by Kevin E. Green is outstanding. His performance enhances the suspense and brings the story and characters to life. Highly recommend this book and author.

Excellent Story & Narration. Lacking deductions

A very good story with a good plot and characters. The narration is consistent and professional, very well done.

The story is Sherlockian in its characters, setting and patterns, but it lacks much use of deduction or revealed mystery.

Too Heavenly for Hellfire

Margaret Walsh's audiobook, "Sherlock Holmes and the Hellfire Heirs," is an absolute delight that deserves every bit of praise it receives. From the very first moment I pressed play, I was transported to the fog-shrouded streets of Victorian London, and I remained thoroughly captivated throughout the entire experience. With every word, Walsh showcases her impressive mastery of London Street cant, immersing listeners in a world of historical authenticity that is nothing short of remarkable.

One of the standout aspects of Walsh's storytelling is the meticulous attention to detail she provides. From the sumptuous descriptions of meals that practically tantalize the taste buds to the vividly painted scenes that capture the ambiance of 19th-century London, her ability to craft a sensory experience is truly exceptional. It's as if she has a time machine that allows her to step into the past and bring it to life for her audience. I found myself not only visualizing the scenes but also feeling the dampness of the cobblestone streets underfoot and even catching the occasional whiff of the city's distinctive aromas. Her portrayal of Victorian London is so vivid that it becomes a character in its own right.

In addition to the richly textured setting, Walsh has breathed new life into well-known characters from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's canon. Inspector Lestrade, in particular, stands out as a shining gem in her adaptation. Through her skillful writing, Lestrade emerges as a new, but interesting portrayal of the character. She infuses him with depth and personality, making him feel like an old friend we're reuniting with, rather than a character from a classic detective story. Walsh's Lestrade is a testament to her ability to capture the essence of beloved literary figures while adding her own unique touch.

Dorothy, a recurring character in Walsh's works, is another compelling creation. With each appearance, Dorothy proves to be a complex and engaging character who adds depth and intrigue to the narrative. It's a testament to Walsh's storytelling prowess that she can seamlessly weave original characters into the Sherlock Holmes universe, making them feel like an integral part of the world she's built.

What truly sets Margaret Walsh apart as an author is her remarkable ability to evoke a sense of time and place. As I listened to "Sherlock Holmes and the Hellfire Heirs," I felt as though I had stepped back in time and was walking alongside Holmes and Watson as they navigated the gaslit streets of London. Walsh's attention to historical accuracy and her dedication to creating a believable Victorian world are nothing short of impressive. She has a gift for making history come alive, and it's a gift that she shares generously with her listeners.

The writing style in this audiobook is a true testament to Walsh's talent as a storyteller. Her prose flows effortlessly, pulling the audience into the narrative with its vivid descriptions and engaging dialogue. The pacing is impeccable, ensuring that the story never loses momentum. Walsh strikes a perfect balance between mystery, suspense, and character development, making for an incredibly satisfying listening experience.

Of course, the narration by Kevin E. Green deserves its own accolades. Green's voice is the ideal companion to Walsh's words, and his performance adds an extra layer of immersion to the audiobook. His command of tone, accent, and character differentiation is nothing short of exceptional. Green brings each character to life, making it easy for listeners to distinguish between Holmes, Watson, Lestrade, and the various other characters that populate the story. His narration is dynamic, enhancing the tension during thrilling moments and infusing warmth and depth into quieter, character-driven scenes. Green's contribution to "Sherlock Holmes and the Hellfire Heirs" is nothing short of outstanding.

"Sherlock Holmes and the Hellfire Heirs" by Margaret Walsh is a masterpiece of historical fiction and detective storytelling. With her impeccable use of London Street cant, meticulous historical research, and captivating attention to detail, Walsh transports listeners to the heart of Victorian London. Her characters, particularly Inspector Lestrade and the enigmatic Dorothy, shine brilliantly against this backdrop. Walsh's writing style is a true delight, and Kevin E. Green's narration is a perfect complement to her storytelling. If you're a fan of Sherlock Holmes, historical fiction, or simply a well-crafted mystery, I wholeheartedly recommend this audiobook. Margaret Walsh has not only paid homage to a beloved literary icon but has also carved out her own place among the greats of detective fiction. This is a must-listen for anyone who appreciates exceptional storytelling and vivid historical settings.

Dedicated Sherlock Holmes Fan, Highly recommend!

I've been reading Sherlock Holmes mysteries for 45 years now. This masterpiece, written by Margaret Walsh, has a richly woven story line, with surprising twists and turns that made this mystery lover want the story to never end! Excellent narration as well!

Who knew Sherlock Holmes was a gourmet?

Another entertaining story, though I have a few very minor quibbles. First, there is what feels to me an inordinate amount of attention paid to meals. Every time I hit one of those, it reminds me I’m not reading the Canon. Second, this story feels more like an adventure of Sherlock Holmes, Dr. Watson, and Inspector Lestrade. Holmes is traveling all over London in a police carriage, and Lestrade is in most scenes.

Also, I feel like Mycroft is overly present, and used almost as a deus ex machina. Again, it takes me out of the illusion I’m back in ACD’s Baker Street.

However, the reader is fantastic! As far as I am concerned, he can read all future Holmes audio books.

Still and all, a good read, and a good overall “feel” for Baker Street. Worth a listen, in my opinion.

Garbage

If you want a lecture on Victorian prostitution and the white slave trade by all means have at it. This book is trash wrapped in a " Sherlock Holmes" mystery. Boorish and lengthy, I couldn't get through it even having it read to me.