A story of the seventeen year old Sherlock Holmes - the highly intelligent and somewhat misunderstood youngest son of a very demanding father. The lonely Sherlock finds a friend when he offers to help Violet Rushdale, the daughter of one of his father's tenant farmers, as she struggles to provide for herself and her widowed alcoholic father. As the young pair share their brief moments of free time, love blossoms.

If this were merely a story of first love, it would be (and is) quite charming. But this is Sherlock Holmes we're talking about, so we know the lovers' course will not be a smooth one. Enter Squire Holmes' choice of tutor for young Sherlock - the mysterious Professor Moriarty.

A thrilling battle of wits and wills ensues, replete with angry fathers, a stormy night on the moors, the threat of madness, and the beginnings of drug addiction. Possible origins of several facets of the Sherlock Holmes ouevre are introduced, making the story ever more fascinating.

Highly recommended for fans of Sherlock Holmes (of course), but also for those who enjoy the Brontes and historical fiction set in the 19th century. A great read. ( )