Book Blurb

Sometimes, our deepest fear is not the darkness but the light that blinds.

If you loved Conan Doyle’s, The Hound of the Baskerville, prepare to be enthralled by KD Sherrinford’s captivating follow-up, The Whistle of Revenge.

The deadly antagonist, Jack Stapleton, makes a spectacular return to the city of Milan in pursuit of his old nemesis, the celebrated Detective Sherlock Holmes.

Adopting the enigmatic persona of Janus, a vengeful Stapleton, along with the Italian mafia, wreak havoc on the Italian horse racing fraternity and fledgling car manufacturing industry, and kidnapping Holmes’s beloved son as part of their evil and well-executed master plan—Operation Whistle.

Will Holmes, Irene Adler, and their trusted ally, Inspector Romano, crack the code, rescue the boy, and unmask the deadly Janus?

Set against the backdrop of modern Milan, mind games and misdeeds of the highest order play out as the story reaches its thrilling and memorable conclusion.

KATHERINE BLACK REVIEW

This book is fourth in the series and I’ve read two of them. It’s a brilliant continuation of the Sherlock Holmes and Irene Adler Mysteries. The series bridges the literary tradition of Arthur Conan Doyle with the author’s narrative and the blend is beautiful in a modern take on the classics, while still being set in the 1880s.

The ability to channel the spirit of the Victorian era is wonderful and the writing evokes shadows of Conan Doyle’s charming stories but brings a distinctive and original identity. The vivid depictions of Europe, especially Milan, are created with stunning descriptive pictures. We are invited to the grandeur of the opera, and historical horse racing events. We see the burgeoning influence of new industries being born as horses give way to Ford, and we witness further the splitting of the classes. The prose is effortless transporting readers into a world of society and elegance. Cut Irene in two and she would have lady written to her core. She personifies elegance and prim sophistication, even when taken in by the kidnappers.

The meticulous research and expertise of the author is apparent. Her integration of art, opera, and historical facts is seamless and elevates the narrative to an educational experience and an excellent and entertaining read. It’s never dull or preachy. Every detail and nuance of 19th-century society is so precise that the reader can trust the authenticity without needing to fact-check. If Sherrinford says it’s right—you can bet your last penny farthing that it is. The depth of history, combined with thrilling plot twists and the interplay between the Saporis makes it a satisfying and intelligent read. The author’s skill breathes new life into familiar characters while crafting a fresh, compelling narrative perfect for fans of classic and more and contemporary mysteries.

My favourite character is Nicco. Sometimes he seems far older than his years, but I suppose that comes of having Sherlock Holmes as your father. The graveyard scenes were dark and compelling and I have to hark back to the accomplished description. I liked the way he followed in his father’s footsteps and left cryptic clues regarding his capture.

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About KD Sherrinford

KD Sherrinford is a multi-award-winning International author. She was born and raised in Preston, Lancashire, and now lives on the Fylde Coast with her husband, John and their two children—an avid reader from an early age. KD loved the mystery writers Conan Doyle, and Agatha Christie was her favourite. She read the entire Conan Doyle canon by age 13.

KD had a varied career, working with thoroughbred horses and racing greyhounds. To mix things up, she joined Countrywide and became a Fellow of The National Association of Estate Agents. Retirement finally allowed KD the time to write her multi-award-winning debut novel, ” Song for Someone.” KD got the idea for the story after a visit to The Sherlock Holmes Museum on Baker Street in 2019; KD has always wanted to write about the iconic character Irene Adler.

A talented pianist from age six, the music from some of KD’s favourite composers, Beethoven, Wagner, and Stephen Foster, all feature strongly in her writing. .” Song for Someone “was awarded The Editors Choice Gold Seal Medal in 2022 and received critical acclaim from Book Viral, Readers Favorite, Literary Titan and The Historical Fiction Company, which described” Song for Someone” as an evocative masterpiece and a book that stands out in contemporary literature.

The novel was a recent Finalist at The Chanticleers International Book Awards- The Chatelaine. ” Christmas at The Saporis” was published last December. The third book, ” Meet Me In Milan”, went live on the 29th of September 2023. This thrilling Trilogy was Shortlisted for The CIBA’s Series Book Awards in Genre Fiction.

KD Sherrinford is a member of The CWA, the RNA and the LWA. Her short, cosy mystery ” A Bit of a Do” was published in Marla Breeden’s Limited Edition Anthology, entitled ” Malice Matrimony and Murder “On the 13th of November 2023. Twenty-five original short, cosy mysteries from international authors, including Deringer and Agatha Finalists, CWA members, and recipients of The Editors Gold Seal, KD is very proud to be a part of this fabulous collection.

Book four of the Sherlock Holmes and Irene Adler Mysters, the much anticipated ” The Whistle of Revenge” was released in 2025. You can reach KD on her Facebook author page.

S A Griffiths

Holmes is back at his best

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 31 December 2024

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While living in Milan, Sherlock and Irene Adler’s peaceful life is rocked when their son Nicco is kidnapped. Upset, Sherlock must put his feelings aside and once again become Holmes, the brilliant cold and calculating detective in order to find him. But could this cold aloofness put a wedge between him and Irene and destroy their relationship? It soon becomes clear that an old enemy from the past, previously thought dead is out for revenge and put in the mix a conspiracy of horse doping, art theft and terrorism this could be one of Sherlock’s hardest cases to date. It’s great to see Nicco is a chip of the old block and although imprisoned he is able to send clues to his father and mother to help them find him. If you are a fan of Arthur Conan Doyle then you will love this. And if you have read KD Sherrinford’s books before you will know how much of a great job she does bringing the detective to life. This is no exception and I reckon it is the best one yet. I hope there is more to come.

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Ryan Hale

A Solid Gold Achievement

Reviewed in the United States on 31 December 2024

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K.D. Sherrinford’s The Whistle of Revenge is, without a doubt, a masterwork that commands attention. The cover, resplendent in gold, is a fitting herald to the treasure within—the fourth installment of a series that continues to elevate itself with each page. In this thrilling tale, Sherrinford takes readers into uncharted waters, presenting Sherlock Holmes and Irene Adler with a case of unimaginable complexity, one that will test their intellect and heart in equal measure.

The kidnapping of their young son, Nicco, serves as the heart-wrenching catalyst for a most perilous investigation. A fiend, long believed dead, returns to wreak havoc in a quest for revenge against Holmes, the man he holds responsible for the death of his wife. This villain, known only as “Jack Stapleton,” is a figure of pure malevolence, his criminal ingenuity ranging from art theft to horse-race fixing, and extending into the sinister realms of terrorism and extortion.

Sherrinford has crafted a tale that balances the cerebral with the visceral. The tension mounts with every chapter, as Holmes and Adler navigate a web of intrigue, betrayal, and danger. But it is the emotional stakes that truly distinguish The Whistle of Revenge. As Holmes faces the unthinkable—his son’s life hanging in the balance—the reader is drawn not only into the mystery but into the very soul of the detective. Nicco emerges strongly, as the apple falls close to the tree.

A true triumph, The Whistle of Revenge is a gripping page-turner that will leave readers eagerly awaiting the next installment. Five stars for a novel that blends intellect, heart, and pure suspense into a literary masterpiece.

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S Saywack

A fabulous read

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 5 January 2025

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A fabulous read. Told by several different narrators, including the criminals, we follow the investigation of the kidnap of Holmes and Adler’s eldest child. The mystery of the abductors slowly emerges and as the plot unravels there are more surprises. I enjoyed this mystery. It’s an easy read holds up well against the others in the series (probably the best of them, to my mind). Holmes at both his calculating best and his most romantic.

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