The Angel of the Crows

The Angel of the Crows
Katherine Addison, 2020

Premise: You've probably heard this story. An injured doctor returns from the war and meets an eccentric detective in need of a roommate. You've never heard it like this. 

I honestly forgot this was a Holmes pastiche in the time between putting it on my to read list and starting to read it. So it was rather delightful to realize that I was reading a most unconventional reinterpretation of one of my favorite things, by one of my favorite authors. 

Dr. J. H. Doyle (Watson) is our narrator, as usual. The plot is strung together from variations on multiple Holmes tales, adding in a throughline about Jack the Ripper and some other original elements. For me, the repetition of familiar scenarios felt cozy, not like I was cheated at all, plus the old stories are all new again as we hear from characters who had little or no time to tell their stories in the original or find unexpected solutions to the mysteries.

Plus, it's set in a delightful steampunk supernatural kind of world. There are angels and vampires and werewolves and other, stranger things wandering the London streets. Doyle returns to Britain on some kind of airship. 

But Crow (Holmes) is a marvel. I just want to hug this book. Crow takes all the inhumanity that Holmes can have and gives a reason for it, but highlights the deep caring, protective streak, humor, and joy that many adaptations downplay. 

Add in some commentary about colonialism, gender bending, and patriarchy, plus a lot of hinted at but sadly not fully explored supernatural politics and societies, and you've got plenty to enjoy in one book. 

This is unapologetic about its fanfic roots, and it probably isn't for everyone, and I couldn't care less. It was absolutely written for me. 

5 Stars - A Joy to Read