Format: Hardcover, 352 pages
Release Date: June 15, 2021
Publisher: Minotaur Books
Source: Publisher
Genre: Mystery / Historical
A continuation of USA Today bestselling author Leonard Goldberg's Daughter of Sherlock Holmes series, The Abduction of Pretty Penny finds Joanna and the Watson's on the tail of an infamous killer.
Joanna and the Watson's are called in by the Whitechapel Playhouse to
find Pretty Penny, a lovely, young actress who has gone missing without
reason or notice. While on their search, the trio is asked by Scotland
Yard to join in the hunt for a vicious murderer whose method resembles
that of Jack The Ripper. It soon becomes clear that The Ripper has
reemerged after a 28-year absence and is once again murdering young
prostitutes in Whitechapel.
Following a line of subtle clues,
Joanna quickly reasons that Pretty Penny has been taken capture by the
killer. But as Joanna moves closer to learning his true identity, the
killer sends her a letter indicating her young son Johnny will be the
next victim to die. Time is running out, and Joanna has no choice but to
devise a most dangerous plan which will bring her face-to-face with the
killer. It is the only chance to protect her son and rescue Pretty
Penny, and save both from an agonizing death.
"The little things are infinity the most important."
The Abduction of Pretty Penny, by author Leonard Goldberg, is the Fifth installment in The Daughter of Sherlock Holmes Mysteries series. Joanna, (daughter of Sherlock Holmes), joined by her husband John, (son of Dr. Watson who is chronicling Joanna's adventures), and by Dr. John Watson, (long time friend and partner of Sherlock), are commissioned to find a local playhouse actress named Pretty Penny who has gone missing. Pretty Penny is the stage name of a young actress in Whitechapel Playhouse who has been kidnapped.
Young Penny Martin, "Pretty Penny", has been admired for her role as Juliet in the Shakespeare play. Her presence on stage is renowned not only for her beauty, but also for the aire of her finesse for one so young. It appears that Penny was partaking in late night dinners with a mysterious gentleman. Exactly who is this unknown man and is he responsible for her kidnapping? As the ”Unfortunates” (prostitutes) body counts begins to increase, in the same gruesome and remarkable way that Jack the Ripper was known for, torturing his victims while yet still alive, dissecting, killing them, it becomes clear that Jack has returned. But why has he resurfaced after 30 years?
With constant taunting's from Jack, Joanna and family get hit with the stark reality that Jack might go after someone precious to the family. What better than to kidnap and kill Little John, Sherlock’s Holmes grandson, thereby making a name forever by defeating Sherlock Holmes himself, by way of Sherlock’s daughter, Joanna. As the investigation goes deeper, secret after secret is unlocked and more lives are at stake. They are dealing with someone dark, someone evil, someone who mocks.
With a bit of help from Toby Too, as well as The Irregulars who have unique skill sets, as well as Joanna using her self as bait, the question is whether or not Joanna can solve the mystery before Jack takes another victim. The Victorian vernacular, historical bits and fascinating characters contribute to this suspenseful book filled with the right level of tension and sticky webs of deceit. As a reviewer, I tend to over analyze things like the fact that Joanna smokes Turkish cigarettes like a chimney. At some point, John and Dr. Watson need to address the possible health implications for Joanna as well as her son who seems ready to step into the shoes of his legendary grandfather.
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