Book Review: Warlock Holmes: The Sign of Nine by G.S. Denning
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
Warlock Holmes: The Sign of Nine by G.S. Denning
Mogsy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Genre: Fantasy
Series: Book 4 of Warlock Holmes
Publisher: Titan Books (May 21, 2019)
Length: 400 pages
Author Information: Website | Twitter
The fourth Warlock Holmes book kind of snuck up on me, but it was met with welcome joy because of how much I love this series. I can always count on G.S. Denning’s sense of humor to make me laugh, and I was definitely not disappointed! The Sign of Nine might be my favorite since A Study in Brimstone, and even just the first chapter had rolling with laughter.
But first, a quick crash course for the uninitiated: Warlock Holmes is a creative reimagining of Sherlock Holmes, as you might have already guessed, cleverly injecting paranormal elements into the classic literary tales about the beloved detective character. However, what makes this series different—and why you should check it out—is its satirical spin, for in Denning’s retelling, Holmes is less of a brilliant deductive mastermind and more of a bumbling, incompetent idiot. For all that he can cast spells, read dreams, and commune with demons, on most days Warlock can hardly be counted upon to conduct his own business or even make his own tea without burning the house down around him. The truth is, the real genius living at 221B Baker Street is John Watson, Warlock’s more sensible and capable partner who helps keeps everyone in line and the place running smoothly.
But in the wake of My Grave Ritual, Watson has become seriously incapacitated by illness, his bloodstream having been contaminated by the essence of a sorcerer mummy which now gives him the power of prophetic dreams. In addition, he cannot seem to stop thinking about Irene Adler, the femme fatale who has become his latest obsession. This has caused Warlock Holmes no small amount of consternation and guilt, believing himself to be the cause of his partner’s injuries and misfortunes. Stepping up to become a better person, Holmes also attempts to distance himself from Watson in order to protect him from further harm.
Watson, however, would have none of it. Like the previous volumes, The Sign of Nine is presented as a series of short tales chronicling the adventures of the two men, as told from Watson’s point-of-view. Needless to say, the sudden reversal in their roles has made him cranky and indignant. Four books in though, it’s heartening to see how much their relationship has developed, and I’m also enjoying this fresh take on their usual dynamic. Watson, who has always prided himself on his intelligence and sophistication, is now shocked to find he has become the slovenly and unstable one. Holmes, on the other hand, has become the caregiver, looking out for Watson and making sure he doesn’t leave the house without putting on pants.
Fortunately, these changes have not affected the rhythm or tone of the humor, merely shifted it in a different direction so we can appreciate it from another angle. Watson is as witty as ever, and if anything, he’s even funnier in this book with a more sardonic and snarkier edge to his humor. Likewise, Warlock Holmes is still a loveable, blundering weirdo. Also, while I found the comedy in last couple of volumes to be slightly more slapstick, this one returns to a more balanced state between the subtle and the unsubtle, very similar to the way it was in A Study in Brimstone. Thing is, I don’t typically do well with too much silliness or juvenile humor, which is why, unsurprisingly, my favorite part of the book was all the clever wisecracks and rejoinders in the dialogue, not to mention how it was mostly the story’s satirical components that made me laugh. That said, Denning does silliness and slapstick in such a genuine, passionate and down-to-earth way that it’s hard to fault him too much, even when he’s pushing things over the top.
Speaking of which, the source material for Warlock Holmes is clearly just as important to the author as his creations, because he goes to great lengths to try and incorporate elements the original tales into this world in which Holmes is a warlock, Inspector Lestrade is a vampire, and Tobias Gregson is Torg Grogsson, an ogre. You can tell Denning is having a blast writing these books because a lot of that enthusiasm is transferred to the reader, explaining why even the shorter and less eventful tales were so enjoyable to read.
Here’s hoping that there will be more Warlock Holmes books in the future, especially with the larger series plot arc with Moriarty still unresolved. I’ve come to care a lot about these characters, and I can’t wait for another adventure with them.
More on The BiblioSanctum:
Review of A Study in Brimstone (Book 1)
Review of The Hell-Hound of the Baskervilles (Book 2)
Review of My Grave Ritual (Book 3)
The BiblioSanctum 
Book 4 already and I haven’t started – story of my life. I do own the first two and I’m excited to see the 4th one getting such a high rating from you. I think I’ll enjoy these when I finally find time.
LikeLike
Yep, book four and I’m sure there’s at least one more!
LikeLike
Every time I read one of your reviews of this series I’m so tempted to check it out😁
LikeLike
They’re really funny – great for when you need a bit of humor in your reading 🙂
LikeLike
OhI didn’t know abou this one but it looks like a good series and I’m curious!
LikeLike
I’m having a lot of fun with this series 😀
LikeLike
This is a very interesting take on the Holmes myth, and what I like is the concept of the role reversal that here gets flipped again: something tells me that there must be some intriguing characterization here, to nicely balance the humor.
One of these days I will have to give these books a try… Thanks for sharing! 🙂
LikeLike
Haha yes, with each reversal is another layer of interest and entertainment into the Holmes/Watson dynamic, I am loving how this series is keeping me on my toes 😀
LikeLike
To read before the series is complete or not to read? This is a very serious question, the state of my TBR being what it is… 😉 But it definitely sounds like fun!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah if I’m not reading a series from the beginning or keeping up with it, I generally like to wait until it’s done to binge all the books at once. I have no idea what the plan is with these books though, literally the only way I find out there is a new WH book coming is when the publisher contacts me, lol!
LikeLiked by 1 person
For my sake I hope he wraps up an overall storyline in book 5. I’d really like to read these 😀
LikeLike
I should just follow the author on Facebook/Twitter and keep up to date on what’s up. At the same time, I kinda enjoyed being surprised with the news of a new WH book out of nowhere 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad you enjoyed this, but I have to confess just the title alone makes wary of the book
LikeLike
I can understand, certain styles of humor can be so hit or miss.
LikeLike
These sound fun. Would you consider them retellings? I need a book with a Vampire for my retelling square for bingo…lol
LikeLike
Yep, I would say so! Especially the first book. The author likes to play on the real Sherlock Holmes titles 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awesome
LikeLike
I think I read the first one!
LikeLike
That one was so funny. Instantly hooked for me 😀
LikeLike
Why have I never heard of this series?! 🙂
LikeLike
Seriously, I don’t think it gets the attention it deserves 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love your Warlock Holmes reviews! I don’t know, I vicariously enjoy the series through your thoughts, though I know I probably should read the series for myself; it sounds right up my alley. The reversals in behaviors between Watson and Warlock does sound rather fun, and I’m glad the humor landed for you once again!
LikeLike
Me too, I like slapstick once in a while, but too much and it can get tiresome. I’m glad this book returned to a better balance of silliness and clever satire 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I cant believe it – book 4 and I still haven’t started what appears to be an excellent series, and me calling myself a Holmes fan. What is going on in the world! I think I’ve bought the first two books as well. Drat everything.
I simply have to find some more time.
Lynn 😀
LikeLike
Pingback: Mogsy’s Bookshelf Roundup: Stacking the Shelves & Recent Reads | The BiblioSanctum
I’ve always liked the covers for this series. I like that kind of style.
LikeLike
These books are THE BEST. I tell everyone I meet, and they always either say “I’ve read them, I love them!” Or “I need to read that next!” LOL!
LikeLike
Pingback: Book Review: Warlock Holmes: The Finality Problem by G.S. Denning | The BiblioSanctum