I like this take on Sherlock Holmes. Showing him when he was younger and explaining where he learned to use his mind in such an elaborate manner. I like most of the characters such as Amycus Crowe, Virginia and Matty. The other characters were a little bit blunt for me. Sure, Sherringford and his wife have their own little tics but they stay boring and flat. Same for Mrs Eglatine. The only thing I know is that she doesn't like Sherlock for whatever reason. The whole thing with Mycroft's letter and that she isn't a friend of the family, could have been worked out better. I hope to see her again in the other books. I also very much enjoyed the foreshadowing, e.g. that he got his first taste of Laudanum and actually kind of liked it. He withstands his feelings but we all know where that ended in his adult life. I also have the very distinct feeling that Virginia Crowe, being red-headed and the daughter of a hunter, could establish herself under a different name and in her later years, outwit Sherlock Holmes. Being the only woman who was ever able to do that... Now with the story. It was well written and a great case. I liked the plan of the villain. Only the villain wasn't that good. His motives were kind of understandable but also seemed a bit forced. Furthermore, being crippled in such a manner in that day and age would've lead to his death even if he had survived being trampled on by hundreds of British soldiers. I don't know, for me the villain was artificial. Nevertheless, I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series, learning more about Sherlock's youth and his family.

2.5 stars because I just didn't care about it...maybe I would have enjoyed it more at a younger age. The story was ok, but the side characters like Virginia and Sherlock' s family were rather stereotypical. I also couldn't connect to the villain of the story, his motives and actions didn't seem realistic. I currently do not have any wish to continue with the series.