We can always use another worthwhile addition to the "expanded cannon" of Sherlock Holmes novels and stories. The Devil's Due is a quite satisfactory addition to the genre. The Watson and Holmes characters come across believably, and MacBird does well with the whole Watson-not-quite-keeping-up-with-Holmes thing, which plays particularly well in the denouement. At the center of this book are two intertwining narratives: one of a killer who seems to be working through the alphabet, killing philanthropists with dark secrets in their past, the other of a new Chief Commissioner of police who appears to be a budding fascist.

This is good Holmes, but not great Holmes. MacBird doesn't really bring anything new to the series. Do I want to read more Holmes writing be MacBird? Yes. Will I be waiting anxiously for it to appear? No. It's a pleasure I'll partake of when it comes along.

Thak you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a free electronic ARC for review purposes; the opinions are my own.