Mycroft and Sherlock: The Empty Birdcage
by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Anna Waterhouse
This is the third book in the series and I have thoroughly enjoyed each and every one. There is something intensely relaxing for me in a
detective fiction book where you follow the detectives step-by-step. And yet,
these books combine that sleuthing with the best elements of
characterization, setting, and pacing of the plot. I really wish there were
more of them to read. Alas, this is the last in the series, for the moment.
In this book, we find Mycroft about to undergo a simple
operation to help his heart function better. It is not as invasive a surgery as
what they do nowadays but there is strong risk in it considering the time
period. He insists the surgeons wash thoroughly before the undertaking because
of what he had read from Pasteur, and because he has the clout and money to
insist upon it. Thankfully, he comes through the surgery just fine.
After a gap of some six weeks for him to recover, the story
picks up again with the thorn in Mycroft’s side, his younger brother Sherlock.
A series of murders has taken over the attention of England,
The Fire Four Eleven Murders. But what does it mean? Sherlock is supposed to be
at Cambridge but he has every intention of chasing down the murderer, using his
brother’s money, of course.
Young Sherlock seems a bit reckless and even vain, but he doubts
his abilities to bring the case to justice at times. Luckily, he has the
pragmatic, thoughtful, and intelligent help of Huan, Mycroft’s driver who hails
from Trinidad.
Both the brothers are accused of some form of witchcraft in
their turn but it is only their tremendous intelligence and deductive
reasoning.
The older and more worldly intelligence of Mycroft requires
the tempering of conscience that his friend Douglas brings. Mycroft knows what
he is capable of, and it’s not always good.
Mycroft is bent on revenging himself upon an old adversary.
Then he is begged to take up the cause of Deshi Hai Lin, or rather the fiancé of
Ai Lin, his daughter. Her fiancé has disappeared. Deshi Hai Lin begs Mycroft to
find the young man. A difficult proposition because Mycroft himself is smitten with Ai Lin. However, he agrees to help in the end.
The stories intertwine and then move apart to be pursued in
alternating chapters by the brothers. There is a solid, brisk pace to the story.
Not a break neck speed but brisk enough to keep one entertained. The details of
the time period are perfectly situated to entertain and enrich the story. The
characters are beautifully brought to life through description, word, and deed.
I can’t recommend these stories enough if you enjoy the
diversion of a good period detective fiction. This is among the best of the
genre, in my opinion.
