Hidden Fires

More about the book

On the eve of Newgate Prison's demolition in early 1902, Watson observes Holmes leaving a public sale with a beautiful stranger and an unusual death mask of a woman executed for murdering her three children over twenty years prior. Curious, Watson prompts Holmes to recount the woman's story. The narrative unfolds in late December 1878, where a young Holmes, living modestly on Montague Street, immerses himself in various scientific studies. At an eccentric old bookseller's shop, he meets Violet Rose Turner, the mistress of Professor James Moriarty and mother to his three children. When a house fire claims the children's lives, it initially appears accidental, but Miss Turner's suspicious behavior leads to an investigation revealing that the children were poisoned before the fire. Charged with their murders, she maintains her innocence as Holmes, determined to clear her name, discovers evidence that paradoxically seems to confirm her guilt. Only after her conviction does he stumble upon a clue that ignites his imagination and reveals a complex deception. This tale serves as a thrilling puzzle, delving into Holmes' background, his wariness of women, and his relationships, including with the street urchin Wiggins and a priceless Stradivarius. Join Watson as Holmes narrates a pivotal case that may have shaped his character.