The Whistle of Revenge – An Overview by KD Sherrinford

by KD Sherrinford

After writing the first three books in my multi-award-winning Sherlock Holmes and Irene Adler Mystery Series, Song for Someone, Christmas at The Saporis and Meet Me in Milan, it was time to break away from my well-established formula. Those stories were historical mysteries with a romantic touch, but for my next novel, I wanted something different: a contemporary, fast-paced thriller with a sinister edge, packed with action, unexpected twists and complex, engaging characters. At the same time, I aimed to retain the rich historical and romantic backdrop that readers have come to love. The Whistle of Revenge was conceived as a tale of vengeance, layered with clues to keep readers guessing until the very end.

The Spark Behind the Story

For some time, I had toyed with the idea of a kidnapping plot. The challenge was finding a worthy adversary, someone who could truly test Sherlock Holmes’ legendary intellect. After extensive research into Holmes’ past and many brainstorming sessions with my friend and development editor, Tony, we settled on Jack Stapleton: the master of disguise and deadly antagonist from Doyle’s classic The Hound of the Baskervilles.

A Kidnapping That Changes Everything

From the outset, the abduction of one of the Sapori children was central to the plot. But who should it be? Ultimately, we chose Nicco, Sherlock and Irene’s eldest son. His age and intelligence allowed him to interact with the kidnappers, adding emotional depth and resonance to the story. Nicco’s perspective brings youthful courage and flashes of deductive brilliance that echo his father’s genius.

Multiple Perspectives for a Richer Narrative

The novel unfolds through five distinct viewpoints: Sherlock Holmes, Irene Adler, their gifted son Nicco, trusted ally Inspector Romano, and Jack Stapleton (alias Robert Barrett). These shifting perspectives create a layered, intimate narrative, immersing readers in both the investigation and its emotional consequences.

Giving Jack his own voice was essential. Readers discover the man behind the mask—his thoughts on Holmes, his motives, and what he’s been doing for the past seventeen years. Presumed dead after his grim fate on the Great Grimpen Mire, Jack’s body was never found…

Setting the Stage

The story opens in Venice, amidst moonlit canals, grand opera houses, and streets brimming with intrigue. Sherlock and Irene are enjoying a romantic second honeymoon, until their world shatters upon returning to Milan, where their beloved son is abducted.

From there, the narrative sweeps across Italy, capturing its cultural richness and the exciting developments of the early twentieth century. The Lombardi mafia plays a pivotal role, adding another layer of danger and suspense.

Subplots and Surprises

I couldn’t resist weaving in a subplot that reflects my passion for horses, transporting readers briefly to Ireland and America. Chapter 34, A Day at the Races, is one of my proudest moments in the book. I also wanted to give Inspector Romano, introduced in Meet Me in Milan, a more prominent role.

A Cast of Memorable Characters

Alongside Holmes and the ever-resourceful Irene Adler, readers will meet:

• Nicco Holmes – observant, intelligent, and courageous, a true chip off the old block.
• Hildegard – the devoted governess who plays a vital role in the family’s life.
• Inspector Salvatore Romano – Holmes’ trusted friend and ally during this crisis.
• Robert Barrett (Jack Stapleton) – the cunning antagonist with a score to settle.
• Connie Rosenbaum – Jack’s formidable partner in crime, an enigmatic woman who can make grown men weep. She’s my favourite villain.
• Peppo – one of Nicco’s abductors, torn by conflicting emotions as he bonds with his hostage.
• Emilio Rodriguez (Il Resolver) – the feared Italian Mafia boss who “gets things done.”

The dynamic between Holmes and Stapleton is particularly fascinating; complex, tense, and surprisingly relatable.

The Significance of the Whistle

The word whistle appears throughout the novel, sometimes naturally, sometimes as a clue and occasionally as an Easter egg or red herring to keep readers guessing.

Recognition and Awards

The Whistle of Revenge has already garnered acclaim:

• All Author Cover of the Month (November 2025)
• Short-listed for the Chanticleer Clue Awards
• Finalist at the Readers’ Favourite International Literary Competition
• Crimson Quill Awardee
• Gold Award Winner at Literary Titan

Final Thoughts

My hope is that readers will enjoy discovering a new side of the celebrated detective and the brilliant Irene Adler, while gaining deeper insight into their remarkable relationship. I want them to feel the atmosphere of the post-Victorian era, immerse themselves in its historical setting and connect with the unforgettable characters. Ultimately, I want readers to feel like a fly on the wall, an unseen observer in a world of intrigue, making this novel an utterly compelling read.

–

KD Sherrinford is the multi-award-winning author of the popular Sherlock Holmes and Irene Adler mystery series, known for blending classic detective fiction with fresh, compelling twists. 

From the UK’S Fylde Coast, Sherrinford’s writing is distinguished by intricate plots, rich character development, and a strong sense of psychological suspense, appealing to fans of both traditional and modern mysteries. Outside of writing, Sherrinford is an avid reader, with a wide-ranging love of books, and has a long-standing interest in horses, which serves as a quiet source of inspiration alongside a lifelong passion for storytelling.

KD’s books are widely available, you can check them out here https://mybook.to/KDSherrinford.

The Whistle of Revenge: 4 (Sherlock Holmes and Irene Adler Mysteries)

Sometimes, our deepest fear is not the darkness but the light that blinds.

If you loved Conan Doyle’s, The Hound of the Baskerville, prepare to be enthralled by KD Sherrinford’s captivating follow-up, The Whistle of Revenge.

The deadly antagonist, Jack Stapleton, makes a spectacular return to the city of Milan in pursuit of his old nemesis, the celebrated Detective Sherlock Holmes.

Adopting the enigmatic persona of Janus, a vengeful Stapleton, along with the Italian mafia, wreak havoc on the Italian horse racing fraternity and fledgling car manufacturing industry, and kidnapping Holmes’s beloved son as part of their evil and well-executed master plan—Operation Whistle.

Will Holmes, Irene Adler, and their trusted ally, Inspector Romano, crack the code, rescue the boy, and unmask the deadly Janus?

Set against the backdrop of modern Milan, mind games and misdeeds of the highest order play out as the story reaches its thrilling and memorable conclusion.

BUY HERE

Tags: featured, women writers

Category: On Writing