The Devil's Disciples

By: Richard T. Ryan

Narrated by: Luke Barton

In the early- and mid-1880s, the Irish Republican Brotherhood, the forerunner of the modern IRA, waged a bombing campaign that terrorized the citizens of London for more than four years. Explosives were detonated in such places as the Tower of London, the House of Commons, Victoria station and at the London Bridge. The bombings were carried out in an attempt to secure Ireland's freedom from England. The Fenians, as they were called, hoped citizens would put pressure on the government to resolve the dispute.

Implored by the government to end the reign of terror, Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson take up residence in a doss house in Whitechapel, which would achieve even greater notoriety a few years later courtesy of Jack the Ripper, posing as dock workers in order to learn more about the shadowy group and ingratiate themselves with its members. When Holmes learns a new bomb-maker is on the way and the bombings will increase in frequency, he understands time is running out.

Despite proving his bona fides by bombing 10 Downing Street, Holmes is still held at arm's length by the group's leader Michael. As plans for the extensive new bombing campaign are formulated, Holmes realizes that he must act quickly in order to stop the terror. However, as clever as Holmes is, Michael is his match. The Devil's Disciples pits Holmes against an adversary who is every bit as cunning as he - but far more ruthless.

©2023 Richard Ryan (P)2023 MX Publishing

Highly Recommend!

Great story. Great performance. Sherlock Holmes never disappoints and neither does Richard Ryan. I look forward to enjoying his other Holmesian tales.

WATSON LACKING in every way…

In many examples of the Holmes Watson cannon, Watson is portrayed as a painfully limited individual, whose compunction for chivalry and patriotism is demeaning and crippling. This book is one such example. Even the performance, which was very good if not excellent, wanes drastically when it comes specifically to his voice. His existence in entirety becomes nothing but an annoyance. His character is, at best, non-contributory to the illusion Holmes is so painstakingly maintaining for his pursuit of justice and at worse, exasperating and detrimental.

I call for a better Watson. After all, his vacuous bumbling nature only serves to diminish the perception of Holmes’s greatness. Indeed, Holmes is not one to suffer complete fools. Naturally then,, his tolerance of Watson necessitates that he, himself possesses a more acute level of intelligence in relation to that of his “friend and colleague”, JHW.

Devilishly fun!

Embarking on an enthralling journey through the cobblestone streets of 1880s London, I found myself captivated by the audiobook "The Devil's Disciples," masterfully penned by Richard T. Ryan and skillfully narrated by the talented Luke Barton. This historical mystery, set against the backdrop of the Irish Republican Brotherhood's bombing campaign, not only unravels the intricacies of a bygone era but also showcases Ryan's prowess in seamlessly blending history and mystery.

From the very beginning, Ryan plunges listeners into the heart of the Irish Republican Brotherhood's explosive campaign, a turbulent chapter in London's history that sought to secure Ireland's freedom from England. The narrative unfolds with precision and authenticity, inviting us to witness the desperation of an era where political unrest manifested through acts of terror. In this historical tapestry, Ryan weaves a narrative that not only entertains but also prompts contemplation on the righteousness of the characters' pursuits.

Sherlock Holmes, the iconic detective, once again takes center stage as Her Majesty's government implores him to quell the reign of terror orchestrated by the Irish Republican Brotherhood. Richard T. Ryan demonstrates an impressive understanding of the time period, events, and the pivotal historical figures, all while breathing life into the beloved characters of Holmes and Watson. The story unfolds with a perfect harmony of fact and fiction, immersing the audience in a captivating adventure with 19th-century terrorists—or are they?

What sets Ryan's writing apart is his ability to create fully developed characters that resonate with authenticity. Holmes and Watson, under his penmanship, transcend the pages of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's original works, evolving into complex individuals facing the challenges of a world in turmoil. The intricate plot twists and turns keep the audience on the edge of their seats, showcasing Ryan at the pinnacle of his storytelling prowess.

One of the remarkable aspects of "The Devil's Disciples" is Ryan's adept handling of dialogue. The narrative unfolds with smart and engaging conversations that not only propel the plot forward but also provide insight into the characters' personalities. The seamless integration of historical facts and fiction adds depth to the storytelling, making it not just a mystery but a rich adventure that immerses the audience in the complexities of the 19th century.

As a newcomer to the world of Sherlock Holmes, Richard T. Ryan's work has become my gateway into the realm of classic detective fiction. His meticulous research into the time period and events shines through, creating an immersive experience that transcends the boundaries of mere entertainment. I was particularly drawn to the urgency of the situation that Holmes and Watson found themselves in, a testament to Ryan's skill in evoking a palpable sense of time and place.

Luke Barton's narration deserves special commendation, as he brings the characters and the narrative to life with remarkable skill. His delivery captures the essence of each character, enhancing the overall listening experience. Barton's ability to convey the tension, excitement, and nuances of the story adds an extra layer of enjoyment to an already outstanding audiobook.

In conclusion, "The Devil's Disciples" stands as a testament to Richard T. Ryan's storytelling finesse and his ability to transport listeners to a bygone era. With its smart dialogue, well-crafted characters, and a gripping plot, this audiobook is not merely a page-turner but a compelling piece of historically-based fiction. I wholeheartedly recommend it to both avid Sherlock Holmes enthusiasts and those new to the genre. Ryan and Barton's collaboration creates an audio masterpiece that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on anyone who embarks on this thrilling journey through Victorian London.

Another outstanding pastiche of Holmes and Watson

Richard Ryan is an excellent writer of Holmes and Watson stories, one of the best I've read (listened to) recently. He really does his homework. He writes about Victorian London in a way that completely brings it to life for me. His vocabulary is excellent, and I don't ever recall stumbling over any jarringly modern colloquialisms. Simply superb!

Now as to the story. Clearly this is a subject near and dear to his heart, as his research definitely shows. But while he takes us inside the Irish Republican Brotherhood, and elucidates the struggles of the Irish, both in Ireland and in England during the lat 1890's, it never feels like an info dump. He always reveals enough to help us understand, and to move the plot forward, without burying us in his research.

I also love that his Holmes and Watson novels primarily feature…Holmes and Watson. While I am forever grateful to ACD for giving us The Great Detective, I never really enjoyed the novels (save for Hound). The rest all felt like half or more was back story. I also appreciate that he uses the rest of the cast as supporting players, rather than letting them take over. Bravo!

So in this story, Holmes and Watson go in deep cover to infiltrate some Fenian bombers. It was entertaining, watching how Holmes was able to prove himself to the Brotherhood without actually killing anyone. But it is definitely touch-and-go for our heroes, as they are in constant danger of being exposed, and killed. The author deftly handles that. I knew Holmes and Watson would survive, but I was curious how he could pull that off without violating my suspension of disbelief. My curiosity was pleasantly satisfied.

Now on to the reader. I simply cannot say often enough what an outstanding reader he is. He clearly takes the time to ensure he knows how to pronounce foreign words and phrases. In this case, his Irish Gaelic sounded pretty good to my untrained ears. And he simply reads, so well. I simply fall into the story, seeing it all in my head. He never once does something that yanks me out of the flow, that makes me say, "What the heck?"

I think if somebody released an unabridged audiobook of the Merriam-Webster dictionary, read by him, I'd buy it. He's just that good, just that enjoyable to listen to.

So in case my opinion isn't already clear, if you are looking for a new Holmes and Watson fix, HERE IT IS!