Scan barcode
aspygirlsmom_1995's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
tobyyy's review against another edition
4.0
I’ve been on a kick lately of reading short stories and also reading the “Sherlock apocrypha.” I’m absolutely down to see what others authors make of Sherlock Holmes and this was a fascinating collection of mystery tales inspired by Sherlock. Some were set in modern day and were only loosely connected by referencing a story, another was set at a present day Sherlock con where a murder occurred, another was a modern retelling of the Hound of the Baskervilles. I didn’t log individual story ratings but as a whole, looking back on this book, they were all quite good. I may hunt down other books in this “series” of anthologies.
rachelmcg2004's review against another edition
2.0
Final Status: So, remember when I said this anthology was possibly the best Sherlock Holmes anthology I had read as of then?
Well, apparently, they shoved the dark, depressing, and honestly rather stupid tales toward the end.
Thank you, for that. *Not*
The saddest part about all of this is because there are a few stories here that I would genuinely love to own…while there are others that I would not buy in a million years.
So this anthology is getting dropped to a mere 2.5 stars.
Well, maybe “In the Company of” and “Echoes of” Sherlock Holmes will prove to be amazing anthologies.
I’m crossing my weary fingers.
Full review below:
And that was to cheer myself up from all the disappointment.
Ahem! Anyway…
previous status: I have not reached a story that does not delight. Yet. I do believe that so far this might be the best Sherlock Holmes anthology I have ever read. That is why I am strictly rating it. (Don’t worry, it makes sense in my mind.) ;)
As of yet, a 4.5-star compendium.
But we shall see.
Oh we did see.
Introduction.
Read: 2/19/21.
A fun beginning to this brilliant Holmes compendium!
5 stars
Dr. Watson’s Song.
Read: 2/19/21.
Hilarious, apt, and witty!
4 stars
The Adventure of the Abu Qir Sapphire.
Read: 2/19/21.
An intriguing premise, but in my mind, it failed to deliver. Much of the mystery element was left unsolved, which always irritates me in a mystery. The (un)original plotline of a gorgeous, intelligent, and canny woman was inserted also for good measure, but at least Yeesh. (For those concerned, I love it when women star in basically anything. I just love women in general. But, when an author does not create a satisfactory ending to their mystery – as in this case – I do not believe the only explanation should be “because she’s a woman, and darn it if women aren’t MYSTERIOUS!”
Sigh. We’re not ‘mysterious;’ we just think things through in a simultaneously logical and emotional way. As all beings should.
(For those who are curious, yes, this story was written by a man. No, that doesn’t make it automatically good or bad. Just satisfying the curiosity of those who might take an interest in that fact.)
3 stars
The Walk-In.
Read: 2/19/21
The protagonist confused me…one moment she was a clueless, bumbling American suffering from severe jet lag, the next she had an IQ and observance factor worthy of Holmes himself? For me, that does not add up. The “I’m-an-American-so-I-instantly-sound-like-an-airhead” trope that seems to constantly crop up in Sherlock Holmes literature annoys me to no end. I am a 16-year-old American girl, and I sound more sophisticated than this story’s mid-20s protagonist. It is a merciless trope, and I am tired of it. However, the story itself was fast-paced, engaging, and witty. It’s definitely one of my favorites of the compendium. I loved the character of Kingsley, he truly made the whole story.
4.5 stars.
The Case of the Missing Case
Read: 2/19/21.
OH! This story made me chortle, it made me weep, it made my heart sing! Holmesians, Sherlockiana, those who are only there for the snacks – GET THIS BOOK because you NEED to read this!
5 stars!!!
Sherlocked
Read: 2/19/21.
Hehehehe. What really happened to poor Professor Orville? Can the mind of a machine more accurately deduce a crime scene than a human can? This story will leave you with a thrill and a rush, and leave you wondering…what really did happen to Professor Orville? ;)
4 stars
A Study in Absence
Read: 2/19/21.
Does this story really exist in this collection? Is this collection really here? In fact, am I really here, or am I simply a figment of your imagination, feeding you a review which may or may not really exist? Who truly knows?
Are stars real?
The Adventure of the Six Sherlocks
Read: 2/19/21
A con revolving entirely around Sherlock Holmes? A mysterious murder at said con? Whodunit being Sherlock Holmes himself…or rather, one of him?
SIGN. ME. UP.
Incredible.
5 stars
The Case of the Naked Butterfly
Read: 2/19/21 – 2/20/21, currently reading.
YAHOO! ANOTHER COMIC STRIP THAT IS ACTUALLY WORTHWHILE!!!
And one starring an insect to boot!
A thoroughly entertaining bug-centric comic strip! An oh so mysterious mystery!
4 stars
Bottom Line
Read: 2/20/21
I had just read The Reigate Squires earlier this year, which added to the appeal of this story for me. Also, the fact that he uncovered the truth all because of his knowledge of Sherlock Holmes was *chef’s kiss*!
4 stars
Buy a Bullet
Read: 2/20/21
TW: physical and sexual assault, domestic abuse.
While I loved the premise of a lone watcher saving a woman from a truly horrific situation, my heart ached for what she went through. Despite the fact that what happened to her was supposed to make up the backbone of the story, and despite the fact that the author did not go into detail, I feel as if a story with this level of darkness should not have been placed in a Sherlock Holmes anthology, especially one in which the previous stories had contained light content. At the very least, the authors/editors should have placed trigger warnings beside this story for people who might be triggered by such events to possibly skip or avoid this tale.
I’m giving this story zero stars. Since “For the Sake of the Game” consists of mostly light tales compared to this one, I am deeply offended that the anthology abruptly shifts into such a heavy and saddening tale with no warning. Deeply disappointing.
The Girl in the Key of C
Read: 2/21/21
Having never been subjected to the line of work that the titular character is employed in, I don’t know what it feels like to be a prostitute. But the cavalier way this writer treats that fact doesn’t jive. Living in that line of work causes serious physical and emotional trauma to a person, and carrying on like that is and should be a normal part of life is beyond concerning.
Then again, the story’s set in LA, so go figure.
I think my favorite parts are a. her visions of the future and b. Also, it was super cute. And I was thinking of the movie “Last Christmas” the whole time I was reading this story, which made me happy.
3.75 stars
The Ghost of the Lake
Read: 2/21/21
In all honesty, there’s not much I could complain about in this story. I liked it – it had a cool, female main character, they solved a slightly perplexing mystery (which I’m pretty sure wasn’t factually accurate in some places, but I myself was confused by it so I could be wrong), and hey, Modern Sherlock Holmes decided to make an appearance!
That’s always happy-making!
So yeah. Good, but not that great. More accurately, I smiled when I read it, but did not laugh.
(And if you didn’t get that reference, have you lived under a rock your whole life?
Gosh.)
3 stars
Tough Guy Ballet
Read: 2/22/21
I’m sorry, but to refer to someone as a prostitute just by the kind of boots they wear is pushing it over the edge for me.
Sorry not sorry I mean.
(Also, why the need for a supernatural explanation? That’s like saying “we couldn’t come up with a reasonable ending, so whooo ghosties!)
2.5 stars
Hounded
Read: 2/22/21
Again, loving the fact that Modern Sherlock keeps cropping up.
Also, who doesn’t love a good “Hounds of the Baskerville” retelling?
But…
(there’s always a “but”)
This story had no point.
Seriously.
It did not add or take away from the original tale at all. In fact, it had literally no impact on the events as they happened.
If you know me, you know that I am always a sucker for a good “add-in-a-female-assassin-to-a-sherlock-plot” storyline.
So, the fact that even I think this story had no point should show you the true gratuity of even that wonderful plotline.
3 stars for good writing. I still liked it, even though it had no point. Sometimes I like stuff that has no point. It’s not always an insult to have no point.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
All in all, a mixed bag.
When are they not?
Some stories I just couldn’t get behind at all. Others I loved to death. But I think for the vast majority of them I was just swept away in a sea of like.
I liked them.
And, call me nitpicky, but I wanted to love them.
So that was a bit disappointing.
But I did it! And, in reality, it was all for the sake of the game.
TL;DR: This anthology is probably ages 16+ or more…I mean, I’m 16 and I read it. Sensitive readers not encouraged because of one triggering story, but the rest are either meh or pretty good. All in all, I would seek a better game if I were you.
Well, apparently, they shoved the dark, depressing, and honestly rather stupid tales toward the end.
Thank you, for that. *Not*
The saddest part about all of this is because there are a few stories here that I would genuinely love to own…while there are others that I would not buy in a million years.
So this anthology is getting dropped to a mere 2.5 stars.
Well, maybe “In the Company of” and “Echoes of” Sherlock Holmes will prove to be amazing anthologies.
I’m crossing my weary fingers.
Full review below:
And that was to cheer myself up from all the disappointment.
Ahem! Anyway…
previous status: I have not reached a story that does not delight. Yet. I do believe that so far this might be the best Sherlock Holmes anthology I have ever read. That is why I am strictly rating it. (Don’t worry, it makes sense in my mind.) ;)
As of yet, a 4.5-star compendium.
But we shall see.
Oh we did see.
Introduction.
Read: 2/19/21.
A fun beginning to this brilliant Holmes compendium!
5 stars
Dr. Watson’s Song.
Read: 2/19/21.
Hilarious, apt, and witty!
4 stars
The Adventure of the Abu Qir Sapphire.
Read: 2/19/21.
An intriguing premise, but in my mind, it failed to deliver. Much of the mystery element was left unsolved, which always irritates me in a mystery. The (un)original plotline of a gorgeous, intelligent, and canny woman was inserted also for good measure, but at least
Spoiler
Holmes was not head-over-heels in love with her.Sigh. We’re not ‘mysterious;’ we just think things through in a simultaneously logical and emotional way. As all beings should.
(For those who are curious, yes, this story was written by a man. No, that doesn’t make it automatically good or bad. Just satisfying the curiosity of those who might take an interest in that fact.)
3 stars
The Walk-In.
Read: 2/19/21
The protagonist confused me…one moment she was a clueless, bumbling American suffering from severe jet lag, the next she had an IQ and observance factor worthy of Holmes himself? For me, that does not add up. The “I’m-an-American-so-I-instantly-sound-like-an-airhead” trope that seems to constantly crop up in Sherlock Holmes literature annoys me to no end. I am a 16-year-old American girl, and I sound more sophisticated than this story’s mid-20s protagonist. It is a merciless trope, and I am tired of it. However, the story itself was fast-paced, engaging, and witty. It’s definitely one of my favorites of the compendium. I loved the character of Kingsley,
Spoiler
I still believe that Kingsley was Holmes after he applied the de-aging royal jelly.4.5 stars.
The Case of the Missing Case
Read: 2/19/21.
OH! This story made me chortle, it made me weep, it made my heart sing! Holmesians, Sherlockiana, those who are only there for the snacks – GET THIS BOOK because you NEED to read this!
5 stars!!!
Sherlocked
Read: 2/19/21.
Hehehehe. What really happened to poor Professor Orville? Can the mind of a machine more accurately deduce a crime scene than a human can? This story will leave you with a thrill and a rush, and leave you wondering…what really did happen to Professor Orville? ;)
4 stars
A Study in Absence
Read: 2/19/21.
Does this story really exist in this collection? Is this collection really here? In fact, am I really here, or am I simply a figment of your imagination, feeding you a review which may or may not really exist? Who truly knows?
Are stars real?
The Adventure of the Six Sherlocks
Read: 2/19/21
A con revolving entirely around Sherlock Holmes? A mysterious murder at said con? Whodunit being Sherlock Holmes himself…or rather, one of him?
SIGN. ME. UP.
Incredible.
5 stars
The Case of the Naked Butterfly
Read: 2/19/21 – 2/20/21, currently reading.
YAHOO! ANOTHER COMIC STRIP THAT IS ACTUALLY WORTHWHILE!!!
And one starring an insect to boot!
A thoroughly entertaining bug-centric comic strip! An oh so mysterious mystery!
4 stars
Bottom Line
Read: 2/20/21
I had just read The Reigate Squires earlier this year, which added to the appeal of this story for me. Also, the fact that he uncovered the truth all because of his knowledge of Sherlock Holmes was *chef’s kiss*!
4 stars
Buy a Bullet
Read: 2/20/21
TW: physical and sexual assault, domestic abuse.
While I loved the premise of a lone watcher saving a woman from a truly horrific situation, my heart ached for what she went through. Despite the fact that what happened to her was supposed to make up the backbone of the story, and despite the fact that the author did not go into detail, I feel as if a story with this level of darkness should not have been placed in a Sherlock Holmes anthology, especially one in which the previous stories had contained light content. At the very least, the authors/editors should have placed trigger warnings beside this story for people who might be triggered by such events to possibly skip or avoid this tale.
I’m giving this story zero stars. Since “For the Sake of the Game” consists of mostly light tales compared to this one, I am deeply offended that the anthology abruptly shifts into such a heavy and saddening tale with no warning. Deeply disappointing.
The Girl in the Key of C
Read: 2/21/21
Having never been subjected to the line of work that the titular character is employed in, I don’t know what it feels like to be a prostitute. But the cavalier way this writer treats that fact doesn’t jive. Living in that line of work causes serious physical and emotional trauma to a person, and carrying on like that is and should be a normal part of life is beyond concerning.
Then again, the story’s set in LA, so go figure.
I think my favorite parts are a. her visions of the future and b.
Spoiler
that she chose to save his life. I’m a sucker for the “damsel-saves-man-in-distress” trope.3.75 stars
The Ghost of the Lake
Read: 2/21/21
In all honesty, there’s not much I could complain about in this story. I liked it – it had a cool, female main character, they solved a slightly perplexing mystery (which I’m pretty sure wasn’t factually accurate in some places, but I myself was confused by it so I could be wrong), and hey, Modern Sherlock Holmes decided to make an appearance!
That’s always happy-making!
So yeah. Good, but not that great. More accurately, I smiled when I read it, but did not laugh.
(And if you didn’t get that reference, have you lived under a rock your whole life?
Spoiler
insert quote from p and p3 stars
Tough Guy Ballet
Read: 2/22/21
I’m sorry, but to refer to someone as a prostitute just by the kind of boots they wear is pushing it over the edge for me.
Sorry not sorry I mean.
(Also, why the need for a supernatural explanation? That’s like saying “we couldn’t come up with a reasonable ending, so whooo ghosties!)
2.5 stars
Hounded
Read: 2/22/21
Again, loving the fact that Modern Sherlock keeps cropping up.
Also, who doesn’t love a good “Hounds of the Baskerville” retelling?
But…
(there’s always a “but”)
This story had no point.
Seriously.
It did not add or take away from the original tale at all. In fact, it had literally no impact on the events as they happened.
If you know me, you know that I am always a sucker for a good “add-in-a-female-assassin-to-a-sherlock-plot” storyline.
So, the fact that even I think this story had no point should show you the true gratuity of even that wonderful plotline.
3 stars for good writing. I still liked it, even though it had no point. Sometimes I like stuff that has no point. It’s not always an insult to have no point.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
All in all, a mixed bag.
When are they not?
Some stories I just couldn’t get behind at all. Others I loved to death. But I think for the vast majority of them I was just swept away in a sea of like.
I liked them.
And, call me nitpicky, but I wanted to love them.
So that was a bit disappointing.
But I did it! And, in reality, it was all for the sake of the game.
TL;DR: This anthology is probably ages 16+ or more…I mean, I’m 16 and I read it. Sensitive readers not encouraged because of one triggering story, but the rest are either meh or pretty good. All in all, I would seek a better game if I were you.
the_weirdling's review against another edition
3.0
An anthology of stories regarding Sherlock Holmes or things adjacent to Holmes. It’s like almost all anthologies, it’s a mix of good, great, and meh. If you really like Holmes mysteries, I’m pretty sure you’ll enjoy this, maybe even love it. All others can probably safely pass on it. It’s definitely good, but there is better stuff out there for non-Holmes enthusiasts.
dedasab's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.0
Some of the stories were quite good, others were meh. Yet one was disturbing, i.e. Buy a bullet, this should come with a trigger warning. You don't think this light-hearted collection would contain such a dark story; not when one of them is a graphic story about butterflies and grasshoppers, which at least one reviewer didn't know it was included as a pdf with the audiobook.
The majority, if not all, of the narrators were excellent.
It was not a good collection because only few intrigued me.
The majority, if not all, of the narrators were excellent.
It was not a good collection because only few intrigued me.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape
jena_33's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
felinity's review against another edition
3.0
A varied collection of stories, running the gamut from actual Holmes to "inspired by" in very, very different ways. A few were 4-5 star, but most were just interesting.
bookworm1909's review against another edition
4.0
Great collection of short stories based on Holmes.
tfmcgill's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0