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ldv's review against another edition
2.0
Distill Holmes down to his and Watson's caricatures and ask over a dozen people to write a new mystery for Holmes fans, then with poor editing and proofreading put them all together in one book. Few of these stories are as intriguing as the originals, and as they all try to be classic Holmes, they are cliche as a collection. Fine if you just can't get enough of the detective, but hardly enough to hook the uninitiated. The editor does go to great lengths to convince the reader that these are "legitimate" tales.
truegrit's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
cthuwu's review against another edition
4.0
I won this book in a giveaway that a Sherlock Holmes Tumblr I was following did. It's one of the better Sherlock Holmes collections I've read.
eserafina42's review against another edition
4.0
The Mammoth Book of New Sherlock Holmes Adventures is an anthology of new stories featuring the beloved duo of Holmes and Watson, contributed by respected authors such as Michael Moorcock and Peter Tremayne. Most of them were specifically written for this collection, and many expand on references made by Watson in the Canon; there are two stories based on his reference to "the repulsive story of the red leech." Ranging from Holmes' college days ("The Bothersome Business of the Dutch Nativity") to his and Watson's part in the end of WWI ("The Last Battle"), the twenty-six stories are told in chronological order, linked by brief notes from the editor referring to the canonical adventures that took place at the same time and relating the circumstances in which the new stories were "discovered." As with any anthology, some of the stories are better than others, but many of them did a creditable job at capturing the spirit of the originals. Honorable mention (in my opinion, at least)goes to the first story, "The Bothersome Business of the Dutch Nativity,""The Case of the Sporting Squire," and "The Mystery of the Addleton Curse."
bloodravenlib's review against another edition
5.0
See my blog note on it:
http://gypsylibrarian.blogspot.com/2005/09/booknote-new-sherlock-holmes.html
http://gypsylibrarian.blogspot.com/2005/09/booknote-new-sherlock-holmes.html
lizabethstucker's review against another edition
3.0
The Mammoth Book of New Sherlock Holmes Adventures edited by Mike Ashley
This is actually an ebook version, published by Constable & Robinson Ltd, in 2009. It was published in the United States by Running Press Book Publishers.
A look at the many untold cases of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson as contained in Watson’s dispatch box in the vaults of the bank of Cox and Co. The collection contains twenty-six stories divided into various sections.
Sadly, I would have to say that some of the stories contained within are not as well written as some of the fan fiction found on the internet, both those based on the Canon series as well as the later adaptations shown on film and television. That doesn’t mean that there aren’t good stories in the collection, because there are, more than enough to justify taking the time to read. But be prepared, because The Mammoth Book collections are huge! 3.5 out of 5
Early Years
“The Bothersome Business of the Dutch Nativity” by Derek Wilson.
Dr. John Watson discovers a very early case of Sherlock Holmes while slowly working his way out of the grief of Reichenbach. With additional information later provided by Holmes himself once he returns to London, Watson writes of the theft of a Rembrandt from New College. Holmes, attending Grenville College at the time, is introduced to the case by William Spooner, the man behind spoonerisms. Intrigued, Holmes decides to see what he can find out about the missing painting.
A lovely enough tale, although I always find the absence of Watson to bring my joy down a bit. Although the Gloria Scott is normally considered Holmes’ first real case, one could say that this sparked an interest in mysteries for him. 3.5 out of 5.
The Early Days
###
“The Affray at the Kildare Street Club” by Peter Tremayne
Sherlock Holmes relates how he first became acquainted with Sebastian Moran while a young man.
Interesting idea that Moran took a particular hatred to Holmes for a previous encounter. However, the references to the tale being suppressed due to Holmes’ friendship with Oscar Wilde made little sense in relation to the story. 3.5 out of 5.
The 1880’s
“The Case of the Incumbent Invalid” by Claire Griffen
Holmes and Watson agree to investigate when Mrs. Bertram shares concern over her stepmother suddenly refusing to see her, according to her actual children.
An interesting story which has a definite hint of Canon style tales. You feel sorry for the younger adults, but at least Sherlock tried to help as much as he could. 3.5 out of 5.
###
“The Adventure of Vittoria, the Circus Belle” by Edward D. Hoch
When Vittoria Costello was chosen by a local circus as the prettiest female, she earned a job with them. Now she appears at 221B to ask for Holmes’ help. She is convinced that a potential rival wants her dead. It is up to Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson to save Vittoria’s life, but the mystery becomes more complicated than either man expected.
Perhaps a bit lighter than the subject matter suggests, but likeable enough. Seemed a bit shorter than it could’ve been. 3.5 out of 5.
###
“The Darlington Substitution Scandal” by David Stuart Davies
Lord Hector Darlington comes to Holmes after his beloved painting “Adoration of the Magi” disappears. When the art reappears the next day, Holmes suspects a possible substitution.
I really enjoyed this one, based on the writing alone. Everyone in character, I could *hear* the characters in my mind (always the sign of a well written story). The mystery was interesting, took a slight tangent that I didn’t expect. 4 out of 5.
###
“The Adventure of the Suspect Servant” by Barbara Roden
Mrs. Cecil Forrester knew items were going missing from her household, but refused to believe that her maid, Sarah, was behind the thefts. She asks Holmes to take a good look and discover the real culprit.
Very domestic, although he quickly realized who the actual culprit was before even stepping into the household. Admittedly it was fairly obvious to the reader. Interesting tie to Watson’s well-known gambling problems as well. 3.5 out of 5.
###
“The Adventure of the Amateur Mendicant Society” by John Gregory Betancourt
Oliver Pendleton-Smythe had been involved in a scandal back while attending Eton, winding up expelled along with a group of his friends. He had later enlisted in the military, serving with honor until retirement. But now he’s worried. Friends from that earlier time have being murdered and he suspects it goes back to the Amateur Mendicant Society, named for a group of spies whose roots stretched back to the Roman Empire.
One of the more fascinating tales, with some basis in historical facts. The willingness of the real spy network to allow poor Pendleton-Smythe to live simply because Holmes is occasionally some use to them was a bit of a stretch, but acceptable. Although I think the relationship with Mycroft Holmes probably would’ve been more the real reason. 4 out of 5.
###
“The Adventure of the Silver Buckle” by Denis O. Smith
Case after case, with no surcease, has Holmes on the verge of collapse. Watson drags his friend away to the village of Kilbuie, high into Scotland’s farthest northern point. While staying at the inn, they hear of many mysterious happenings and incidents, but nothing that pulls Holmes to help until MacGlevin, the Laird of Uffa, accuses the Grice Patersons of stealing the MacGlevin Buckle.
Quite possibly my favorite story to date. There is an almost Agatha Christie feel to it, a group of people practically marooned while a crime is committed. Yet it is pure Conan Doyle when he was at the height of his mystery writing. More sedate than action filled, yet there is Sherlock Holmes scrambling about to help the local constabulary find the correct villain. It is also the longest story to date in the book. 4.5 out of 5.
###
“The Case of the Sporting Squire” by Guy N. Smith
Gloria Morgan is accusing her father, Squire Royston Morgan, of killing her mother. Because the elderly family doctor declared the cause of death to be lockjaw, Holmes may her only hope to prove otherwise.
An interesting tale that harkens back to already published ones, but this takes nothing away from the plot’s interest. Definitely falls into one of those convenient endings that Doyle came to love at the end of his Sherlock Holmes writing career. 4 out of 5.
###
“The Vanishing of the Atkinsons” by Eric Brown
Sherlock Holmes relates a case that took him to Ceylon at the request of his old friend, Victor Trevor. Watson, newly married and busy establishing his new practice, doesn’t appear to have been aware of his absence. Brothers Bruce and William Atkinson, neighbors of Trevor, had mysteriously disappeared one evening without a trace.
A tale that has a dollop of supernatural thrill and a horrible ending. 3.5 out of 5.
###
“The Adventure of the Fallen Star” by Simon Clark
An aerolite, or meteorite, is at the heart of Sherlock Holmes’ latest case. Professor Charles Hardcastle, an expert in metallurgical sciences, calls for help when one of his personal collection disappears, then reappears at his son’s bedside.
An interesting enough tale, but I do wish the madman hadn’t been a dwarf. I understand why the author did so, it was essential to the way that Columbine managed to hide, but it could’ve been handled in another manner. 3.5 out of 5.
The 1890’s
“The Adventure of the Dorset Street Lodger” by Michael Moorcock
Their holiday from the heat of London postponed due to the fragile condition of one of Watson’s patients, he and Holmes must find some lodging close by as Mrs. Hudson has arranged renovations to 221b Baker Street and needs the two men gone. She suggests a place on Dorset Street run by her sister-in-law. While there, they make the acquaintance of American James Macklesworth, who believes his British cousin may have been murdered.
Honor, promises, disguises, lies, death, and theft all twist throughout this tale. There is even a crossdressing villain and an injury to Holmes himself to fill out the story even more. Interesting and a peek into how the two men relax together. 3.5 out of 5.
###
“The Mystery of the Addleton Curse” by Barrie Roberts
A patient of Stamford, Watson’s friend from medical school, has died of an unknown illness. Sir Andrew Lewis had lost his son to the same illness years before his own death. Even the town surrounding one of Sir Andrew’s excavation sites suffered much the same symptoms. Holmes is determined to find out the cause.
I love these types of stories, archaeology and curses, mysterious illnesses and deaths. Even the villain of the piece long ago received his punishment for his sins, even if it was extreme and hurt others unintentionally. Nice addition of real science history to the story. 4 out of 5.
###
“The Adventure of the Parisian Gentleman” by Robert Weinberg & Lois H. Gresh
Inspector Girac of the French Surete has come to beg Holmes for help to prevent the assassination of the new President of the Republic. It is suspected that Jewish anarchists have hired Jacques Huret in retaliation for the conviction of Dreyfus.
A bit of political commentary mixed with the mystery. Hopefully it will encourage readers to delve deeper into the facts of the Dreyfus case and the issues behind it. 3.5 out of 5.
###
“The Adventure of the Inertial Adjustor” by Stephen Baxter
H. G. Wells brings a case of science and murder to Sherlock Holmes. Ralph Brimicombe claimed to have discovered a way of using electricity to offset gravity, thereby allowing people to be able to fly, perhaps even to the moon. Now Ralph is dead, found in his Inertial Adjustor chamber, but who killed him and why?
A sad tale of chances taken and opportunities lost, of science overtaking reason, and of ambition becoming more important than familial love. 3.5 out of 5.
###
“The Adventure of the Touch of God” by Peter Crowther
Watson has just returned from a symposium, only to be informed by Holmes that they are traveling to Harrogate at the bequest of Inspector Makinson. Four murders had been committed, three of them having their hearts torn out of their chests.
This may be the first story in which Watson has something of importance to contribute. Too often we are given a dolt, even less contributing than any filmed version. The man I came to love from the books wasn’t as brilliant or observing as Holmes, but he was certainly no idiot. 4 out of 5.
###
“The Adventure of the Persecuted Painter” by Basil Copper
Someone has been trying to frighten artist Aristide Smedhurst flee his home in Dorset.
Unsuccessful, the unknown individual has now made an attempt on the artist’s life.
Holmes not only saves Aristide’s life, but his romantic relationship as well. 3.5 out of 5.
###
“The Adventure of the Suffering Ruler” by H. R. F. Keating
A mysterious patient pulls Dr. Watson out of London, the tale intriguing Sherlock Holmes enough to have him follow his friend to the next visit. The consulting detective believes the patient is a monarch in disguise.
While I certainly don’t believe that Holmes is infallible, he doesn’t normally jump to conclusions. Even while under the influence, he gathers evidence, he doesn’t guess. Ever. As such, I can’t say I enjoyed this story. Holmes was too out of character. 3 out of 5.
###
“The Repulsive Story of the Red Leech” by David Langford
To the shock and surprise of Sherlock Holmes, their latest client has come to consult John Watson, not him. Martin Traill is heir to his late father’s fortune, but has been unable to sign his name to receive the estate officially. Already at odds with his suspicious sister, a woman who speaks with spirits, Martin is terrified he may be going mad.
The use of electricity and a pin to prevent the transfer of the estate was a novel idea, well thought out. A touch of the macabre lends itself to the tale, even if unreal. 4 out of 5.
###
“The Adventure of the Grace Chalice” by Roger Johnson
Henry Staunton, a collector of objets d’art, comes to ask Sherlock Holmes to help solve the theft of his latest acquisition.
Villains would be better served not to be clever and avoid bringing Sherlock Holmes into their plans. 3.5 out of 5.
###
“The Adventure of the Faithful Retainer” by Amy Myers
Mycroft Holmes has commanded his brother’s assistance after the disappearance of a letter between a woman of great importance and her favorite retainer, long dead, is expected to be put up for sale. The public release could cause great difficulties for the government.
A convoluted tale dealing with spies that also serves to put Watson down regularly, although Holmes himself doesn’t come off well. And, yes, I did get the reference of the woman in question and her loyal retainer. 3 out of 5.
The Final Years
“The Case of the Suicidal Lawyer” by Martin Edwards
Lawyer Matthew Dowling is concerned about the transformation of his junior partner, John Abergavenny. Once a man of great focus, he seems to be exhausted, drinking, and carousing.
A tale of brotherly jealousy that ends badly when Holmes realizes the truth about the situation too late to save their victim. 3.5 out of 5.
###
“The Legacy of Rachel Howells” by Michael Doyle
A registered letter is sent from Canada to Watson’s publisher in an effort to get Sherlock Holmes’ attention. Is it related to the Musgrave Ritual case? Holmes becomes fascinated with the mysterious woman behind the letter, Rachel Howells, the man who had disappeared during the original case.
The legal claim of a murderer to stolen artifacts would be a most unusual legal case. There is also a lovely moment between Holmes and Watson, an appreciation for the Good Doctor’s loyalty and friendship over the years, no matter how madly he was treated. There isn’t, per se, an ending to this story as much as a beginning of a new adventure. 3.5 out of 5.
###
“The Adventure of the Bulgarian Diplomat” by Zakaria Erzinclioglu
Unless Holmes can solve the murder of Anton Simeonov quickly, there could be a world war.
I’m not much into political based mysteries even though I do love spy stories. This is definitely the former. Interesting use of a Turkish character. 3.5 out of 5.
###
“The Enigma of the Warwickshire Vortex” by F. Gwynplaine MacIntyre
The mysterious disappearance of James Phillimore who stepped back into his house, in front of witnesses, only to never be seen again in 1875 was one of Sherlock Holmes’ earliest cases and one of his few unsolved ones. In 1906, Holmes and Watson, on their way to San Francisco after the Earthquake, are in New York City when they see a film in which an unaged Phillimore is seen.
A fascinating proposed solution to a real mystery that has always intrigued me. I could see the two men mentioned doing just this type of thing. 4 out of 5.
###
“The Case of the Last Battle” by L. B. Greenwood
World War I has brought both Sherlock Holmes and John Watson out of retirement to help. Prince Max, a man trusted by all sides, has fallen ill just as he was negotiating peace. Holmes brings Watson in to help keep the Prince alive, only to find himself struggling to break the coded message from President Woodrow Wilson.
A short piece told, as usual, from Watson’s viewpoint. In this case, it means little on-page time for Holmes’ investigation and codebreaking. 4 out of 5.
This is actually an ebook version, published by Constable & Robinson Ltd, in 2009. It was published in the United States by Running Press Book Publishers.
A look at the many untold cases of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson as contained in Watson’s dispatch box in the vaults of the bank of Cox and Co. The collection contains twenty-six stories divided into various sections.
Sadly, I would have to say that some of the stories contained within are not as well written as some of the fan fiction found on the internet, both those based on the Canon series as well as the later adaptations shown on film and television. That doesn’t mean that there aren’t good stories in the collection, because there are, more than enough to justify taking the time to read. But be prepared, because The Mammoth Book collections are huge! 3.5 out of 5
Early Years
“The Bothersome Business of the Dutch Nativity” by Derek Wilson.
Dr. John Watson discovers a very early case of Sherlock Holmes while slowly working his way out of the grief of Reichenbach. With additional information later provided by Holmes himself once he returns to London, Watson writes of the theft of a Rembrandt from New College. Holmes, attending Grenville College at the time, is introduced to the case by William Spooner, the man behind spoonerisms. Intrigued, Holmes decides to see what he can find out about the missing painting.
A lovely enough tale, although I always find the absence of Watson to bring my joy down a bit. Although the Gloria Scott is normally considered Holmes’ first real case, one could say that this sparked an interest in mysteries for him. 3.5 out of 5.
The Early Days
###
“The Affray at the Kildare Street Club” by Peter Tremayne
Sherlock Holmes relates how he first became acquainted with Sebastian Moran while a young man.
Interesting idea that Moran took a particular hatred to Holmes for a previous encounter. However, the references to the tale being suppressed due to Holmes’ friendship with Oscar Wilde made little sense in relation to the story. 3.5 out of 5.
The 1880’s
“The Case of the Incumbent Invalid” by Claire Griffen
Holmes and Watson agree to investigate when Mrs. Bertram shares concern over her stepmother suddenly refusing to see her, according to her actual children.
An interesting story which has a definite hint of Canon style tales. You feel sorry for the younger adults, but at least Sherlock tried to help as much as he could. 3.5 out of 5.
###
“The Adventure of Vittoria, the Circus Belle” by Edward D. Hoch
When Vittoria Costello was chosen by a local circus as the prettiest female, she earned a job with them. Now she appears at 221B to ask for Holmes’ help. She is convinced that a potential rival wants her dead. It is up to Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson to save Vittoria’s life, but the mystery becomes more complicated than either man expected.
Perhaps a bit lighter than the subject matter suggests, but likeable enough. Seemed a bit shorter than it could’ve been. 3.5 out of 5.
###
“The Darlington Substitution Scandal” by David Stuart Davies
Lord Hector Darlington comes to Holmes after his beloved painting “Adoration of the Magi” disappears. When the art reappears the next day, Holmes suspects a possible substitution.
I really enjoyed this one, based on the writing alone. Everyone in character, I could *hear* the characters in my mind (always the sign of a well written story). The mystery was interesting, took a slight tangent that I didn’t expect. 4 out of 5.
###
“The Adventure of the Suspect Servant” by Barbara Roden
Mrs. Cecil Forrester knew items were going missing from her household, but refused to believe that her maid, Sarah, was behind the thefts. She asks Holmes to take a good look and discover the real culprit.
Very domestic, although he quickly realized who the actual culprit was before even stepping into the household. Admittedly it was fairly obvious to the reader. Interesting tie to Watson’s well-known gambling problems as well. 3.5 out of 5.
###
“The Adventure of the Amateur Mendicant Society” by John Gregory Betancourt
Oliver Pendleton-Smythe had been involved in a scandal back while attending Eton, winding up expelled along with a group of his friends. He had later enlisted in the military, serving with honor until retirement. But now he’s worried. Friends from that earlier time have being murdered and he suspects it goes back to the Amateur Mendicant Society, named for a group of spies whose roots stretched back to the Roman Empire.
One of the more fascinating tales, with some basis in historical facts. The willingness of the real spy network to allow poor Pendleton-Smythe to live simply because Holmes is occasionally some use to them was a bit of a stretch, but acceptable. Although I think the relationship with Mycroft Holmes probably would’ve been more the real reason. 4 out of 5.
###
“The Adventure of the Silver Buckle” by Denis O. Smith
Case after case, with no surcease, has Holmes on the verge of collapse. Watson drags his friend away to the village of Kilbuie, high into Scotland’s farthest northern point. While staying at the inn, they hear of many mysterious happenings and incidents, but nothing that pulls Holmes to help until MacGlevin, the Laird of Uffa, accuses the Grice Patersons of stealing the MacGlevin Buckle.
Quite possibly my favorite story to date. There is an almost Agatha Christie feel to it, a group of people practically marooned while a crime is committed. Yet it is pure Conan Doyle when he was at the height of his mystery writing. More sedate than action filled, yet there is Sherlock Holmes scrambling about to help the local constabulary find the correct villain. It is also the longest story to date in the book. 4.5 out of 5.
###
“The Case of the Sporting Squire” by Guy N. Smith
Gloria Morgan is accusing her father, Squire Royston Morgan, of killing her mother. Because the elderly family doctor declared the cause of death to be lockjaw, Holmes may her only hope to prove otherwise.
An interesting tale that harkens back to already published ones, but this takes nothing away from the plot’s interest. Definitely falls into one of those convenient endings that Doyle came to love at the end of his Sherlock Holmes writing career. 4 out of 5.
###
“The Vanishing of the Atkinsons” by Eric Brown
Sherlock Holmes relates a case that took him to Ceylon at the request of his old friend, Victor Trevor. Watson, newly married and busy establishing his new practice, doesn’t appear to have been aware of his absence. Brothers Bruce and William Atkinson, neighbors of Trevor, had mysteriously disappeared one evening without a trace.
A tale that has a dollop of supernatural thrill and a horrible ending. 3.5 out of 5.
###
“The Adventure of the Fallen Star” by Simon Clark
An aerolite, or meteorite, is at the heart of Sherlock Holmes’ latest case. Professor Charles Hardcastle, an expert in metallurgical sciences, calls for help when one of his personal collection disappears, then reappears at his son’s bedside.
An interesting enough tale, but I do wish the madman hadn’t been a dwarf. I understand why the author did so, it was essential to the way that Columbine managed to hide, but it could’ve been handled in another manner. 3.5 out of 5.
The 1890’s
“The Adventure of the Dorset Street Lodger” by Michael Moorcock
Their holiday from the heat of London postponed due to the fragile condition of one of Watson’s patients, he and Holmes must find some lodging close by as Mrs. Hudson has arranged renovations to 221b Baker Street and needs the two men gone. She suggests a place on Dorset Street run by her sister-in-law. While there, they make the acquaintance of American James Macklesworth, who believes his British cousin may have been murdered.
Honor, promises, disguises, lies, death, and theft all twist throughout this tale. There is even a crossdressing villain and an injury to Holmes himself to fill out the story even more. Interesting and a peek into how the two men relax together. 3.5 out of 5.
###
“The Mystery of the Addleton Curse” by Barrie Roberts
A patient of Stamford, Watson’s friend from medical school, has died of an unknown illness. Sir Andrew Lewis had lost his son to the same illness years before his own death. Even the town surrounding one of Sir Andrew’s excavation sites suffered much the same symptoms. Holmes is determined to find out the cause.
I love these types of stories, archaeology and curses, mysterious illnesses and deaths. Even the villain of the piece long ago received his punishment for his sins, even if it was extreme and hurt others unintentionally. Nice addition of real science history to the story. 4 out of 5.
###
“The Adventure of the Parisian Gentleman” by Robert Weinberg & Lois H. Gresh
Inspector Girac of the French Surete has come to beg Holmes for help to prevent the assassination of the new President of the Republic. It is suspected that Jewish anarchists have hired Jacques Huret in retaliation for the conviction of Dreyfus.
A bit of political commentary mixed with the mystery. Hopefully it will encourage readers to delve deeper into the facts of the Dreyfus case and the issues behind it. 3.5 out of 5.
###
“The Adventure of the Inertial Adjustor” by Stephen Baxter
H. G. Wells brings a case of science and murder to Sherlock Holmes. Ralph Brimicombe claimed to have discovered a way of using electricity to offset gravity, thereby allowing people to be able to fly, perhaps even to the moon. Now Ralph is dead, found in his Inertial Adjustor chamber, but who killed him and why?
A sad tale of chances taken and opportunities lost, of science overtaking reason, and of ambition becoming more important than familial love. 3.5 out of 5.
###
“The Adventure of the Touch of God” by Peter Crowther
Watson has just returned from a symposium, only to be informed by Holmes that they are traveling to Harrogate at the bequest of Inspector Makinson. Four murders had been committed, three of them having their hearts torn out of their chests.
This may be the first story in which Watson has something of importance to contribute. Too often we are given a dolt, even less contributing than any filmed version. The man I came to love from the books wasn’t as brilliant or observing as Holmes, but he was certainly no idiot. 4 out of 5.
###
“The Adventure of the Persecuted Painter” by Basil Copper
Someone has been trying to frighten artist Aristide Smedhurst flee his home in Dorset.
Unsuccessful, the unknown individual has now made an attempt on the artist’s life.
Holmes not only saves Aristide’s life, but his romantic relationship as well. 3.5 out of 5.
###
“The Adventure of the Suffering Ruler” by H. R. F. Keating
A mysterious patient pulls Dr. Watson out of London, the tale intriguing Sherlock Holmes enough to have him follow his friend to the next visit. The consulting detective believes the patient is a monarch in disguise.
While I certainly don’t believe that Holmes is infallible, he doesn’t normally jump to conclusions. Even while under the influence, he gathers evidence, he doesn’t guess. Ever. As such, I can’t say I enjoyed this story. Holmes was too out of character. 3 out of 5.
###
“The Repulsive Story of the Red Leech” by David Langford
To the shock and surprise of Sherlock Holmes, their latest client has come to consult John Watson, not him. Martin Traill is heir to his late father’s fortune, but has been unable to sign his name to receive the estate officially. Already at odds with his suspicious sister, a woman who speaks with spirits, Martin is terrified he may be going mad.
The use of electricity and a pin to prevent the transfer of the estate was a novel idea, well thought out. A touch of the macabre lends itself to the tale, even if unreal. 4 out of 5.
###
“The Adventure of the Grace Chalice” by Roger Johnson
Henry Staunton, a collector of objets d’art, comes to ask Sherlock Holmes to help solve the theft of his latest acquisition.
Villains would be better served not to be clever and avoid bringing Sherlock Holmes into their plans. 3.5 out of 5.
###
“The Adventure of the Faithful Retainer” by Amy Myers
Mycroft Holmes has commanded his brother’s assistance after the disappearance of a letter between a woman of great importance and her favorite retainer, long dead, is expected to be put up for sale. The public release could cause great difficulties for the government.
A convoluted tale dealing with spies that also serves to put Watson down regularly, although Holmes himself doesn’t come off well. And, yes, I did get the reference of the woman in question and her loyal retainer. 3 out of 5.
The Final Years
“The Case of the Suicidal Lawyer” by Martin Edwards
Lawyer Matthew Dowling is concerned about the transformation of his junior partner, John Abergavenny. Once a man of great focus, he seems to be exhausted, drinking, and carousing.
A tale of brotherly jealousy that ends badly when Holmes realizes the truth about the situation too late to save their victim. 3.5 out of 5.
###
“The Legacy of Rachel Howells” by Michael Doyle
A registered letter is sent from Canada to Watson’s publisher in an effort to get Sherlock Holmes’ attention. Is it related to the Musgrave Ritual case? Holmes becomes fascinated with the mysterious woman behind the letter, Rachel Howells, the man who had disappeared during the original case.
The legal claim of a murderer to stolen artifacts would be a most unusual legal case. There is also a lovely moment between Holmes and Watson, an appreciation for the Good Doctor’s loyalty and friendship over the years, no matter how madly he was treated. There isn’t, per se, an ending to this story as much as a beginning of a new adventure. 3.5 out of 5.
###
“The Adventure of the Bulgarian Diplomat” by Zakaria Erzinclioglu
Unless Holmes can solve the murder of Anton Simeonov quickly, there could be a world war.
I’m not much into political based mysteries even though I do love spy stories. This is definitely the former. Interesting use of a Turkish character. 3.5 out of 5.
###
“The Enigma of the Warwickshire Vortex” by F. Gwynplaine MacIntyre
The mysterious disappearance of James Phillimore who stepped back into his house, in front of witnesses, only to never be seen again in 1875 was one of Sherlock Holmes’ earliest cases and one of his few unsolved ones. In 1906, Holmes and Watson, on their way to San Francisco after the Earthquake, are in New York City when they see a film in which an unaged Phillimore is seen.
A fascinating proposed solution to a real mystery that has always intrigued me. I could see the two men mentioned doing just this type of thing. 4 out of 5.
###
“The Case of the Last Battle” by L. B. Greenwood
World War I has brought both Sherlock Holmes and John Watson out of retirement to help. Prince Max, a man trusted by all sides, has fallen ill just as he was negotiating peace. Holmes brings Watson in to help keep the Prince alive, only to find himself struggling to break the coded message from President Woodrow Wilson.
A short piece told, as usual, from Watson’s viewpoint. In this case, it means little on-page time for Holmes’ investigation and codebreaking. 4 out of 5.
kevinwb's review against another edition
4.0
Forgot I had this book for the longest time. Most of the stories had the tone and feel of the originals. Most far fetched was the last one about the end of WWI.
evamaria's review against another edition
4.0
This was an airport 1-for-2 buy, but once I started it was hard to make myself hold to my "1 story before bed" plan. The stories were obviously of varying quality, but enough of them managed to really capture the spirit of Conan Doyle's most famous creation to make me instantly pick up the original stories once I finished this.
ldv's review
2.0
Distill Holmes down to his and Watson's caricatures and ask over a dozen people to write a new mystery for Holmes fans, then with poor editing and proofreading put them all together in one book. Few of these stories are as intriguing as the originals, and as they all try to be classic Holmes, they are cliche as a collection. Fine if you just can't get enough of the detective, but hardly enough to hook the uninitiated. The editor does go to great lengths to convince the reader that these are "legitimate" tales.