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In the Company of Sherlock Holmes: Stories Inspired by the Holmes Canon by Leslie S. Klinger
jenreads1026's review against another edition
4.0
Some of the stories in here I had already read before so that was a bit disappointing but overall I was happy with the variety and mysteries included.
cmbohn's review against another edition
4.0
You never know with anthologies, but I really enjoyed this one. There was only one story that I couldn't finish, (the graphic story by Colin Cotterill), but the rest were truly enjoyable.
Some of the authors chose to take a pretty straightforward route, using the established Holmes characters and adding a new story. Others used the regular characters and wrote about Holmes as fiction. But some went in a totally different direction. Of these, I liked the Dana Stabenow story the best. I could see the parallels, with Kate Shugak filling in for Holmes and a young friend/relative as Watson, complete with a blog as homework assignment chronicling their adventure. But it wasn't until I read that this was an retelling of a classic Holmes story in a modern Alaskan setting that I really, really liked it.
Some of the authors chose to take a pretty straightforward route, using the established Holmes characters and adding a new story. Others used the regular characters and wrote about Holmes as fiction. But some went in a totally different direction. Of these, I liked the Dana Stabenow story the best. I could see the parallels, with Kate Shugak filling in for Holmes and a young friend/relative as Watson, complete with a blog as homework assignment chronicling their adventure. But it wasn't until I read that this was an retelling of a classic Holmes story in a modern Alaskan setting that I really, really liked it.
lizabethstucker's review against another edition
4.0
Fifteen stories about or with the Great Detective and, of course, the marvelous Doctor John H. Watson. In some cases, simply inspired by Holmes and Watson. A great collection that should be read by all Sherlock Holmes fans. 4 out of 5.
“You’d Better Go in Disguise” by Alan Bradley. A chance meeting in a park has two strangers exchanging observations about others present there. Or is it chance? Told in first person, but not from the view of either Watson or Holmes. An interesting little tale. 3.5 out of 5.
“As to ‘An Exact Knowledge of London’” by Tony Broadbent. A taxi trip around London, with emphasis on spots with a connection to Sherlock Holmes leads to a most interesting conversation between a former military doctor and the cabbie. Magnificent! From start to finish, I would think I had sussed out Broadbent’s story direction only to have him send me off in an entirely different direction. 5 out of 5.
“The Men With the Twisted Lips” by S. J. Rozan. Neville St. Clair’s activities in Limehouse must be stopped before the wrong attention is raised. It has been decided that Sherlock Holmes as well as Dr. John Watson must be lured into helping the opium lords eliminate this problem. A very interesting take on “The Man With the Twisted Lip”, especially from the viewpoint of the men with the most to lose. 4 out of 5.
“The Adventure of the Purloined Paget” by Phillip Margolin & Jerry Margolin. Wealthy collectors of Sherlock Holmes memorabilia are invited to the wilds of the moors to bid on a one-of-a-kind item. When the owner is murdered and the sketch stolen, they are initially the suspects, but one of the guests has a brainstorm. The story was wonderful, the characters so well-drawn. But the use of the main character’s name was priceless. 4.5 out of 5.
“The Bone-Headed League” by Lee Child. An FBI agent assigned to London is intrigued by a murder on Baker Street. While a potentially interesting story, I found the ending jarring and unlikely. Fired? Probably. But Leavenworth? Doubtful. That sadly weakened the rest of the story for me. 3 out of 5.
“The Startling Events in the Electrified City” by Thomas Perry. An urgent request to help save the life of President McKinley soon has Holmes and Watson heading to America. Extraordinary idea! Definitely a plot twist that I was not expecting. And, frankly, plausible in that time period. History buffs will realize that McKinley was actually a better president than he has been judged, but he was a man of his time, a Civil War soldier who was dealing with a modern age that was beginning to move faster and faster. 4.5 out of 5.
“The Case of Death and Honey” by Neil Gaiman. On his deathbed, Mycroft Holmes suggested that his brother should investigate the greatest mystery of all, Death. Sherlock accepts the commission, traveling to the Far East in search of the ultimate answer. Actual research on bees, honey, and bee-related byproduct have led to similar conclusions, an extension of health, if not youth. The idea that Sherlock would find a solution to death might not be that farfetched, but that he would keep it for himself and for his dearest friend? Perfect. Then there is Old Gao, a most fascinating character. I must admit that this is the first Gaiman story that I have read, although I am familiar with his Doctor Who scripts. I must rectify that oversight. 5 out of 5.
“A Triumph of Logic” by Gayle Lynds & John Sheldon. When Emmy Holcrofts stumbles across suspicious items while settling her niece’s estate, she goes to Judge Linwood Boothby and Artie Morey, his friend and clerk, for advice. In this intriguing mystery, neither Holmes nor Watson are characters, but they are frequently mentioned and invoked throughout the story. I will be eagerly waiting for Sheldon’s first novel about Boothby and Artie. 4.5 out of 5.
“The Last of Sheila-Locke Holmes” by Laura Lippman. Looking back on her childhood detective agency, Sheila Locke-Weiner also remembers why she closed it down. I honestly liked the buildup on this one, but it ended too abruptly, without explanation or solution, just more questions. Good writing, interesting characters, disappointing finish, peculiar story. 3 out of 5.
“The Adventure of the Concert Pianist” by Margaret Maron. Mrs. Hudson’s niece believes she is being poisoned, possibly by her husband. She came to ask Sherlock Holmes for help, but he was lost at Reichenbach Falls. Dr. Watson offers to give his help however he can. How lovely, a story told by Mrs. Hudson, with a most competent Watson to solve the mystery. 3.5 out of 5.
“The Shadow Not Cast” by Lionel Chetwynd. Two murders seem to be connected, but both Metro and the FBI are stumped. They call in the one man they both believe could solve them, Sergeant-Major Robert Jackson of the U.S. Army. An interesting story, but it felt like there was things missing, as if this was just a few scenes from a longer novel. I think the missing deeper backstory would’ve helped the enjoyment. 3.5 out of 5.
“The Eyak Interpreter” by Dana Stabenow. (Kate Shugak 18.5) For honors English class, Johnny is writing a year-long blog. He recounts how he, Kate, and Max investigate the kidnapping of Gilbert Totemoff. Short, but an interesting way of sharing the mystery. 3.5 out of 5.
“The Case That Holmes Lost” by Charles Todd. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle comes to a lawyer friend when his creation, Sherlock Holmes, is sued over an unpublished story. Based on a true case that involved friends of Doyle, he may have unknowingly solved the mystery. Loved this from start to finish. The idea of Holmes solving a case without Doyle realizing it was very well thought out. 4 out of 5.
“The Imitator” by Jan Burke. Sherlock fanatic Wishy Hanslow is brought in on the case of the missing Colonel Harris. He asks his friends, Bunny Slye and Dr. Tyndale, to help. I’m extremely fond of mysteries set just after the Great War, especially if at least one of the main heroes are veterans. This has such a great potential for a wonderful series. I hope to read more of these men. 4.5 out of 5.
“A Spot of Detection” by Jacqueline Winspear. A young boy walking home early from school hears a couple argue and the sound of a gunshot before passing out. No one believes him, putting it down to fevered hallucinations. He decides to investigate using Sherlock Holmes’ methods. The after-story which the character was loosely based on was surprising. I was actually unaware of that author’s background. This was a sweet little tale with an unexpected ending. 3.5 out of 5
“You’d Better Go in Disguise” by Alan Bradley. A chance meeting in a park has two strangers exchanging observations about others present there. Or is it chance? Told in first person, but not from the view of either Watson or Holmes. An interesting little tale. 3.5 out of 5.
“As to ‘An Exact Knowledge of London’” by Tony Broadbent. A taxi trip around London, with emphasis on spots with a connection to Sherlock Holmes leads to a most interesting conversation between a former military doctor and the cabbie. Magnificent! From start to finish, I would think I had sussed out Broadbent’s story direction only to have him send me off in an entirely different direction. 5 out of 5.
“The Men With the Twisted Lips” by S. J. Rozan. Neville St. Clair’s activities in Limehouse must be stopped before the wrong attention is raised. It has been decided that Sherlock Holmes as well as Dr. John Watson must be lured into helping the opium lords eliminate this problem. A very interesting take on “The Man With the Twisted Lip”, especially from the viewpoint of the men with the most to lose. 4 out of 5.
“The Adventure of the Purloined Paget” by Phillip Margolin & Jerry Margolin. Wealthy collectors of Sherlock Holmes memorabilia are invited to the wilds of the moors to bid on a one-of-a-kind item. When the owner is murdered and the sketch stolen, they are initially the suspects, but one of the guests has a brainstorm. The story was wonderful, the characters so well-drawn. But the use of the main character’s name was priceless. 4.5 out of 5.
“The Bone-Headed League” by Lee Child. An FBI agent assigned to London is intrigued by a murder on Baker Street. While a potentially interesting story, I found the ending jarring and unlikely. Fired? Probably. But Leavenworth? Doubtful. That sadly weakened the rest of the story for me. 3 out of 5.
“The Startling Events in the Electrified City” by Thomas Perry. An urgent request to help save the life of President McKinley soon has Holmes and Watson heading to America. Extraordinary idea! Definitely a plot twist that I was not expecting. And, frankly, plausible in that time period. History buffs will realize that McKinley was actually a better president than he has been judged, but he was a man of his time, a Civil War soldier who was dealing with a modern age that was beginning to move faster and faster. 4.5 out of 5.
“The Case of Death and Honey” by Neil Gaiman. On his deathbed, Mycroft Holmes suggested that his brother should investigate the greatest mystery of all, Death. Sherlock accepts the commission, traveling to the Far East in search of the ultimate answer. Actual research on bees, honey, and bee-related byproduct have led to similar conclusions, an extension of health, if not youth. The idea that Sherlock would find a solution to death might not be that farfetched, but that he would keep it for himself and for his dearest friend? Perfect. Then there is Old Gao, a most fascinating character. I must admit that this is the first Gaiman story that I have read, although I am familiar with his Doctor Who scripts. I must rectify that oversight. 5 out of 5.
“A Triumph of Logic” by Gayle Lynds & John Sheldon. When Emmy Holcrofts stumbles across suspicious items while settling her niece’s estate, she goes to Judge Linwood Boothby and Artie Morey, his friend and clerk, for advice. In this intriguing mystery, neither Holmes nor Watson are characters, but they are frequently mentioned and invoked throughout the story. I will be eagerly waiting for Sheldon’s first novel about Boothby and Artie. 4.5 out of 5.
“The Last of Sheila-Locke Holmes” by Laura Lippman. Looking back on her childhood detective agency, Sheila Locke-Weiner also remembers why she closed it down. I honestly liked the buildup on this one, but it ended too abruptly, without explanation or solution, just more questions. Good writing, interesting characters, disappointing finish, peculiar story. 3 out of 5.
“The Adventure of the Concert Pianist” by Margaret Maron. Mrs. Hudson’s niece believes she is being poisoned, possibly by her husband. She came to ask Sherlock Holmes for help, but he was lost at Reichenbach Falls. Dr. Watson offers to give his help however he can. How lovely, a story told by Mrs. Hudson, with a most competent Watson to solve the mystery. 3.5 out of 5.
“The Shadow Not Cast” by Lionel Chetwynd. Two murders seem to be connected, but both Metro and the FBI are stumped. They call in the one man they both believe could solve them, Sergeant-Major Robert Jackson of the U.S. Army. An interesting story, but it felt like there was things missing, as if this was just a few scenes from a longer novel. I think the missing deeper backstory would’ve helped the enjoyment. 3.5 out of 5.
“The Eyak Interpreter” by Dana Stabenow. (Kate Shugak 18.5) For honors English class, Johnny is writing a year-long blog. He recounts how he, Kate, and Max investigate the kidnapping of Gilbert Totemoff. Short, but an interesting way of sharing the mystery. 3.5 out of 5.
“The Case That Holmes Lost” by Charles Todd. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle comes to a lawyer friend when his creation, Sherlock Holmes, is sued over an unpublished story. Based on a true case that involved friends of Doyle, he may have unknowingly solved the mystery. Loved this from start to finish. The idea of Holmes solving a case without Doyle realizing it was very well thought out. 4 out of 5.
“The Imitator” by Jan Burke. Sherlock fanatic Wishy Hanslow is brought in on the case of the missing Colonel Harris. He asks his friends, Bunny Slye and Dr. Tyndale, to help. I’m extremely fond of mysteries set just after the Great War, especially if at least one of the main heroes are veterans. This has such a great potential for a wonderful series. I hope to read more of these men. 4.5 out of 5.
“A Spot of Detection” by Jacqueline Winspear. A young boy walking home early from school hears a couple argue and the sound of a gunshot before passing out. No one believes him, putting it down to fevered hallucinations. He decides to investigate using Sherlock Holmes’ methods. The after-story which the character was loosely based on was surprising. I was actually unaware of that author’s background. This was a sweet little tale with an unexpected ending. 3.5 out of 5
moto1480's review against another edition
4.0
A delightful collection of short Sherlock Holmes stories. In some cases, the stories are VERY short, but the majority of tales in this collection are at least a good five minute read. I enjoyed how each author attempted to show what Holmes was in their mind.
Top three in no particular order:
1) Startling Events in the Electrified City - Holmes and Watson go to America to help President McKinley with an unusual request.
2) The Imitator - two soldiers cope with their post-WWI scars (emotional and otherwise) and solve a case for a friend.
3) The Men With the Twisted Lips - Why was Neville St. Clair's wife near that "vile alley" where she looked up to find her husband in The Man With The Twisted Lip? Turns out, the owners of London's opium den were trying to send a message...
Easy to pick up and put down and no real clunker in the bunch.
Top three in no particular order:
1) Startling Events in the Electrified City - Holmes and Watson go to America to help President McKinley with an unusual request.
2) The Imitator - two soldiers cope with their post-WWI scars (emotional and otherwise) and solve a case for a friend.
3) The Men With the Twisted Lips - Why was Neville St. Clair's wife near that "vile alley" where she looked up to find her husband in The Man With The Twisted Lip? Turns out, the owners of London's opium den were trying to send a message...
Easy to pick up and put down and no real clunker in the bunch.
akmargie's review against another edition
4.0
Full disclosure I didn't read all the stories, but that's the fun of short story collections right? Mostly picked this up because one of the stories, "The Case of Death and Honey" by Neil Gaiman was nominated for an Edgar Award and I love me some Gaiman. It was my favorite of the stories although "You'd Better Go in Disguise" by Alan Bradley and "The Startling Events in the Electrified City" by Thomas Perry were close seconds. For diehard Sherlockians I think this would be a great read.
brittaniethekid's review against another edition
3.0
I was a little disappointed in this collection. I guess I interpreted "inspired by" to mean more Holmes canon based stories and not just any story that had some Holmes or Doyle reference in it. Only a few stories actually features Holmes or other characters from Doyle's canon - which is what I was looking for in this type of collection.
[a:Neil Gaiman|1221698|Neil Gaiman|http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1234150163p2/1221698.jpg]'s story was by far the best, in my opinion. If you read any of these stories, definitely check that one out. I wanted it to keep going!
If you like Sherlock Holmes stories because of the mystery and suspense, you would enjoy this. However, if you're like me and enjoy the canon more for the characters and their interactions than the plots, only a few of these will interest you. Support your local library and check it out there instead of buying.
[a:Neil Gaiman|1221698|Neil Gaiman|http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1234150163p2/1221698.jpg]'s story was by far the best, in my opinion. If you read any of these stories, definitely check that one out. I wanted it to keep going!
If you like Sherlock Holmes stories because of the mystery and suspense, you would enjoy this. However, if you're like me and enjoy the canon more for the characters and their interactions than the plots, only a few of these will interest you. Support your local library and check it out there instead of buying.
jeremychiasson's review against another edition
1.0
Basically amateurish Sherlock fanfiction, with the exception of Neil Gaiman's lovely little story.
mcbenzie's review against another edition
4.0
It's hard to imagine a better collection of Holmes inspired stories, running the gamut from "lost" stories from Holmes' career, reimaginings of his cases in other times and places, or investigations by those inspired by the detective and even tales of Holmes fans and one featuring Conan Doyle himself. In fact Holmes appears in only five of the fifteen stories, and in one of those (a comic about the author's inability to complete a Holmes short story) he is barely a cameo - but this is the book's strength. Of the Holmes stories only one (The Startling Events in the Electrified City) imitates the Watsonian style of the originals, and while it is by no means a failure it feels out of place among the more inventive interpretations around it. That said, there's not really a dud in the list, and the less successful ones probably seem worse than they are amongst the gems.
Of the authors included only one was familiar to me, Neil Gaiman, and his tale - like his award-winning Holmes and Cthulhu mash up "A Study in Emerald" - shows a love and understanding of the character alongside a willingness to risk taking him in a new direction. It works splendidly. Other characters who take on the mantle of Holmes - however briefly or obliquely - are also largely successful. Sme of them are probably familiar to crime readers, but since Holmes is more or less the only crime I've read, they were all new to me.
I was a little surprised at the American focus of the novel; a large part of my (and I suspect many others') attraction to aholmes is the Victorian world he inhabits, but here most of the non-Holmes stories are set in America, and one or two set in the UK onvolve Americans too. This wasn't much of a barrier though because the stories are so good, though the cultural references sometimes had me wondering what happened to all the English Sherlockians who surely would have loved a stab at this format.
All in all, I loved it. It's inspired me to return to the canon for the first time in a while, too.
Of the authors included only one was familiar to me, Neil Gaiman, and his tale - like his award-winning Holmes and Cthulhu mash up "A Study in Emerald" - shows a love and understanding of the character alongside a willingness to risk taking him in a new direction. It works splendidly. Other characters who take on the mantle of Holmes - however briefly or obliquely - are also largely successful. Sme of them are probably familiar to crime readers, but since Holmes is more or less the only crime I've read, they were all new to me.
I was a little surprised at the American focus of the novel; a large part of my (and I suspect many others') attraction to aholmes is the Victorian world he inhabits, but here most of the non-Holmes stories are set in America, and one or two set in the UK onvolve Americans too. This wasn't much of a barrier though because the stories are so good, though the cultural references sometimes had me wondering what happened to all the English Sherlockians who surely would have loved a stab at this format.
All in all, I loved it. It's inspired me to return to the canon for the first time in a while, too.
foxwrapped's review against another edition
4.0
These aren't straight pastiches, but I love that about it. But it has the same problem that plagues short story collections; some stories you like, some stories you don't. I like Neil Gaiman's (and that story actually was a pretty straightforward pastiche, if a little... Neil Gaiman-y), and the collection did introduce me to some mystery writers I have heard about but haven't read yet (like Alan Bradley, Dana Stabenow, and Jacqueline Winspear) who did pretty decent stories. The one story that I hated was the comic by Colin Cotterill, but only because it wasn't my sense of humor at all. What is my sense of humor? I have been told that I'm "the funny one" and also that I don't have a sense of humor at all. HAHAHA!!!
stephgraves's review against another edition
4.0
A couple of misfires, one story that I couldn't quite puzzle out why it was included (inserting the name 'Holmes' does NOT make it a Sherlock Holmes story), but overall a wonderful collection of short stories related to the Holmes canon. The Alan Bradley and Neil Gaiman stories in particular stand out, both beautiful and slightly sad, just the way I like 'em.