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The Improbable Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Simon Vance, John Joseph Adams, Anne Flosnik
ludicucek's review against another edition
5.0
After reading all of the Arthur C. Doyle stories several times, I realized that my cravings for Sherlock literature had to be sated in a different way. I required something new, a change from the good old stories. This book is what Goodreads recommended so this book is what I choose to read.
As I was flipping through the pages of the first story I wasn't even aware of the subtle process that was happening. I was slowly discovering a whole new world, whole new shores. I always had a certain level of skepticism towards the idea of other authors extending the original work. You can imagine my surprise when I realized that these stories were actually really good.
The whole variety of ideas was really refreshing. Holmes meets Cthulhu, Holmes meets Pirates, Holmes meets H. G. Wells, etc. Also, the fact that every story was written by another author kept things interesting. Sure, there were some boring stories but most were pretty inventive. The idea of putting Watson and Holmes into new, strange scenarios always seemed as a sort of heresy to me, but to hell with it. It works! Even some really absurd scenarios left me with a smile on my face.
The stories I enjoyed the most were the ones with Lovecraftian elements. When Holmes' rationality fights the horrible irrationality of Lovecraft's universe, sparks start to fly and great things happen.
I'm definitely looking forward to reading more of the extended Sherlockian works from now on.
As I was flipping through the pages of the first story I wasn't even aware of the subtle process that was happening. I was slowly discovering a whole new world, whole new shores. I always had a certain level of skepticism towards the idea of other authors extending the original work. You can imagine my surprise when I realized that these stories were actually really good.
The whole variety of ideas was really refreshing. Holmes meets Cthulhu, Holmes meets Pirates, Holmes meets H. G. Wells, etc. Also, the fact that every story was written by another author kept things interesting. Sure, there were some boring stories but most were pretty inventive. The idea of putting Watson and Holmes into new, strange scenarios always seemed as a sort of heresy to me, but to hell with it. It works! Even some really absurd scenarios left me with a smile on my face.
The stories I enjoyed the most were the ones with Lovecraftian elements. When Holmes' rationality fights the horrible irrationality of Lovecraft's universe, sparks start to fly and great things happen.
I'm definitely looking forward to reading more of the extended Sherlockian works from now on.
frakalot's review against another edition
5.0
Written by an amazing list of great authors these highly enjoyable deviations range in length from about half hour to an hour. Most of these are based on fantastic ideas that aim to elucidate or expand on previously unexplored features of the universe created by Doyle.
The introduction to the collection and the primer section were both short, which is my preference. A veteran Holmes reader would perhaps already know most of the details in those but the short introductions to each individual story contained many more fascinating tidbits.
1. The horror of the many faces was good and creepy. The author and narrator both, expertly conveyed the emotions in this story. Watson's feelings for Holmes were palpable and his fright at the mere thought of what he had seen felt genuine. Holmes' experience is of a great sorrow when he realises that the boundaries of the possible are blurred by the limitations of the detectable.
2. The enigmatic Moriarty is playing a trick that only Holmes can solve. This one had a very classic feel, with Watson consistently second guessing the great detective. The second abduction seemed a bit of a stretch but the explanation worked well enough.
3. An alternate reality Holmes story! This is a fun idea. Watson takes to the scenario with barely a second thought which didn't ring true but otherwise it was fun to reverse the roles and especially to have Moriarty feature more closely than usual.
4. We're off to Canada to help an old friend, Irene Adler is in need and everyone knows there is no way Holmes can refuse her. With Adler back one might expect devious shenanigans but unfortunately the author missed that opportunity. There's barely a mystery in this story and Adler features only minimally.
5. Now here's a grand idea, instead of breaking the fourth wall from the inside, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle himself falls through it from our side. This story takes Holmes' signature analytical approach to searching for Doyle's infamous garden faeries. It's a very fun story, written by one of my favourite authors. Definitely a favourite story of this collection.
6. This one stood out quickly among pastiches for resurrecting the terrible characterisation of females as dainty and hysterical figures, a feature largely left out by other authors and certainly unnecessary for recreating the feel. The story was enjoyable but the ending was also a disappointment.
7. Another great idea, this one is based on a case that Watson had originally only briefly referenced. For something different, this tale is told by the client. It isn't a bad story, but the great detective does little more than prompt the client to recall things she already knew and the affair barely meets Watson's claim that it nearly cost him and Holmes their lives.
8. Holmes is rather chipper in this story which is great, although he sets out to learn about the mummy's curse with more enthusiasm than you might expect for a supernatural theme. Nevertheless the case is handled very well and I rate this story highly.
9. This one is a cool crossover idea with another fictional detective series. I am unfamiliar with the other series which is based on a psychic detective, but obviously their detection methods are diametrically opposed so it's an interesting setting. This story is told very well and at least Holmes and Watson are spot on. I can't comment on the portrayal of the psychic detective but he is an excellent character in this story. This is another one I'll highly recommend.
10. Holmes and Watson in prime form and applying their most classic techniques of detection to the game afoot. Fantastic story, it is a lot of fun with a good amount of well done humour even if Sherlock's final decision about morality is a bit hard to swallow.
11. This scientifically themed scenario seemed to me to suit Holmes and Watson perfectly and yet struck me as the kind of story that Doyle would never have written. I thoroughly enjoyed this adventure with H.G. Wells.
12. I was very keen to read Mrs Hudson's Case and this was a lot of fun. I loved Hudson's attitude and insistence on catching the fiend instead of deterring them. I wasn't impressed with The Beekeeper's Apprentice although I do intend to continue with King's reimagined Holmes series and this short story also featuring Mary Russell is a good motivation to get back into it.
13. Jack the Ripper strays into this story and much like the H.G. Wells adventure, this one feels like Doyle would never have written it but it still manages to suit our sleuthing duo perfectly. The tale moves in an unexpected direction early on but then completely takes off in a surprising twist near the end. Top notch. I loved this very clever story.
14. A good quick adventure with a very classic feel.
15. This ambitious tale takes a young Holmes on his first brush with Moriarty and fills the details of a case only very briefly referenced by Watson in one of the original adventures. A very well crafted story.
16. Not a bad story but not as good as others in the collection. This one is a tale of faeries and witchcraft, so Doyle himself would probably have enjoyed it.
17. Another good classic adventure.
18. "Now, Watson. Your medical training will almost certainly draw your attention to the body's non-possession of a head". This preposterous story was instantly a great deal of fun and remained so throughout.
19. This one starts out as a very classic case for Holmes but it soon strays into improbable themes.
20. Holmes is absent from this tale, instead it's a young Moriarty who takes centre stage. After the fatal cliff top battle while Holmes is still on the lam in India, Watson meets with Lewis Carroll who recounts the earlier events and the pair attempt to crack a code left behind by the infamous Professor Moriarty.
21. Fast forward to the later years of Watson's life, in his mid eighties we find him dealing with the onset of dementia. In a period of lucidity he recalls an adventure from his time with Holmes.
22. Another one set in the wake of Sherlock's presumed death, this one features The Woman. Irene Adler learns the news but isn't convinced that the story is accurate. A bit of an odd tale, even in a list of improbable adventures.
23. Holmes must crack a case involving pirates with grave political implications.
24. A short but sweet classic Holmes case. Industrial hardass employers are meeting their deaths with a matchstick in hand and rumours tell of a phantom at work.
25. A xmas tale of sorts, but not at all xmasy. A purely classic Holmes case reminiscent of The Hound. I found this one easy to call early in the story.
26. Set in the theatre this entry by Gaiman failed to pique my interest, at no fault of the storytelling I just don't fancy such plots.
27. This story unapologetically jumps into a time travel scenario right from the get go. Watson and Holmes speedily learn all of the relevant gains in science that lead to the Fermi Paradox and then immediately set out to solve it. If that wasn't preposterous enough for you, just wait until Holmes reveals his solution.
The introduction to the collection and the primer section were both short, which is my preference. A veteran Holmes reader would perhaps already know most of the details in those but the short introductions to each individual story contained many more fascinating tidbits.
1. The horror of the many faces was good and creepy. The author and narrator both, expertly conveyed the emotions in this story. Watson's feelings for Holmes were palpable and his fright at the mere thought of what he had seen felt genuine. Holmes' experience is of a great sorrow when he realises that the boundaries of the possible are blurred by the limitations of the detectable.
2. The enigmatic Moriarty is playing a trick that only Holmes can solve. This one had a very classic feel, with Watson consistently second guessing the great detective. The second abduction seemed a bit of a stretch but the explanation worked well enough.
3. An alternate reality Holmes story! This is a fun idea. Watson takes to the scenario with barely a second thought which didn't ring true but otherwise it was fun to reverse the roles and especially to have Moriarty feature more closely than usual.
4. We're off to Canada to help an old friend, Irene Adler is in need and everyone knows there is no way Holmes can refuse her. With Adler back one might expect devious shenanigans but unfortunately the author missed that opportunity. There's barely a mystery in this story and Adler features only minimally.
5. Now here's a grand idea, instead of breaking the fourth wall from the inside, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle himself falls through it from our side. This story takes Holmes' signature analytical approach to searching for Doyle's infamous garden faeries. It's a very fun story, written by one of my favourite authors. Definitely a favourite story of this collection.
6. This one stood out quickly among pastiches for resurrecting the terrible characterisation of females as dainty and hysterical figures, a feature largely left out by other authors and certainly unnecessary for recreating the feel. The story was enjoyable but the ending was also a disappointment.
7. Another great idea, this one is based on a case that Watson had originally only briefly referenced. For something different, this tale is told by the client. It isn't a bad story, but the great detective does little more than prompt the client to recall things she already knew and the affair barely meets Watson's claim that it nearly cost him and Holmes their lives.
8. Holmes is rather chipper in this story which is great, although he sets out to learn about the mummy's curse with more enthusiasm than you might expect for a supernatural theme. Nevertheless the case is handled very well and I rate this story highly.
9. This one is a cool crossover idea with another fictional detective series. I am unfamiliar with the other series which is based on a psychic detective, but obviously their detection methods are diametrically opposed so it's an interesting setting. This story is told very well and at least Holmes and Watson are spot on. I can't comment on the portrayal of the psychic detective but he is an excellent character in this story. This is another one I'll highly recommend.
10. Holmes and Watson in prime form and applying their most classic techniques of detection to the game afoot. Fantastic story, it is a lot of fun with a good amount of well done humour even if Sherlock's final decision about morality is a bit hard to swallow.
11. This scientifically themed scenario seemed to me to suit Holmes and Watson perfectly and yet struck me as the kind of story that Doyle would never have written. I thoroughly enjoyed this adventure with H.G. Wells.
12. I was very keen to read Mrs Hudson's Case and this was a lot of fun. I loved Hudson's attitude and insistence on catching the fiend instead of deterring them. I wasn't impressed with The Beekeeper's Apprentice although I do intend to continue with King's reimagined Holmes series and this short story also featuring Mary Russell is a good motivation to get back into it.
13. Jack the Ripper strays into this story and much like the H.G. Wells adventure, this one feels like Doyle would never have written it but it still manages to suit our sleuthing duo perfectly. The tale moves in an unexpected direction early on but then completely takes off in a surprising twist near the end. Top notch. I loved this very clever story.
14. A good quick adventure with a very classic feel.
15. This ambitious tale takes a young Holmes on his first brush with Moriarty and fills the details of a case only very briefly referenced by Watson in one of the original adventures. A very well crafted story.
16. Not a bad story but not as good as others in the collection. This one is a tale of faeries and witchcraft, so Doyle himself would probably have enjoyed it.
17. Another good classic adventure.
18. "Now, Watson. Your medical training will almost certainly draw your attention to the body's non-possession of a head". This preposterous story was instantly a great deal of fun and remained so throughout.
19. This one starts out as a very classic case for Holmes but it soon strays into improbable themes.
20. Holmes is absent from this tale, instead it's a young Moriarty who takes centre stage. After the fatal cliff top battle while Holmes is still on the lam in India, Watson meets with Lewis Carroll who recounts the earlier events and the pair attempt to crack a code left behind by the infamous Professor Moriarty.
21. Fast forward to the later years of Watson's life, in his mid eighties we find him dealing with the onset of dementia. In a period of lucidity he recalls an adventure from his time with Holmes.
22. Another one set in the wake of Sherlock's presumed death, this one features The Woman. Irene Adler learns the news but isn't convinced that the story is accurate. A bit of an odd tale, even in a list of improbable adventures.
23. Holmes must crack a case involving pirates with grave political implications.
24. A short but sweet classic Holmes case. Industrial hardass employers are meeting their deaths with a matchstick in hand and rumours tell of a phantom at work.
25. A xmas tale of sorts, but not at all xmasy. A purely classic Holmes case reminiscent of The Hound. I found this one easy to call early in the story.
26. Set in the theatre this entry by Gaiman failed to pique my interest, at no fault of the storytelling I just don't fancy such plots.
27. This story unapologetically jumps into a time travel scenario right from the get go. Watson and Holmes speedily learn all of the relevant gains in science that lead to the Fermi Paradox and then immediately set out to solve it. If that wasn't preposterous enough for you, just wait until Holmes reveals his solution.
mackle13's review
3.0
Like all anthologies, this collection is hit or miss. None of the stories were particularly bad or anything, it's just that not a whole lot of them were particularly awesome, either. A lot of them were fun and entertaining, but also forgettable. (I commented in my status updates with brief thoughts after pretty much every story, so the run down is there.)
The ones I remember the most, off hand, though, are:
The Doctor's Case
A Study in Emerald
The Vale of the White Horse (i.e. "the one with the horse thing")
The Adventure of the Fields Theorum (i.e. "the one which pits Holmes vs. Doyle")
"The Horror of Many Faces" (i.e. "the one with the bees" - which I liked better as I read some of the others than I did when I first read it)
Commonplaces (i.e. "the good one with Irene")
and Merridew of the Abominable Memory (i.e. "the sad one about the memory guy")
I guess my biggest sense of... disappointment, I suppose, with the collection is that a lot of them weren't really all that fantastic or improbable. A few seemed like they could almost have been from the original stories - which is cool in one way, but I was expecting a bit more oddity, I suppose, and only a few of them delivered on that.
Overall, though, it is a decent collection of Holmes stories, and, as I said, none of them were bad, and all were entertaining enough.
The ones I remember the most, off hand, though, are:
The Doctor's Case
A Study in Emerald
The Vale of the White Horse (i.e. "the one with the horse thing")
The Adventure of the Fields Theorum (i.e. "the one which pits Holmes vs. Doyle")
"The Horror of Many Faces" (i.e. "the one with the bees" - which I liked better as I read some of the others than I did when I first read it)
Commonplaces (i.e. "the good one with Irene")
and Merridew of the Abominable Memory (i.e. "the sad one about the memory guy")
I guess my biggest sense of... disappointment, I suppose, with the collection is that a lot of them weren't really all that fantastic or improbable. A few seemed like they could almost have been from the original stories - which is cool in one way, but I was expecting a bit more oddity, I suppose, and only a few of them delivered on that.
Overall, though, it is a decent collection of Holmes stories, and, as I said, none of them were bad, and all were entertaining enough.
b00kzombie's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
foxwrapped's review
4.0
Two stories brilliant (Neil Gaiman's, the slash one), some stories good, some stories so-so, one story horrible.
solaniisrex's review against another edition
5.0
A wonderful anthology of short stories involving Sherlock, Watson, and other related characters. Most of the stories follow he detective, while few take the perspective of Moriarty and his crew. Several of the stories are much more fantastic than what Conan-Doyle ever brought to us. Featuring parallel worlds, Eldritch Ancients, time-travel, and of course more mundane settings fit for a Victorian hero these stories will find something for everyone so long as your a fan of the great detective.
wrestleacademic's review against another edition
4.0
This book is a combination of so many things that I enjoy so much--and I recommend it very highly to just about anyone who's ever enjoyed Sherlock Holmes. Some of the stories are stronger than others (A Study in Emerald is never going to stop being fantastic, no matter where I read it), and some of them even, surprisingly, made me incredibly sad--and still others, incredibly freaked out (dammit, Lovecraftian stories). But overall, a great collection of stories about one of the world's greatest detectives--in all sorts of times and places.
lisa_setepenre's review against another edition
4.0
The main focus on this collection is those "improbable adventures" – Holmes dealing with things like pirates, aliens, dinosaurs and ghosts, but without there being a logical explanation. There are a few that could be classed as probable, but I wouldn't hold that against them. Special mention must go to [a:Naomi Novik|8730|Naomi Novik|http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1206646770p2/8730.jpg]'s Commonplaces and the brilliant lunacy of [a:Dominic Green|96777|Dominic Green|http://www.goodreads.com/images/nophoto/nophoto-U-50x66.jpg]'s The Adventure of the Lost World.
Of course, with all collections featuring various author, there are a few clunkers. But the good and the decent significantly outweigh the bad.
Of course, with all collections featuring various author, there are a few clunkers. But the good and the decent significantly outweigh the bad.
chloeimogen's review
2.0
I should have known as soon as I read the back of the book that it wasn't for me, but instead I forced my way through all these awful stories about Sherlock Holmes and dinosaurs (to be honest, I skipped quite a few towards the end, including that one). The only fantasy Sherlock Holmes story I would want to read would involve magical realism, but there weren't really any in this collection. The only story I really enjoyed was 'Commonplaces' by Naomi Novik, which was also the shortest one. I couldn't even enjoy Neil Gaiman's story, because by that point I was sick of Lovecraftian Sherlock stories, despite the concept being original and myself loving his writing.
rebleejen's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars. There are a lot of stories in this collection. Some are good, some are just okay. Only a couple are actually bad, and only a couple have the charm of the original Conan Doyle works. I wish I could remember which was which.