Review: The Strange Case of the Pharoah's Heart

<h4 style="text-align: center;"><b>"...drawn in Egyptian letters..." [STUD]  </b></h4><h4 style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgegaXuvu0g4vrprLFWf9kXBOCeuAVuRSMqWrgrhQJZlf1KFQHxFC8DjhqD6NoIcc0NKyGVQJyhxAHJcxGuH-Tp2pG2S8Z90DxntpVtiQWU0fKxjldyJa4lzo9VoW_gP-LpcYRKJlbHoU6ndHlYEeWWsz_8j8IFEGnw-7JpQWb0XcJot8ldFcVyzFATzaHL/s943/The%20Strange%20Case%20of%20the%20Pharoah's%20Heart%20-%20thumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="707" data-original-width="943" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgegaXuvu0g4vrprLFWf9kXBOCeuAVuRSMqWrgrhQJZlf1KFQHxFC8DjhqD6NoIcc0NKyGVQJyhxAHJcxGuH-Tp2pG2S8Z90DxntpVtiQWU0fKxjldyJa4lzo9VoW_gP-LpcYRKJlbHoU6ndHlYEeWWsz_8j8IFEGnw-7JpQWb0XcJot8ldFcVyzFATzaHL/w640-h480/The%20Strange%20Case%20of%20the%20Pharoah's%20Heart%20-%20thumb.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></b></h4><p>Sherlockian pastiche has always acquired inspiration from other literary works, famous historical figures and events, and even supernatural themes. Integrating several of these factors into a single story can lead to very irregular storytelling, focusing less on the mystery and more on the uniqueness of the theme.</p><p>Timothy Miller's <b><i><a href="https://amzn.to/41uBRYG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Strange Case of the Pharoah's Heart</a></i></b> is a uniquely intriguing piece of Sherlockian writing, integrating real-life historical events and genre themes into a compelling read that deserves your attention.</p><p>Miller's premise is intriguing and unique: in 1923, Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson had a serious falling-out over their belief systems. Sherlock Holmes has adopted the philosophy of spiritualism over his usual belief in deduction much to Dr. Watson's chagrin. Although they split, Watson is approached by Lady Evelyn Carnarvon whose father sponsored the expedition that discovered the <a href="https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/archaeologist-opens-tomb-of-king-tut" target="_blank">Tomb of Tutenkamen</a>. Soon, Holmes and Watson are joined by a third character, a woman named Estelle Roberts who is a medium who can communicate with the dead.</p><p>Miller's <b><i><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/93253/9781645060819" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Strange Case of the Pharoah's Heart</a></i></b> also takes a unique narrative approach, splitting the narration between Dr. James Watson and Estelle Roberts. While this may dismay Sherlockian purists, it provides great tension between the potentially rational and potentially supernatural. The dual narrative opens up the story, providing insights and perspectives that could be easily missed in a straightforward pastiche. As the mystery progresses, Miller introduces various characters who help both Holmes and Watson shine.</p><p>Describing the plot in greater detail would be unfair to Timothy Miller, as <b><i>The Strange Case of the Pharoah's Heart</i> </b>provides a great reading experience for Sherlockians. Without spoiling, the last three chapters serve as an afterword with moments of grace, serenity, and finality. </p><p><b><i>The Strange Case of the Pharoah's Heart</i></b> is a great Sherlockian work best enjoyed with an open heart and an eager mind, and worth seeking out.</p><p>Very highly recommended.</p><p>Available on <a href="https://amzn.to/41uBRYG">Amazon.com</a>, <a href="https://bookshop.org/a/93253/9781645060819">Bookshop.org</a>, or wherever books are sold. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiex0nmHHcSmWRZ0Rre2xdrBNthXoWCMgrmu_AvOBtReE3M9JU0ySIk83HkwYC08UceER5pqFPoEUhbc5xwS-1spxX6huxcmOiSyDZggCDUP98W0-GU1yo6ky0uT_iEGsAfKUmHLky8k3jfO6fec2yQGJ0Z0kwFFQybNh5bSulcT-Syz71vpCZYA7p09DD-/s1500/The%20Strange%20Case%20of%20the%20Pharoah's%20Heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="943" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiex0nmHHcSmWRZ0Rre2xdrBNthXoWCMgrmu_AvOBtReE3M9JU0ySIk83HkwYC08UceER5pqFPoEUhbc5xwS-1spxX6huxcmOiSyDZggCDUP98W0-GU1yo6ky0uT_iEGsAfKUmHLky8k3jfO6fec2yQGJ0Z0kwFFQybNh5bSulcT-Syz71vpCZYA7p09DD-/s320/The%20Strange%20Case%20of%20the%20Pharoah's%20Heart.jpg" width="201" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><i>(Note: a copy of the book was provided for review) </i></p>

Review: The Strange Case of the Pharoah's Heart

"...drawn in Egyptian letters..." [STUD]   Sherlockian pastiche has always acquired inspiration from other literary works, famous ...

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by Gordon D

Review: Ka Pōhaku Makamae

<h4 style="text-align: center;">“even the smallest of problems are of interest to me” [BLUE]</h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSI3aHAupPgExWNAIMDmz5r_riomALbF1Fc5rYX29GlIQxqij-0GZ3hv2OUfN_JnQtuXNShgK3J_1lRa6L_SlTGOx4YSRA8Yqb_ugO4kWzFusipr5pNNJoheGTqnf6RKYf-X0WIkQRam48uiWVF7-ZTe1-kn7VLM_ZJ164kfRCvOba4wm7YnlpwTllOA/s600/Ka%20Pohaku%20Mkakamae%20-%20header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSI3aHAupPgExWNAIMDmz5r_riomALbF1Fc5rYX29GlIQxqij-0GZ3hv2OUfN_JnQtuXNShgK3J_1lRa6L_SlTGOx4YSRA8Yqb_ugO4kWzFusipr5pNNJoheGTqnf6RKYf-X0WIkQRam48uiWVF7-ZTe1-kn7VLM_ZJ164kfRCvOba4wm7YnlpwTllOA/s16000/Ka%20Pohaku%20Mkakamae%20-%20header.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div> Reviewing <a href="https://www.ihearofsherlock.com/2021/01/he-huli-ulaula-study-in-scarlet.html"><strong><i>He Huli ʻUlaʻula: A Study in Scarlet</i></strong></a> in 2021 was a great revelation. Leilehua Yuen's introductory tale of Kamalka Holmes and Fevronia Watkins was a delight with the desire to read more stories. Thankfully, the recently released <strong><a href="https://amzn.to/3oRBkiC" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i>Ka Pōhaku Makamae: The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle or The Adventure of the Christmas Goose</i></a></strong> is also a delight and a worthy follow-up to Ms. Yuen's first book.</div><div><br /> Taking its inspiration from the canonical story “<a href="https://sherlock-holm.es/stories/pdf/a4/1-sided/blue.pdf">The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle</a>,” <b><i>K</i></b><strong><i>a Pōhaku Makamae</i> </strong>provides a great holiday-themed Holmesian pastiche that provides a rich and unique setting. </div><div><br /></div><div>Intended to be the third in a series, <strong><i>Ka Pōhaku Makamae</i> </strong>has a great mix of hope and melancholy in telling its tale. Although finding a gem in the neck of a Christmas goose is a key element, the story finds Kamalka Holmes and Fevronia Watkins looking into several of the strange circumstances around this blue gem.</div><div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSwVdsgpq38KX29yG7sAiGPrvxCEdXd31pMoWS_AsA_6F9GQZiQfcD29xFD9-floOJEEaHxu9EfVdn8I78HKOLuk7b5Gtzzfw9Uob_RnLfNwtKrnghWNNh287B51TtpOvlSzd-Egv3bjcWlnMJNjj1kd5unGU9rqx9kGY_KW8VQErWJf6eGjbZC6kuPg/s809/Ka%20Pohaku%20Mkakamae.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="489" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSwVdsgpq38KX29yG7sAiGPrvxCEdXd31pMoWS_AsA_6F9GQZiQfcD29xFD9-floOJEEaHxu9EfVdn8I78HKOLuk7b5Gtzzfw9Uob_RnLfNwtKrnghWNNh287B51TtpOvlSzd-Egv3bjcWlnMJNjj1kd5unGU9rqx9kGY_KW8VQErWJf6eGjbZC6kuPg/s320/Ka%20Pohaku%20Mkakamae.jpg" width="193" /></a></div><br /> <br />Like <strong><i>He Huli ʻUlaʻula</i></strong>, Ms. Yuen crafts an engaging tale that uses late 19th-century Hawaii in the same way Conan Doyle used Victorian London. Not only is the plot of <strong><i>Ka Pōhaku Makamae</i> </strong>engaging, but it provides an intriguing backdrop that provides insight into a little-known era of history. </div><div><br /></div><div>There are tantalizing details that would be worthy of further stories (like the suggestion that a Hawaiian prince desired to fight in the American Civil War), However, Ms. Yuen's mix of everyday family issues within the overall plot provides a strong emotional core that compliments the overall mystery.</div><div>  <br />But <strong><i>Ka Pōhaku Makamae</i> </strong>also provides some great resources at the end of the book. In addition to a character list, <strong><i>Ka Pōhaku Makamae</i> </strong>contains several appendices which include a glossary, an essay on historical context, and a list of Scottish Christmas recipes reflecting Fevronia Watkin's background. These appendices provide a great reading experience on their own as they serve as the foundation of the book's world-building. It also fosters the holiday-themed spirit within the story, providing some extra benefits to an already great story.</div><div>  <br /> <strong><a href="https://amzn.to/3oRBkiC" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i>Ka Pōhaku Makamae - The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle or The Adventure of the Christmas Goose</i></a></strong> is a must-read for any Sherlockian. This great holiday-themed pastiche is a worthy follow-up to <a href="https://www.ihearofsherlock.com/2021/01/he-huli-ulaula-study-in-scarlet.html"><strong><i>He Huli ʻUlaʻula</i></strong></a> is an excellent gift idea, for yourself or the Sherlockian in your life. </div><div><br /> <strong><i>Highly recommended</i></strong></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b> <em>(NOTE: An electronic copy was provided for purposes of review) </em></div><div><em><br /></em></div>

Review: Ka Pōhaku Makamae

“even the smallest of problems are of interest to me” [BLUE] Reviewing He Huli ʻUlaʻula: A Study in Scarlet in 2021 was a great revelatio...

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by Gordon D

He Huli ʻUlaʻula - A Study in Scarlet

<h4 style="text-align: center;"> "the lady's story was complete"<i> </i>[ABBE]</h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEsjLsoG2JhWU2amBbcV9mYLbyhKhRNnvKiL1CkrSi1JenmB4I1F12YpPI06ORu2pClVJqxo6GSbbovNSenrRQ0eJoiIK2YaRbp5UzO-jJ5OvXZQbK-9ISVu7JtZjUgDAu__-9rWUmdk7H/s863/He+Huli+Ula+Ula+-+crop.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="519" data-original-width="863" height="385" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEsjLsoG2JhWU2amBbcV9mYLbyhKhRNnvKiL1CkrSi1JenmB4I1F12YpPI06ORu2pClVJqxo6GSbbovNSenrRQ0eJoiIK2YaRbp5UzO-jJ5OvXZQbK-9ISVu7JtZjUgDAu__-9rWUmdk7H/w640-h385/He+Huli+Ula+Ula+-+crop.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Sherlockian pastiche in the past ten years has gained a higher profile through contextualizing canon in a variety of contemporary cultures. Whether events occur in 21st century London (<b><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3tbLyYo" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sherlock</a></i></b>), New York (<b><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3akdzV4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Elementary</a></i>)</b><i> </i>or Japan (<b><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3j0rxzl" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Miss Sherlock</a></i></b>), Sherlockian pastiches tend to reflect a contemporary mindset.</p><p>One recently released pastiche, <b><i><a href="https://amzn.to/2Yp4PYk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">He Huli ʻUlaʻula -  A Study in Scarlet</a></i> </b>by Leilehua Yuen, does an exceptional job by setting her pastiche in 19th century Hawaii. Although intended for the Young Adult audience, there are some really clever touches and insights that can appeal to Sherlockians of all ages.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhd7-5e-ujqBI2l4a3TId-Qi7ZB20B7xkij07NkU75cQNPxGfZJqlyTDovqMKaZSIPpdeL89riJ2VRdkHf-ZbGUUwCQyXuEYPcvN7T3hlgzC140RG9-DEIiyfnB5xSNMlctymgunVaAVS6/s1360/He+Huli+Ula+Ula.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1360" data-original-width="893" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhd7-5e-ujqBI2l4a3TId-Qi7ZB20B7xkij07NkU75cQNPxGfZJqlyTDovqMKaZSIPpdeL89riJ2VRdkHf-ZbGUUwCQyXuEYPcvN7T3hlgzC140RG9-DEIiyfnB5xSNMlctymgunVaAVS6/w131-h200/He+Huli+Ula+Ula.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>Our "Watson" character is Fevronia Watkins, a young woman who loses her family and moves to Hawaii to stay with her uncle and his family. (The introductory sequence alone, highlighting her travels to the island, provide an equivalent context to her character as the original <i>A Study in Scarlet</i><b> </b>[STUD] gave Watson.) When she arrives, she meets her cousin Kamaka Holmes, whose desire to become the first consulting detective in Hawaii is inspired by the methods and thinking of the Great Detective himself. <p></p><p>(This aspect is one of the joys of this volume; it is not just a simple transference of characters into this context, but also the fact that Holmes has an influence as a fictional character. Many of the story beats parallel the original <i>A </i><i>Study in Scarlet</i>, but also manage to find unique twists and perspectives which are not usually found in most pastiches). </p><p><b><i>He Huli ʻUlaʻula</i> </b>also provides a very engaging mystery within a unique historical context. With its intentions to educate as well as entertain, this volume contains several appendices which include a glossary, some historical insights, and a poem by Alexander Pope. Various maps and photos strewn throughout the volume also provide a greater sense of time and place, and are used judiciously to engage the reader. Given that Hawaii's history transitioning from a kingdom to a republic is not common knowledge, <b><i>He Huli ʻUlaʻula</i> </b>serves as a great entry point for further historical exploration.</p><p>As the first in a (hopeful) series of novels, <b><i>He Huli ʻUlaʻula</i> </b>is an enjoyable work that reflects the Sherlockian canon in multiple ways. Leilehua Yuen has started a unique series of Sherlockian pastiches, and I cannot wait for the further adventures of Fevronia Watkins and Kamaka Holmes.</p><p>Highly recommended.</p><p>Available on Amazon in <a href="https://amzn.to/3pAxZzy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">paperback</a> and <a href="https://amzn.to/2Mk598a" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kindle version</a>.</p><p><i>(An electronic copy was provided for review purposes) </i></p><p><i><br /></i><script type="text/javascript"> amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "scottmonty-20"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; amzn_assoc_region = "US"; amzn_assoc_design = "enhanced_links"; amzn_assoc_asins = "B08P29D8SK"; amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit"; amzn_assoc_linkid = "5b74ed70a3c3216adaea9d7e10617fe4"; </script> <script src="//z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/onejs?MarketPlace=US"></script></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p><i><br /></i></p>

He Huli ʻUlaʻula - A Study in Scarlet

 "the lady's story was complete" [ABBE] Sherlockian pastiche in the past ten years has gained a higher profile through contex...

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by Gordon D

Review: A Three-Pipe Christmas

<h4 style="text-align: center;">"absolutely unique, and its value can only be conjectured" [BLUE]</h4><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9N3vcRkjLZ9karqXihoVFkIpD9eVjLvDK70hItX_KEQ5fQsGlSXo1BlcjOsHoFcXIPsHHXmdacnwO91uXQr8i7PrBNmq0bW6YGnRH4UsCAiF2C9etZAQMRpiHXPQKW0H_HEENkiHsqLJa/s1484/SH4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1226" data-original-width="1484" height="528" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9N3vcRkjLZ9karqXihoVFkIpD9eVjLvDK70hItX_KEQ5fQsGlSXo1BlcjOsHoFcXIPsHHXmdacnwO91uXQr8i7PrBNmq0bW6YGnRH4UsCAiF2C9etZAQMRpiHXPQKW0H_HEENkiHsqLJa/w640-h528/SH4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Illustration by Karen Gosselin</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><p> After an admittedly trying year, many Sherlockians deserve multiple moments of delight, charm, and warmth during the holiday season. Thankfully, Belanger Books' new collection <strong><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3qxtruS" target="_blank">A Three-Pipe Christma</a>s</i></strong> is the perfect holiday tome. Mixing Sherlockian canon, scholarship, and pastiche, this book provides an exceptional, enjoyable read for Sherlockians of all persuasions.</p><p> </p><p><strong><i>A Three-Pipe Christmas</i></strong> begins with "<a href="https://etc.usf.edu/lit2go/32/the-adventures-of-sherlock-holmes/351/adventure-7-the-adventure-of-the-blue-carbuncle/">The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle</a>", which leads into a trilogy of essays that provide Sherlockian insights into the context of the story. Julie McKuras, BSI ("The Duchess of Devonshire") in her essay "The Season of Forgiveness" and Monica M. Schmidt, BSI ("Julia Stoner") in her "A Most Difficult Time of the Year" highlight how the story reflects much of the joy <i>and </i>the melancholy of the holiday. As someone introduced to Holmes in his youth, I found the musings of Shannon Carlisle, BSI ("Beacons of the Future!") on introducing Holmes to her fourth-grade students in "A Brilliant Tale for the Youngest Sherlockians" especially touching and insightful.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHnsQdBlAsdWIt_WA2bGcrHC9N0okJty12-MrSVwnp3kXpNuL0rVSg3x-onql6Jb0eJybAza6wK_JEmpN7ImHACgF9_G-pWi7PjmuPa3UABPZSJiy8YPY8wyxb_do0wxyWXMNVHQLd3N7V/s2048/-leaving+Breckinridge.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1535" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHnsQdBlAsdWIt_WA2bGcrHC9N0okJty12-MrSVwnp3kXpNuL0rVSg3x-onql6Jb0eJybAza6wK_JEmpN7ImHACgF9_G-pWi7PjmuPa3UABPZSJiy8YPY8wyxb_do0wxyWXMNVHQLd3N7V/w480-h640/-leaving+Breckinridge.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">"Leaving Breckenridge" by <i>Strand </i>artist Jeffrey McKeever</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Our next selection is "The Unique Hamlet" by Vincent Starrett, a tale that celebrates its centennial this year. As a first-time reader of this particular pastiche, I found it quite enjoyable for its sly sense of humor as well as its prose styling. (Or as one commenter states, the story's tone is "more Lewis Carroll than Conan Doyle," and that is to its credit). With its focus on book collecting and literature, "The Unique Hamlet" has more than earned its reputation as a high-end pastiche.</p><p>The essays that follow provide insight into the history of "The Unique Hamlet" describe its importance in written Sherlockian pastiche. The late Susan Rice, BSI ("Beeswing") describes it in her essay as the "gold standard" in its balance of humor and style. Dan Andricaco (who edited <b><i>The Three Pipe Christmas</i></b>) also discusses how Vincent Starrett deftly balances pastiche, parody, and satire in writing "The Unique Hamlet." In the final related essay, Randall Stock, BSI ("South African Securities") highlights how a story that satirizes literature and book collecting morphs into a moment when "satire becomes pastiche."</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigzBwzD8Fx9CxGsofCqmfds1I2cPqChBWd6JOL2GvaW9eFunh8utGQ5PqoNii1vZ_4BqRChoeAvJp4zluYwcDn_aVbrBnkiKFHcKpmr4QL4O_fgMkNMPtDw0teeOMtKuJWJD1Gfoe7kHvl/s2048/Unique+Dickensians+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigzBwzD8Fx9CxGsofCqmfds1I2cPqChBWd6JOL2GvaW9eFunh8utGQ5PqoNii1vZ_4BqRChoeAvJp4zluYwcDn_aVbrBnkiKFHcKpmr4QL4O_fgMkNMPtDw0teeOMtKuJWJD1Gfoe7kHvl/w426-h640/Unique+Dickensians+3.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Illustration by Brian Belanger</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>The final story is "The Adventure of the Unique Dickensians" by August Derleth, featuring the detective Solar Pons and Dr. Parker. Although Solar Pons is inspired by Sherlock Holmes (and "The Unique Dickenseians" lifts some tone and spirit from "The Unique Hamlet), calling Pons a pastiche of Holmes would not be entirely accurate. As the Pons-oriented essays by David Marcum PSI, Bob Byrne PSI, Roger Johnson, BSI ("Shinwell Johnson"), and Derrick Belanger, PSI attest, Sherlockians may find much to enjoy about exploring the Holmes-inspired yet modern-spirit tales of Solar Pons. </p><p>With its illustrations by Karen Gosselin providing a <i>Strand Magazine</i>-like feel, <b><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3qxtruS" target="_blank">The Three Pipe Christmas</a></i></b> serves both as an excellent introduction to Sherlockian thought as well as the ideal gift for a long-term student of the canon. With proceeds benefitting the <a href="https://www.beaconsociety.com/joel-senter-essay-contest.html" target="_blank">R. Joel Senter Sr. Memorial Essay Contest</a>, <b><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3qxtruS" target="_blank">The Three Pipe Christmas</a></i></b> also provides an opportunity to foster the holiday spirit of giving.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/33M31vq" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1020" data-original-width="680" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaIPBOoXnT47cBgEe4n5neMxdmp24c8JWnIDY4WZhyphenhyphenwon587yXsAAqfregwDvPdFS5VFxifWlEzf5kWGg0lzQPIFMYwyzF7fO2g4F_s5D-3tYvbmNHnbxj929TsC9EdS7fagFFLu0LeNBs/w426-h640/Three+Pipe+Christmas+Cover.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><p><b><i>The Three Pipe Christmas</i></b> is an absolutely unique volume of Sherlockian storytelling and scholarship and is highly recommended. </p><p><br /><script type="text/javascript"> amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "scottmonty-20"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; amzn_assoc_region = "US"; amzn_assoc_design = "enhanced_links"; amzn_assoc_asins = "B08NF1PRJS"; amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit"; amzn_assoc_linkid = "1fda3739be23df459dcbbc97f0e0965a"; </script> <script src="//z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/onejs?MarketPlace=US"></script></p><p>--</p><p><br /></p><p></p><p></p>

Review: A Three-Pipe Christmas

"absolutely unique, and its value can only be conjectured" [BLUE] Illustration by Karen Gosselin After an admittedly trying year,...

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by Gordon D

Review: A Pocketful of Lodestones by Elizabeth Crowens

<h4 style="text-align: center;"> <b>“and the traveler has to return as he came” [FINA]</b></h4> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNILqXH2NNahFVgVrfQ5x5_nE053uDhyw2SYZf-_7Hcd4YOfbSV1CFByCbFpUvycEphghyphenhyphenH_wnU8bay-Rd3Ci3v9BDRYSbY6DU0tWKrDaotNKEwcCsTJ4tSNl795CETa42TTuQeURVmw8i/s1600/Crowens+-+A+Pocketful+of+Lodestones+cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="692" data-original-width="868" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNILqXH2NNahFVgVrfQ5x5_nE053uDhyw2SYZf-_7Hcd4YOfbSV1CFByCbFpUvycEphghyphenhyphenH_wnU8bay-Rd3Ci3v9BDRYSbY6DU0tWKrDaotNKEwcCsTJ4tSNl795CETa42TTuQeURVmw8i/s640/Crowens+-+A+Pocketful+of+Lodestones+cropped.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> As scholars of the Holmes canon, many Sherlockians often find themselves exploring the other literary work of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Despite the canon being his “highlight,” there are many intriguing novels and stories that highlight Arthur Conan Doyle’s writing style.<br /> <div> <br /></div> <div> Two such examples are found in Elizabeth Crowen’s novels in the <b>Time Traveler Professor</b> series: <i><a href="https://amzn.to/35tFf6O" target="_blank">Silent Meridian</a></i> and the recently published follow up <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2qbTrRN" target="_blank">A Pocketful of Lodestones</a></i>.<br /> <br /> Both books center around John Patrick Scott, a man who partners with Conan Doyle around issues of spiritualism...and time travel. <i><b>Silent Meridian</b></i> consists of a series of adventures in time travel with a healthy dose of intrigue (including a shift in Scott’s relationship to Conan Doyle, the activities around a mysterious red book, and shifting encounters with a variety of Victorian-era historical figures).<br /> <br /> As the initial entry into the series, <i><b>Silent Meridian</b></i> reads more like several vignettes rather than a single novel, but that plays to Crowen’s strength as a writer. Ideas, plot strands, and characters are woven into the narrative in prose that reads like an approximation of Conan Doyle’s style yet maintaining a unique tone and voice.<br /> <br /> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2qbTrRN" target="_blank"><img alt="https://amzn.to/2qbTrRN" border="0" data-original-height="1360" data-original-width="880" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin25L9mBXvDim7-prLJOanZiiygSpbVFioYxS7gb6BRi5zMHXYZX4PJlIAsZt3vasTIbbVxmNF4foq-JV0fWzKghtoWhl_HQCC2LIwlxPGAD20sc9f5Km5dV0vGXxFJdpWrb67vrhTu-ge/s320/Crowens+-+A+Pocketful+of+Lodestones.jpg" width="207" /></a></span></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://amzn.to/2qbTrRN" target="_blank">A Pocketful of Lodestones</a></i></td></tr> </tbody></table> But <i><b>A Pocketful of Lodestones</b></i>, the second book, is where Elizabeth Crowens solidifies her voice and vision. Building on the events of <i>Silent Meridian</i>, Crowens crafts a more cohesive story by documenting Scott’s activities during World War I. Both books have a unique charm due to their wide panoply of clever and imaginative ideas that never feel forced or self-conscious. Elizabeth Crowens tells a very unique story across both volumes that serves as a delightful, enjoyable read.<br /> <br /> One of the delights of the book is how Crowens uses Arthur Conan Doyle as one of the lead characters. Although many Sherlockian pastiches integrate historical characters into their tales, Crowens’ inclusion of Conan Doyle never feels forced — in fact, Conan Doyle becomes a very intriguing character throughout both books.<br /> <br /> Although difficult to explain without spoiling, some of the events surrounding Scott’s and Conan Doyle’s relationship will be especially intriguing to Sherlockians. (And yes, Sherlock Holmes plays a key role throughout both books, but not in the way you might imagine). And there’s a passage in <i>A Pocketful of Lodestones</i> that will have you rethinking—and possibly revisiting—Conan Doyle’s work on <i>The Lost World</i>.<br /> <br /> <br /> Both books in the Time Traveler Professor series are available in <a href="https://amzn.to/2VFZVUH" target="_blank">softcover</a> and <a href="https://amzn.to/35vXcBz" target="_blank">Kindle</a> form and both books provide for great, pleasurable reading.<br /> <br /> Elizabeth Crowens deserves kudos for crafting a unique story through both <i>Silent Meridian</i> and <i>A Pocketful of Lodestones</i>, and will make you eager to catch a potential volume three. <br /> <div> <br /></div> <div> <script type="text/javascript"> amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "scottmonty-20"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; amzn_assoc_region = "US"; amzn_assoc_design = "enhanced_links"; amzn_assoc_asins = "1950384055"; amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit"; amzn_assoc_linkid = "c5223cc0239e2220942e68b31f2a1f2a"; </script><br /> <script src="//z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/onejs?MarketPlace=US"></script><br /></div> </div> <div> <script type="text/javascript"> amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "scottmonty-20"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; amzn_assoc_region = "US"; amzn_assoc_design = "enhanced_links"; amzn_assoc_asins = "1950384047"; amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit"; amzn_assoc_linkid = "8b93c319407e51c6090baf9699aa7381"; </script><br /> <script src="//z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/onejs?MarketPlace=US"></script><br /></div>

Review: A Pocketful of Lodestones by Elizabeth Crowens

“and the traveler has to return as he came” [FINA] As scholars of the Holmes canon, many Sherlockians often find themselves exploring t...

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by Gordon D

Review: Moriarty's Final Problem

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-weight: 700;">“...all the powers of darkness at his back” [VALL] </span></div> <div> <span style="font-weight: 700;"><br /></span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPh-GtQZW1fXerhuZRfhGcl9HsdnFU-nMCDwy0hQ1Gp1gNdNI9qMiHe_ivspYiq0Ufk_t8MMrKQPbY1kqZLF_YmS8KzwAw_DpJa6bNMvOZE_n8N7BEQgN46j1myTFWjv5la_esZ4w3xtFw/s1600/Moriarty%2527s+Final+Problem+-+cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="517" data-original-width="712" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPh-GtQZW1fXerhuZRfhGcl9HsdnFU-nMCDwy0hQ1Gp1gNdNI9qMiHe_ivspYiq0Ufk_t8MMrKQPbY1kqZLF_YmS8KzwAw_DpJa6bNMvOZE_n8N7BEQgN46j1myTFWjv5la_esZ4w3xtFw/s640/Moriarty%2527s+Final+Problem+-+cropped.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div> <br /></div> Despite only appearing once in the Sherlock Holmes stories, Professor James Moriarity has made an indelible mark on the canon and Sherlockian scholarship. Frequently, many Holmesian pastiches feature Moriarity as the primary antagonist, focusing on his many parallels to Sherlock Holmes. However, these pastiches have used Moriarity to varying effect, portraying him as either criminal supergenius or merely serviceable villain.<br /> <br /> But <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Moriartys-Final-Problem-Sherlock-Holmes-ebook/dp/B01ILYLF32">Moriarity’s Final Problem</a></i> by Lisa and Gina Gomez (published by 18th Wall Productions as part of their “<b>Sherlock Holmes: The Science of Deduction</b>” ebook series) manages a feat many pastiches rarely attempt: a focus on Moriarity’s activities after the events of "The Final Problem" and an exceptional insight into his motivations and psyche. <br /> <br /> Unlike other efforts by John Gardner and Anthony Horowitz, <i>Moriarity’s Final Problem</i> has a very distinct focus: Moriarity’s plans for revenge against Holmes in the most cunning and devious manner…<br /> <br /> One of the great aspects of <i>Moriarity’s Final Problem</i> is how the plot unfolds while revealing Moriarity’s mindset: this is not simply a case of I’m-going-to-get-you. In many ways, this feels as dramatic a turnaround as Holmes return in "The Empty House," but what makes this story especially clever is the how Moriarity chooses to exact his revenge on Holmes.<br /> <br /> To say more would spoil the surprises: suffice it to say, Lisa and Gina Gomez manage to portray Moriarity in a manner that Conan Doyle would approve. Balancing a Machiavellian sense of intrigue with a stark anger, their Moriarity provides an extremely compelling read.<br /> <div> <br /></div> <div> There is a strong sense of inevitability about the ending, but the authors manage a strong sense of suspense as they tell their tale. The only complaint about <i>Moriarity’s Final Problem</i> is that it feels a bit short, but not because of a lack of story. In fact, <i>Moriarity’s Final Problem</i> will have the reader wanting more from this pair.<br /> <br /> Not only does <i>Moriarity’s Final Problem</i> by Lisa and Gina Gomez stand as a solid Holmesian pastiche, but also serves as a gateway for other books in 18th Wall Productions’ <b>Sherlock Holmes: The Science of Deduction</b> series...and I look forward to checking out more entries. </div> <div> <br /></div> <div> <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Moriartys-Final-Problem-Sherlock-Holmes-ebook/dp/B01ILYLF32">Moriarty's Final Problem</a></i> by Lisa and Gina Gomez is available as <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Moriartys-Final-Problem-Sherlock-Holmes-ebook/dp/B01ILYLF32">an ebook from Amazon</a>.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Moriartys-Final-Problem-Sherlock-Holmes-ebook/dp/B01ILYLF32"><img border="0" data-original-height="943" data-original-width="715" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAIMerukn1qzPinHcXHWgDUc4SYtJNdbkYzacbMk5DMSjUY12WRc1dxv_RzR37R4L1fhVA3mURRiU70Kx_JRmIOz_D8D6kx476K3UkJcffyMq7_aMhqssBUmMmdR1dwJgkH2borwsSSkEo/s320/Moriarty%2527s+Final+Problem.jpg" width="242" /></a></div> <div> <br /> <br /> [<i>Disclosure: A complimentary copy was provided for review purposes.</i>]<br /> <div> <br /></div> </div>

Review: Moriarty's Final Problem

“...all the powers of darkness at his back” [VALL]  Despite only appearing once in the Sherlock Holmes stories, Professor James Mori...

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by Gordon D

Sherlock Holmes & the Green Lama: The Heir Apparent - A Review

<h4 style="text-align: center;"> <b>"an inheritance with a vengeance" [HOUN]</b></h4> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTdi593g3igvZ6kXwU5FTCf9jXAypzUFoIPujjLiGEwPAksUoiaciW7M3p_wOCTlXqDtMyfc-vKe1cLAVUocM7c7pm3tlTq7p-HTaiW5DsADLAeYESGEmuQhManmA0UsSeCReaatBZ1LTO/s1600/Green+Lama.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1095" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTdi593g3igvZ6kXwU5FTCf9jXAypzUFoIPujjLiGEwPAksUoiaciW7M3p_wOCTlXqDtMyfc-vKe1cLAVUocM7c7pm3tlTq7p-HTaiW5DsADLAeYESGEmuQhManmA0UsSeCReaatBZ1LTO/s640/Green+Lama.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> Writing team-ups involving Sherlock Holmes and other Victorian-era characters and concepts seems natural, especially since many of those characters and concepts are in the public domain. Often, Sherlock Holmes has teamed with better known fictional characters (like Batman in <b><a href="http://dc.wikia.com/wiki/Detective_Comics_Vol_1_572" target="_blank">Detective Comics # 572</a></b>) with often mixed results. So having Sherlock Holmes team up with a classic pulp character might seem a bit out-of-place....<br /> <br /> But Adam Lance Garcia's <b><i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sherlock-Holmes-Green-Lama-Apparent/dp/1944017100" target="_blank">Sherlock Holmes & the Green Lama: The Heir Apparent</a></i></b> not only succeeds in combining two disparate characters, he manages to channel the spirit of Conan Doyle within the context of a more modern character. <br /> <br /> Published by Moonstone Books, <b><i>The Heir Apparent</i></b> takes place within the Green Lama "universe," but does not require prior knowledge of the character. In short, the story takes the form of a "lost" document by Jethro Dumont, the secret identity of the Green Lama. He serves as our honorary Watson, relating a tale that takes place in the latter part of Holmes's career involving kidnappings, death, and one person's quest for vengeance. It's a brisk, brief tale that balances the extraordinary spirit of classic pulp tales with the breathless atmospherics of Conan Doyle's canon.<br /> <br /> In short, if you are seeking a straightforward Holmes pastiche, <b><i>The Heir Apparent</i></b> doesn't fit the bill....but transcends it. Adam Lance Garcia does the near impossible: he channels Conan Doyle's prose style while telling a more modern, streamlined pulp action tale. In short, it feels like Conan Doyle ghostwriting a pulp story involving Sherlock Holmes yet keeping it firmly within the bounds of traditional Holmesian storytelling.<br /> <br /> Many great Holmesian pastiches are available for your reading pleasure, but Adam Lance Garcia's <b><i>The Green Lama/Sherlock Holmes: The Heir Apparent</i></b> is not just another pastiche; it's a seamless blending of two disparate styles that make for a uniquely engaging tale. Whether you are looking for traditional Holmesian fare or a slightly more modernized equivalent, <i><b>The Heir Apparent</b> </i>provides plenty to entertain Sherlockians of both types.<br /> <br /> This is one book to place on your Sherlock Holmes must-read list.<br /> <br /> <i>(A complimentary electronic copy was provided for purposes of review)</i><br /> <i><br /></i> <i>--</i><br /> <i><br /></i>

Sherlock Holmes & the Green Lama: The Heir Apparent - A Review

"an inheritance with a vengeance" [HOUN] Writing team-ups involving Sherlock Holmes and other Victorian-era characters and co...

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by Gordon D

Petr Kopl's Sherlock Holmes — A Review

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <h4 style="text-align: center;"> "...with the same feverish animation as before" [DYIN]</h4> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVd0S3BNoIKE5Ir6m2nDXDW5zMtVy7eAwl2kOLcAX67KCClQxzXmf_B1aZfTDUtfeda7AvynK7VTlrT4DBcwtt9hhPc84L3DW8i_1evGwxd7J6zIKLle6W3fcrdtjkIaPCpX6OpX_qRhQs/s1600/kopl02_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVd0S3BNoIKE5Ir6m2nDXDW5zMtVy7eAwl2kOLcAX67KCClQxzXmf_B1aZfTDUtfeda7AvynK7VTlrT4DBcwtt9hhPc84L3DW8i_1evGwxd7J6zIKLle6W3fcrdtjkIaPCpX6OpX_qRhQs/s640/kopl02_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> Graphic novel and comic book adaptations of Sherlock Holmes often use canon as a departure point, crafting unique tales that create a properly Victorian atmosphere of high drama.<br /> <br /> Czech artist <a href="http://www.petrkopl.cz/" target="_blank">Petr Kopl's</a> adaptations of <b>"<a href="http://mxpublishing.com/product/9781780926803/A+Scandal+In+Bohemia+%E2%80%93+A+Sherlock+Holmes+Graphic+Novel" target="_blank">A Scandal In Bohemia</a>"</b> and <b><i><a href="http://mxpublishing.com/product/9781780927237/The+Hound+of+The+Baskervilles++%E2%80%93+A+Sherlock+Holmes+Graphic+Novel" target="_blank">The Hound of the Baskervilles</a></i></b> (both translated by Paul and Jana Simpson and released by MX Publishing) are a rare breed of pastiche: integrating the Canon and other Victorian-era references into a great mix that make for an astoundingly fun read.<br /> <br /> One of Kopl's strengths in both novels is his reliance on the original Sherlock Holmes stories to guide his storytelling, making these novels feel very Holmesian in spirit. (It's no wonder that the <a href="http://www.sherlockholmes.cz/" target="_blank">Czech Society of Sherlock Holmes</a> granted him an honorary membership in 2000). His adaptation of <b>A Scandal in Bohemia</b> manages to integrate <a href="http://sherlockholmes.stanford.edu/readings2.html" target="_blank">"The Adventure of the Speckled Band"</a> seamlessly, making it part of the overall story without any artificiality. Although seemingly the most retold Holmes tale in the canon, Kopl's adaptation of <b><i>The Hound of the Baskervilles</i></b> manages a pitch-perfect atmosphere of brooding horror and malevolence.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOECWhkfK_Tlz5BsEzMS3xWso3o08pBIlTpJ6o_E2cHLai-eyiFkJCAv7ZOd1r1njuPrIMwZUixT02YhCO_638AUGekX80MZd9-PqlriyULwVEwq2t9C061MWL2e7c3bS9OGzNNdKhQ4y5/s1600/Kopl+SCAN+scene.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOECWhkfK_Tlz5BsEzMS3xWso3o08pBIlTpJ6o_E2cHLai-eyiFkJCAv7ZOd1r1njuPrIMwZUixT02YhCO_638AUGekX80MZd9-PqlriyULwVEwq2t9C061MWL2e7c3bS9OGzNNdKhQ4y5/s640/Kopl+SCAN+scene.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> What makes both of Kopl's Holmes adaptations work is a strong sense of wit. Despite the slightly exaggerated quality of his art, Kopl never plays his Holmes and Watson strictly for laughs...although there are some legitimately laugh-out-loud moments. Kopl also integrates many clever references to other Victorian literary figures such as Phineas Fogg and a familiar character who got on the wrong train. (To say more would be spoiling). There is only one false note - an appearance by a more fantastic Victorian-era character - but otherwise these are spectacular works of Sherlockian lore.<br /> <br /> (Note: Kopl indicates that these two novels are part of a larger series narrative; however, both of these work very well as stand-alone reads. The third in the series—not reviewed for this article—is "<a href="http://mxpublishing.com/product/9781780928357/The+Final+Problem+%E2%80%93+A+Sherlock+Holmes+Graphic+Novel" target="_blank">The Final Problem</a>").<br /> <br /> With many artists and writers crafting graphic novel adaptations of the canon, there is a diverse range of works for Sherlockian scholars and fans to enjoy. Petr Kopl's "<b>A Scandal In Bohemia"</b> and <b><i>The Hound of the Baskervilles</i></b> are excellent starting points).<br /> <br /> All three of these Holmesian adaptations are available from <a href="http://mxpublishing.com/product/9781780926803/A+Scandal+In+Bohemia+%E2%80%93+A+Sherlock+Holmes+Graphic+Novel" target="_blank">MX Publishing</a>.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqUNVcvxr-zrT3g-WOG9RmO0sihgST-1Z6anUCEB7U06p0d3ezJlIeE9KN3pa3yjZh9-f7WIy83wZ7tj2sYJUf1NeDvlwY8sbyIZp1TjB-P9PZhan_LnBS7X_q8Ix9iGc_VU52O8eZ6iVL/s1600/Kopl+FINA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqUNVcvxr-zrT3g-WOG9RmO0sihgST-1Z6anUCEB7U06p0d3ezJlIeE9KN3pa3yjZh9-f7WIy83wZ7tj2sYJUf1NeDvlwY8sbyIZp1TjB-P9PZhan_LnBS7X_q8Ix9iGc_VU52O8eZ6iVL/s200/Kopl+FINA.jpg" width="140" /></a>   <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicpwA0fmAI7HA98K7CQFGps7NUhjO2FP8KyHYgZ9nu2Wim45nWuePrZOIlyT8zkq4T-_i0Fqaxs5zZ-QU9FDBWOId0qRjL7WRY1rDWjkwlpsP2vRCVGL6ypx7rn4vkJH-gg1V-MuQgDVNE/s1600/Kopl+HOUN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicpwA0fmAI7HA98K7CQFGps7NUhjO2FP8KyHYgZ9nu2Wim45nWuePrZOIlyT8zkq4T-_i0Fqaxs5zZ-QU9FDBWOId0qRjL7WRY1rDWjkwlpsP2vRCVGL6ypx7rn4vkJH-gg1V-MuQgDVNE/s200/Kopl+HOUN.jpg" width="133" /></a>   <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP6_bn_3qxBPERoJi9_eUUBFm9893S20W_xUJYTq9vP6uv9HM8FY0dzEl8UnpKFg8o4TGyhnX_tpkTIkpQJpbob1fQvpS0QR-pDoCsxx92iBlnsHtW8THllyOhfOEYkzrbJW1SDXyMRYJa/s1600/Kopl+SCAN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP6_bn_3qxBPERoJi9_eUUBFm9893S20W_xUJYTq9vP6uv9HM8FY0dzEl8UnpKFg8o4TGyhnX_tpkTIkpQJpbob1fQvpS0QR-pDoCsxx92iBlnsHtW8THllyOhfOEYkzrbJW1SDXyMRYJa/s200/Kopl+SCAN.jpg" width="149" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> As a bonus, here's a video of Petr Kopl at work on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9oXwBXDf-k" target="_blank">a portrait of Sherlock Holmes</a>.<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/T9oXwBXDf-k?rel=0" width="640"></iframe><br /></div> <br /> <i>Special thanks to Robert Skel for his assistance in acquiring review copies</i><br /> <div> <i><br /> </i></div> <div> <i>--</i></div> <div> <i><br /> </i></div>

Petr Kopl's Sherlock Holmes — A Review

"...with the same feverish animation as before" [DYIN] Graphic novel and comic book adaptations of Sherlock Holmes often us...

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by Gordon D

Sherlock Holmes and the Horror of Frankenstein — A Review

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <h4 style="text-align: center;"> "his manner suggested that it was some strange creature" [ENGR]</h4> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlQdcpEpV3cVKXWh-maZIHNJegHVu9B5E7XKLGY9YfE9FGEOnylOGk3gyfcos_HEMZuUsLyQehVgjHNT4PBluJaL3QkYlNW47u9aQMfdW7agsMEAgARPFmNcG4nEUjbW0qNojaregUMH2j/s1600/Sherlock+Holmes+and+the+Horror+of+Frankenstein+-+header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlQdcpEpV3cVKXWh-maZIHNJegHVu9B5E7XKLGY9YfE9FGEOnylOGk3gyfcos_HEMZuUsLyQehVgjHNT4PBluJaL3QkYlNW47u9aQMfdW7agsMEAgARPFmNcG4nEUjbW0qNojaregUMH2j/s640/Sherlock+Holmes+and+the+Horror+of+Frankenstein+-+header.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> Holmesian pastiche is rife with mashups, especially the literary kind. Hoping to generate a strong story, authors frequently pair Holmes and Watson with other characters and historical figures to create unique tales that might not fit regular canon.<br /> <br /> <b><i><a amzn-ps-bm-asin="1780925042" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="e592d10dd2fae485c3c45d2dd9e9829d" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="Sherlock Holmes and the Horror of Frankenstein" href="http://www.amazon.com/Sherlock-Holmes-Horror-Frankenstein-Kuhns/dp/1780925042/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=thebakerstree-20&linkId=e592d10dd2fae485c3c45d2dd9e9829d&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_9040639" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sherlock Holmes and the Horror of Frankenstein</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_9040639" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=thebakerstree-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=e592d10dd2fae485c3c45d2dd9e9829d&_cb=1468243086011" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" /></i></b>, written by Luke Benjamen Kuhns and drawn by Marcie Klinger (published in 2013 by <a href="http://mxpublishing.com/product/9781780925042/Sherlock+Holmes+and+The+Horror+of+Frankenstein" target="_blank">MX Publishing</a> and available through their site and on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sherlock-Holmes-Horror-Frankenstein-Kuhns/dp/1780925042/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=thebakerstree-20&linkId=e592d10dd2fae485c3c45d2dd9e9829d&linkCode=ktl" target="_blank">Amazon</a>) is an exceptional mix of horror and detection that is well worth reading.<br /> <br /> The story opens with a man discovering — and chipping out — a figure in the ice. Discovering Holmes with his infamous seven-per-cent solution, Watson spurs Holmes to investigate a series of grave robberies. As the plot progresses, Holmes and Watson find themselves encountering the results of one scientist's ambitions...and facing the challenge of another ambitious scientist's plans.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgddztfWkY0zdq1htD5NXESBZ6BQCZUyrpX47m0apd9Xhd-hSwl6y5SZdWrLCyJ2uZV09_U2Kw_UGLEF_Agmbm6VtpjC9tDeNli1ERW8Ie554DQ77ZSlBganxqxTeKIXsJpFccnvVmr_q2p/s1600/Sherlock+Holmes+and+the+Horror+of+Frankenstein.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgddztfWkY0zdq1htD5NXESBZ6BQCZUyrpX47m0apd9Xhd-hSwl6y5SZdWrLCyJ2uZV09_U2Kw_UGLEF_Agmbm6VtpjC9tDeNli1ERW8Ie554DQ77ZSlBganxqxTeKIXsJpFccnvVmr_q2p/s400/Sherlock+Holmes+and+the+Horror+of+Frankenstein.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> <i>Sherlock Holmes and the Horror of Frankenstein</i> works as a more horror-oriented version of the canon. Klinger's art and layouts are very solid, driving the narrative and building the appropriate mood and atmosphere. Kuhn's writing is also exceptional - mostly dialogue-driven, but with clear awareness of both Conan Doyle and Mary Shelley's works, integrating both into a solid story that may seem reminiscent of past efforts, yet has a Holmesian flair of its own.<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7B1yQNnBBnw?rel=0" width="640"></iframe><br /></div> <br /> A relatively short yet enjoyable read, <i>Sherlock Holmes and the Horror of Frankenstein</i> is a good example of a literary mashup executed well. It is definitely <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7B1yQNnBBnw" target="_blank">worth checking out</a>.<br /> <br /> <i>Special thanks to Robert Skel for his assistance in acquiring a review copy</i><br /> <div> <i><br /> </i></div> <div> <i>--</i></div> <div> <i><br /> </i></div>

Sherlock Holmes and the Horror of Frankenstein — A Review

"his manner suggested that it was some strange creature" [ENGR] Holmesian pastiche is rife with mashups, especially the lit...

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by Gordon D

Fight Card: A Congression of Pallbearers — A Review

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <h4 style="text-align: center;"> "It must be very familiar to you." [EMPT] </h4> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9U6PgQCwfQ8setq5zzqKGDfapQJgUw0UhWnWhcIqNu7XjtaY9aRsdYhsnE4OPEYbE4dqhSugbHL6vXeqIhIEPeBL2JW40dAq0UStEnneo7TzOUlAFJ_TI9pK7OyAayWLj2SkH8m6hWtZh/s1600/Fight+Card+-+PALL+header.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9U6PgQCwfQ8setq5zzqKGDfapQJgUw0UhWnWhcIqNu7XjtaY9aRsdYhsnE4OPEYbE4dqhSugbHL6vXeqIhIEPeBL2JW40dAq0UStEnneo7TzOUlAFJ_TI9pK7OyAayWLj2SkH8m6hWtZh/s640/Fight+Card+-+PALL+header.PNG" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> One of the more intriguing aspects of Sherlockian pastiche is the storytelling flexibility of Holmes and Watson. Placing the characters in a variety of situations reveals how both characters can remain steady yet drive some unique storytelling engines.<br /> <br /> As his third Holmes-centric entry in the <b>Fight Card</b> series, Andrew Salmon's latest tale - <b><i><a amzn-ps-bm-asin="1530712025" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="423bbd8740b04bacfd070aee1bfb240c" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="Sherlock Holmes: A Congression of Pallbearers" href="http://www.amazon.com/Sherlock-Holmes-Congression-Pallbearers-Fight/dp/1530712025/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=thebakerstree-20&linkId=423bbd8740b04bacfd070aee1bfb240c&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_8243694" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sherlock Holmes: A Congression of Pallbearers</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_8243694" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=thebakerstree-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=423bbd8740b04bacfd070aee1bfb240c&_cb=1464235621951" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" /></i></b><i> </i>(written under the <i>nom de plume</i> of Jack Tunney) —<i> </i>rises to the occasion, building on both canon-based material as well as his own. In short, this is a great finish to an excellent series-within-a-series.<br /> <br /> Following up from events in both <b><a href="http://www.ihearofsherlock.com/2014/03/fight-card-sherlock-holmes-review.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i>Work Capital</i></a></b> and <a href="http://www.ihearofsherlock.com/2015/01/fight-card-blood-to-bone-review.html" rel="nofollow" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><i>Blood to the Bone</i></a><b>, </b><i>A Congression of Pallbearers</i> begins with Holmes and Watson receiving some cryptic messages, leading to the discovery of a picture of someone familiar...yet is not. From there, the story leads into a more-than-traditional Holmes tale, which provides a unique insight into Holmes and Watson's characters  —<i> </i>and their relationship —<i> </i>that might not have happened in the traditional Canon.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a amzn-ps-bm-asin="1530712025" class="amzn_ps_bm_il" data-amzn-link-id="91bffe8ed7eeb92010d4bb6076258839" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="congression of pallbearers" href="http://www.amazon.com/Sherlock-Holmes-Congression-Pallbearers-Fight/dp/1530712025/ref=as_li_bk_ia/?tag=thebakerstree-20&linkId=91bffe8ed7eeb92010d4bb6076258839&linkCode=kia" id="amznPsBmLink_7529500" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEwU8taOlyiycWRe72iJ7Fccy5eILWViyBKaYZGxINqmUMvMoqqynTGK84YRSGyWxEt2dq-gfxwxdN5xXCRlNJIycyEj_YMAFLlPe_r7IsWxwweW_rIe3Anz4IKsaf3QycgM-s8bM0HVIV/s400/Fight+Card+-+PALL.PNG" width="266" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_7529500" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=thebakerstree-20&bm-id=default&l=kia&linkId=91bffe8ed7eeb92010d4bb6076258839&_cb=1464235969339" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" /></div> <br /> <br /> Although the <b>Fight Card</b> banner has a specific focus on boxing, <i>A Congression of Pallbearers</i> is not a back-to-back fightfest. Andrew Salmon cleverly integrates the fighting into an overall arc, and the narrative takes a very clever turn towards the end. (To say more would spoil, but suffice it to say it's a worthy variation on the Canon). Although it follows from Salmon's two previous <b>Fight Card</b> stories, <i><a amzn-ps-bm-asin="1530712025" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="55b27f79fd4714b8a9a433a65b7df7fe" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="A Congression of Pallbearers" href="http://www.amazon.com/Sherlock-Holmes-Congression-Pallbearers-Fight/dp/1530712025/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=thebakerstree-20&linkId=55b27f79fd4714b8a9a433a65b7df7fe&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_5521495" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Congression of Pallbearers</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_5521495" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=thebakerstree-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=55b27f79fd4714b8a9a433a65b7df7fe&_cb=1464235807614" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" /></i> also works as a great stand-alone entry as well, and is definitely worth reading.<br /> <br /> <i>(Disclosure: A complimentary electronic copy was provided for review purposes)</i><br /> <br /> --<br /> <br />

Fight Card: A Congression of Pallbearers — A Review

"It must be very familiar to you." [EMPT] One of the more intriguing aspects of Sherlockian pastiche is the storytelling fl...

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by Gordon D

Sherlock: The Abominable Bride Lived Up to Its Name

<h4 style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="text-align: start;">"there could not be a greater mess" [STUD]</span></h4> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib3z6D3x8_mg9V7zppmWl0pnw8sr-WveucOFVsIoUdCp2hqKYR_9bOyUqi61gpxD75_YFMRRMoq736whwR6HBEm9UDCTPW18khqTOQWOXk3lce6sH7sJtunXHgWHzuKdaRhJohWpkB3EZW/s1600/ABOM+-+chair.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib3z6D3x8_mg9V7zppmWl0pnw8sr-WveucOFVsIoUdCp2hqKYR_9bOyUqi61gpxD75_YFMRRMoq736whwR6HBEm9UDCTPW18khqTOQWOXk3lce6sH7sJtunXHgWHzuKdaRhJohWpkB3EZW/s640/ABOM+-+chair.png" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> [Caution: spoilers abound]<br /> <br /> Many Sherlockians like me had high expectations for the recent 2016 special <i><a amzn-ps-bm-asin="B013JBJ7EG" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="9433cbde02c773df5e526d3aba8c9a51" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="Sherlock: The Abominable Bride" href="http://www.amazon.com/Sherlock-Abominable-Bride-Benedict-Cumberbatch/dp/B013JBJ7EG/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=thebakerstree-20&linkId=9433cbde02c773df5e526d3aba8c9a51&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_8226365" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sherlock: The Abominable Bride</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_8226365" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=thebakerstree-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=9433cbde02c773df5e526d3aba8c9a51&_cb=1451965664205" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" /></i>. Wondering how Steven Moffatt and Mark Gatiss would apply modern-day Sherlock's storytelling methods and tropes into a classic Victorian milieu, many Holmes fans like me wondered how the special might fare....and whether it would provide an easier transition for next year's fourth series.<br /> <br /> To put it bluntly, <i><a amzn-ps-bm-asin="B018WICR0W" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="53405f7924f13a89e62e57cf9e175208" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="Sherlock: The Abominable Bride" href="http://www.amazon.com/Sherlock-Abominable-Bride-Bonus-Features/dp/B018WICR0W/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=thebakerstree-20&linkId=53405f7924f13a89e62e57cf9e175208&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_1556086" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sherlock: The Abominable Bride</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_1556086" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=thebakerstree-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=53405f7924f13a89e62e57cf9e175208&_cb=1451965675325" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" /></i> is one of the more disappointing entries into the modern-day Sherlock canon.<br /> <br /> One of the story's main weaknesses is its script, which throws a wide variety of approaches and elements that frustrate the viewer. Its initial take — that somehow, the 1895 Sherlock cast reflects the attitudes and insights into their modern-day counterparts — feels like a half-measured wink to Sherlock fandom. (It also doesn't help that many of the canonical references — such as Mycroft's girth and seeming death wish — feel played more for comedy than insight). The actual case itself — a bride coming back as a seeming "ghost" — is the only aspect of the episode worth viewing.<br /> <br /> However, even the straightforward nature of <i>The Abominable Bride</i> feels compromised by the episode's tricky back-and-forth between 1895 and modern times. As a result, we learn that 1895 is in Sherlock's "mind palace," and that he's reviewing a century-old case in order to gain insight into Moriarty's death and subsequent reappearance. (We also learn that modern-day Sherlock Holmes — much like the traditional Canonical Holmes — has his own issues with addiction to both substances and "brain work.") Soon, both worlds collide, and we receive a very interesting coda to Series Three's "The Sign of Three," as well as another 1895-themed coda.<br /> <br /> In short, <i><a amzn-ps-bm-asin="B018WIDKJO" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="630d9ed67d6a2d2ecf9a9f746ceb5c87" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="Sherlock: The Abominable Bride" href="http://www.amazon.com/Sherlock-Abominable-Bride-Feature-Only/dp/B018WIDKJO/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=thebakerstree-20&linkId=630d9ed67d6a2d2ecf9a9f746ceb5c87&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_5838419" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sherlock: The Abominable Bride</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_5838419" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=thebakerstree-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=630d9ed67d6a2d2ecf9a9f746ceb5c87&_cb=1451965934500" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" /></i> feels like fan-fiction geared towards both the younger Sherlock fandom who have never read the Canon, as well as toward those hard-liners who believe that Sherlock is "not their Holmes," and prefer a more traditional take on Holmes and Watson. The end result is something that disappoints on both ends — it never coalesces in the way that Series One and Two entries did, nor does it feel like its own separate entity. <i>Sherlock: The Abominable Bride</i> feels more like random Holmes references strung together in search of a story than a story with several random Holmes references.<br /> <br /> Even Andrew Scott's appearances as Moriarty in the 1895 sequences feel a bit forced — yes, he does a lot with some very weak material, but it only reflects the disjointed nature of the script. Most Holmesian tales are rather straightforward, even if the solutions take multiple levels of logic to understand — <i>Sherlock: The Abominable Bride</i> suffers from having one mystery complicated by another mystery with multiple references. Towards the end, when 1895 Holmes reveals the end of that mystery, there are several callbacks to past Sherlock episodes that feel incredibly obligatory, as if Gatiss and Moffatt were demonstrating the "cleverness" of their script.<br /> <br /> There is one really good thing about <i>Sherlock: The Abominable Bride</i>: it encouraged me to take positive action and download a copy of <i><a amzn-ps-bm-asin="1937994309" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="5b1fefe510c3805479911033849dbff7" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="The Complete Sherlock Holmes" href="http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Sherlock-Holmes-Knickerbocker-Classics/dp/1937994309/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=thebakerstree-20&linkId=5b1fefe510c3805479911033849dbff7&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_5299337" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Complete Sherlock Holmes</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_5299337" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=thebakerstree-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=5b1fefe510c3805479911033849dbff7&_cb=1451966335818" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" /> </i>— for the sole reason of revisiting the Canon. Even mishandled, Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson provide excellent opportunities for Sherlockians to revisit their original adventures.<br /> <br /> In short, <i>Sherlock: The Abominable Bride</i> had an over complicated, fragmented script driving a relatively weak narrative, and is worth a casual view at best.<br /> <br /> <div> --</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> <br /></div>

Sherlock: The Abominable Bride Lived Up to Its Name

"there could not be a greater mess" [STUD] [Caution: spoilers abound] Many Sherlockians like me had high expectations for t...

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by Gordon D

The Murder of Sherlock Holmes — A Review

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <h4 style="text-align: center;"> "a glimpse of a great heart as well as of a great brain" - [3GAR]</h4> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a amzn-ps-bm-asin="0990852903" class="amzn_ps_bm_il" data-amzn-link-id="2554eca518fec949b1c2e8bd6565ca61" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="murder of sherlock holmes" href="http://www.amazon.com/Murder-Sherlock-Holmes-David-Fable/dp/0990852903/ref=as_li_bk_ia/?tag=thebakerstree-20&linkId=2554eca518fec949b1c2e8bd6565ca61&linkCode=kia" id="amznPsBmLink_6498459" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaWrzpA53yRfAmfz8o1KI7W4chyphenhyphenRiv-XK-RuOof8AtkrX5K3B-N52lvfaGiM8FaQsY1CUN6zq_XnuAZ5gppghulrEk_AoRkHDiBxa-S4tcV5kE8vxFXLLiZCh9_4fXOJenG1ceYmXBR3bA/s640/The+Murder+of+Sherlock+Holmes.PNG" width="640" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_6498459" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=thebakerstree-20&bm-id=default&l=kia&linkId=2554eca518fec949b1c2e8bd6565ca61&_cb=1444497429300" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" /></div> <b><i><br /></i></b> With <i>Mr. Holmes</i> providing a great example of Sherlock Holmes in his later years, many recent pastiches (including Michael Chabon's <i><a amzn-ps-bm-asin="B00OX8BER8" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="4c8956291d7651ae7cb10711752d4ca0" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="the final solution chabon" href="http://www.amazon.com/Final-Solution-Chabon-Michael-Hardcover/dp/B00OX8BER8/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=thebakerstree-20&linkId=4c8956291d7651ae7cb10711752d4ca0&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_5875929" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Final Solution</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_5875929" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=thebakerstree-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=4c8956291d7651ae7cb10711752d4ca0&_cb=1444496204154" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" /></i>) have used an elder Holmes as a way to explore deeper issues.<br /> <br /> David Fable's <i><a amzn-ps-bm-asin="0990852903" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="6bad360e2c470bf4f9c771771fc96544" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="The Murder of Sherlock Holmes" href="http://www.amazon.com/Murder-Sherlock-Holmes-David-Fable/dp/0990852903/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=thebakerstree-20&linkId=6bad360e2c470bf4f9c771771fc96544&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_4293675" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Murder of Sherlock Holmes</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_4293675" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=thebakerstree-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=6bad360e2c470bf4f9c771771fc96544&_cb=1444496221243" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" /></i> is a great mystery that does what many writers might not make an effort to do - use Holmes' death to launch into an exploration about how an individual leads his life in his later years.<br /> <br /> Fable does an admirable job in providing the kind of mystery that would intrigue Holmes himself: what happens when the Great Detective is found dead? Dr. John Watson decides to lead the case, accompanied by Christopher Hudson (Mrs. Hudson's son), and together, their efforts explore the world of Holmes (including some characters) post-"His Last Bow."<br /> <b><br /></b> In many ways, this is a book that reflects and builds upon the Canon, yet takes some great narrative chances. One of those chances is splitting the narration between Watson and Christopher Hudson. For this particular story, that split perspective allows for a much broader interpretation and confirmation of events. (It also helps that Fable's constructed a <i>very</i> solid mystery - one worthy of Holmes himself).<br /> <br /> There is, however, one revelation about Holmes (and we will avoid spoilers) that comes close to the end of the novel. Although this revelation makes sense within the confines of the book, it may be a bit surprising (or perhaps even rather left-field). However, it does not derail the book's overall narrative structure, and at the end, David Fable provides an excellent quote that rivals Watson's best quotes about Holmes.<br /> <br /> <i>The Murder of Sherlock Holmes</i> is a surprising novel in more ways that one. It manages to take a step beyond pastiche, and serves as a crackling good read in its own right. Worth checking out.<br /> <br /> (A complimentary copy was provided for review)<br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a amzn-ps-bm-asin="0990852903" class="amzn_ps_bm_il" data-amzn-link-id="75120f3cac5b65ffbf51f27ad7289836" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="the murder of sherlock holmes" href="http://www.amazon.com/Murder-Sherlock-Holmes-David-Fable/dp/0990852903/ref=as_li_bk_ia/?tag=thebakerstree-20&linkId=75120f3cac5b65ffbf51f27ad7289836&linkCode=kia" id="amznPsBmLink_7569182" rel="nofollow" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjthujClumMifQm1svJ5BU8solmvlYxotNHD_D3L2iXpMpWv6QOukKKpRl90YbB8Q-SyEFgqju2OEs1kxTRX0i6zjfSFEjvfG9XvkhAY0hMFqboJbXquVMvHWQ3gY1tj_FohjFXhyphenhyphenraDTo0/s200/The+Murder+of+Sherlock+Holmes+-+David+Fable.jpg" width="116" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> <br />

The Murder of Sherlock Holmes — A Review

"a glimpse of a great heart as well as of a great brain" - [3GAR] With Mr. Holmes  providing a great example of Sherlock Ho...

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by Gordon D

Saturday Matinee: The Mystery of the Leaping Fish

<h4 style="text-align: center;"> "Yet there was certainly an element of comedy" [3GAR]</h4> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUgF4hGTafec0s9z8Tfnd6Y7sLBeUbIXxEafGkIkZhZQ00YqtRmoGyMH5k6mo03aHWPdbVNYQMlsoPJf41JwAi8KA7W2KtHbdb2T6VCdYFfN7oNPv6jATwjDDFM-_sd-tzOrkWaWfbfPfu/s1600/The+Leaping+Fish.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUgF4hGTafec0s9z8Tfnd6Y7sLBeUbIXxEafGkIkZhZQ00YqtRmoGyMH5k6mo03aHWPdbVNYQMlsoPJf41JwAi8KA7W2KtHbdb2T6VCdYFfN7oNPv6jATwjDDFM-_sd-tzOrkWaWfbfPfu/s1600/The+Leaping+Fish.PNG" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> Humor in Holmesian pastiche usually occurs within a given historical context. For example, the Guy Ritchie films with Robert Downey Jr. take their cues from "buddy-action" films, while 1988's <b><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0096454/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank"><i>Without a Clue</i></a></b> is much more farcical. Given that current times might not see certain behaviors as grist for humor, there is an element of slightly forbidden pleasure when watching the 1916 silent comedy <i><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8W52FNmEFY" target="_blank">The Mystery of the Leaping Fish</a></i>.<br /> <br /> For many who participated in the making of this film, <i>The Mystery of the Leaping Fish</i> is an unusual departure for many of the participants. For Douglas Fairbanks (who stars as Coke Ennyday, a riff on Craig Kennedy), it was a chance for the swashbuckling hero to star in a madcap comedy. (In his portrayal of a Holmes-like character, Fairbanks gives him a slightly greater physicality, and many of the stunts - including an aquatic sequence - have a great energy and enthusiasm). The writer - Tod Browning - would later direct movies like <i><b>Freaks</b> </i>and <b><i>Dracula</i></b>. There is even a more tragic aspect - Alma Rubens (who plays Ennyday's assistant) died due to morphine addiction...<br /> <br /> And it is that casual, comic portrayal of drug addiction that gives <i>The Mystery of the Leaping Fish</i> a slightly unusual edge. Much like within canon stories, there is a seeming acceptance of regular cocaine use as it was seen as something of a "wonder drug". Given that within twenty years of <i>Leaping Fish</i>, both the <a href="http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-harrison-act.htm" target="_blank">Harrison Act</a> and the <a href="http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=93301189" target="_blank">Hayes Code</a> would make it harder to make such a lighthearted look at addiction....but for Sherlockians, <i>The Mystery of The Leaping Fish</i> is an interesting curiosity, and well worth seeking out. <br /> <br /> <center> <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="450" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/N8W52FNmEFY" width="600"></iframe></center> <br /> --<br /> <br />

Saturday Matinee: The Mystery of the Leaping Fish

"Yet there was certainly an element of comedy" [3GAR] Humor in Holmesian pastiche usually occurs within a given historical co...

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by Gordon D

The Adventure of the Cold-Served Revenge - A Review

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <h4 style="text-align: center;"> "....an inheritance with a vengeance" [HOUN]</h4> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmlbV_VtcUxG4grcZvyvBhJUOk_p3jz_C2VkYJGT9GqFU2rFz13UIa5GqUdpnMrMDZKADZffiDIMDofC3CSXddhNxbwda4yEF_8hxdDLJQKf5smCHVuARSaApF3JwZUMUpi5cAmqL2v4Op/s1600/Sherlock+Holmes+Cold-Served+Revenge+Macek.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Even Sherlock Holmes agrees that revenge is best-served cold" border="0" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmlbV_VtcUxG4grcZvyvBhJUOk_p3jz_C2VkYJGT9GqFU2rFz13UIa5GqUdpnMrMDZKADZffiDIMDofC3CSXddhNxbwda4yEF_8hxdDLJQKf5smCHVuARSaApF3JwZUMUpi5cAmqL2v4Op/s1600/Sherlock+Holmes+Cold-Served+Revenge+Macek.png" title="Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Cold-Served Revenge" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> Setting a Sherlock Holmes story in the Victorian era is a natural: after all, we celebrate that Holmes and Watson operate in a world of hansom cabs and gaslight where "it is always 1895." Looking at Holmes and Watson in the Edwardian era in the pre-World War I era can be extremely revelatory. Petr Macek's <i><b>Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Cold Served Revenge</b></i><b style="font-style: italic;"> </b>[<a href="http://amzn.to/1aM4q7L" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon US</a> | <a href="http://amzn.to/1PlZ2I7" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon UK</a>] is a really brisk, sharp read which taps into this underrepresented period of the canon.<br /> <br /> Available in paperback and Kindle form by <a href="http://www.mxpublishing.com/" target="_blank">MX Publishing</a>, <b><i>Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Cold Served Revenge</i></b> starts with a portrait of Holmes is his elder years after a heart attack and preceding "His Last Bow."  It also involves his brother, Mycroft, asking for his assistance in solving a murder of a noted arms dealer....<br /> <br /> ....which boldly kickstarts a story that reaches from Venice to Scotland. Petr Macek does a really good job, focusing on an elder Holmes and Watson that feels relatively authentic, but never devolves into just another Victorian pastiche. By focusing on a relatively underrepresented era in Holmes' life, the book feels much fresher and more inviting a read.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD1cE6ZekwPidj1iWI8dAaC80UmnNU8YUHWwnOvR2aVsWbJ6cTfpvVPFC9WvOV4MtNUYlWOEI5xE49mrOf4gkTP_JN_ZiZMI4E59-UGhY_P3thkYnW8wyPBbWGivIOD8CjXU7TUtlzVMy7/s1600/Sherlock+Holmes+Cold-Served+Revenge+Macek.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Cold-Served Revenge by Petr Macek" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD1cE6ZekwPidj1iWI8dAaC80UmnNU8YUHWwnOvR2aVsWbJ6cTfpvVPFC9WvOV4MtNUYlWOEI5xE49mrOf4gkTP_JN_ZiZMI4E59-UGhY_P3thkYnW8wyPBbWGivIOD8CjXU7TUtlzVMy7/s1600/Sherlock+Holmes+Cold-Served+Revenge+Macek.jpg" title="Petr Macek's masterful pastiche Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Cold-Served Revenge" width="257" /></a></div> <br /> It also helps that Macek uses familiar tropes and characters  in unfamiliar ways. When <b><i>The Adventure of the Cold-Served Revenge</i></b> reveals the actor and their motivation, it feels less obvious and more of a gentle surprise. Macek shows a strong grasp of the Canon, and his focus on using characters in new and surprising ways really gives this book a freshness and vibrancy that other pastiches may not.<br /> <br /> With the characters of Holmes and Watson now public domain, it means a greater sense of reinvention. Many decry the BBC's <i>Sherlock</i> and CBS' <i>Elementary</i> for some of the more radical creative decisions made in their narratives. Petr Macek's <i>Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Cold Served Revenge</i> contains similar radical creative choices....yet manages to couch it squarely within the canon.<br /> <br /> This sense of reinvention - while maintaining tradition - makes the book a must-read for all Sherlockians.<br /> <br />  --<br /> <br />   <iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=gordondymow-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=1780926596&asins=1780926596&linkId=HWYDCLZSPCZOGFMO&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"> </iframe>     <iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=GB&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=thebakstrblo-21&marketplace=amazon&region=GB&placement=1780926596&asins=1780926596&linkId=I4OU5MSYRGK7YVPC&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"> </iframe>

The Adventure of the Cold-Served Revenge - A Review

"....an inheritance with a vengeance" [HOUN] Setting a Sherlock Holmes story in the Victorian era is a natural: after all, ...

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by Gordon D

Baker Street Web Series Has Real Life Sensibility

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <h4 style="text-align: center;"> "Genuine admiration - the characteristic of the real artist" [VALL]</h4> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisTLqcSns2AB1YatIauDZ3p38zSaegeSo6kO5ANgQGMtLmDwQ4bRxEVoOMfLGsfa_HaswLx8IiDgNkJZNRIMypC_G4RD7rjf2-lXtq9cjYgfaFUw-q82yg1bJed9-nlWCbFxR9sg-ITYm5/s1600/IHOSE+-+Baker+Street+Web+Series.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Screenshot from Baker Street the web series" border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisTLqcSns2AB1YatIauDZ3p38zSaegeSo6kO5ANgQGMtLmDwQ4bRxEVoOMfLGsfa_HaswLx8IiDgNkJZNRIMypC_G4RD7rjf2-lXtq9cjYgfaFUw-q82yg1bJed9-nlWCbFxR9sg-ITYm5/s1600/IHOSE+-+Baker+Street+Web+Series.jpg" title="Baker Street - the web series" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> Conversation in Sherlockian as well as other communities (including Doctor Who fandom and the <a href="http://www.newpulpfiction.com/" target="_blank">New Pulp movement</a>) often leads to at least one individual declaring a particular approach to a character inappropriate.<br /> <br /> In other words, someone declared the battle cry of "<i>My </i>Holmes wouldn't do that".<br /> <br /> Even with Sherlock Holmes and John H. Watson as public domain characters, any variation from the Canon becomes somehow sacrosanct. Differing approaches are seen as passable...but somehow off-label when it comes to how a character <i>should</i> be portrayed.<br /> <br /> So when the opportunity came to view the new online <i>Baker Street</i> series (<a href="http://www.ihearofsherlock.com/2015/02/new-web-series-baker-street-finds-its.html#.VOVXR_nF9gQ" http:="" new-web-series-baker-street-finds-its.htm="" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" www.ihearofsherlock.com="">reviewed by another contributor here recently</a>), I eagerly took it...and I'm glad, because <i>Baker Street</i> is a very entertaining, unique take on the Holmes mythos.<br /> <br /> Created, co-written, and featuring Hannah Drew and Karen Slater as Holmes and Watson, <i>Baker Street</i> should not be dismissed as a fan-made gender-flipped <i>Sherlock</i>. Even though (as Jacquelyn mentioned in her review) the series starts off awkwardly, there is a great, playful inversion of many Sherlockian tropes. (In fact, <i>Baker Street</i> most accurately resembles the Gary Reed/Guy Davis graphic novel <i><a href="http://amzn.to/1An60EM" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Honour Among Punks</a></i>). There's a wonderful sense of immediacy to <i>Baker Street</i>, and unlike <i>Sherlock</i>, the web series takes its time in building narrative momentum despite some early, awkward moments.<br /> <br /> But <i>Baker Street</i>'s greatest asset is how it demonstrates the strength of the canon. <i>Baker Street</i> takes some great creative risks, but at no point does any of it feel inauthentic or somehow betraying the original canon. For those who prefer Conan Doyle's original work - it will still stand. But <i>Baker Street</i> takes some intriguing, clever chances, and demonstrate the ideal that now, Sherlock Holmes is <i>everyone's</i> Holmes, and that creative variations on a theme can bring about new aspects and insights. (Including, as my colleague intimated, the fact that Holmes might be involved in some less-than-legal-yet-still-moral activities before meeting Watson)<br /> <br /> The series may not have the flourishes of language that Conan Doyle's work, but <i>Baker Street</i> makes the effort to bring a real-life sensibility that even <i>Sherlock </i>and <i>Elementary </i>lack. It's a solid series (with some NSFW language), and more importantly - deserves your attention, because it performs the most elementary of tasks.<br /> <br /> For those who believe that "their Holmes wouldn't do that", <b><i>Baker Street </i></b>politely reminds the viewer that Sherlock Holmes now belongs to <i>everyone</i>.<br /> <br /> See <a href="http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6m8pknf2xi8pEsrUqPSgIY2b7QWeGXwa" target="_blank">the entire 3-part series</a>, along with a Q&A with Hannah and Karen:<br /> <br /> <center> <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="338" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PL6m8pknf2xi8pEsrUqPSgIY2b7QWeGXwa" width="600"></iframe></center> <br /> --<br /> <br />

Baker Street Web Series Has Real Life Sensibility

"Genuine admiration - the characteristic of the real artist" [VALL] Conversation in Sherlockian as well as other communit...

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by Gordon D

The Last Confession of Sherlock Holmes - A Review

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <h4 style="text-align: center;"> "I might surprise a confession" [DYIN]</h4> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2MPqsQnPvYZoQhqJNbPw4MdP6ASG3Ke0cuLwaXtKq9AJ44-LDo7Ovk38oxUDOMEqTfJVLAoX80h5oRuASk1mrCBqhkJiDgcFhk5ZhjNkAqDK-S3TdwFFLM1PzOjSqZXDNzYv4ObITdMhg/s1600/Last+Confession.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Last Confession of Sherlock Holmes by Kieran Lyne" border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2MPqsQnPvYZoQhqJNbPw4MdP6ASG3Ke0cuLwaXtKq9AJ44-LDo7Ovk38oxUDOMEqTfJVLAoX80h5oRuASk1mrCBqhkJiDgcFhk5ZhjNkAqDK-S3TdwFFLM1PzOjSqZXDNzYv4ObITdMhg/s1600/Last+Confession.png" title="The Last Confession of Sherlock Holmes" width="640" /></a></div> <b><i><br /></i></b><b><i><br /></i></b> Re-imagining the Holmesian canon is an effort that can lead to mixed results: move in one direction, and you have the brilliance of the BBC's <i>Sherlock</i>; another direction might provide more mixed results. However, Kieran Lyne's <b><i><a href="http://amzn.to/1JfDPeZ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Last Confession of Sherlock Holmes</a></i></b> (published by <a href="http://www.mxpublishing.com/category/Sherlock+Holmes+Books" target="_blank">MX Publishing</a>) belongs in the former category - a heady mix of re-imagining and re-contextualizing that provides a gripping read and a strong addition to any Sherlockian bookshelf. (<a href="http://amzn.to/1JfH5Ha" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon US</a> | <a href="http://amzn.to/1zBwZia" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon UK</a>)<br /> <br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi732A4l2AecOCILiyDD2g8pMLQUBkEg27-C6_I52pfQKHaRGmaG4JeaeKqtoUPQFOct3C4UeLpMPUL_l8h1Ma_EPwk7hB1UowgW9JrDH9Derer_MQzSc10vPp39LGku41g-LVeITXUaeGM/s1600/Last+Confession.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi732A4l2AecOCILiyDD2g8pMLQUBkEg27-C6_I52pfQKHaRGmaG4JeaeKqtoUPQFOct3C4UeLpMPUL_l8h1Ma_EPwk7hB1UowgW9JrDH9Derer_MQzSc10vPp39LGku41g-LVeITXUaeGM/s1600/Last+Confession.jpg" width="206" /></a>Admittedly, the first few chapters can be a challenge, related from a variety of perspectives and often reframing events from stories in the canon (such as "The Adventure of the Final Problem" and "A Scandal in Bohemia." Although the use of multiple narratives early on is a bit daunting, <i>The Last Confession of Sherlock Holmes</i> picks up with Watson's recounting of a great lost case....a case in which Sherlock Holmes aids Inspector Abberline in tracking down the notorious Jack the Ripper.<br /> <br /> Matching Holmes with the Ripper has been presented in a variety of media (most notably, the film <i>Murder by Decree</i>), but <a href="http://kieranlyne.com/the-last-confession-of-sherlock-holmes/" target="_blank"><i>The Last Confession of Sherlock Holmes</i></a> takes the concept even further, combining Victorian gaslight detection with a hint of political intrigue. Mixing both historical and fictional figures, Lyne's story is a well-paced, well-plotted tale that does Conan Doyle's work proud. Without revealing plot points, the true identity of Jack the Ripper (in the context of <i>The Last Confession of Sherlock Holmes</i>) makes almost <u>perfect</u> sense, and never feels like a cheat or an unnecessary twist.<br /> <br /> In terms of style, <i>The Last Confession of Sherlock Holmes</i> is written in a great, easy-to-understand prose that often rivals Conan Doyle's Holmes work. Although it reuses (and sometimes rewrites) stories from the Conan Doyle canon, much of the book has a unique feel and tone as if Conan Doyle had inserted Holmes into a Victorian police procedural.<br /> <br /> MX Publishing's <i>The Last Confession of Sherlock Holmes</i> is a well-crafted tale by Kieran Lyne that provides the comforts of a regular Holmes and Watson Victorian adventure, but with a modern sensibility that never feels out-of-place. This is a book that <i>deserves </i>your attention.<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/M6reApJgyQg?rel=0" width="560"></iframe></div> <br /> --<br /> <br /> <iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=gordondymow-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=1780926561&asins=1780926561&linkId=AQYYEO7M6CMJH6P6&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"> </iframe>     <iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=GB&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=thebakstrblo-21&marketplace=amazon&region=GB&placement=1780926561&asins=1780926561&linkId=U6HFYWFU66JBYDR3&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"> </iframe>

The Last Confession of Sherlock Holmes - A Review

"I might surprise a confession" [DYIN] Re-imagining the Holmesian canon is an effort that can lead to mixed results: move...

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by Gordon D

Fight Card: Blood to the Bone - A Review

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <h4 style="text-align: center;"> "I've offered to fight him if he thinks I have wronged him" [VALL] </h4> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYemWDHISO2_bq-QBcxEnsRuO1kvzbUhocHJjjZOHSeJ1NBYfXKGk8aMIyY23p1hMHSSgAkXmqQ-MZNgnofh_Be7p31CRcJKi0141GoTzhv464bCyQKMuVTF9y-kkseGsyyN35wNeZc7Wx/s1600/Fight+Card+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Andrew Salmon's second Fight Card book about Sherlock Holmes" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYemWDHISO2_bq-QBcxEnsRuO1kvzbUhocHJjjZOHSeJ1NBYfXKGk8aMIyY23p1hMHSSgAkXmqQ-MZNgnofh_Be7p31CRcJKi0141GoTzhv464bCyQKMuVTF9y-kkseGsyyN35wNeZc7Wx/s1600/Fight+Card+2.jpg" title="Fight Card: Blood to the Bone" width="426" /></a></div> <br /> In his previous <a href="http://www.fightcardbooks.com/"><b>Fight Card</b></a> entry <a href="http://www.ihearofsherlock.com/2014/03/fight-card-sherlock-holmes-review.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b><i>Work Capitol</i></b></a>, Andrew Salmon (writing under the name <i>Jack Tunney) </i>described Sherlock Holmes' investigations in the shadowy world of Victorian bare-knuckle boxing. In his latest entry, <b><a href="http://amzn.to/1HBbZJ9" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i>Blood to the Bone</i></a></b>, Salmon tells a tale that not only would fit within the accepted canon of Holmes, but transcends pastiche and becomes a full-blooded rival to Conan Doyle's work.<br /> <br /> Taking inspiration in part from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's own  novel <i>Rodney Stone</i>, Salmon's <i>Blood to the Bone</i> focuses on the world of <i>female</i> bare-knuckle fighters. When a female puglist's husband disappears, Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson<b> </b>find themselves involved for differing reasons and motivations (Holmes belives it to be open-and-shut, and Watson gets involved in his own unique way via a circus). However, as Holmes and Watson progress, they find that a simple matter of disappearance can have the most dire consequences...<br /> <br /> Salmon writes an exceptional Holmes tale, achieving a tone that transcends pastiche and feels very much like classic Holmes. In focusing on an unknown aspect of Victorian history, Salmon creates a series of lively characters including female boxer Eby Stokes, who is one of the more unforgettable creations in recent Holmes lore. (Read the appendices after the story, and you'll learn more about <i>why</i> she is so unforgettable). The plot moves at a good pace, there are plenty of revelations, and in short - this is a <i>really</i> good Holmes story.<br /> <br /> You might think that with a header called <i>Fight Card</i>, Andrew Salmon's story might be more about conflict than deduction...but this is one tale which is a delight to read for <i>all</i> Sherlockians.<br /> <br /> --<br /> <br />

Fight Card: Blood to the Bone - A Review

"I've offered to fight him if he thinks I have wronged him" [VALL]  In his previous Fight Card entry Work Capitol , A...

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by Gordon D

The Great Lost Sherlock Holmes Movie

<div style="text-align: left;"> </div> <h4 style="text-align: center;"> "this is treasure-trove indeed!" [BLUE]</h4> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzeFwxSq9nCUMlCEeQCLvOcK2-4yZPXXvvPfcrF4gunvW4C-ltMiWELIiPSo66mmptpnaiTzQWJ6x2UgBRqXgOxbg2yZ1IRgJfUyPvk8K3C-ytURHcxMgZymLL3pcpP-FJygE_xSxOEnnw/s1600/james_bragington.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="James Bragington was not an actor, and played only one role in his life: Sherlock Holmes in A Study in Scarlet (1914)" border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzeFwxSq9nCUMlCEeQCLvOcK2-4yZPXXvvPfcrF4gunvW4C-ltMiWELIiPSo66mmptpnaiTzQWJ6x2UgBRqXgOxbg2yZ1IRgJfUyPvk8K3C-ytURHcxMgZymLL3pcpP-FJygE_xSxOEnnw/s1600/james_bragington.jpg" title="James Bragington as Sherlock Holmes in A Study in Scarlet" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> It sounds like a great contemporary, unwritten Sherlock Holmes tale - the <a href="http://bfi.org.uk/">British Film Institute</a> and the <a href="http://museumoflondon.org.uk/">Museum of London</a> putting out a call for help in finding a Sherlock Holmes lost for almost a century.<br /> <br /> But the effort is really happening, and Sherlockians have a role to play in solving this case.<br /> <br /> Originally made in 1914, <b><a href="http://old.bfi.org.uk/nationalarchive/news/mostwanted/study-in-scarlet.html"><i>A Study in Scarlet</i></a></b>, was directed by George Pearson for the Samuelson Company. As the first British film adaptation of a Holmes novel, the film was shot in a variety of locations reflecting the novel, including Worton Hall studios (for interiors), <a href="http://www.cheddargorge.co.uk/" target="_blank">Cheddar Gorge</a> in Somerset, and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southport" target="_blank">Southport Sands</a> in Merseyside (which provided an excellent stand-in for the opening sequences of Mormons crossing Utah). Even though James Bragington was not an actor (but worked for the Samuelson Company), he managed to portray Holmes "excellently", according to Pearson's autobiography.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLvImad8r-40MacmgTw4K06HFKgoybjSirce1TABHlXenfcCyo6U8j1pQHa9ndJ-iQ29j7bLsFUxB1d-b-H9pk1OkSkh0CU0RXufzlsBCwFrPrTMyXwrCdd2hoKgtA3IyY2xpW4BUo37Ks/s1600/Sherlock+Holmes+exhibition+poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The first Sherlock Holmes exhibition in England in more than 60 years." border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLvImad8r-40MacmgTw4K06HFKgoybjSirce1TABHlXenfcCyo6U8j1pQHa9ndJ-iQ29j7bLsFUxB1d-b-H9pk1OkSkh0CU0RXufzlsBCwFrPrTMyXwrCdd2hoKgtA3IyY2xpW4BUo37Ks/s1600/Sherlock+Holmes+exhibition+poster.jpg" title="The Museum of London's Sherlock Holmex Exhibition" width="226" /></a></div> As the Museum of London prepares for <a href="http://www.museumoflondon.org.uk/london-wall/whats-on/exhibitions-displays/sherlock-holmes/" target="_blank">the largest temporary exhibition on Holmes</a> in over 60 years, locating a copy of Pearson's film (<a href="http://blog.museumoflondon.org.uk/case-missing-sherlock-holmes-film/" target="_blank">presumed lost due to war efforts</a>) is not just a feather in a Sherlockian's cap, but represents a great victory for Holmesian scholars. The 1914 <b><i>A Study in Scarlet</i> </b>is a capstone and a reminder about the flexibility and endurability of the Great Detective. Even with Holmes' predominance in popular culture, there is something uniquely thrilling about watching a cinematic narrative about Holmes and Watson. As the <b><i>Kinematograph Monthly Film Record</i></b> said in their November 1914 review of <i>A Study in Scarlet</i>:<br /> <blockquote class="tr_bq"> It is a truism to say that Sherlock Holmes is always welcome on the screen. The few film adaptations to be seen of Conan Doyle’s great series are, we believe, immensely popular with all classes of people, and there are certainly a great number yet of those famous detective adventures which might be turned into pictures with advantage. Personally we do not think that either the “legitimate” drama or the picture drama can recapture for us the first fine careless rapture we felt when we came upon these stories in their original version. But we are firmly of opinion that in visualising what is, at its finest, a purely literary pleasure, viz., a high-class detective yarn, the screen has hitherto proved itself a superior medium to the stage."</blockquote> Bryony Dixon, curator, Silent Film, at the BFI National Archive said:<br /> <blockquote class="tr_bq"> Every archivist dreams of finding lost films. But this is a film of great importance. Sherlock Holmes is internationally renowned as a great detective. It would be wonderfully appropriate if a super-sleuth could help us celebrate the centenary of this film with a chance to see it."</blockquote> <br /> If you have any knowledge about where a copy might be located, or can provide some insight into where to look, please e-mail <a href="https://www.blogger.com/Sherlock.holmes@bfi.org.uk">Sherlock.holmes@bfi.org.uk</a> or spread the word via Twitter and Facebook by using the hashtag <i>#FindSherlock.  </i><br /> <i><br /></i> <i>--</i><br /> <i><br /></i>

The Great Lost Sherlock Holmes Movie

"this is treasure-trove indeed!" [BLUE] It sounds like a great contemporary, unwritten Sherlock Holmes tale - the British F...

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by Gordon D

Sherlock: Series Four Predictions

<h4 style="text-align: center;"> "nor could we predict" [HOUN] </h4> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5hsS0tH2u6sQgdaqtzHfDQklvIn88DyR9q7Mlo_Ss59RowJ3zwE7gZxpuZU0QL0RP1gufyCQwuqUvNcGOvhwZzjXHRrEghF-Q3T0AA-0cYH8vzzjOOFhURcxRzLLy_qAEjSVoVqjkADAT/s1600/The+Copper+Beeches+-+Sherlock+Holmes+fingertips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt=""He looked her over in his searching fashion, and then composed himself with his lids drooping and his fingertips together to listen to her story."" border="0" height="524" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5hsS0tH2u6sQgdaqtzHfDQklvIn88DyR9q7Mlo_Ss59RowJ3zwE7gZxpuZU0QL0RP1gufyCQwuqUvNcGOvhwZzjXHRrEghF-Q3T0AA-0cYH8vzzjOOFhURcxRzLLy_qAEjSVoVqjkADAT/s1600/The+Copper+Beeches+-+Sherlock+Holmes+fingertips.jpg" title="The Copper Beeches - Sherlock Holmes - fingertips" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> Depending on who you read, Series 4 of BBC's <i><b>Sherlock</b> </i>will either be shown on <a href="http://www.hypable.com/2014/01/13/sherlock-series-4-air-date-christmas-2014/">Christmas 2014</a>....or <a href="http://www.christiantoday.com/article/sherlock.season.4.premiere.date.sooner.than.2016/38038.htm">some time in 2015</a>....or even, if you believe some predictions, 2016.<br /> <br /> Regardless of when the show arrives (and <a href="http://screenrant.com/sherlock-season-4-premiere-date-movie/">one outlet claims it will be sooner rather than later</a>), speculation about plot developments (especially given the end of <i>His Last Vow</i> will be rampant throughout the coming months. In that spirit, we present a video that provides some tantalizing deductions and speculation about plot points.<br /> <br /> <center> <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Lri4Byrz--w" width="560"></iframe></center> <br /> So tell us - what do you think? <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br />

Sherlock: Series Four Predictions

"nor could we predict" [HOUN]  Depending on who you read, Series 4 of BBC's Sherlock   will either be shown on Christmas...

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by Gordon D

Review: The Remedy by Thomas Goetz

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <h4 style="text-align: center;"> "“It was consumption of the most virulent kind"” [MISS]</h4> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOLTIfP8SuiznUG2c7DOTsRGB-x5gwfKPauDzhJCZ4nIZ4KAhkQc11KTQ6XjaCUrMYUsi_LEWJGxNTp9es-FKoebzFDsJL4FH8lpqaIbh2QanSqtKBuLCj_HwVIxmzxmejAV350myO2sgG/s1600/Goetz+-+The+Remedy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOLTIfP8SuiznUG2c7DOTsRGB-x5gwfKPauDzhJCZ4nIZ4KAhkQc11KTQ6XjaCUrMYUsi_LEWJGxNTp9es-FKoebzFDsJL4FH8lpqaIbh2QanSqtKBuLCj_HwVIxmzxmejAV350myO2sgG/s1600/Goetz+-+The+Remedy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> It has all the trappings of a Holmes classic: a disease that was killing off thousands of people throughout the ages; a doctor working hard to find a miracle cure; and a man on the threshold of making a major career decision. You would not be <i>too</i> surprised if you discovered a lost Conan Doyle manuscript with such a premise.<br /> <br /> Thomas Goetz's <i><b>The Remedy: Robert Koch, Arthur Conan Doyle and the Quest to Cure Tuberculosis</b></i> is (<a href="http://amzn.to/1jpmvbJ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon US</a> | <a href="http://amzn.to/1rVMYRY" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon UK</a>) such a book....and what makes it remarkable is that not only does Conan Doyle feature in the narrative, but serves as a gripping "history" of deductive sciences in medicine...and ultimately, in the factors that shaped the development of Sherlock Holmes.<br /> <br /> Placing itself in a distinct narrative context, <i>The Remedy </i>outlines Dr. Robert Koch's efforts to find a cure for tuberculosis, which had a very high mortality rate. Goetz not only describes Koch's work in detail, but also details how researchers using the scientific method came across what is now known as "germ theory." With an eye towards Holmes scholarship, Goetz also provides a strong backdrop into how the more scientifically-oriented tenor of pre-Victorian times influenced Conan Doyle's approach towards Holmes' methodology. (Consider it "the science of crime", if you will...but even that is unnecessarily limiting to Goetz's approach).<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/159240751X/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=159240751X&linkCode=as2&tag=gordondymow-20" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=159240751X&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=gordondymow-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gordondymow-20&l=as2&o=1&a=159240751X" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> But the revelations come towards the end of the book, when Conan Doyle becomes a player in the search for a cure for tuberculosis. As Conan Doyle makes his way towards Germany to learn details, we find that...well, that would be spoiling the ending, wouldn't it? But <i>The Remedy</i> deftly combines a strong narrative with a great overview of the rapid development of science and medicine, making it a very strong read for both Holmesians and those with an interest in the history of medicine.<br /> <br /> But for those with an interest in scholarship, Thomas Goetz's <i>The Remedy</i> provides us with a portrait of the author in transition - during this time, Conan Doyle shifted away from medicine and into writing. <i>The Remedy</i> provides some context for this transition, but most importantly, it balances a strong historical narrative with a precise insight into how various factors converged into a unified approach.<br /> <br /> In short, <i>The Remedy</i> is a definite must-read, making a solid link between advances in medical science, one man's quest to find a cure for a devastating disease....and Conan Doyle developing Sherlock Holmes' character. <br /> <br /> <i>Note: a complimentary electronic copy was provided for review.</i> <br /> <i><br /></i> <i>--</i><br /> <iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&Operation=GetAdHtml&ID=OneJS&OneJS=1&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=gordondymow-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=159240751X&asins=159240751X&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=true&MarketPlace=US" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>     <iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?t=thebakstrblo-21&o=2&p=8&l=as1&asins=159240751X&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=FFFFFF&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>

Review: The Remedy by Thomas Goetz

"“It was consumption of the most virulent kind"” [MISS] It has all the trappings of a Holmes classic: a disease that was ki...

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by Gordon D