I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere: M.M. McMahon

Showing posts with label M.M. McMahon. Show all posts

Review: A Man Named Baskerville

<h4 style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif" style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">"...swear
that they have seen such a creature upon the moor" [HOUN]</span></h4><h4 style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoY_2zLl6uYPM1RDD2Cq7bNuzML_hBVh1O6_CdgOqufo20SFytiRzVpQKi519Ewg7d3BBFKFCpHxYxw6UJJhqj_BPt3AVscByeMaWO0qFQAuxTaeZtfGFveF6M_GHRbDPjVyIDJyzaTxE3KSbLV9sBY7dlWAHIIu5tak5DTDv6ExSDuRv5KTNZFd8QPg/s1072/A%20Man%20Named%20Baskerville%20header.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="762" data-original-width="1072" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoY_2zLl6uYPM1RDD2Cq7bNuzML_hBVh1O6_CdgOqufo20SFytiRzVpQKi519Ewg7d3BBFKFCpHxYxw6UJJhqj_BPt3AVscByeMaWO0qFQAuxTaeZtfGFveF6M_GHRbDPjVyIDJyzaTxE3KSbLV9sBY7dlWAHIIu5tak5DTDv6ExSDuRv5KTNZFd8QPg/w640-h454/A%20Man%20Named%20Baskerville%20header.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></h4><br />In full disclosure, <i>The Hound of the Baskervilles</i> remains one of my favorite stories. This is due to Watson's role, the story itself being counter to the literary agent's interest in the supernatural, and the timing of the release of the original story. After mourning Holmes's demise, this would have seemed a great gift. <br /><br />Jim Nelson's <a href="#"><i>A Man Named Baskerville</i></a> seeks to turn the narrative of the Hound on its ear by a clear assertion that Stapleton's father and by extension, he, are the real victims. For simplicity, the man named Baskerville, will be referred to as "Stapleton" in this review. <br /><br />Telling two detailed stories in parallel is a challenging undertaking, juggling the flow of multiple story lines. Long sections of expository narrative were used in Part II of <i>A Study in Scarlet</i> or the journey back in time and location to which we are invited in Part 2 of <i>The Valley of Fear</i>. Instead, this book flips back and forth between the events after the story that we know, and "Stapleton's" dark origin story. <br /><br />One of the threads is memoirs that evolve from short-hand journal entries to a more formal memoir as Stapleton and the current story pick up steam. In the other thread, we follow Stapleton through several aliases and situations as he travels from South America to Central America to the north of England where is the headmaster of a school in Yorkshire. <br /><br />We track the events in his progress during his quest to exact revenge and obtain his true inheritance. The body count and swindled victims grew, as the original targets of revenge are joined by those who had grown suspicious or inconvenient. <br /><br />Not surprisingly, Stapleton told a story that put Sir Charles in a bad light. Rather than the published version of the Baskerville's story, Sir Charles' treatment of his young brother in this version is unfathomable. Then Stapleton dragged Sir Henry, Holmes and Watson into that same unflattering light. <br /><br />We most often see Holmes through the eyes of Watson, rarely though his own eyes ("The Blanched Soldier" and "The Lion's Mane") or, most rare, through a third person ("His Last Bow"). <br /><br />Sometimes we hear reports of how Holmes is viewed through a villain's eye, usually underestimating him or spouting erroneous assumptions such as Dr. Roylott's calling Holmes "the Scotland Yard jack-in-office" ("The Speckled Band"). <br /><br />But it is difficult to imagine a Victorian man dancing around a corpse. While this is offered as an unfiltered view, perhaps this is a clue to some of the distorted alternate versions of events offered by Stapleton. <br /><br />Not unlike the original telling, both stories hinge on the fact that Stapleton could have progressed in his schemes by impressing the members of the British elite with his accent and social engineering skills. This telling also hangs on the belief that the people around the moor knew everything, and that Holmes had either been fooled by them or was too incompetent to uncover the truth. <br /><br />It was a tad disappointing that there was so little attention to Laura Lyons. Given that there was more to their story together, the book does not expand on what we knew from the original canon. <br /><br />Threads of Stapleton's misogyny are woven through the "love and punishment" training approach that he uses for both animals and people. Sir Henry bargained for Beryl's hand as one would purchase livestock. <br /><br />In the Afterward, the author makes clear that "abusive violence on dogs is unacceptable." Presumably it is left to the reader to determine if abusive violence, swindling, and murder of humans are also unacceptable. <br /><br />While this tale is intended to be Stapleton's counter to what Watson's published version of the events would be, it rather exposes a horror within that cannot be saved by the loyalty of a good friend, the love of a woman or the faithfulness of a dog.<br /><br /><br /><i>Note: a complimentary copy was provided for review. </i><br /><br /><br /><a href="#"><i>A Man Named Baskerville</i></a> by Jim Nelson (218 pages, independently published)<div><br /><script type="text/javascript">
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Review: A Man Named Baskerville

"...swear that they have seen such a creature upon the moor" [HOUN] In full disclosure, The Hound of the Baskervilles remains one...

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by M. M. M.

Review of Villains, Victims, and Violets

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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>"</b><span style="background: rgb(255 , 255 , 248) none repeat scroll 0% 0%; color: #111111;">some little trouble had been caused by a woman" [NOBL]</span></span></span></h4>
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Usually we see women in the Canon through the stacked perspectives of Sherlock Holmes, Dr. Watson and his literary agent, Arthur Conan Doyle. <br />
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The variety of authors in <a href="https://amzn.to/2VcP46C"><i>Villains,Victims, and Violets: Agency and Feminism in the Original Sherlock Holmes Canon</i></a> (A Studious Scarlets Society Anthology) bid the women in the Canon to step out from the pages, out of the mist and let us examine them in their full dimension in the context of their times. <br />
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Although I tend to disagree with the book's promotional description implying that scholarly writers have exhausted the topics of the Canon from Sherlock Holmes' perspective, this is a welcome addition to Sherlockian scholarship. <br />
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The entries in the anthology are grouped into five sections, based on facets of women's agency in the stories and society. The third section is an interlude, with a refreshing letter to Watson penned by "Lady Trelawney Hope" offering her views and the reasons behind her actions during "The Adventure of the Second Stain."<br />
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The actions of the women are discussed, often presenting insightful alternate views of their motivations. The examination of some women is eye-opening. It is interesting how many women who, while at the heart of investigations, never spoke for themselves in the Canon.  <br />
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Women's agency in Victorian England is certainly a factor in all the stories. The morality expected by Victorian and Edwardian readers must always have been in Conan Doyle's mind. Readers would expect praise and reward to come to those modest home-centered women who do as they should, serving husband and family.<br />
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The women who have taken it upon themselves to step out of their meek home-oriented life to become active partners in solving their own cases are more remarkable. While Holmes defended those who were truly victims, he showed great respect for those who did show agency. This is certainly reflected as their own words are more often quoted in the Canon.<br />
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An anthology is always a major undertaking, and Haile and Bower have been successful at it. There are a variety of contributors with different styles. The majority of the entries in this anthology are well constructed, well supported and are thought provoking. They support their views with data from the Canon as well as with information about the society of the time.<br />
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Most of the authors take us along with them to explore the range of motivations of the female figures that have so little voice, or none at all, in their own stories. Some share the remarkable women who find their voice and act on their own behalf to influence the outcomes of their situation. There are a few entries that include a tedious, lengthy retelling of a whole tale's plot. I would always prefer an author's original content to a string of direct quotes.<br />
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This anthology of women's agency in the Canon is as relevant and welcome now as it would have been during the Women's Rights movement in the 1960's. Hopefully, before long, the issues of a lack of agency will be viewed as historic rather than current.<br />
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The next time I reread the Canon, I will be definitely be looking more closely at the presentation of the women and their roles in their own stories. Just one of the things that I will be pondering for a good long time is just what name Holmes used when he signed the Adler-Norton marriage license as a witness.<br />
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The book can be found in paperback and Kindle formats on <a href="https://amzn.to/2PeYWsv">Amazon</a>. It is also available in paperback and PDF formats from the <a href="http://www.brownwalker.com/book/1627347267">publisher</a>.<br />
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<i>Disclosure: Amazon affiliate link. We earn a small commission when you make a purchase.</i><br />
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Review of Villains, Victims, and Violets

" some little trouble had been caused by a woman" [NOBL] Usually we see women in the Canon through the stacked pers...

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by M. M. M.

The Secret Diary of Mycroft Holmes – A Review

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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">"I have all the facts in my </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">journal</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">, and the public shall know
them." [STUD] </span></b></h4>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">It is unknown
if the first to attempt to decrypt this recently rediscovered secret diary
was by Mycroft's younger brother, Sherlock Holmes. One wonders if Sherlock
may have succeeded, but finding so much of it was devoted to his impecunious existence, discontinued his efforts. <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">If you have ever
wondered what a day in Mycroft Holmes' life was like, this well written and
pleasant read is for you. At work, Mycroft suffers from the attentions of an
overly interested cleaning lady and interacts with his eccentric coworkers. In
those times, as in these, he worries about the new administration and
the security of his employment. He even faces a cut in his pay.</span><br />
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Mycroft is a benefactor
to his financially insolvent younger brother, and worries about Sherlock's future in
his chosen profession. As to his unique profession, Sherlock refers to his
calling as a "trade" in an attempt to irritate his older brother. They interacted often
before Sherlock established himself, with Sherlock irritating members of
Mycroft's Diogenes Club in various ways. Their short stints of rooming together
do not go well. Their shared deductive powers are in the background as they
discuss Sherlock's prospects, their different approaches to money, and become
embroiled in the antics of their extended family. Given the colorful Holmes family
members, it is understandable that Sherlock would not desire to see them included in Dr.
Watson's tales. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The diary
progresses irregularly through events from 1880 to 1888, skipping weeks, then
months, then years. Thankful Mycroft chose to record the events that occurred during
the period of Sherlock Holmes' life prior to meeting Dr. John H. Watson. We
find out about where Sherlock was living, his financial situation and the
events leading to his finding digs in Baker Street. Mycroft offers some
details of Sherlock's cases, but never enough to offer solutions to their disputed dates. Later, Mycroft puts pen to journal to record the
first publication of <i>A Study in Scarlet</i>, and documents his
meeting Dr. Watson, both informally and formally.</span><br />
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">S.F. Bennett
shares <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Diary-Mycroft-Holmes-Reminiscences/dp/1544140088" target="_blank">The Secret Diary of Mycroft Holmes</a></i> with us so that we can learn about both Mycroft and Sherlock.
Mycroft's insights about his life and his younger brother are enlightening and
entertaining. Mycroft's observations and his proof that Sherlock has found
a friend in Dr. Watson will be enjoyable to all devoted fans. </span><br />
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The Secret Diary of Mycroft Holmes – A Review

"I have all the facts in my journal , and the public shall know them." [STUD] It is unknown if the first to attempt to decr...

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by M. M. M.

The Abominable Bride — We're Not in Baker Street Any More

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"the actor in some strange drama" [YELL]</h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihymRKTqcaX5XzDJekz7dDhrHOM0sjGgQCLxXLeap1KVP5irbiMYyL7fsab1t3sMw59aOzHS2KCkp9ttIB9_yZ_LEQjnmTewy3QqoSLWukvErUo-aMKOWyTu8GddmWRX9u4QBglwycggeD/s1600/sherlock-holmes-and-the-scarecrow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sherlock Holmes Wizard of Oz" border="0" height="568" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihymRKTqcaX5XzDJekz7dDhrHOM0sjGgQCLxXLeap1KVP5irbiMYyL7fsab1t3sMw59aOzHS2KCkp9ttIB9_yZ_LEQjnmTewy3QqoSLWukvErUo-aMKOWyTu8GddmWRX9u4QBglwycggeD/s640/sherlock-holmes-and-the-scarecrow.jpg" title="Sherlock Holmes and the Scarecrow" width="640" /></a></div>
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We had been promised a period piece, with Holmes and Watson in the time and place of the Canon. When I saw the photos released from the effort, the program looked like a gift. But the scenes tying into the current times made it feel like the unwrapping of a long-awaited gift that turns out to be not quite the size, color or quality for which we had hoped. <br />
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I certainly appreciate aspects of the series. Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson have been updated successfully to modern times, and the inclusion of so many details of the Canon are thoughtful. Their companionship and partnership have been well represented. Martin Freeman's portrayal of Dr. John Watson as a war veteran and man of action has been amazing. Benedict Cumberbatch has given a sophisticated and thoughtful portrayal of the internal Sherlock Holmes, and is able to exude the charm that we know from the Canon was able to put women at their ease. The other performers in the series have added a depth that was not always in present in the Canon. However, the stories have been odd and in some ways, unsatisfying. That said, I watch the programs religiously.  <br />
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When the <i><a amzn-ps-bm-asin="B013JBJ7EG" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="6bfe1b7082a4cc110941b14e4ecddf46" 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=6bfe1b7082a4cc110941b14e4ecddf46&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_473193" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sherlock: The Abominable Bride</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_473193" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=thebakerstree-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=6bfe1b7082a4cc110941b14e4ecddf46&_cb=1451965101112" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" /></i> was good, it was flawless. When it was not good, it was more than disappointing. <br />
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The scenery and the ambiance were fabulous. The tailoring was exquisite. Seeing Holmes and Watson in their digs was a gift. The smallest details were loving created. The injection of their current humor and banter bore the characteristic enjoyable stamp of the series. When it was in context, those scenes did feel like the gift we long awaited. <br />
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But, as the gift continued to be unwrapped, the story seemed so outre that it felt like a psychological drama reminiscent of the 1960's drama <i><a amzn-ps-bm-asin="B002C68WOG" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="209857cd84c5b3a53284f48876748cd0" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="The Prisoner" href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Prisoner-Complete-Series-Blu-ray/dp/B002C68WOG/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=thebakerstree-20&linkId=209857cd84c5b3a53284f48876748cd0&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_6472087" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Prisoner</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_6472087" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=thebakerstree-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=209857cd84c5b3a53284f48876748cd0&_cb=1451965163626" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" /></i> with an ending as bizarre as <i><a amzn-ps-bm-asin="B000ERVJKO" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="826c84dede8b6895875e622641510302" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="The Wild Wild West" href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Wild-West-Complete-Season/dp/B000ERVJKO/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=thebakerstree-20&linkId=826c84dede8b6895875e622641510302&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_1591083" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Wild Wild West</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_1591083" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=thebakerstree-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=826c84dede8b6895875e622641510302&_cb=1451965145233" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" /></i>. Perhaps the juxtaposition of some characters in the past was some kind of personal joke to the producers. For example, it seems unlikely that Mycroft would have eaten himself to death; that should strike him as inefficient. There also seemed to be a race to see how many episodes could be referenced. The addition of fantasy sequences from within the fantasy broke whatever was left of the illusion. <br />
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Finally, since it was all a drug-induced dream, I wondered if, in fact, I should have been returned to <a amzn-ps-bm-asin="B00CNW9ZI6" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="c07e9e75040312e78310787731666245" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="wizard of oz dvd" href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Wizard-Oz-Anniversary-Edition/dp/B00CNW9ZI6/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=thebakerstree-20&linkId=c07e9e75040312e78310787731666245&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_874996" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kansas</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_874996" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=thebakerstree-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=c07e9e75040312e78310787731666245&_cb=1451965210860" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" /> rather than England.<br />
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<i>Image credit: <a href="https://vovatia.wordpress.com/2011/04/26/the-case-of-the-ozian-detectives/">The Case of the Ozian Detectives</a></i></div>
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The Abominable Bride — We're Not in Baker Street Any More

"the actor in some strange drama" [YELL] We had been promised a period piece, with Holmes and Watson in the time and place of...

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by M. M. M.

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, Re-imagined in LEGOs

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"Out there fell a cascade of children's bricks." [TWIS]</h4>
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For many of those who enjoy reading the original Sherlock Holmes stories, the illustrations of Sidney Paget have traditionally brought those scenes to life visually. When Granada began producing <i>The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes</i> in the mid-1980s starring Jeremy Brett, the team faithfully recreated many the original illustrations. Now you can now enjoy the detail and creativity of yet another real-world version of them in the <a href="http://amzn.to/1U6zgqO" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sherlock Holmes Lego Book Series</a>. Instead of using actors and sets, this version uses LEGO brand minifigures and bricks.<br />
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During his PhD studies in physical anthropology, Dr. P. James Macaluso revived his old passion for LEGOs and combined it with his love of Sherlock Holmes in a unique manner. He designed LEGO versions of the Victorian England of Sherlock Holmes’ world as seen in Sidney Paget’s illustrations of scenes in the stories from <i>The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes</i>. The books in this series use photographs of these models to illustrate the stories. These LEGO illustrations bring the Paget drawings, and hence the stories, to life in a new way. <br />
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As of this review, the first seven stories from <i>The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes</i> have been distributed by MX Publishing.  Each soft cover book in the series contains one original story, incorporating the LEGO illustrations of models built from the original Paget drawings. <br />
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James’ attention to detail is apparent in all of his models. The iconic scene of Watson and Holmes in their own train compartment (carriage) has been captured by Sidney Paget, the Granada production starring Jeremy Brett, and now in LEGO bricks (shown above). Another classic scene presented is <i>the</i> woman, Irene Adler, in disguise and wishing Holmes a good night on his doorstep in “<a amzn-ps-bm-asin="1780926049" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="a1039f3a7a5c4f28c96e6921ec596145" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="A Scandal in Bohemia lego" href="http://www.amazon.com/Scandal-Bohemia-Adventures-Sherlock-Holmes/dp/1780926049/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=socialmediama-20&linkId=a1039f3a7a5c4f28c96e6921ec596145&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_5121789" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Scandal in Bohemia</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_5121789" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=socialmediama-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=a1039f3a7a5c4f28c96e6921ec596145&_cb=1440252280896" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" />.” In another, John Openshaw is portrayed opening the envelope with the orange pips in “<a amzn-ps-bm-asin="1780926952" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="c6a270bd823b5d7bf4d82ea4c0c99a88" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="the five orange pips lego" href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Five-Orange-Pips-Adventures/dp/1780926952/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=socialmediama-20&linkId=c6a270bd823b5d7bf4d82ea4c0c99a88&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_6990467" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Five Orange Pips</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_6990467" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=socialmediama-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=c6a270bd823b5d7bf4d82ea4c0c99a88&_cb=1440252301015" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" />,” complete with pips. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5e4Xzs5NenAEkPjgfdmU6JDcD7RzMclUkjOe3yylDlVl5mTvLkkvBfm5yZ3LhWw-92HVM33NUqiUqJXDmoYdjV5aOm1AiHBDowbQ_fDz_oIj8b_8qBTsnmxOOY64HXB4v3T0b513Mcvww/s1600/Good-night%252C+Mr.+Sherlock+Holmes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5e4Xzs5NenAEkPjgfdmU6JDcD7RzMclUkjOe3yylDlVl5mTvLkkvBfm5yZ3LhWw-92HVM33NUqiUqJXDmoYdjV5aOm1AiHBDowbQ_fDz_oIj8b_8qBTsnmxOOY64HXB4v3T0b513Mcvww/s400/Good-night%252C+Mr.+Sherlock+Holmes.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Good night, Mr. Sherlock Holmes."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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These books are charming. They are for old and young alike. For those of us seeking for new ways to engage younger readers in the Canon, the LEGO characters are accessible and could serve as inspiration to knowledgeable LEGO engineers. For those who enjoy another version of the illustrations, the books capture the imagination.  <br />
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<a href="https://sites.google.com/site/pjamesmacalusojr/home/lego-sherlock-holmes" target="_blank">The accompanying website</a> is also recommended. At the website, you can learn more about the books and the author. You can enter a contest to win a Sherlock Holmes mini-figures, find the 69-page pdf document containing instructions to build <a href="http://www.mocpages.com/moc.php/413692" target="_blank">a model of Undershaw</a>, or download a set of printable LEGO-Sherlock Holmes character bookmarks. You can also learn how to purchase LEGO plans for building 221B Baker Street in LEGOs.<br />
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We had a chance to interview James by e-mail to find out his plans for the LEGO Book Series, and the for his models.<br />
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<h4>
<b>IHOSE:</b>  Are you planning to illustrate the rest of the stories from <i>The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes</i>? </h4>
<b>Macaluso:</b> I have already completed the illustrations for the remaining stories that comprise <i>The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes</i> with the exception of the final tale, "The Adventure of the Copper Beeches," which I am currently preparing. I would like to publish the complete set of the 12 short stories, including the next volume which was one of Conan Doyle’s favorites, namely "The Adventure of the Speckled Band."<br />
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<h4>
IHOSE:  Will you tackle other stories, and if so, which ones?</h4>
<b>Macaluso:</b> If I have the time I would love to illustrate <i>The Hound of the Baskervilles</i> as this is not only my favorite Sherlock Holmes story, but also literary work in general. However, I am not sure if or when I will continue illustrating Sherlock Holmes stories, as I am also interested in using LEGO to illustrate other classics of literature.<br />
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<h4>
IHOSE: Will you ever exhibit your Victorian London of Sherlock Holmes in the real world?</h4>
<b>Macaluso:</b> I did have a LEGO model of Victorian London a number of years ago when my wife and I lived in the United States. However, upon moving to Europe several years ago, almost all of the buildings and streets were dismantled, although I still have the train station I designed and built. Our move to Paris and then Spain was in part responsible for my creating the book series. As we have limited space in which to set up a large city model, I decided to combine my interests in LEGO and literature, and in particular Sherlock Holmes, and create smaller models which can be easily built, stored and displayed. Nonetheless, I am currently completing a LEGO minifigure scale model of 221B Baker Street, with the interior of the sitting room and bedroom of Sherlock Holmes completely furnished, which I will later share via the book series website or possibly even exhibit next year when my wife and I move to England.<br />
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So, make some time to stroll through Victorian times with the LEGO characters and enjoy this series of books and their accompanying website. The books are available in soft cover from the publisher, <a href="http://amzn.to/1U6AoKZ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, in ebook format and on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/p.-james-macaluso/id868783089?mt=11">iTunes</a>.<br />
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