As many of my readers know, I love Benedict Cumberbatch’s 21st century portrayal of Sherlock Holmes. But what you don’t know (though many of you have guessed), is that when I write, the Holmes who speaks and lives in my fiction is that of the late, remarkable Jeremy Brett.

My stories are set in the late Victorian, early Edwardian era, mostly in London, and try to remain faithful to the writings of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. It helps to have a real face and voice to inform my character. In my opinion, while many talented actors have tried to embody the great detective, no one succeeded as well as Brett.

Now comes a new book about the man, his life, and his Holmes. With a foreword by the charming David Burke (Brett’s first Watson), this is a superb account of the late actor’s life. (I’m currently reading a review copy…