A review by Harry DeMaio

The Sherlockian world iscurrentlyawash with pastiches, analyses, essays, histories, psychological studies and assorted other literary efforts. I have made a few contributions to this torrent myself. Periodically, avolumeemerges that is truly different in designand execution. Gretchen Altabef’sThe Keys of Deathis such a book.She has skillfully combined an excellent mystery narrative with awell-series of character studiesof a youthful Holmes, Watson and (surprise) Mrs. Hudson along with reflections on the Anglo-Jewish community in London at the turn of the 1900’s.Gretchen is known for her feisty heroines and her Marti Hudson, Amelia Dreyfus and Lily Langtry are no exceptions.For good measure she has included advice and council on the planning, construction and harvesting of vegetable and flower gardens. Truly a wide ranging mixture that will hold your interest.

There is skillful authorship, technique,imagination andresearchat work here. The result is aworthyread. Brava, Gretchen, Brava!

Harry DeMaio is…