Author Archives: mxpublishing

A lifelong Sherlockian, Richard Ryan is the author of The Official Sherlock Holmes Trivia Book as well as a book on Agatha Christie trivia. His Sherlock Holmes novels, The Vatican Cameos: A Sherlock Holmes Adventure,  The Stone of Destiny, The Druid of Death, and Through a Glass Starkly are available from MX Publishing, London.

What can readers expect from the Sherlock Holmes: A Year of Mystery series?

Richard T. Ryan (RR):It’s odd that Conan Doyle set onlyA Study in Scarletin 1881, and possibly “The Resident Patient”, although that is widely disputed. Adding to the enigma is the fact that none of the canonical stories take place in 1882. As a result, the authors had almost carte blanche when it came to subject matter. Several turned to the events of the day as linchpins for their stories while…

“Memoirs from Mrs. Hudson’s Kitchen” is written by Wendy Heyman-Marsaw. The book comprises thoughts, recipes, & memoirs from the long-running column published in the Sherlockian journal ‘Canadian Holmes’.

This collection is publishing by MX Publishing and illustrated with lovely old advertisements.

The book talks about how the column started and how the book came about.

There are loads of interesting facts, not to mention some absolutely delicious recipes, several which I intend to at least attempt to cook.

This delightful little book is so interesting and so useful that it has earned a permanent place in my research library.

Highly recommended for all those with an interest in the world of Sherlock Holmes and in life during the Victorian period.

The book is available directly from MX Publishing: https://mxpublishing.com/products/memoirs-from-mrs-hudsons-kitchen?_pos=1&_sid=028ad800f&_ss=r

I swear David Marcum has a 28-hour day. Otherwise I can’t imagine how he accomplishes everything he does. Apart from being editor par excellence of the MX Sherlock Holmes anthologies, he’s one of the very best Sherlock Holmes writers out there.

Now comes David’s first collection of his short stories. Because the man is so prolific, I say first. Did I mention that this is a five volume collection bringing together 77 Sherlock Holmes adventures? Like I said, prolific. The collection contains most of what has been written (so far) by David Marcum. It should be no surprised to learn he has written more Holmes stories than anyone else. And if that weren’t enough, he has also edited an astonishing 825 stories by other writers. Again, so far…

If I sound like a fan-girl, it’s because I am. Well, the fan-part anyway. Not so much with the girl anymore. And…

“Dramatic Moment of Fate: The Life of Sherlock Holmes in the Theatre” is written by Alexandra Kitty and published by MX Publishing. The book is a fascinating look at Sherlock Holmes on stage, ranging from William Gillette’s play through to modern plays by the likes of David MacGregor and Bert Coules.

The book is broken into chapters including such topics as Sherlock Holmes on Broadway and theatrical adaptations of ‘The Hound of the Baskervilles”.

Of particular interest to me was the look at the various characters and who has played them on stage.

The book is well researched with extensive source notes at the end of the book.

Alexandra Kitty has written an excellent, one might almost say definitive, book on a subject that is rarely covered in any depth.

Highly recommended to anyone interested in the history of Sherlock Holmes and also theatrical history. The book is available directly…

“Sherlock Holmes and the London Particular” is part of the American Literati’ series by Daviel D. Victor and published by MX Publishing. The books see Holmes and Watson work with noted American writers of the period. The writer in this book is Richard Harding Davis, whom I freely admit I had not heard of.

Be that as it may, it is still an excellent book with the plot involving a stolen diamond necklace, two corpses and a Russian connection. A plot which made for an intriguing case and a ripping read.

For those that don’t know the London Particular was a type of thick, almost poisonous, fog that frequently filled London. It creates an atmospheric start to the story.

The characters are interesting and the denouement of the case suitably exciting.

Well worth a read. THe book is available directly from MX Publishing: https://mxpublishing.com/products/sherlock-holmes-and-the-london-particular?_pos=1&_sid=28d8159f9&_ss=r

“Shadowblood” written by Tracy Revels ad published by MX Publishing, is the sequel to “Shadowfall” in which we learned that Holmes is half fae, Watson loses his soul, and then his memories.

In the opening to “Shadowblood” we learn that the events of “Shadowfall” have made Watson extremely ill. The story starts with his convalesence in the country with an old army buddy. But things don’t stay sane for long. The arrival of a nasty neighbour demanding that Holmes be sent for sets of a trail of events that lead Holmes and Watson across Europe and to America in search of a horrific murderer, and also a legend.

Tracy Revels has given as a book just as exciting as her first one. I quite literally read this one in one sitting. Ms Revels writes with warmth and humour, but there is no denying the chills her story generates as well.

I started this blog quite a few years ago, sharing mostly musings on odd subjects and reviews of theatre, television, movies, and, of course, books.

At the time I never thought that I would end up being a published author. To be honest, I still have to pinch myself sometimes because I think I’m asleep dreaming all this.

Now that I am an author I am realizing just how valuable book reviews are to the author. Yes, a review is just one person’s opinion, but they can help us make our books better.

Book reviews help me get a feel for what my readers want. To get the balance between dialogue and action right. To set the scene properly. To make sure that my stories make the person feel like they are in Victorian England. One of the best pieces of feedback I received was being told that the reader…

My third book, “Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the London Dock Deaths” was published in February this year by MX Publishing. Of course, I am not alone, MX Publishing releases a number of exciting books each year.

MX Publishing has their list of new books for 2021 (and also their 2020 releases) on their website. They also include books by their subsidiary imprint, Orange Pip Books.

On scanning the list I have found many books I am truly looking forward to reading.

“Spiral Mind” (Orange Pip Books) – Janina Arndt

“Sherlock Holmes and the Secret of the Three Monks” – Johanna Reike

“Tales of Scotland Yard: Lestrade” (Orange Pip Books) – Bianca Jenkins

Those are only a few. I attach a link to the list for your perusal.

One of the things I love about MX Publishing is their willingness to publish female authors and to publish Sherlock Holmes…