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Publishers Weekly reviews The MX Book of New Sherlock Holmes Stories, Part XIV

31 Jul

“Did Dr. Watson’s published accounts of Holmes’s cases affect future investigations? Has the Ripper returned to slaughter prostitutes in Whitechapel years after his Autumn of Terror ended? Was a stolen manuscript about Sir Lancelot and King Arthur actually a lost Shakespeare play? Those are just three of the striking plot lines in this standout anthology of 21 short stories written in the spirit of Conan Doyle’s originals. Marcum’s own “The Carroun Document,” perhaps the first among equals, supposes that Holmes’s popularity as a result of the publication of his adventures in the Strand Magazine has resulted in unsought-for celebrity, complete with souvenir hunters visiting Baker Street. “The Threadneedle Street Murder” by S. Subramanian not only features a locked-room puzzle but an amusing tweak of Conan Doyle’s penchant for teases about untold cases. For example, Holmes is interrupted before he can recount the details of a mystery involving a husband who smeared his wife’s face with egg yolk every night before singing “God Save the Queen.” More than 300 pastiches later, this MX series shows no sign of running out of steam.” – Publishers Weekly

The MX Book of New Sherlock Holmes Stories are available from all good bookstores including The Strand Magazine, Amazon USA, Barnes and Noble USA, Amazon UK, Waterstones UK, for free shipping worldwide Book Depository and in ebook formats.

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Posted by on July 31, 2019 in Book Reviews, Sherlock Holmes and Arthur Conan Doyle, Uncategorized

 

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The Stone of Destiny – A Book Review

26 Jul

“The mystery, with all of the twists and turns are amazing and funny at the same time. The way Holmes’ brain works is the most interesting thing I have ever read. Dr. Watson always seems to be a bit bumbling, but yet, he is just as intelligent as Holmes himself, just in a different way…All in all, I loved the book. It was funny, smart, and entertaining. That is all I ask for from a book, so this one succeeded brilliantly. Consequently, I award this book a full 5 out of 5 stars. I recommend it to anyone who loves a good, solid, quick reading mystery. There is no disappointment in this pastiche.“

Reviewed by My Bookish Bliss

The Stone of Destiny: A Sherlock Holmes Adventure is available from all good bookstores including The Strand Magazine, Amazon USA, Barnes and Noble USA, Amazon UK, Waterstones UK and for free shipping worldwide Book Depository. In ebook format it is in Kindle, Kobo and Nook. Available on Audio.

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Posted by on July 26, 2019 in Book Reviews, Sherlock Holmes and Arthur Conan Doyle, Uncategorized

 

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Publishers Weekly reviews The MX Book of New Sherlock Holmes Stories Part XIII 2019 Annual (1881-1890)

24 Jul

“This outstanding anthology focuses on the early years of the Baker Street duo’s partnership. Sherlockians with a soft spot for Nigel Bruce’s buffoonish portrayal of Dr. Watson will appreciate S.F. Bennett’s homage to the Basil Rathbone movie series, “The Case of the Enthusiastic Amateur,” one of the volume’s many high points. In Bennett’s tale, an old acquaintance asks Watson for help when he suspects that an investment failed because of fraud; the doctor decides to undertake the inquiry himself, with hilarious consequences. The author successfully emulates the playful byplay between Watson and Holmes in the service of a clever mystery plot. Almost as good is Tracy Revels’s “The Adventure of the Winterhall Monster,” a variation on the legend of the Monster of Glamis, in which a nurse who once worked with Watson is alarmed by the bizarre circumstances of her new job caring for an infirm child. Amazingly, Marcum has found 22 superb pastiches, almost all from unknown authors. This is more catnip for fans of stories faithful to Conan Doyle’s originals.” – Publishers Weekly

The MX Book of New Sherlock Holmes Stories are available from all good bookstores including The Strand Magazine, Amazon USA, Barnes and Noble USA, Amazon UK, Waterstones UK, for free shipping worldwide Book Depository and in ebook formats.

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Posted by on July 24, 2019 in Book Reviews, Sherlock Holmes and Arthur Conan Doyle, Uncategorized

 

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Review of The Celtic Phoenix: A Sherlock Holmes Adventure – Introducing Tessa Wiggins – The Irregular Detective

18 Jul

“Kim Krisco has captured Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s style in his novels about the enigmatic Sherlock Holmes. Rarely does a figure continue to live past the original writer’s time, but Krisco has managed a way to keep Holmes alive — much to the delight of this fan. In The Celtic Phoenix, Krisco treats us to an in-depth look into the lives of the ancient Celts and their intriguing ways, while at the same time entwining Holmes and Watson into the thick of things. An excellent read — an excellent author.”

Reviewed by Catherine J. Moser

The Celtic Phoenix: A Sherlock Holmes Adventure is available from all good bookstores including The Strand Magazine, Amazon USA, Barnes and Noble USA, Amazon UK, Waterstones UK and for free shipping worldwide Book Depository. In ebook format it is in Kindle, Kobo, Nook and Apple iBooks (iPad/iPhone). Available on Audio.

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Posted by on July 18, 2019 in Book Reviews, Sherlock Holmes and Arthur Conan Doyle, Uncategorized

 

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Review of The Detective, The Woman and The Pirate’s Bounty

18 Jun

“Amy Thomas’s latest Holmes-Adler adventure returns to the scene of her first: Fort Myers, Florida. This time, The Detective and The Woman are in search of a pirate’s treasure rumored to be buried on Sanibel Island, which they hope to find before it falls into the hands of a mysterious criminal known only as “the Baron.” Along the way, they encounter an entertaining cast of secondary characters, including an old friend from Fort Myers, a bland American intelligence operative, a hero-worshipping young woman, and a set of federal agents for whom Holmes plays the fool. Any of these people could be “the Baron” or his henchmen in disguise. The novel does a nice job of obscuring friend from foe until the action climaxes in a scene a bit reminiscent of one from Treasure Island. As always, Ms. Thomas’s depictions of Sherlock Holmes and Irene Adler are nicely drawn and faithful to the spirit of the Canon. She resists the temptation (which Baring-Gould and I could not) to carry their admiration for each other into outright romance. Another excellent outing in a series that I hope will long continue!”

Reviewed by Tom Turley

The Detective, The Woman and The Pirate’s Bounty is available from all good bookstores including The Strand Magazine,  Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Waterstones UK, and for free shipping worldwide Book Depository . In ebook format it is in Amazon Kindle, Kobo, Nook and Apple iBooks (iPad/iPhone).

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Posted by on June 18, 2019 in Book Reviews, Sherlock Holmes and Arthur Conan Doyle, Uncategorized

 

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Review of Rendezvous at the Populaire

30 Apr

“ A tough assignment for an art student would be to paint a cohesive painting by mixing the styles of two different artists. An example would be using both the style of Rubens and Picasso, or maybe Rembrandt and Van Gogh. Difficult, yes?

That is sort of what Kate Workman has accomplished with this stunning tale that mixes the world of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and the world of Gaston Leroux. The world’s greatest detective meets the mad genius of Erik, the Phantom of the Opera.

Holmes has reached a low point in his life. Having been seriously wounded in his right leg, Holmes has been told by Watson that he will need a cane for the rest of his life. Holmes is despondent and worries that he needs to retire.

Then a letter arrives from Paris. The new owners of the Paris Opera House, The Opera Populaire, are asking for aid. The Opera House is being held hostage by a phantom who demands monthly payments, a prime seat in the boxes, and occasionally suggests who should sing which role.

Having taken singer Christine Daae under his wing for private lessons, the Phantom wants her to be the star. When his demands are not met, he sends the heavy chandelier crashing into the stage and orchestra pit. He also hangs a man from the catwalks, scaring the entire opera.

Holmes learns that the Phantom has always been at the Opera House and that the former owner had no trouble, for he paid the Phantom’s monthly stipend and did not rent box five. The new owners are determined to defy the Phantom, even though they can afford to pay the stipend.

Join the battle of wits as Holmes beards the Phantom in his own lair beneath the Opera. Genius recognizes genius, and the two have more in common than either realizes at first. Like our art student, Kate Workman deftly wields both brushes, staying true to the Holmes tales and true to the Phantom, but making her masterpiece stand on its own. The twist ending is like the final flourish of brush on canvas, when the artist signs his work.

This novel is worth plus five out of five stars for the originality of the Holmes/Phantom blend! Encore!”

Reviewed by Raven

Rendezvous at the Populaire is available from all good bookstores including The Strand Magazine, Amazon USA, Barnes and Noble, Amazon UK and Waterstones UK. For elsewhere Book Depository who offer free delivery worldwide. In ebook format there is Amazon Kindle, Kobo, Nook and iBooks (iPad and iPhone). Available on Audio.

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Posted by on April 30, 2019 in Book Reviews, Sherlock Holmes and Arthur Conan Doyle, Uncategorized

 

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Review of The Celtic Phoenix: A Sherlock Holmes Adventure

22 Mar

“It’s 1919 and Sherlock Holmes has retired to a South Coast cottage where he is using his past cases to compile a definitive work on crime and criminals. This is interrupted by the arrival in the post of a decorated jewellery case/casket inside which are a pair of testes. Is this a warning or perhaps a challenge, maybe from a murderer?

Back in London, at Scotland Yard, there is an investigation following a murder that has links to Holmes’ unusual package. An acquaintance of Dr Watson’s has been killed, his suspected murdered a young woman with a sad past. It’s claimed that the young worker, under the care of the Salvation Army, killed her master. The victim, like Holmes, had received something in the post that disturbed him.

The symbols on the casket (of testes) are Celtic in origin. The Celtics lived thousands of years ago, with a sacred and respectful view of nature, and equality between the sexes. Women, the birth-givers/creators of life, often took on leading and important roles, such as priests and warriors. Given the contents of the casket sent to Holmes, was this sent by a woman with a Celtic link?

One legendary cult of women warriors, the Sisters of Scathach, are making a return, and it could be timely. With slavery, sexual abuse, violence and discrimination rife, there’s plenty for such a group to fight against. But is this a welcome social justice campaign or criminal plan for revenge for modern crimes against women?

A former Baker Street irregular, Tessa Wiggins, teams up with Holmes – and to some extent Inspector Walls – as they attempt to prevent more killings and restore order, whilst serving justice. There are several strong female characters in a book which explores feminist issues that are as relevant today as they were 100 years ago.  

There are hidden items, secret codes and historic lore, making for an interesting adventure. A well told story from a writer comfortable with the Holmes canon.”

Reviewed by Crime Thriller Hound

The Celtic Phoenix: A Sherlock Holmes Adventure is available from all good bookstores including The Strand Magazine, Amazon USA, Barnes and Noble USA, Amazon UK, Waterstones UK and for free shipping worldwide Book Depository. In ebook format it is in Kindle. Available on Audio.

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Posted by on March 22, 2019 in Book Reviews, Sherlock Holmes and Arthur Conan Doyle, Uncategorized

 

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Review of A Chronology of the Life of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle – Revised 2018 Edition

15 Jan

“A Chronology of the Life of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle by Brian W. Pugh (2018 MX Publishing) was first published in 2009, revised and expanded in 2012 and 2014, and an Addenda & Corrigenda was published in 2016. This 2018 edition has been completely updated and includes information located during research since 2016. The first section contains a family tree and a detailed chronology of the life of ACD and his family from 1755 to 1930. This is followed by sections on events from 1930 to 1998. An Arctic Voyage in 1880, maps of Conan Doyle’s travels, the residences of Conan Doyle and his family, locations of plaques and statues, Conan Doyle and cricket are just a few of the topics covered. A list of biographies and semi-biographical works will aid future researchers in finding the seminal works, a list of facsimile manuscripts that have been published will help some collectors assess their own library. Finally, there are several photographs of ACD and his family at various times of his life; some have not appeared in print before. This publication proves that there is far more to Conan Doyle than just Sherlock Holmes. If you have an interest in the life of Conan Doyle or plan on writing or researching anything dealing with him, this book should be on your bookshelf today.”

Reviewed by Mark Alberstat, Canadian Holmes, Winter 2018/2019

A Chronology of the Life of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle – Revised 2018 Edition is available from all good bookstores including The Strand Magazine, Amazon USA, Barnes and Noble USA, Amazon UK, Waterstones UK and for free shipping worldwide Book Depository. In ebook format it is in Kindle.

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Posted by on January 15, 2019 in Book Reviews, Sherlock Holmes and Arthur Conan Doyle, Uncategorized

 

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“An engaging addition to Sherlock Holmes legendry.”

02 Jan

Kirkus review of When the Song of the Angels is Stilled: A Before Watson Novel

“Before Sherlock Holmes meets John Watson, the young detective solves crimes with a bright lady friend in this delectable “before Watson” novel.

In Croyle’s (The Caretaker, 2009) new series, Holmes is a loner college student at Oxford in 1874 when he’s bitten by a dog visiting the campus with its owner, Priscilla “Poppy” Stamford. Guilt over the dog bite forces Poppy and her suitor, Victor Trevor, to take an interest in Sherlock’s welfare, and a friendship forms between the three. Though studying nursing, Poppy is keen to become a doctor, but England’s medical schools aren’t yet open to females. Medical training, Poppy says, is “a door still closed to me. Universities like Oxford and Cambridge, and medical schools were largely bastions of male privilege.” Her feminist sensibilities are conveyed in language appropriate to the era, and Poppy makes quite a fine narrator—and heroine. Her sharp mind draws Sherlock’s attention, and soon they and a few friends are sleuthing together. A serial killer known as the Angel Maker is somehow acquiring and murdering illegitimate babies, their tiny bodies thrown into the River Thames like trash. While Poppy’s compassion has her yearning to solve the case, Sherlock’s intellect and curiosity compel him—and perhaps his affection for Poppy. Croyle doesn’t try to re-create the style of Arthur Conan Doyle’s John Watson; instead, he conjures a fresh, new narrator in Poppy, sister of the man who eventually introduces Sherlock and Watson. The book needs better editing, though, to catch omitted words and spotty punctuation of dialogue. Holmes fans will find much to enjoy here, including Sherlock and Poppy’s friendship with her friend Effie’s cousin, writer Oscar Wilde. Also, Trevor is the son of Mr. Trevor from Doyle’s “The Adventure of the Gloria Scott,” and that story gets a retelling here. This fast-paced tale will appeal to those who like to ponder what made Sherlock Holmes the great detective he was, and hearing his story from a female perspective is particularly enjoyable.

An engaging addition to Sherlock Holmes legendry.”

When the Song of the Angels is Stilled: A Before Watson Novel is available from all good bookstores including The Strand Magazine,  Amazon USA, Barnes and Noble USA, Amazon UK, Waterstones UK,and for free shipping worldwide Book Depository . In ebook format it is in Kindle, Kobo, Nook and Apple iBooks (iPad/iPhone). Also available in Audio.

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Posted by on January 2, 2019 in Book Reviews, Sherlock Holmes and Arthur Conan Doyle, Uncategorized

 

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The Sherlock Holmes Society of London reviews The Druid of Death – A Sherlock Holmes Adventure

10 Dec

“As an unashamed fan of new Sherlock Holmes stories, I am discomfited to admit that I had not read any of Richard T Ryan’s earlier novels. This is his third, and a splendid book it is. The plot revolves around some mysterious deaths, bearing the hallmarks of ritualistic sacrifice or cult murder. Scotland Yard is baffled, and Inspector Lestrade invites Holmes and Watson to assist. Our heroes are drawn into the mysterious lore of ancient druidic symbols and Celtic mythology to face a race against time in unravelling the case and preventing further bloodshed. The pace is well-judged, and it is a gripping and colourful tale from the offset. Ryan’s style is reassuringly familiar, and he clearly has a respect for the Canon, demonstrated in the many neat references and affectionate nods to the characters, stories and intrigues of the original texts. Another fine touch is the inclusion of the Revd Sabine Baring-Gould, real-life grandfather of the celebrated Sherlockian, William S Baring-Gould. Ryan demonstrates a comprehensive knowledge of British history and there is good attention to detail throughout this tale. It is a great story told with skill and affection.” – Mark Mower

The Druid of Death – A Sherlock Holmes Adventure is available from all good bookstores including The Strand Magazine, Amazon USA, Barnes and Noble USA, Amazon UK, Waterstones UK and for free shipping worldwide Book Depository. In ebook format it is in Kindle. Available on Audio.

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Posted by on December 10, 2018 in Book Reviews, Sherlock Holmes and Arthur Conan Doyle, Uncategorized

 

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