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Out on Audio

Murder in the Library: A Mystery Inspired by Sherlock Holmes and One of His Most Famous Cases

Are librarians meek and mild bookish types with orthopedic shoes and granny glasses? Or are they ruthless killers with voracious appetites for wine, women, and song?

Can a young widow solve a murder with the help of a Chicago policeman and an affinity for Sherlock Holmes?

The Murder in the Library reveals all.

It is elementary, my dears.

176 books on the Sherlock Holmes Audio Books Pinterest Board.

Murder in the Library is available from all good bookstores including in the USA AmazonBarnes and Noble, in the UK AmazonWaterstones,  and for everywhere else Book Depository who offer free worldwide delivery. In ebook format there is Kindle,  iPad and Nook.

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Interview with Ana María Trigo Alonso, Author of Sherlock Holmes El secreto de la caja de sándalo

What was the inspiration for your pastiche ‘El secreto de la caja de sándalo’?

Well, I am an art and antiques appraiser myself. One day I had been working on a especially difficult appraisal and when I finished it, many of my art books were on my desk, laying in a complete chaos. On the top of them there was one about Egyptian art, with a beautiful New Kingdom style scarab on its cover. I thought “what if this scarab had a powerful secret hidden in its inscription?” And somehow the story came to me and I loved it.

What is your story about? Where and when does it take place? 

The story starts with the discovery of an intact ancient tomb in the Valley of the Kings in 1880. Three years later, the discovered items are about to be exhibited in the British Museum but overnight 15 of these objects are mysteriously stolen. Then enters Sherlock Holmes, who will have to discover who took the artifacts and for what reason.

What do you believe readers will enjoy most about your tale? 

The reviews I have received so far say that it is the combination of Archaeology, Ancient Egypt and Sherlock Holmes what readers liked the most.

Which is your favourite story from the canon and why?

“The Musgrave Ritual” because of the gothic atmosphere and because I love how Sherlock discovered the secret hidden for centuries. Actually, in the “Círculo Holmes”, the Spanish Sherlockian association I belong to, my canonic name is Rachel Howels, one of the characters of this story.

Your favourite Sherlock related place?

Not strictly Sherlock related, but definitely one of my favourite places in the world: the British Museum.

It is located in Montague Street, where Sherlock used to live before moving to Baker Street and I love picturing him wandering around the museum, still ignoring that he was about to become the greatest detective in he world.

Tell us three things about yourself that few people would guess?

Venice is my favourite city, I collect old rare books though I consider myself a minimalist, and my wilder dream is a trip on the Orient Express. Maybe someday…

Any upcoming projects?

Yes! There is an new Sherlock Holmes story coming in a few months. Wish me good luck!

Sherlock Holmes El secreto de la caja de sándalo is available from all good bookstores including  Amazon USABarnes and Noble USAAmazon UKWaterstones UK and for free delivery worldwide Book Depository.

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

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 USAAmazon UKWaterstones UK, and for free shipping worldwide Book Depository . In ebook format it is in Amazon KindleKoboNook and Apple iBooks (iPad/iPhone).

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Winner of the 2011 Howlett Literary Award

The Norwood Author – Arthur Conan Doyle and the Norwood Years (1891 – 1894) by Alistair Duncan

Winner of the 2011 Howlett Literary Award (Sherlock Holmes book of the year) from the Sherlock Holmes Society of London.

During the 1891-1894 period Conan Doyle wrote and published much of his best work including the first two series of Sherlock Holmes short stories. This stunning book includes lots of never seen before material about the beloved creator of Sherlock Holmes.

This book, alongside Duncan’s other two Doyle biographies, provides great insight into Doyle’s real-life during the period stretching from 1891 to his death in 1930. Much of this material has not been seen in the previous Doyle biographies, and that should be an extra treat for scholars who study the life of the man.” – David Marcum

Fans of Sherlock Holmes know, more than anything, that the devil is in the details, and Alistair Duncan’s book is full of them. Details that shaped Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s life, writing, and the famous character that so many people love, are available is abundance, for those willing to seek them out. And I hope you do.” –  Jaime N. Mahoney

The Norwood Author is available from all good bookstores, in many formats worldwide including The Strand Magazine,  Amazon USA, Barnes and Noble,  Waterstones UKAmazon UK,  Book Depository (free worldwide delivery)Amazon KindleiBooks for the iPad/iPhone,Kobo Books and Nook.

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The Adventures of Swearlot Holmes

Meet the world’s only swearing detective.

Swearlot Holmes of 221b is for bastard Baker Street, London. Thrill to excerpts and illustrations from many of his most curious cases such as ‘The Adventure Of The Sussex Swearwolf’ and ‘A Foul -Mouthed Cow In Belgravia’. In these dark, surreal and expletive-ridden examples, Swearlot proves not only is he a master of deduction, but a loquaciously lewd legend to boot. Each story is inspired by the original Strand magazine sketches. Written by (Dean) Earle Wilkinson, the writer of television’s SMTV Live and Chums and the console games LittleBigPlanet and Worms. With a career spanning decades he has written for the likes of John Cleese, Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, and Harry Hill to name (drop) but a few.

Incredible book! Absolutely laugh out loud funny! Will more than likely offend some traditionalists but even the jokes are done with a keen knowledge of Holmesian lore! I will be enjoying this book for a long time to come. Different, coarse, and hilarious! Loved it!” – Ben Cardall

The Adventures of Swearlot Holmes is available from all good bookstores including The Strand MagazineAmazon USABarnes and Noble USAAmazon UKWaterstones UK and for free shipping worldwide Book Depository. Available on Audio.

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Review of Rendezvous at the Populaire

“ 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 MagazineAmazon USA, Barnes and NobleAmazon UK and Waterstones UK. For elsewhere Book Depository who offer free delivery worldwide. In ebook format there is Amazon KindleKoboNook and iBooks (iPad and iPhone). Available on Audio.

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Out today – The Detective, the Woman and the Pirate’s Bounty

In The Detective, The Woman and The Pirate’s Bounty, Sherlock Holmes and Irene Adler retrace the steps of pirates as they uncover a conspiracy at the heart of Florida’s islands. Death threats and gangsters are not enough to stop the pair as they meet new friends and enemies while seeking pirate treasure and preserving law and order.

Thomas portrays this iconic character and his mannerisms brilliantly. The story was so good and is written in such a way that enables you to picture it happening; as if watching a film.  I’d most definitely like to read more from this author in the future.” – Curled up with a good book

The Detective, the Woman and the Pirate’s Bounty is available from all good bookstores including  Amazon USAAmazon UKWaterstones UK and for free shipping worldwide Book Depository. In ebook format it is in Kindle.

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The Art of Sherlock Holmes exhibition

We’re delighted to confirm exhibition of the fifteen pieces of art in The Art of Sherlock Holmes first edition will take place at the amazing Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens in West Palm Beach from May 10th to June 3rd. If you can’t make it in person you can also see the art live online as part of The Great Sherlock Holmes Debate on the 25th May – tickets via Eventbrite – https://lnkd.in/eHgNfhJ – the book is available for pre-order from all good bookstores including Amazon USA https://lnkd.in/eXTWBun

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Review of The Celtic Phoenix: A Sherlock Holmes Adventure

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 MagazineAmazon USABarnes and Noble USAAmazon UKWaterstones UK and for free shipping worldwide Book Depository. In ebook format it is in Kindle. Available on Audio.

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Crime Time: recent releases and the best new books

A Most Diabolical Plot by Tim Symonds is featured in this week’s Murder Mayhem & More

Six short stories featuring the world’s greatest consulting detective, with solid support from Doctor Watson. The mysteries are set in Holmes’ original Victorian era, and weave historical scenarios into the intrigue, together with the author’s admirable wry wit. As befits the genre, there’s an arch enemy, a chilling ghostly escapade, a spy story set during the Great War, an Ottoman adventure and plenty of hob-nobbing with the English nobility.

A Most Diabolical Plot – Six Compelling Sherlock Holmes Cases is available from all good bookstores including The Strand MagazineAmazon USABarnes and Noble USAAmazon UK and for free shipping worldwide Book Depository. In ebook format it is in Kindle.

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