“There are pastiches, and then there are superlative pastiches.
Tom Turley’s novella, ‘The Case of the Dying Emperor’ (available on Kindle) falls firmly into the latter category. A question over the last illness of Frederick III, German Emperor and King of Prussia for 99 days in 1888, sends Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson to the Continent to investigate. A cast of real historical personages and places appear, each drawn with a level of detail and observation worthy of Holmes himself.
I had a sketchy knowledge of Frederick III, enough to know that his short reign is one of the great ‘What Ifs’ of history. Succeeded by his son, Wilhelm II, the infamous ‘Kaiser Bill’ as he was dubbed in Britain during the First World War, it is interesting to speculate on the course of history had Frederick lived. Given the international implications at the time, it is just the sort of case where you can imagine certain important figures turning to Holmes for his opinion. Watson also gets to shine, both with references to his background (based on the Baring-Gould model) and in his medical expertise. Add to this canon fidelity, and there’s plenty to keep the most ardent Sherlock Holmes fan, as well as the casual reader, engaged and delighted.
A problem I have found in the past with stories set in real historical settings is either too much or too little period detail. Mr Turley achieves an admirable balance. There are footnotes for those who want more information; if not, there is enough in the story to explain what is happening. Any necessary explanation flows naturally in conversations with appropriate language for the period between the principal characters without ever overwhelming the reader. Touches like these give the work an authentic feel, sweeping me up in the illusion that I really was reading a story written at the time.
It’s not often I get to say this, but ‘The Case of the Dying Emperor’ truly is a masterclass in the fine art of the Sherlock Holmes pastiche. Faithfulness to the characters, dedicated research and a clear, erudite style of writing makes this a story that I will be returning to again and again.”
Reviewed by S.F. Bennett
Available on Kindle.
“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.
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.
The Conan Doyle Notes: The Secret of Jack the Ripper, uncovers clues as to “Why the Dog Did Not Bark in the Night.” Sherlock Holmes concluded that it was because the intruder was known to the dog. Madsen’s new mystery questions whether the identity of one of the greatest criminals of all time, Jack the Ripper, was deduced by Conan Doyle. Conan Doyle was already famous with his popular Sherlock Holmes stories when Jack the Ripper struck London in October 1888. Why was Conan Doyle silent about this case? Find out in The Conan Doyle Notes: The Secret of Jack the Ripper.
“What a fascinating, believable, well-researched novel. It’s not only one mystery encircled by another, but a string of sub-mysteries that moves forward relentlessly and delightfully from beginning to end. The characters are convincing and the action and surprises move the suspense forward from page to page. All the loose ends are tied up in a most satisfying way. Ms. Madsen’s style is lucid with plenty of dialogue, internal and external, to tell the tale.” – Mark Levy
Great offer from The Strand Magazine: Two Year Subscription Plus a free copy The Secret of Jack the Ripper
The Conan Doyle Notes: The Secret of Jack the Ripper paperback edition is available from all good bookstores including 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).
The Conan Doyle Notes: The Secret of Jack the Ripper hardback edition is available from all good bookstores including The Strand Magazine, Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Waterstones UK, and for free shipping worldwide Book Depository.
This compilation, comprising a Baker’s (street) Dozen of his adventures, re-creates the gas-lit, fog-enshrouded world of Victorian London as once more Sherlock Holmes urges, Come, Watson, the game is afoot!
“This is a pleasing book, whether the reader is a casual admirer of the Sherlockian Canon or a true aficionado.” – Philip K. Jones
The Outstanding Mysteries of Sherlock Holmes is available from all good bookstores including in the USA Barnes and Noble and Amazon, in the UK Waterstones and Amazon. Elsewhere Book Depository offer free worldwide delivery. In ebook format it is in Kindle, Kobo, Nook and iPad, and it is available in Audible Audio Edition.
A Chronology of the Life of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle – Revised 2018 Edition
A Chronology of the Life of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was first published in 2009; this was fully revised, expanded in 2012 and 2014, an Addenda & Corrigenda was published in 2016. This 2018 edition has been completely updated and revised and supersedes all previous editions, it includes all of the revisions and corrections that were made previously plus the information and maps included in the Addenda & Corrigenda. Also included is information located during research since 2016. New photographs have been added to those already published and The Times is now listed in the sources with the date of publication. The index has been compiled professionally by Geraldine Beare.
The first section contains a family tree and a detailed chronology of the major and minor events in the life of Sir Arthur 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, where are they buried, locations of plaques and statues, Arthur Conan Doyle and cricket, Arthur Conan Doyle and Portsmouth Football Club, Innes Doyle and cricket, a list of biographies and semi-biographical works, a list of Facsimile manuscripts that have been published, a bibliography, a selective list of miscellaneous writings, works consulted and about the chronologist. Finally, there are a number of well-reproduced photographs of ACD his family at various times of his life; some have not appeared in print before. This publication proves that there is more to Arthur Conan Doyle than just Sherlock Holmes.
“If you only want one book about Sir Arthur Conan Doyle this is the one. What Brian Pugh has done here is incredible. No other author has had a book like this written about his life and that is a fact! A must own book!” – Doyle Society Copenhagen
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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.
The Celtic Phoenix: A Sherlock Holmes Adventure
An enigmatic jewelry case, holding human remains, arrives at the cottage of Sherlock Holmes, enticing him from his retirement refuge in the Sussex Downs. Holmes sets out on the trail of the murderer taunting him, joining forces with one of his former Baker Street irregulars, Tessa Wiggins. The two find themselves battling forces arising from a time before England was a country – when the Celts were fighting for survival.
Though set in 1919, The Celtic Phoenix is steeped in the enigmatic culture of the ancient Celts who reigned over much of Europe 3,000 years ago. It was a time when the bond with Nature was strong…when people walked in the olde ways…and when women were the equals to men as warriors, priests, and poets. The Celtic Phoenix is the journey of three women who rise from the ashes of their past like fearsome phoenixes and shake the rational foundations upon Sherlock Holmes built his life and career.
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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.
“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.
“Brian Pugh has been working on his chronology of Arthur Conan Doyle for many years. The 2009 edition was a trusty companion and, as it went through subsequent revisions, I was gratified to see my own works referred to in its pages. I value and admire Brian’s work so much that it is an honour to be mentioned alongside great names such as Stashower, Lycett, Dickson Carr and Nordon. This latest version is enormous at over 450 pages — roughly three times the size of the 2009 edition.
So what do you get in this edition? First and foremost it incorporates all corrections to previous editions, thus superseding them. It also includes all the maps (now in full colour) and material featured in the 2016 Addenda & Corrigenda. Then, of course, there are the fruits of Brian’s latest research: family trees, maps, photographs of residences, commemorative plaques, graves, a day-by-day list of pertinent activities, a bibliography of Conan Doyle and those who’ve written about him. There are also photos, of which some are appearing in print, it is believed, for the first time. Any student of Doyle (and Holmes) needs to be equipped with certain books — the core texts if you will. This is a vital element of that core library.”
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.
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