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The Mammoth Book of New Sherlock Holmes Adventures
Singular, capital, wonderfully enjoyable, this is the biggest collection of new Sherlock Holmes stories published since Sir Arthur Conan Doyle laid down his pen - nearly 200,000 words of superb fiction featuring the Great Detective by masters of historical crime. Almost all the stories are specially written for the collection and the cases are presented in the order in which Holmes solved them.
The result is a life of Sherlock Holmes, with a continuous narrative alongside the stories which identities the gaps in the canon and places the new and hitherto unrecorded cases in their correct sequence - plus there is an invaluable, complete Holmes chronology.
(back cover)
The result is a life of Sherlock Holmes, with a continuous narrative alongside the stories which identities the gaps in the canon and places the new and hitherto unrecorded cases in their correct sequence - plus there is an invaluable, complete Holmes chronology.
(back cover)
512 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1997
About the author
Mike Ashley
271 books124 followersMichael Raymond Donald Ashley is the author and editor of over sixty books that in total have sold over a million copies worldwide. He lives in Chatham, Kent.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
June 29, 2012
When I read a good Holmes story, I inevitably 'hear' Jeremy Brett; in my mind, he is and will always be the definitive Sherlock Holmes. And with this anthology of pastiches, Mr Brett has bordered on laryngitis, so perfectly have the various authors captured the persona of Holmes.
May 1, 2018
To think it's 21 ys since I read this collection of Holmes stories it is great SS collection of Holmes
January 22, 2012
“They don’t make them anymore!” This is the sentiment that assaults one after completing a book like this. First published in 1997 as ‘The Mammoth Book of New Sherlock Holmes Adventures’, this massive collection of pastiches cover the entire gamut of post-Doyle Sherlockiana. The contents of this book, along-with my thoughts regarding them, are as under: -
(*) Foreword by Richard Lancelyn Green
(*) Acknowledgements
(*) Introduction: The Life and Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Mike Ashley
Part I: Early Years
1. ‘The Bothersome Business of Dutch Nativity’ by Derek Wilson: very good.
2. ‘The Affray at the Kildare Street Club’ by Peter Tremayne: I am sick of Mr. Tremayne and his Irish-connection stories in every collection of pastiches, and sincerely hope that editors would stop printing his Irish stories just for a change.
Part II: The 1880-s
1. ‘The Case of the Incumbent Invalid’ by Claire Griffen: very good.
2. ‘The Adventure of Vittoria the Circus Belle’ by Edward D. Hoch: not upto the standards of Mr Hoch, I must state.
3. ‘The Darlington Substitution Scandal’ by David Stuart Davies: very good.
4. ‘The Adventure of the Suspect Servant’ by Barbara Roden: good, but Ms. Roden’s subsequent efforts are vastly superior to this pastiche.
5. ‘The Adventure of the Amateur Mendicant Society’ by John Betancourt: very good, and quite sensational.
6. ‘The Adventure of the Silver Buckle’ by Denis O. Smith: Holmes in Scotland in a very good adventure; more of Mr Smith’s works should now be available, with the advent of e-books in a big way.
7. ‘The Case of the Sporting Squire’ by Guy N. Smith: good.
8. ‘The Vanishing of the Atkinsons’ by Eric Brown: Holmes in Ceylon (present Sri Lanka), in another sensational case which is good to read.
9. ‘The Adventure of the Fallen Star’ by Simon Clark: good.
Part III: The 1890-s
1. ‘The Adventure of the Dorset Street Lodger’ by Michael Moorcock: good, enjoyable story.
2. ‘The Mystery of the Addleton Curse’ by Barrie Roberts: very good.
3. ‘The Adventure of the Parisian Gentleman’ by Robert Weinberg & Lois H. Gresh: a sensational case, but too pulpy to be true of Holmes.
4. ‘The Adventure of the Inertial Adjustor’ by Stephen Baxter: a grave science-fiction oriented adventure that brings Holmes in close contact with H.G. Wells. Very good.
5. ‘The Adventure of the Touch of God’ by Peter Crowther: a very good story of real-life psychological horror.
6. ‘The Adventure of the Persecuted Painter’ by Basil Copper: even in a Sherlock Holmes adventure the master of gothic horror manages to unnerve us in a few paragraphs, despite the mystery being too simple to solve.
7. ‘The Adventure of the Suffering Ruler’ by H.R.F. Keating: a rare failure of Holmes, chronicled rather truthfully.
8. ‘The Repulsive Story of the Red Leech’ by David Langford: a very good mystery that makers clever usage of physics in its dénouement.
9. ‘The Adventure of the Grace Chalice’ by Roger Johnson: good, straight-forward mystery.
10. ‘The Adventure of the Faithful Retainer; by Amy Myers: sensational, good-read.
Part IV: The Final Years
1. ‘The Case of the Suicidal Lawyer’ by martin Edwards: a very good story.
2. ‘The Legacy of Rachel Howells’ by Michael Doyle: a story that defeats itself in trying to be too clever.
3. ‘The Adventure of the Bulgarian Diplomat’ by Zakaria Erzinclioglu: good, but too sensational and too political, something that Sir Arthur would have avoided like plague.
4. ‘The Enigma of the Warwickshire Vortex’ by F.Gwynplaine MacIntyre: finally a solution to the problem of Mr James Phillimore who had vanished from the earth without leaving any trace, that too in New York.
5. ‘The Case of the Last Battle’ by L.B. Greenwood: a simplistic feel-good kind of a story that tries to conclude the efforts begun in “His Last Bow”.
(*) Appendix I: A Complete Chronology of Sherlock Holmes’s cases
(*) Appendix II: The Tales of Sherlock Holmes
(*) The Contributors
Overall, a very good collection of pastiches that would appeal to all lovers of Sherlockiana. Recommended.
(*) Foreword by Richard Lancelyn Green
(*) Acknowledgements
(*) Introduction: The Life and Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Mike Ashley
Part I: Early Years
1. ‘The Bothersome Business of Dutch Nativity’ by Derek Wilson: very good.
2. ‘The Affray at the Kildare Street Club’ by Peter Tremayne: I am sick of Mr. Tremayne and his Irish-connection stories in every collection of pastiches, and sincerely hope that editors would stop printing his Irish stories just for a change.
Part II: The 1880-s
1. ‘The Case of the Incumbent Invalid’ by Claire Griffen: very good.
2. ‘The Adventure of Vittoria the Circus Belle’ by Edward D. Hoch: not upto the standards of Mr Hoch, I must state.
3. ‘The Darlington Substitution Scandal’ by David Stuart Davies: very good.
4. ‘The Adventure of the Suspect Servant’ by Barbara Roden: good, but Ms. Roden’s subsequent efforts are vastly superior to this pastiche.
5. ‘The Adventure of the Amateur Mendicant Society’ by John Betancourt: very good, and quite sensational.
6. ‘The Adventure of the Silver Buckle’ by Denis O. Smith: Holmes in Scotland in a very good adventure; more of Mr Smith’s works should now be available, with the advent of e-books in a big way.
7. ‘The Case of the Sporting Squire’ by Guy N. Smith: good.
8. ‘The Vanishing of the Atkinsons’ by Eric Brown: Holmes in Ceylon (present Sri Lanka), in another sensational case which is good to read.
9. ‘The Adventure of the Fallen Star’ by Simon Clark: good.
Part III: The 1890-s
1. ‘The Adventure of the Dorset Street Lodger’ by Michael Moorcock: good, enjoyable story.
2. ‘The Mystery of the Addleton Curse’ by Barrie Roberts: very good.
3. ‘The Adventure of the Parisian Gentleman’ by Robert Weinberg & Lois H. Gresh: a sensational case, but too pulpy to be true of Holmes.
4. ‘The Adventure of the Inertial Adjustor’ by Stephen Baxter: a grave science-fiction oriented adventure that brings Holmes in close contact with H.G. Wells. Very good.
5. ‘The Adventure of the Touch of God’ by Peter Crowther: a very good story of real-life psychological horror.
6. ‘The Adventure of the Persecuted Painter’ by Basil Copper: even in a Sherlock Holmes adventure the master of gothic horror manages to unnerve us in a few paragraphs, despite the mystery being too simple to solve.
7. ‘The Adventure of the Suffering Ruler’ by H.R.F. Keating: a rare failure of Holmes, chronicled rather truthfully.
8. ‘The Repulsive Story of the Red Leech’ by David Langford: a very good mystery that makers clever usage of physics in its dénouement.
9. ‘The Adventure of the Grace Chalice’ by Roger Johnson: good, straight-forward mystery.
10. ‘The Adventure of the Faithful Retainer; by Amy Myers: sensational, good-read.
Part IV: The Final Years
1. ‘The Case of the Suicidal Lawyer’ by martin Edwards: a very good story.
2. ‘The Legacy of Rachel Howells’ by Michael Doyle: a story that defeats itself in trying to be too clever.
3. ‘The Adventure of the Bulgarian Diplomat’ by Zakaria Erzinclioglu: good, but too sensational and too political, something that Sir Arthur would have avoided like plague.
4. ‘The Enigma of the Warwickshire Vortex’ by F.Gwynplaine MacIntyre: finally a solution to the problem of Mr James Phillimore who had vanished from the earth without leaving any trace, that too in New York.
5. ‘The Case of the Last Battle’ by L.B. Greenwood: a simplistic feel-good kind of a story that tries to conclude the efforts begun in “His Last Bow”.
(*) Appendix I: A Complete Chronology of Sherlock Holmes’s cases
(*) Appendix II: The Tales of Sherlock Holmes
(*) The Contributors
Overall, a very good collection of pastiches that would appeal to all lovers of Sherlockiana. Recommended.
March 9, 2010
Dozens of Sherlock Holmes short stories written a century after Conan Doyle. A very few come close to the old magic, but most miss it by a little and (more often) a lot. The problem is finding the good stories amidst the drudge since they do not come with warning labels.
July 14, 2022
I had hoped that a collection of more than 20 stories written by authors who try to stay true to ACD would be fun. Unfortunately, I found myself bored/annoyed most of the time.
It isn't a must for me that an author stays true to ACD. However, if this is the goal, I expect them to do it right. Sadly, every story lacked something. Some fell short in the writing style, others in the behaviour of Holmes and Watson. Most were lacking in the plots that were either too easy or too hard to guess, but mostly just weren't the kind of case that ACD would write down. The only story that came close for me was The Case of the Incumbent Invalid, which is precisely the sort of odd trivial matter that Holmes would investigate.
I would recommend rereading the original stories instead.
It isn't a must for me that an author stays true to ACD. However, if this is the goal, I expect them to do it right. Sadly, every story lacked something. Some fell short in the writing style, others in the behaviour of Holmes and Watson. Most were lacking in the plots that were either too easy or too hard to guess, but mostly just weren't the kind of case that ACD would write down. The only story that came close for me was The Case of the Incumbent Invalid, which is precisely the sort of odd trivial matter that Holmes would investigate.
I would recommend rereading the original stories instead.
August 2, 2022
Väldigt ojämn. Vissa av historierna är läsvärda - de flesta är det inte.
February 29, 2020
Great one!
May 13, 2017
“The Bothersome Business of the Dutch Nativity”: B-
“The Affray at the Kildare Street Club”: C-
“The Adventure of Vittoria, the Circus Belle”: F
“The Darlington Substitution Scandal”: C-
“The Adventure of the Suspect Servant”: D+
“The Adventure of the Amateur Mendicant Society”: B-
“The Adventure of the Silver Buckle”: C
“The Case of the Sporting Squire”: C
“The Vanishing of the Atkinsons”: B
“The Adventure of the Fallen Star”: B+
“The Adventure of the Dorset Street Lodger” (Michael Moorcock): A-
“The Mystery of the Addleton Curse” (Barrie Roberts): A
“The Adventure of the Parisian Gentleman”: C
“The Adventure of the Inertial Adjustor”: B-
“The Adventure of the Touch of God”: B-
“The Adventure of the Persecuted Painter”: C+
“The Adventure of the Suffering Ruler”: B-
“The Repulsive Story of the Red Leech” (David Langford): A-
“The Adventure of the Grace Chalice”: C+
“The Case of the Faithful Retainer”: C
“The Case of the Suicidal Lawyer”: C+
“The Legacy of Rachel Howells”: B
“The Adventure of the Bulgarian Diplomat”: B+
“The Enigma of the Warwickshire Vortex”: C+
“The Case of the Last Battle”: B
PS: Terrible book cover - almost stopped me from buying this on my Kindle.
“The Affray at the Kildare Street Club”: C-
“The Adventure of Vittoria, the Circus Belle”: F
“The Darlington Substitution Scandal”: C-
“The Adventure of the Suspect Servant”: D+
“The Adventure of the Amateur Mendicant Society”: B-
“The Adventure of the Silver Buckle”: C
“The Case of the Sporting Squire”: C
“The Vanishing of the Atkinsons”: B
“The Adventure of the Fallen Star”: B+
“The Adventure of the Dorset Street Lodger” (Michael Moorcock): A-
“The Mystery of the Addleton Curse” (Barrie Roberts): A
“The Adventure of the Parisian Gentleman”: C
“The Adventure of the Inertial Adjustor”: B-
“The Adventure of the Touch of God”: B-
“The Adventure of the Persecuted Painter”: C+
“The Adventure of the Suffering Ruler”: B-
“The Repulsive Story of the Red Leech” (David Langford): A-
“The Adventure of the Grace Chalice”: C+
“The Case of the Faithful Retainer”: C
“The Case of the Suicidal Lawyer”: C+
“The Legacy of Rachel Howells”: B
“The Adventure of the Bulgarian Diplomat”: B+
“The Enigma of the Warwickshire Vortex”: C+
“The Case of the Last Battle”: B
PS: Terrible book cover - almost stopped me from buying this on my Kindle.
February 3, 2012
Umm... Yes!?! As a BIG fan of Sherlock Holmes, I was VERY excited when I encountered this book. For the most part, this anthology lived up to my expectations. The Mammoth Book of New Sherlock Holmes Adventures contains short stories by modern writers, some brand-new, straight from the authors' minds, some based on historical events and people, and some (my favorites) based on those teasers Watson gives in passing, such as "the repulsive story of the red leech and the terrible death of Crosby the banker....The famous Smith-Mortimer succession case...[and]the tracking and arrest of Huret, the Boulevard assassin..." (taken from "The Adventure of the Golden Pince-Nez") Who can resist reading up possible cases to go with those hints? Like the original stories by Doyle, the anthology has its high and low points-- stories that keep you on the edge of your seat, and stories that seem slightly anti-climactic. Overall, the cases are believable, and the voice and characterization quite true to Doyle's work.
And then there's the story featuring H.G. Wells as a character... That one really threw me for a loop. The laws of physics go out the window, for one, and the reader is merrily led into a laboratory straight out of Wells's imagination. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm a fan of SF, and enjoy reading Wells and Asimov and a few other SF writers. But I'm not sure this anthology was the place for that story. (I know, I know... Get over, hon, no one cares, it was a great story and an excellent anthology anyway. When you're editing, then you can reject stories to your heart's content.)
That aside, it was a great read, and I really enjoyed it. The contributions were well-written, well-imagined, and entertaining.
And then there's the story featuring H.G. Wells as a character... That one really threw me for a loop. The laws of physics go out the window, for one, and the reader is merrily led into a laboratory straight out of Wells's imagination. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm a fan of SF, and enjoy reading Wells and Asimov and a few other SF writers. But I'm not sure this anthology was the place for that story. (I know, I know... Get over, hon, no one cares, it was a great story and an excellent anthology anyway. When you're editing, then you can reject stories to your heart's content.)
That aside, it was a great read, and I really enjoyed it. The contributions were well-written, well-imagined, and entertaining.
November 23, 2021
A collection of absolute rubbish.....26 short stories, all of which are unreadable trash, and written by amateurish authors. Some of the stories have a hint of GK Chesterton's style, so that should be sufficient to put the reader off. The worst of all the terrible stories has to be 'The Adventure of the Bulgarian Diplomat'. There are no words to describe how blundering, opaque and senseless this story is, but the others aren't far behind it.
I paid £1.30 for the book in an Oxfam shop and I'm gutted that I could have got a big bag of chips for that money.
And is the editor Mike Ashley the previous owner of Newcastle Football club?
I paid £1.30 for the book in an Oxfam shop and I'm gutted that I could have got a big bag of chips for that money.
And is the editor Mike Ashley the previous owner of Newcastle Football club?
February 27, 2012
The Mammoth Book of New Sherlock Holmes Adventures is an anthology of new stories featuring the beloved duo of Holmes and Watson, contributed by respected authors such as Michael Moorcock and Peter Tremayne. Most of them were specifically written for this collection, and many expand on references made by Watson in the Canon; there are two stories based on his reference to "the repulsive story of the red leech." Ranging from Holmes' college days ("The Bothersome Business of the Dutch Nativity") to his and Watson's part in the end of WWI ("The Last Battle"), the twenty-six stories are told in chronological order, linked by brief notes from the editor referring to the canonical adventures that took place at the same time and relating the circumstances in which the new stories were "discovered." As with any anthology, some of the stories are better than others, but many of them did a creditable job at capturing the spirit of the originals. Honorable mention (in my opinion, at least)goes to the first story, "The Bothersome Business of the Dutch Nativity,""The Case of the Sporting Squire," and "The Mystery of the Addleton Curse."
January 30, 2012
This was an airport 1-for-2 buy, but once I started it was hard to make myself hold to my "1 story before bed" plan. The stories were obviously of varying quality, but enough of them managed to really capture the spirit of Conan Doyle's most famous creation to make me instantly pick up the original stories once I finished this.
December 10, 2017
As a huge Sherlock Holmes fan, I was eager to read this book, but disappointed by the poor writing in many of the stories. I'm afraid the compiler lost the right to call himself "editor" when he let so many flaws persist. Fellow fans - your time would be better spent rereading A. C. Doyle's original works.
February 12, 2016
This collection of short stories range in quality from bad, to awful, to a piece of garbage that Arthur Conan Doyle never would have written. I too desire more Sherlock Holmes adventures, but these are not the stories you're looking for.
October 20, 2007
Forgot I had this book for the longest time. Most of the stories had the tone and feel of the originals. Most far fetched was the last one about the end of WWI.
April 28, 2014
The Mammoth Book of New Sherlock Holmes Adventures edited by Mike Ashley
This is actually an ebook version, published by Constable & Robinson Ltd, in 2009. It was published in the United States by Running Press Book Publishers.
A look at the many untold cases of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson as contained in Watson’s dispatch box in the vaults of the bank of Cox and Co. The collection contains twenty-six stories divided into various sections.
Sadly, I would have to say that some of the stories contained within are not as well written as some of the fan fiction found on the internet, both those based on the Canon series as well as the later adaptations shown on film and television. That doesn’t mean that there aren’t good stories in the collection, because there are, more than enough to justify taking the time to read. But be prepared, because The Mammoth Book collections are huge! 3.5 out of 5
Early Years
“The Bothersome Business of the Dutch Nativity” by Derek Wilson.
Dr. John Watson discovers a very early case of Sherlock Holmes while slowly working his way out of the grief of Reichenbach. With additional information later provided by Holmes himself once he returns to London, Watson writes of the theft of a Rembrandt from New College. Holmes, attending Grenville College at the time, is introduced to the case by William Spooner, the man behind spoonerisms. Intrigued, Holmes decides to see what he can find out about the missing painting.
A lovely enough tale, although I always find the absence of Watson to bring my joy down a bit. Although the Gloria Scott is normally considered Holmes’ first real case, one could say that this sparked an interest in mysteries for him. 3.5 out of 5.
The Early Days
###
“The Affray at the Kildare Street Club” by Peter Tremayne
Sherlock Holmes relates how he first became acquainted with Sebastian Moran while a young man.
Interesting idea that Moran took a particular hatred to Holmes for a previous encounter. However, the references to the tale being suppressed due to Holmes’ friendship with Oscar Wilde made little sense in relation to the story. 3.5 out of 5.
The 1880’s
“The Case of the Incumbent Invalid” by Claire Griffen
Holmes and Watson agree to investigate when Mrs. Bertram shares concern over her stepmother suddenly refusing to see her, according to her actual children.
An interesting story which has a definite hint of Canon style tales. You feel sorry for the younger adults, but at least Sherlock tried to help as much as he could. 3.5 out of 5.
###
“The Adventure of Vittoria, the Circus Belle” by Edward D. Hoch
When Vittoria Costello was chosen by a local circus as the prettiest female, she earned a job with them. Now she appears at 221B to ask for Holmes’ help. She is convinced that a potential rival wants her dead. It is up to Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson to save Vittoria’s life, but the mystery becomes more complicated than either man expected.
Perhaps a bit lighter than the subject matter suggests, but likeable enough. Seemed a bit shorter than it could’ve been. 3.5 out of 5.
###
“The Darlington Substitution Scandal” by David Stuart Davies
Lord Hector Darlington comes to Holmes after his beloved painting “Adoration of the Magi” disappears. When the art reappears the next day, Holmes suspects a possible substitution.
I really enjoyed this one, based on the writing alone. Everyone in character, I could *hear* the characters in my mind (always the sign of a well written story). The mystery was interesting, took a slight tangent that I didn’t expect. 4 out of 5.
###
“The Adventure of the Suspect Servant” by Barbara Roden
Mrs. Cecil Forrester knew items were going missing from her household, but refused to believe that her maid, Sarah, was behind the thefts. She asks Holmes to take a good look and discover the real culprit.
Very domestic, although he quickly realized who the actual culprit was before even stepping into the household. Admittedly it was fairly obvious to the reader. Interesting tie to Watson’s well-known gambling problems as well. 3.5 out of 5.
###
“The Adventure of the Amateur Mendicant Society” by John Gregory Betancourt
Oliver Pendleton-Smythe had been involved in a scandal back while attending Eton, winding up expelled along with a group of his friends. He had later enlisted in the military, serving with honor until retirement. But now he’s worried. Friends from that earlier time have being murdered and he suspects it goes back to the Amateur Mendicant Society, named for a group of spies whose roots stretched back to the Roman Empire.
One of the more fascinating tales, with some basis in historical facts. The willingness of the real spy network to allow poor Pendleton-Smythe to live simply because Holmes is occasionally some use to them was a bit of a stretch, but acceptable. Although I think the relationship with Mycroft Holmes probably would’ve been more the real reason. 4 out of 5.
###
“The Adventure of the Silver Buckle” by Denis O. Smith
Case after case, with no surcease, has Holmes on the verge of collapse. Watson drags his friend away to the village of Kilbuie, high into Scotland’s farthest northern point. While staying at the inn, they hear of many mysterious happenings and incidents, but nothing that pulls Holmes to help until MacGlevin, the Laird of Uffa, accuses the Grice Patersons of stealing the MacGlevin Buckle.
Quite possibly my favorite story to date. There is an almost Agatha Christie feel to it, a group of people practically marooned while a crime is committed. Yet it is pure Conan Doyle when he was at the height of his mystery writing. More sedate than action filled, yet there is Sherlock Holmes scrambling about to help the local constabulary find the correct villain. It is also the longest story to date in the book. 4.5 out of 5.
###
“The Case of the Sporting Squire” by Guy N. Smith
Gloria Morgan is accusing her father, Squire Royston Morgan, of killing her mother. Because the elderly family doctor declared the cause of death to be lockjaw, Holmes may her only hope to prove otherwise.
An interesting tale that harkens back to already published ones, but this takes nothing away from the plot’s interest. Definitely falls into one of those convenient endings that Doyle came to love at the end of his Sherlock Holmes writing career. 4 out of 5.
###
“The Vanishing of the Atkinsons” by Eric Brown
Sherlock Holmes relates a case that took him to Ceylon at the request of his old friend, Victor Trevor. Watson, newly married and busy establishing his new practice, doesn’t appear to have been aware of his absence. Brothers Bruce and William Atkinson, neighbors of Trevor, had mysteriously disappeared one evening without a trace.
A tale that has a dollop of supernatural thrill and a horrible ending. 3.5 out of 5.
###
“The Adventure of the Fallen Star” by Simon Clark
An aerolite, or meteorite, is at the heart of Sherlock Holmes’ latest case. Professor Charles Hardcastle, an expert in metallurgical sciences, calls for help when one of his personal collection disappears, then reappears at his son’s bedside.
An interesting enough tale, but I do wish the madman hadn’t been a dwarf. I understand why the author did so, it was essential to the way that Columbine managed to hide, but it could’ve been handled in another manner. 3.5 out of 5.
The 1890’s
“The Adventure of the Dorset Street Lodger” by Michael Moorcock
Their holiday from the heat of London postponed due to the fragile condition of one of Watson’s patients, he and Holmes must find some lodging close by as Mrs. Hudson has arranged renovations to 221b Baker Street and needs the two men gone. She suggests a place on Dorset Street run by her sister-in-law. While there, they make the acquaintance of American James Macklesworth, who believes his British cousin may have been murdered.
Honor, promises, disguises, lies, death, and theft all twist throughout this tale. There is even a crossdressing villain and an injury to Holmes himself to fill out the story even more. Interesting and a peek into how the two men relax together. 3.5 out of 5.
###
“The Mystery of the Addleton Curse” by Barrie Roberts
A patient of Stamford, Watson’s friend from medical school, has died of an unknown illness. Sir Andrew Lewis had lost his son to the same illness years before his own death. Even the town surrounding one of Sir Andrew’s excavation sites suffered much the same symptoms. Holmes is determined to find out the cause.
I love these types of stories, archaeology and curses, mysterious illnesses and deaths. Even the villain of the piece long ago received his punishment for his sins, even if it was extreme and hurt others unintentionally. Nice addition of real science history to the story. 4 out of 5.
###
“The Adventure of the Parisian Gentleman” by Robert Weinberg & Lois H. Gresh
Inspector Girac of the French Surete has come to beg Holmes for help to prevent the assassination of the new President of the Republic. It is suspected that Jewish anarchists have hired Jacques Huret in retaliation for the conviction of Dreyfus.
A bit of political commentary mixed with the mystery. Hopefully it will encourage readers to delve deeper into the facts of the Dreyfus case and the issues behind it. 3.5 out of 5.
###
“The Adventure of the Inertial Adjustor” by Stephen Baxter
H. G. Wells brings a case of science and murder to Sherlock Holmes. Ralph Brimicombe claimed to have discovered a way of using electricity to offset gravity, thereby allowing people to be able to fly, perhaps even to the moon. Now Ralph is dead, found in his Inertial Adjustor chamber, but who killed him and why?
A sad tale of chances taken and opportunities lost, of science overtaking reason, and of ambition becoming more important than familial love. 3.5 out of 5.
###
“The Adventure of the Touch of God” by Peter Crowther
Watson has just returned from a symposium, only to be informed by Holmes that they are traveling to Harrogate at the bequest of Inspector Makinson. Four murders had been committed, three of them having their hearts torn out of their chests.
This may be the first story in which Watson has something of importance to contribute. Too often we are given a dolt, even less contributing than any filmed version. The man I came to love from the books wasn’t as brilliant or observing as Holmes, but he was certainly no idiot. 4 out of 5.
###
“The Adventure of the Persecuted Painter” by Basil Copper
Someone has been trying to frighten artist Aristide Smedhurst flee his home in Dorset.
Unsuccessful, the unknown individual has now made an attempt on the artist’s life.
Holmes not only saves Aristide’s life, but his romantic relationship as well. 3.5 out of 5.
###
“The Adventure of the Suffering Ruler” by H. R. F. Keating
A mysterious patient pulls Dr. Watson out of London, the tale intriguing Sherlock Holmes enough to have him follow his friend to the next visit. The consulting detective believes the patient is a monarch in disguise.
While I certainly don’t believe that Holmes is infallible, he doesn’t normally jump to conclusions. Even while under the influence, he gathers evidence, he doesn’t guess. Ever. As such, I can’t say I enjoyed this story. Holmes was too out of character. 3 out of 5.
###
“The Repulsive Story of the Red Leech” by David Langford
To the shock and surprise of Sherlock Holmes, their latest client has come to consult John Watson, not him. Martin Traill is heir to his late father’s fortune, but has been unable to sign his name to receive the estate officially. Already at odds with his suspicious sister, a woman who speaks with spirits, Martin is terrified he may be going mad.
The use of electricity and a pin to prevent the transfer of the estate was a novel idea, well thought out. A touch of the macabre lends itself to the tale, even if unreal. 4 out of 5.
###
“The Adventure of the Grace Chalice” by Roger Johnson
Henry Staunton, a collector of objets d’art, comes to ask Sherlock Holmes to help solve the theft of his latest acquisition.
Villains would be better served not to be clever and avoid bringing Sherlock Holmes into their plans. 3.5 out of 5.
###
“The Adventure of the Faithful Retainer” by Amy Myers
Mycroft Holmes has commanded his brother’s assistance after the disappearance of a letter between a woman of great importance and her favorite retainer, long dead, is expected to be put up for sale. The public release could cause great difficulties for the government.
A convoluted tale dealing with spies that also serves to put Watson down regularly, although Holmes himself doesn’t come off well. And, yes, I did get the reference of the woman in question and her loyal retainer. 3 out of 5.
The Final Years
“The Case of the Suicidal Lawyer” by Martin Edwards
Lawyer Matthew Dowling is concerned about the transformation of his junior partner, John Abergavenny. Once a man of great focus, he seems to be exhausted, drinking, and carousing.
A tale of brotherly jealousy that ends badly when Holmes realizes the truth about the situation too late to save their victim. 3.5 out of 5.
###
“The Legacy of Rachel Howells” by Michael Doyle
A registered letter is sent from Canada to Watson’s publisher in an effort to get Sherlock Holmes’ attention. Is it related to the Musgrave Ritual case? Holmes becomes fascinated with the mysterious woman behind the letter, Rachel Howells, the man who had disappeared during the original case.
The legal claim of a murderer to stolen artifacts would be a most unusual legal case. There is also a lovely moment between Holmes and Watson, an appreciation for the Good Doctor’s loyalty and friendship over the years, no matter how madly he was treated. There isn’t, per se, an ending to this story as much as a beginning of a new adventure. 3.5 out of 5.
###
“The Adventure of the Bulgarian Diplomat” by Zakaria Erzinclioglu
Unless Holmes can solve the murder of Anton Simeonov quickly, there could be a world war.
I’m not much into political based mysteries even though I do love spy stories. This is definitely the former. Interesting use of a Turkish character. 3.5 out of 5.
###
“The Enigma of the Warwickshire Vortex” by F. Gwynplaine MacIntyre
The mysterious disappearance of James Phillimore who stepped back into his house, in front of witnesses, only to never be seen again in 1875 was one of Sherlock Holmes’ earliest cases and one of his few unsolved ones. In 1906, Holmes and Watson, on their way to San Francisco after the Earthquake, are in New York City when they see a film in which an unaged Phillimore is seen.
A fascinating proposed solution to a real mystery that has always intrigued me. I could see the two men mentioned doing just this type of thing. 4 out of 5.
###
“The Case of the Last Battle” by L. B. Greenwood
World War I has brought both Sherlock Holmes and John Watson out of retirement to help. Prince Max, a man trusted by all sides, has fallen ill just as he was negotiating peace. Holmes brings Watson in to help keep the Prince alive, only to find himself struggling to break the coded message from President Woodrow Wilson.
A short piece told, as usual, from Watson’s viewpoint. In this case, it means little on-page time for Holmes’ investigation and codebreaking. 4 out of 5.
This is actually an ebook version, published by Constable & Robinson Ltd, in 2009. It was published in the United States by Running Press Book Publishers.
A look at the many untold cases of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson as contained in Watson’s dispatch box in the vaults of the bank of Cox and Co. The collection contains twenty-six stories divided into various sections.
Sadly, I would have to say that some of the stories contained within are not as well written as some of the fan fiction found on the internet, both those based on the Canon series as well as the later adaptations shown on film and television. That doesn’t mean that there aren’t good stories in the collection, because there are, more than enough to justify taking the time to read. But be prepared, because The Mammoth Book collections are huge! 3.5 out of 5
Early Years
“The Bothersome Business of the Dutch Nativity” by Derek Wilson.
Dr. John Watson discovers a very early case of Sherlock Holmes while slowly working his way out of the grief of Reichenbach. With additional information later provided by Holmes himself once he returns to London, Watson writes of the theft of a Rembrandt from New College. Holmes, attending Grenville College at the time, is introduced to the case by William Spooner, the man behind spoonerisms. Intrigued, Holmes decides to see what he can find out about the missing painting.
A lovely enough tale, although I always find the absence of Watson to bring my joy down a bit. Although the Gloria Scott is normally considered Holmes’ first real case, one could say that this sparked an interest in mysteries for him. 3.5 out of 5.
The Early Days
###
“The Affray at the Kildare Street Club” by Peter Tremayne
Sherlock Holmes relates how he first became acquainted with Sebastian Moran while a young man.
Interesting idea that Moran took a particular hatred to Holmes for a previous encounter. However, the references to the tale being suppressed due to Holmes’ friendship with Oscar Wilde made little sense in relation to the story. 3.5 out of 5.
The 1880’s
“The Case of the Incumbent Invalid” by Claire Griffen
Holmes and Watson agree to investigate when Mrs. Bertram shares concern over her stepmother suddenly refusing to see her, according to her actual children.
An interesting story which has a definite hint of Canon style tales. You feel sorry for the younger adults, but at least Sherlock tried to help as much as he could. 3.5 out of 5.
###
“The Adventure of Vittoria, the Circus Belle” by Edward D. Hoch
When Vittoria Costello was chosen by a local circus as the prettiest female, she earned a job with them. Now she appears at 221B to ask for Holmes’ help. She is convinced that a potential rival wants her dead. It is up to Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson to save Vittoria’s life, but the mystery becomes more complicated than either man expected.
Perhaps a bit lighter than the subject matter suggests, but likeable enough. Seemed a bit shorter than it could’ve been. 3.5 out of 5.
###
“The Darlington Substitution Scandal” by David Stuart Davies
Lord Hector Darlington comes to Holmes after his beloved painting “Adoration of the Magi” disappears. When the art reappears the next day, Holmes suspects a possible substitution.
I really enjoyed this one, based on the writing alone. Everyone in character, I could *hear* the characters in my mind (always the sign of a well written story). The mystery was interesting, took a slight tangent that I didn’t expect. 4 out of 5.
###
“The Adventure of the Suspect Servant” by Barbara Roden
Mrs. Cecil Forrester knew items were going missing from her household, but refused to believe that her maid, Sarah, was behind the thefts. She asks Holmes to take a good look and discover the real culprit.
Very domestic, although he quickly realized who the actual culprit was before even stepping into the household. Admittedly it was fairly obvious to the reader. Interesting tie to Watson’s well-known gambling problems as well. 3.5 out of 5.
###
“The Adventure of the Amateur Mendicant Society” by John Gregory Betancourt
Oliver Pendleton-Smythe had been involved in a scandal back while attending Eton, winding up expelled along with a group of his friends. He had later enlisted in the military, serving with honor until retirement. But now he’s worried. Friends from that earlier time have being murdered and he suspects it goes back to the Amateur Mendicant Society, named for a group of spies whose roots stretched back to the Roman Empire.
One of the more fascinating tales, with some basis in historical facts. The willingness of the real spy network to allow poor Pendleton-Smythe to live simply because Holmes is occasionally some use to them was a bit of a stretch, but acceptable. Although I think the relationship with Mycroft Holmes probably would’ve been more the real reason. 4 out of 5.
###
“The Adventure of the Silver Buckle” by Denis O. Smith
Case after case, with no surcease, has Holmes on the verge of collapse. Watson drags his friend away to the village of Kilbuie, high into Scotland’s farthest northern point. While staying at the inn, they hear of many mysterious happenings and incidents, but nothing that pulls Holmes to help until MacGlevin, the Laird of Uffa, accuses the Grice Patersons of stealing the MacGlevin Buckle.
Quite possibly my favorite story to date. There is an almost Agatha Christie feel to it, a group of people practically marooned while a crime is committed. Yet it is pure Conan Doyle when he was at the height of his mystery writing. More sedate than action filled, yet there is Sherlock Holmes scrambling about to help the local constabulary find the correct villain. It is also the longest story to date in the book. 4.5 out of 5.
###
“The Case of the Sporting Squire” by Guy N. Smith
Gloria Morgan is accusing her father, Squire Royston Morgan, of killing her mother. Because the elderly family doctor declared the cause of death to be lockjaw, Holmes may her only hope to prove otherwise.
An interesting tale that harkens back to already published ones, but this takes nothing away from the plot’s interest. Definitely falls into one of those convenient endings that Doyle came to love at the end of his Sherlock Holmes writing career. 4 out of 5.
###
“The Vanishing of the Atkinsons” by Eric Brown
Sherlock Holmes relates a case that took him to Ceylon at the request of his old friend, Victor Trevor. Watson, newly married and busy establishing his new practice, doesn’t appear to have been aware of his absence. Brothers Bruce and William Atkinson, neighbors of Trevor, had mysteriously disappeared one evening without a trace.
A tale that has a dollop of supernatural thrill and a horrible ending. 3.5 out of 5.
###
“The Adventure of the Fallen Star” by Simon Clark
An aerolite, or meteorite, is at the heart of Sherlock Holmes’ latest case. Professor Charles Hardcastle, an expert in metallurgical sciences, calls for help when one of his personal collection disappears, then reappears at his son’s bedside.
An interesting enough tale, but I do wish the madman hadn’t been a dwarf. I understand why the author did so, it was essential to the way that Columbine managed to hide, but it could’ve been handled in another manner. 3.5 out of 5.
The 1890’s
“The Adventure of the Dorset Street Lodger” by Michael Moorcock
Their holiday from the heat of London postponed due to the fragile condition of one of Watson’s patients, he and Holmes must find some lodging close by as Mrs. Hudson has arranged renovations to 221b Baker Street and needs the two men gone. She suggests a place on Dorset Street run by her sister-in-law. While there, they make the acquaintance of American James Macklesworth, who believes his British cousin may have been murdered.
Honor, promises, disguises, lies, death, and theft all twist throughout this tale. There is even a crossdressing villain and an injury to Holmes himself to fill out the story even more. Interesting and a peek into how the two men relax together. 3.5 out of 5.
###
“The Mystery of the Addleton Curse” by Barrie Roberts
A patient of Stamford, Watson’s friend from medical school, has died of an unknown illness. Sir Andrew Lewis had lost his son to the same illness years before his own death. Even the town surrounding one of Sir Andrew’s excavation sites suffered much the same symptoms. Holmes is determined to find out the cause.
I love these types of stories, archaeology and curses, mysterious illnesses and deaths. Even the villain of the piece long ago received his punishment for his sins, even if it was extreme and hurt others unintentionally. Nice addition of real science history to the story. 4 out of 5.
###
“The Adventure of the Parisian Gentleman” by Robert Weinberg & Lois H. Gresh
Inspector Girac of the French Surete has come to beg Holmes for help to prevent the assassination of the new President of the Republic. It is suspected that Jewish anarchists have hired Jacques Huret in retaliation for the conviction of Dreyfus.
A bit of political commentary mixed with the mystery. Hopefully it will encourage readers to delve deeper into the facts of the Dreyfus case and the issues behind it. 3.5 out of 5.
###
“The Adventure of the Inertial Adjustor” by Stephen Baxter
H. G. Wells brings a case of science and murder to Sherlock Holmes. Ralph Brimicombe claimed to have discovered a way of using electricity to offset gravity, thereby allowing people to be able to fly, perhaps even to the moon. Now Ralph is dead, found in his Inertial Adjustor chamber, but who killed him and why?
A sad tale of chances taken and opportunities lost, of science overtaking reason, and of ambition becoming more important than familial love. 3.5 out of 5.
###
“The Adventure of the Touch of God” by Peter Crowther
Watson has just returned from a symposium, only to be informed by Holmes that they are traveling to Harrogate at the bequest of Inspector Makinson. Four murders had been committed, three of them having their hearts torn out of their chests.
This may be the first story in which Watson has something of importance to contribute. Too often we are given a dolt, even less contributing than any filmed version. The man I came to love from the books wasn’t as brilliant or observing as Holmes, but he was certainly no idiot. 4 out of 5.
###
“The Adventure of the Persecuted Painter” by Basil Copper
Someone has been trying to frighten artist Aristide Smedhurst flee his home in Dorset.
Unsuccessful, the unknown individual has now made an attempt on the artist’s life.
Holmes not only saves Aristide’s life, but his romantic relationship as well. 3.5 out of 5.
###
“The Adventure of the Suffering Ruler” by H. R. F. Keating
A mysterious patient pulls Dr. Watson out of London, the tale intriguing Sherlock Holmes enough to have him follow his friend to the next visit. The consulting detective believes the patient is a monarch in disguise.
While I certainly don’t believe that Holmes is infallible, he doesn’t normally jump to conclusions. Even while under the influence, he gathers evidence, he doesn’t guess. Ever. As such, I can’t say I enjoyed this story. Holmes was too out of character. 3 out of 5.
###
“The Repulsive Story of the Red Leech” by David Langford
To the shock and surprise of Sherlock Holmes, their latest client has come to consult John Watson, not him. Martin Traill is heir to his late father’s fortune, but has been unable to sign his name to receive the estate officially. Already at odds with his suspicious sister, a woman who speaks with spirits, Martin is terrified he may be going mad.
The use of electricity and a pin to prevent the transfer of the estate was a novel idea, well thought out. A touch of the macabre lends itself to the tale, even if unreal. 4 out of 5.
###
“The Adventure of the Grace Chalice” by Roger Johnson
Henry Staunton, a collector of objets d’art, comes to ask Sherlock Holmes to help solve the theft of his latest acquisition.
Villains would be better served not to be clever and avoid bringing Sherlock Holmes into their plans. 3.5 out of 5.
###
“The Adventure of the Faithful Retainer” by Amy Myers
Mycroft Holmes has commanded his brother’s assistance after the disappearance of a letter between a woman of great importance and her favorite retainer, long dead, is expected to be put up for sale. The public release could cause great difficulties for the government.
A convoluted tale dealing with spies that also serves to put Watson down regularly, although Holmes himself doesn’t come off well. And, yes, I did get the reference of the woman in question and her loyal retainer. 3 out of 5.
The Final Years
“The Case of the Suicidal Lawyer” by Martin Edwards
Lawyer Matthew Dowling is concerned about the transformation of his junior partner, John Abergavenny. Once a man of great focus, he seems to be exhausted, drinking, and carousing.
A tale of brotherly jealousy that ends badly when Holmes realizes the truth about the situation too late to save their victim. 3.5 out of 5.
###
“The Legacy of Rachel Howells” by Michael Doyle
A registered letter is sent from Canada to Watson’s publisher in an effort to get Sherlock Holmes’ attention. Is it related to the Musgrave Ritual case? Holmes becomes fascinated with the mysterious woman behind the letter, Rachel Howells, the man who had disappeared during the original case.
The legal claim of a murderer to stolen artifacts would be a most unusual legal case. There is also a lovely moment between Holmes and Watson, an appreciation for the Good Doctor’s loyalty and friendship over the years, no matter how madly he was treated. There isn’t, per se, an ending to this story as much as a beginning of a new adventure. 3.5 out of 5.
###
“The Adventure of the Bulgarian Diplomat” by Zakaria Erzinclioglu
Unless Holmes can solve the murder of Anton Simeonov quickly, there could be a world war.
I’m not much into political based mysteries even though I do love spy stories. This is definitely the former. Interesting use of a Turkish character. 3.5 out of 5.
###
“The Enigma of the Warwickshire Vortex” by F. Gwynplaine MacIntyre
The mysterious disappearance of James Phillimore who stepped back into his house, in front of witnesses, only to never be seen again in 1875 was one of Sherlock Holmes’ earliest cases and one of his few unsolved ones. In 1906, Holmes and Watson, on their way to San Francisco after the Earthquake, are in New York City when they see a film in which an unaged Phillimore is seen.
A fascinating proposed solution to a real mystery that has always intrigued me. I could see the two men mentioned doing just this type of thing. 4 out of 5.
###
“The Case of the Last Battle” by L. B. Greenwood
World War I has brought both Sherlock Holmes and John Watson out of retirement to help. Prince Max, a man trusted by all sides, has fallen ill just as he was negotiating peace. Holmes brings Watson in to help keep the Prince alive, only to find himself struggling to break the coded message from President Woodrow Wilson.
A short piece told, as usual, from Watson’s viewpoint. In this case, it means little on-page time for Holmes’ investigation and codebreaking. 4 out of 5.
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September 26, 2021Ist euch schon aufgefallen, dass ihr immer unterschiedlich lest? Wenn ihr einen Text auf der Arbeit lest, lest ihr ihn anders, als wenn ihr ihn in der Freizeit lest. Nochmal anders lest ihr ihn, wenn es sich um ein Sachbuch handelt oder um eine Geschichte. Richtig?
Doch wie habe ich diese Anthologie gelesen? Unter der Obhut von Mike Ashley haben sich 1997 26 Autoren zusammengefunden, um diese Anthologie zusammenzustellen. 26 Geschichten, alle unterschiedlich und doch haben sie alle eins gemeinsam. sie huldigen Arthur Conan Doyles Figur Sherlock Holmes.
Als herangehende Herausgeberin einer eigenen Anthologie, wie lese ich so ein Werk? Lese ich es aus der Sicht eines Sherlock Holmes Fans? Oder lese ich es der Sicht der Herausgeberin? Hätte ich genau diese Geschichten für gut befunden? Hätte ich die eine oder andere weggelassen? Hätte ich das Buch genauso aufgebaut?
Was mir richtig gut gefallen hat, ist die Aufteilung der Geschichten nach Jahrzehnten. Mike Ashley hat zu den Geschichten kleine Texte geschrieben, die die verschiedenen Jahrzehnte und ihre neuen Geschichten miteinanderverbindet und zeitgleich lässt er sich nicht nehmen, die originalen Geschichten zu benennen und sie in Bezug zu den neuen Geschichten zu stellen.
Eine kleine Einführung zu Beginn, eine Chronologie und Bibliographie zum Schluss bilden einen Rahmen um die Geschichten und setzen die klassischen Geschichten mit den modernen in Verbindung.
Doch was "können" die modernen Geschichten? Nun, vorab gesagt, es gibt keine Geschichte, welche wirklich schlecht ist weder inhaltlich noch stilistisch. Hier nun scheiden sich allerdings die Geister, denn die Frage ist nun, was will man als Leser lesen? Will man den drölfzigsten Fall, in dem Sherlock Holmes eine vermisste Person sucht oder einen geheimnisvollen Brief erhält? Will man wieder etwas darüber lesen, dass Mycroft, wenn er mal seinen Körper aus dem Diogenes Club schiebt, besser in der Deduktion ist als Sherlock.
Hier gibt es kein richtig oder falsch. Hier ist es jeder individueller Leser und jeder einzelne Sherlock Holmes Fan, der das für sich entscheidet.
Die meisten der Geschichten in dieser Anthologie sind nah am Kanon, aber ein paar trauen sich heraus aus der "Sicherheit", wagen ihre eigene Darstellung des Sherlock Holmes und seines eigenen Falles. Hier gibt es kleine literarische Perlen unter den Kurzgeschichten zu entdecken, man muss sie nur finden. Also ran an die Lupe, den Earl Grey eingeschüttet, eine Pfeifchen angezündet und es sich im Sessel bequem gemacht, um weitere Abenteuer des deduktiven Genies zu entdecken.
Doch wie habe ich diese Anthologie gelesen? Unter der Obhut von Mike Ashley haben sich 1997 26 Autoren zusammengefunden, um diese Anthologie zusammenzustellen. 26 Geschichten, alle unterschiedlich und doch haben sie alle eins gemeinsam. sie huldigen Arthur Conan Doyles Figur Sherlock Holmes.
Als herangehende Herausgeberin einer eigenen Anthologie, wie lese ich so ein Werk? Lese ich es aus der Sicht eines Sherlock Holmes Fans? Oder lese ich es der Sicht der Herausgeberin? Hätte ich genau diese Geschichten für gut befunden? Hätte ich die eine oder andere weggelassen? Hätte ich das Buch genauso aufgebaut?
Was mir richtig gut gefallen hat, ist die Aufteilung der Geschichten nach Jahrzehnten. Mike Ashley hat zu den Geschichten kleine Texte geschrieben, die die verschiedenen Jahrzehnte und ihre neuen Geschichten miteinanderverbindet und zeitgleich lässt er sich nicht nehmen, die originalen Geschichten zu benennen und sie in Bezug zu den neuen Geschichten zu stellen.
Eine kleine Einführung zu Beginn, eine Chronologie und Bibliographie zum Schluss bilden einen Rahmen um die Geschichten und setzen die klassischen Geschichten mit den modernen in Verbindung.
Doch was "können" die modernen Geschichten? Nun, vorab gesagt, es gibt keine Geschichte, welche wirklich schlecht ist weder inhaltlich noch stilistisch. Hier nun scheiden sich allerdings die Geister, denn die Frage ist nun, was will man als Leser lesen? Will man den drölfzigsten Fall, in dem Sherlock Holmes eine vermisste Person sucht oder einen geheimnisvollen Brief erhält? Will man wieder etwas darüber lesen, dass Mycroft, wenn er mal seinen Körper aus dem Diogenes Club schiebt, besser in der Deduktion ist als Sherlock.
Hier gibt es kein richtig oder falsch. Hier ist es jeder individueller Leser und jeder einzelne Sherlock Holmes Fan, der das für sich entscheidet.
Die meisten der Geschichten in dieser Anthologie sind nah am Kanon, aber ein paar trauen sich heraus aus der "Sicherheit", wagen ihre eigene Darstellung des Sherlock Holmes und seines eigenen Falles. Hier gibt es kleine literarische Perlen unter den Kurzgeschichten zu entdecken, man muss sie nur finden. Also ran an die Lupe, den Earl Grey eingeschüttet, eine Pfeifchen angezündet und es sich im Sessel bequem gemacht, um weitere Abenteuer des deduktiven Genies zu entdecken.
August 28, 2017
I felt a great need to seek the company of my friend, the worlds's first (and greatest) consulting detective, Mr. Sherlock Holmes. Fortunately I had an excellent anthology, New Sherlock Holmes Adventures, to aid me in my quest. Those truly familiar with the canon know the words: "Somewhere in the vaults of the bank of Cox and Co., at Charing Cross, there is a travel-worn and battered tin dispatch box with my name, John H. Watson, M.D., Late Indian Army, painted upon the lid." Inside that box is a treasure trove of cases considered, for one reason or another, to be too sensitive for Holmes' faithful chronicler Dr. Watson to release to the general public. This anthology is an attempt to fill in all the gaps hinted at by Watson-those intriguing but unrecorded tales true Sherlockians would give their eye teeth to read. These stories are arranged in roughly chronological order from the beginning to the end of Holmes' career, and some talented authors stepped up to flesh out these hitherto obscured adventures, including Stephen Baxter, Ed Hoch, Peter Crowther, Basil Copper, and Michael Moorcock. A good Holmes story is a balm to the soul, and there are a lot of "balms" to be found here.
July 2, 2021
This was lovely to read and I am so happy I picked it up when I did. These Sherlock pastiches are great fun to read and I enjoyed how the authors made their stories sound like canon.
Another thing that I enjoyed was that the authors did these tales as a sort of fill in the blank of the canon. There's a lot of mention of cases in the Holmes canon that John Watson mentions that never were discussed by Arthur Conan Doyle. So I loved how many of these authors chose to depict those cases with what they believed happened. Other authors just mentioned a time frame and that Sherlock was under strict instruction to never discuss or reveal the case he was working on.
Some of the stories were excellent, but some of them could be boring and not as fun. However, all in all, this collection is great and I would recommend any Sherlock Holmes fan to pick this book up.
Another thing that I enjoyed was that the authors did these tales as a sort of fill in the blank of the canon. There's a lot of mention of cases in the Holmes canon that John Watson mentions that never were discussed by Arthur Conan Doyle. So I loved how many of these authors chose to depict those cases with what they believed happened. Other authors just mentioned a time frame and that Sherlock was under strict instruction to never discuss or reveal the case he was working on.
Some of the stories were excellent, but some of them could be boring and not as fun. However, all in all, this collection is great and I would recommend any Sherlock Holmes fan to pick this book up.
September 3, 2018
Distill Holmes down to his and Watson's caricatures and ask over a dozen people to write a new mystery for Holmes fans, then with poor editing and proofreading put them all together in one book. Few of these stories are as intriguing as the originals, and as they all try to be classic Holmes, they are cliche as a collection. Fine if you just can't get enough of the detective, but hardly enough to hook the uninitiated. The editor does go to great lengths to convince the reader that these are "legitimate" tales.
February 3, 2018
Good stories, I liked how the editor tied them together. However, the Sherlock Holmes in these stories was a ghost of Conan Doyle's Sherlock. The depth of Sherlock's character did not appear. Each story could have had a different name for the detective and I would have thought Sherlock was being copied but not quite grasped. What is it about Conan Doyle's writing that works so much better? He never did acknowledge his genius with Sherlock so I doubt even he could answer that question.
June 23, 2022
I had the good fortune to have this book at the same time that I had covid and it kept me going. A fascinating string of short stories by different mystery writers in the style of Sir Arthur C Doyle himself. Totally engaging. I enjoyed every minute and sincerely hope that this group gets together for another edition. It brought Sherlock back to life for a wonderful week.
January 13, 2024
A very acceptable chronological set of 26 short tales, by various authors, and all within the 'lifetime' of Sherlock Holmes. Only 2 tales deserve to be mentioned as below par and are entitled "The Adventure of the Suffering Ruler" and "The Enigma of the Warwickshire Vortex" which fall into the realms of just plain silly. So as pastiches go this lot are pretty good as a whole.
January 27, 2020
Not as well developed as other collections of Sherlock Holmes stories I’ve read, but still enjoyable and true to the original tales. Minor swearing and thematic elements were present, but not as prevalent as in other, more modern Sherlockian works.
September 16, 2020
This collection is not in my opinion worthy of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's great detective. The stories are good as far as they go but the conceit that the authors have discovered new Watson case notes is irritating beyond belief.
December 16, 2016
Stories of varying standard. But some were very very good and none were too horrid. Thoroughly enjoyed the read and appreciate the research that clearly went into the curation.
October 27, 2018
holmes pastiches are something you have to like, so ... i liked em but ymmv.
December 6, 2018
Solid!
July 13, 2020
I won this book in a giveaway that a Sherlock Holmes Tumblr I was following did. It's one of the better Sherlock Holmes collections I've read.
February 23, 2022
An enjoyable read fir Sherlock fans. A couple of implausible outcomes but still fun overall.
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