The Further Adventures of Sherlock Holmes: The Star of India

The Further Adventures of Sherlock Holmes #13

by Carole Buggé, C.E. Lawrence

Holmes and Watson find themselves caught up in a complex chess board of a problem, involving a clandestine love affair and the disappearance of a priceless sapphire.

Professor James Moriarty is back to tease and torment, leading the duo on a chase through the dark and dangerous back streets of London and beyond. 

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s timeless creation returns in a new series of handsomely designed detective stories. The  Further Adventures  series encapsulates the most varied and thrilling cases of the worlds’ greatest detective.

Genres: Mystery, Crime, Fiction, Victorian, Historical Mystery, Detective

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

CAROLE BUGGÉ (CAROLE LAWERENCE, C. E. LAWRENCE, ELIZABETH BLAKE) has too many pen names. She has published sixteen novels, six novellas and several dozen short stories and poems, many appearing in translation internationally. Her most recent novel, Cleopatra’s Dagger, was nominated for an Edgar Award as Best Original Paperback. She has also recently published Pride, Prejudice and Poison, under the pen name Elizabeth Blake.

Her novels range from contemporary thrillers and cozies to historical mysteries, with settings that include New York, Edinburgh, London and York. Her published short stories are also in the mystery genre, though several are in the fantasy or horror genre, including several ghost stories.

In a past life, she made a living acting and doing improv comedy and is a self-described science geek. She also founded The Montclair Maulers, the first women’s rugby team in New Jersey. They did not win a single game for three seasons. She can often be found hunting mushrooms in the woods or playing Bach on the piano when no one is listening.

Reviews

[F.R. · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book couldn’t be any more pedestrian if it was crossing The Strand in comfortable shoes whilst carrying shopping bags. To say the prose is prosaic is almost a compliment. There is nothing at all exciting about the prose, in fact it doesn’t even aim for excitement – its base level is ‘mundane’ and it hits it with painful persistence right the way through. But most disappointing is how simple it all is. You don’t need to be a genius consulting detective to recognise the bad guys here; I - simple old me - was able to do it with unerring accuracy each and every time. The concepts of ‘red herrings’ and ‘misdirection’ are utterly unfamiliar ones to this book.

So we have here a Sherlock Holmes novel which is flatly written and in no way exercises the mind, and surely that’s not really the point of a Sherlock Holmes novel, is it?

[Bernard A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not a Sherlockian or a Holmesian, having read the entire canon only once and a long time ago. That said, this is one great tale. It has all the elements of a Doyle story: deduction; the neurotic detective--who actually becomes introspective for once--the stalwart, if slightly dim, sidekick/biographer; the evil genius; the femme fatal; the Gordian knot of a problem; and the fate of the British Empire in the balance.

The plot moves quickly, and Bugge` fills the pages with great details of 19th century London. The dialogue is crisp, and I could not help but hear Basil Rathbone's voice coming out of Holmes's mouth--but that's probably just me.

I recommend this not just to those who love Holmes, but to anyone who enjoys mystery.

[Kieran McAndrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

A seemingly chance encounter with a young woman in the Royal Albert Hall leads Holmes into a desperate battle of wits with his nemesis, Professor Moriarty.

In the main, a well written novel which engages the reader and remains faithful to the spirit of Sherlock Holmes.

[Nancy Oakes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Once again, Sherlock Holmes has sunk into a deep ennui. Evidently there is no crime in England at this time, or at least, none which appeals to his crime-solving genius. Home alone, with Mrs. Hudson visiting her sister in Cornwall, the novel opens with a visit from Dr. John Watson, with an invitation to attend a musical concert. Et voila! A mystery begins as Holmes and Watson take their seats. It seems that a young lady with a very distinct perfume captures their attention (in fact, Watson is almost nauseous with the scent); she fails to turn up during the second act. However, she is soon back within the sights of Holmes & Watson as she comes to retrieve a pair of gloves left at the theater which Holmes has in his possession. Also in her possession: the fabled Star of India, and after hearing the story about how she came to have this famous and beautiful jewel Holmes realizes that his evil nemesis, Professor Moriarty, has returned from Reichenbach Falls where it was believed that he had died. But Holmes knows better. As soon as he makes this determination, it seems that things begin to happen in very quick succession, and as the story progresses, Holmes and Watson become aware of a sinister plot against the English throne. Once more, it's up to Holmes and Watson to save the day.

So that's the basic outline of the story. As much as I love the various Sherlock Holmes pastiches (and there are a LOT of them out there), I was unhappy with the "deus ex machina" that the author devised to pull him out of a very sticky situation. I won't tell you what it was, but suffice it to say, it was just too pat. Also, I couldn't believe that Sherlock Holmes, with all of his genius, could not figure out one part of the mystery. I mean, I figured it out early on and I'm not Sherlock Holmes! I think the author should have realized that if a reader can figure it out, she needed to make Holmes just a wee bit quicker on the uptake.

Overall, it was an incredibly quick read and a fun one. I LOVE Mycroft Holmes (he's always been my favorite character) and I did enjoy the author's portrayal of him. If you want something for pure escape fun, this is it.

I would recommend it to people who read Sherlock Holmes pastiches, and who aren't terribly worried about them measuring up to the original product. I have another pastiche by this author which I'll be reading here in the near future.

[Oh, Darling · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5*

[Jo · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked this book up thinking it was an original Arthur Conan Doyle. Alas, it is part of a new set of books with new Sherlock adventures in them.

I almost immediately realised my mistake as the writing style was all wrong, the characters see through and the plot was just plain awful.

I guess if you're desperate for a new Sherlock Holmes fix, then try this book, otherwise just stick to the old classics.

[David Sloan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Awful not a patch on Sir Arthur's books. Should have left well alone!

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had mixed feelings, but i'd say three and a half stars.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hate myself a little after reading this book, because over the past year or so I’ve checked it out on 3 or 4 separate occasions, and just now got around to reading it.

And it was amazing—everything I love about a Sherlock Holmes story. A solid mystery, brimming suspense, a gripping showdown with arch-nemesis Moriarty, and of course the oh so glorious bromance (!).

I loved everything about this pastiche, and hate that I put it off for so long.

[Alan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating 3

Enjoyable enough read I thought. Fairly standard fare it must be said. Started well but never really become anything more than just okay.
Found the writing style easy to read, the main characters I thought were well drawn.
Actually appreciated that the author didn’t try and radically change anything just for the sake of it.

Overall a recommendation for readers of Holmes novels, not one to rush and pick up but worth a read.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sherlock and Watson face a problem involving Myrcroft and British empire, an old enemy who reappeared, a beautiful woman with a outstanding gem, and a chess game. The writing is crisp and fun and the story flows nicely. There is more analysis of Holmes and his personal idosyncracies in this one. Should be rated 3.5 but I really love SH.

[Rog Harrison · Rating 2 out of 5]

A really silly plot but quite readable.

[Deedee]

FAY-FA

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

4.5/10

[Fraser Merricks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moriarty is Back! Despite it mentioning the Napoleon of crimes return this adventures fails to disappoint. clever plots and twists make this really enjoyable.

[Jools · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, John and Sherlock's relationship it's the everything to me. I could become obsessed :)

[Gilbert G. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book, enjoyable and a very fast book!
Guess who is back!! Read and you will know!!

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story as always.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was one of the better entries in the series. I enjoyed it.

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

An adequate, unremarkable imitation of a Sherlock Holmes novel. It's a decent effort - a nice inoffensive story that serves to pass the time - but the end result isn't up to the standards set by the original works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

This is the first Sherlock Holmes novel I've ever read where I was able to figure out the majority of the mystery long before Holmes did. I'd like to think it's because I am so much wiser as I enter into middle age than I ever was as a bright eyed youth devouring the adventures of Holmes and Dr. Watson... I'd like to think that but reality - in the form of a weak and predictable plot - prevents me from it.

[Read1000books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Attention, Sherlockians: Don't miss this one! I have read many SH pastiches and this is one of the best. The "voices" of the main characters(except for a bit of profanity by Watson and one instance of Holmes asking a question of Lestrade he should and could have deduced the answer to)are excellent. Throw in extra time with Mrs. Hudson, Inspector Lestrade, that certain villain (?!) and the entertaining plot and you've got a winner here.

[M.G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holmes story

While not as good as another Holmes book of hers I read previously, it is still an enjoyable Holmes and Watson story. I did not like part where Holmes is telling all his feelings to Watson. I don't think this is how Sherlock Holmes sees himself. I can overlook all the references to reforms that should be made even though they seem to stand out as obviously added by the author.

[Billie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm really into Sherlock and all its various TV iterations including Elementary.

So it only seemed natural to explore some current Sherlockian tales.

This one had everything going for it including people pretending to be someone else, including Sherlock as usual. A rare gemstone with global impacts. Watson as usual.

And a big twist at the end.

Recommended

[Michael Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Part of the new adventures series. We have here the return of Moriarty to vex the recently returned Holmes. A good story and for the most part a good series by well known and some not so well known authors.

[Missmath144 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sherlock Holmes is out of copyright, so Carole Bugge is continuing with the Holmes/Watson stories. I liked this first one.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very entertaining book and one of the better Holmes' adaptations I have read.

[Yannick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book, but a bit of an obvious end I guess.

[Fred Hughes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another great story in the Sherlock canon.

Full review to follow

[Calvin Daniels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the look into Holmes' self vision in this book.

A great tale to be sure.