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The Further Adventures of Sherlock Holmes #2
The Further Adventures of Sherlock Holmes: The Ectoplasmic Man
When Harry Houdini is framed and jailed for espionage, Sherlock Holmes vows to clear his name, with the two joining forces to take on blackmailers who have targeted the Prince of Wales.
It’s a case that requires all of their skills — both mental and physical. Can the daring duo solve what people are calling “The Crime of the Century”?
It’s a case that requires all of their skills — both mental and physical. Can the daring duo solve what people are calling “The Crime of the Century”?
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1985
24 people are currently reading
2423 people want to read
About the author
Daniel Stashower
42 books222 followersDaniel Stashower is the author of The Boy Genius and The Mogul as well as the Edgar Award-winning Teller of Tales: The Life of Arthur Conan Doyle. He is also the author of five mystery novels, the most recent of which is The Houdini Specter. Stashower is a recipient of The Raymond Chandler Fulbright Fellowship in Detective and Crime Fiction Writing, and spent a year as a Visiting Fellow at Wadham College, Oxford. A freelance journalist since 1986, Stashower's articles have appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Smithsonian Magazine, National Geographic Traveller and Connoisseur. He lives with his wife and two sons in Washington, D.C.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
September 23, 2018
This is a classic Holmes written in 1985 the author has set this around Houdini but It is late in his life at this time he was retried. This good but oh boy is the print ghastly. It is big shame. I ware reading glasses & this almost tax form print.
Lestrade comes across as complete idiot which wasn't but Here he is really stupid. He has Mycroft right but Lestrade is ghastly.
This set before WWI but You do get the hint that Germany & England are upon the edge of cliff Waiting for the big push over the edge. We have spy's & love letters a hidden agenda of Mycroft who cares more for his secrets than If the wrong man is hung & in this case its Harry Houdini but That is big problem with this book we know Houdini is innocent because we know how & were he died & wasn't at the end of a rope in England. Which spoils the whole concept of blood mystery.
Why hell could not used made up magician but Want to show off but Instead he has spoilt the book a little but Not great twist at the end.
Lestrade comes across as complete idiot which wasn't but Here he is really stupid. He has Mycroft right but Lestrade is ghastly.
This set before WWI but You do get the hint that Germany & England are upon the edge of cliff Waiting for the big push over the edge. We have spy's & love letters a hidden agenda of Mycroft who cares more for his secrets than If the wrong man is hung & in this case its Harry Houdini but That is big problem with this book we know Houdini is innocent because we know how & were he died & wasn't at the end of a rope in England. Which spoils the whole concept of blood mystery.
Why hell could not used made up magician but Want to show off but Instead he has spoilt the book a little but Not great twist at the end.
August 7, 2015
Harry Houdini is framed for spying and stealing sensitive papers from the Prince of Wales. Sherlock Holmes decides to help. Watson is thick.
Lestrade is wildly out of character and believes Houdini to be an "ectoplasmic man" who can walk through walls AND THAT'S HOW HE STOLE THE PAPERS. That, and some conspicuously-placed muddy footprints that don't actually lead anywhere. A decoy? Of course not! It's obvious that the American can turn into a ghost and that is enough to arrest him!
Yes, seriously.
The story is mediocre at best. It's not particularly interesting, Houdini is kinda pompous, Lestrade is (as previously mentioned) OOC and annoying, and Watson is thick, as is sadly often the case in non-canon Holmes stories (and Holmes treats him as such).
In addition, the book starts with what is now fairly commonplace in new-Holmes stories: a tale of how the author (Daniel Stashower) found this manuscript and determined it is a true Watson manuscript, along with some historical tidbits to make this more plausible. This is okay, albeit overdone now.
What shouldn't have been done, however, was his use of footnotes in "Watson's" story to explain things--references mainly to historical events or other Holmes stories. They were jarring and annoying, and felt like the author was talking down to the audience. Additionally, most were unneeded (such as Holmes mentioning offhand how he should just retire and tend bees, and a footnote assuring that Holmes did, indeed, eventually retire and tend bees. Fascinating and very relevant to the story, obviously).
Either no notes were needed (truth), or if he felt that strongly about it, different text should've been used. The worst offender was this:
Yes, as if the reader couldn't tell from context, even assuming that they haven't read the original stories where Watson uses this term frequently.
Lestrade is wildly out of character and believes Houdini to be an "ectoplasmic man" who can walk through walls AND THAT'S HOW HE STOLE THE PAPERS. That, and some conspicuously-placed muddy footprints that don't actually lead anywhere. A decoy? Of course not! It's obvious that the American can turn into a ghost and that is enough to arrest him!
Yes, seriously.
The story is mediocre at best. It's not particularly interesting, Houdini is kinda pompous, Lestrade is (as previously mentioned) OOC and annoying, and Watson is thick, as is sadly often the case in non-canon Holmes stories (and Holmes treats him as such).
In addition, the book starts with what is now fairly commonplace in new-Holmes stories: a tale of how the author (Daniel Stashower) found this manuscript and determined it is a true Watson manuscript, along with some historical tidbits to make this more plausible. This is okay, albeit overdone now.
What shouldn't have been done, however, was his use of footnotes in "Watson's" story to explain things--references mainly to historical events or other Holmes stories. They were jarring and annoying, and felt like the author was talking down to the audience. Additionally, most were unneeded (such as Holmes mentioning offhand how he should just retire and tend bees, and a footnote assuring that Holmes did, indeed, eventually retire and tend bees. Fascinating and very relevant to the story, obviously).
Either no notes were needed (truth), or if he felt that strongly about it, different text should've been used. The worst offender was this:
"This is impossible!" I ejaculated.* "Who can it be?"
(*This word had a broader meaning in Watson's day.)
Yes, as if the reader couldn't tell from context, even assuming that they haven't read the original stories where Watson uses this term frequently.
May 23, 2012
Harry Houdini meets Sherlock Holmes. I had reasonable expectations going into this book and I was disappointed.
I found a couple of occurrences in the book a bit hard to fathom. And, I didn't generally care for Stashower's portrayal of Sherlock Holmes.
Holmes generally is not a polite guy. He is more interested in the cerebral and quite often steps on toes, not out of any intentional meanness, but more as an oversight. Yes, Mr Holmes, people have feelings. Stashower's Holmes, though, is outright surly at times.
I have always understood too that the rivalry between Holmes and Lestrade mellowed over time and became a bit more of a working relationship. This adventure was to have been a late-career case for Holmes and yet, Stashower has the level of antagonism between the two at a higher level than I recall even in the earliest ACD adventures.
That being said, this novel just didn't work for me.
2 STARS
I found a couple of occurrences in the book a bit hard to fathom. And, I didn't generally care for Stashower's portrayal of Sherlock Holmes.
Holmes generally is not a polite guy. He is more interested in the cerebral and quite often steps on toes, not out of any intentional meanness, but more as an oversight. Yes, Mr Holmes, people have feelings. Stashower's Holmes, though, is outright surly at times.
I have always understood too that the rivalry between Holmes and Lestrade mellowed over time and became a bit more of a working relationship. This adventure was to have been a late-career case for Holmes and yet, Stashower has the level of antagonism between the two at a higher level than I recall even in the earliest ACD adventures.
That being said, this novel just didn't work for me.
2 STARS
December 11, 2022
This was one of the books I wanted to clear out from my library and I have to say I really did not know what you expect. I have read modern books using historic characters in the past and with varying level of success (more often than not authors feel they have to prove they can write better than the originals - in the case I very tall - if not impossible order to achieve).
So what I got was a thoroughly enjoyable adventure that was not over the top and suitable grounded (as much as you could be) in historically acceptable references which meant that a far better read than I was expecting.
Of the story - well I wont give anything away but it is what you would expect from a Sherlock Holmes story - lots of random events and observations along with obscure references and retorts which ultimately reveal the criminal and in this case the justification for it.
This book is from a slowly growing series (I believe there is a new book coming out next year) from various authors and I have to say form the quality of this book I will certainly be happy to read more if I stumble across them.
So what I got was a thoroughly enjoyable adventure that was not over the top and suitable grounded (as much as you could be) in historically acceptable references which meant that a far better read than I was expecting.
Of the story - well I wont give anything away but it is what you would expect from a Sherlock Holmes story - lots of random events and observations along with obscure references and retorts which ultimately reveal the criminal and in this case the justification for it.
This book is from a slowly growing series (I believe there is a new book coming out next year) from various authors and I have to say form the quality of this book I will certainly be happy to read more if I stumble across them.
August 14, 2015
Another great book in this series of updated adventures with Sherlock Holmes. In this episode we find Houdini and Holmes clashing.
Dr Watson takes his first ride in an infernal flying machine and Sherlock and Houdini end up if not friends at least acknowledging the others abilities.
Important papers have been stolen and it's up the Sherlock to recover them and clear Houdini's name
Dr Watson takes his first ride in an infernal flying machine and Sherlock and Houdini end up if not friends at least acknowledging the others abilities.
Important papers have been stolen and it's up the Sherlock to recover them and clear Houdini's name
March 18, 2022
When Harry Houdini is framed and jailed for espionage, the great Sherlock Holmes vows to clear his name.
This is another great book in The Further Adventures series and once again written in the ACD style.
It's a quick, enjoyable read and the description of a Houdini stunt was so good, I had to remind myself to breathe.
This is another great book in The Further Adventures series and once again written in the ACD style.
It's a quick, enjoyable read and the description of a Houdini stunt was so good, I had to remind myself to breathe.
January 13, 2022
The Ectoplasmic Man was a fairly short novel centering around a locked room theft of which Harry Houdini is suspected. When someone peripheral to the theft is later found murdered in such a way that all but frames Houdini, he is arrested and Sherlock Holmes is on the case.
This is the first I've read of the Further Adventures of Sherlock Holmes series and it's a pretty good introduction. The case is interesting and keeps on moving, though - as some reviewers have pointed out - characterization is bit uneven. Holmes is bit less cutting than in some of his depictions and Watson is little more obtuse. I wouldn't have noticed and wouldn't be addressing it here except some reviewers took exception, apparently having forgotten that ACD's canon characterization is not exactly consistent and that both of these have been accurate in various stories. One of the things I like about Stashower's characterization here is that it doesn't flanderize Holmes as being more cutting the way a lot of portrayals do. That's enjoyable in its own way (who doesn't love BBC Sherlock tearing a strip off Anderson with one sentence?), but the less flanderized characterization is nice to see too.
However, the reviewers who take major issue with Lestrade's characterization are probably right: he's a little too credulous, especially for cop. Especially for cop who works semi-consistently with Sherlock Holmes, solver of cases with no apparent solution. Especially when the accused - Houdini - can actually show how the trick leading Lestrade to believe he stole the stuff is performed and can conclusively illustrate that is not an influence of the spirit world, but trickery. I am inclined to forgive this because it seems like all cases with a potentially supernatural cause - both canon and noncanon - have to have someone who stands in for ACD himself, who at least seriously considers if not insists that the supernatural cause is the correct answer, who speaks for the victorian spiritualist belief that were strange happenings and people who could do strange things...it's just that this credulous person is usually Watson. I don't mind that it's Lestrade in this story, though Stashower does take it a bit far at a couple of points. That, however, becomes less important as the story goes on due to political pressure on Lestrade to make the case GO AWAY. At that point, the frame up and the politics become the reason Houdini is arrested, not Lestrade's beliefs that he might actually be able to walk through walls with help from beyond the veil, as some reviewers have erroneously implied/stated.
Lastly regarding issues with this book are some typos. There aren't many, but the ones that exist were blatant enough my brain went 'wait, what was that?' and I had to reread to make sure I'd gotten the gist of the paragraph. Overall, though, The Ectoplasmic Man was a decent book. I do plan on reading others in this series.
This is the first I've read of the Further Adventures of Sherlock Holmes series and it's a pretty good introduction. The case is interesting and keeps on moving, though - as some reviewers have pointed out - characterization is bit uneven. Holmes is bit less cutting than in some of his depictions and Watson is little more obtuse. I wouldn't have noticed and wouldn't be addressing it here except some reviewers took exception, apparently having forgotten that ACD's canon characterization is not exactly consistent and that both of these have been accurate in various stories. One of the things I like about Stashower's characterization here is that it doesn't flanderize Holmes as being more cutting the way a lot of portrayals do. That's enjoyable in its own way (who doesn't love BBC Sherlock tearing a strip off Anderson with one sentence?), but the less flanderized characterization is nice to see too.
However, the reviewers who take major issue with Lestrade's characterization are probably right: he's a little too credulous, especially for cop. Especially for cop who works semi-consistently with Sherlock Holmes, solver of cases with no apparent solution. Especially when the accused - Houdini - can actually show how the trick leading Lestrade to believe he stole the stuff is performed and can conclusively illustrate that is not an influence of the spirit world, but trickery. I am inclined to forgive this because it seems like all cases with a potentially supernatural cause - both canon and noncanon - have to have someone who stands in for ACD himself, who at least seriously considers if not insists that the supernatural cause is the correct answer, who speaks for the victorian spiritualist belief that were strange happenings and people who could do strange things...it's just that this credulous person is usually Watson. I don't mind that it's Lestrade in this story, though Stashower does take it a bit far at a couple of points. That, however, becomes less important as the story goes on due to political pressure on Lestrade to make the case GO AWAY. At that point, the frame up and the politics become the reason Houdini is arrested, not Lestrade's beliefs that he might actually be able to walk through walls with help from beyond the veil, as some reviewers have erroneously implied/stated.
Lastly regarding issues with this book are some typos. There aren't many, but the ones that exist were blatant enough my brain went 'wait, what was that?' and I had to reread to make sure I'd gotten the gist of the paragraph. Overall, though, The Ectoplasmic Man was a decent book. I do plan on reading others in this series.
March 18, 2022
3.5/5
Harry Houdini meets Sherlock Holmes here, but given how the great detective has been subjected to everyone from Vampires to Cthulu Gods across pastiches, this seemingly odd cameo is more of an easter egg reference to the real-life friendship of ACD and Houdini.
Apart from that it is okayish to good and Holmes comes off far ruder than he is in the originals. Also lacks the vivacity of The Scroll of the Dead.
Harry Houdini meets Sherlock Holmes here, but given how the great detective has been subjected to everyone from Vampires to Cthulu Gods across pastiches, this seemingly odd cameo is more of an easter egg reference to the real-life friendship of ACD and Houdini.
Apart from that it is okayish to good and Holmes comes off far ruder than he is in the originals. Also lacks the vivacity of The Scroll of the Dead.
January 8, 2023
This was a pretty good story, interesting twist incorporating Houdini into the mix. I appreciate the different magical stunts Houdini did and also the theater atmosphere. While I did enjoy it, I found a few events towards the end a bit too fantastical.
But for the most part it was an entertaining story to read.
But for the most part it was an entertaining story to read.
October 18, 2012
The Adventure of the Ectoplasmic Man by Daniel Stashower is a Sherlock Holmes pastiche that relates an adventure that brings together the world's greatest consulting detective and Harry Houdini, the world's greatest escape artist. Houdini is accused of stealing important letters that could cause trouble for the Prince of Wales. The letters were kept in room sealed tighter than the vaults of the Bank of England. Houdini was present ta the house where the letters were kept. Lestrade decides that since only a Houdini could have gotten in and out of such a room, that the escape artist must be the thief. It's up to Sherlock Holmes to prove Lestrade wrong--by discovering the real villain, someone who could do what even Houdini says is impossible.
This is a decent read, but it's not serious Holmes. Holmes is larger than his usual larger-than-life self and Watson is a bigger dolt than usual (not quite on a Nigel Bruce as Watson level, but still). That said, the adventure is fun, there's lot's of action, there's a mysterious Countess, Holmes goes in disguise, Watson gets to save his life, and Lestrade gets proven wrong, again (of course). And who knew that Holmes could fly a plane? Three stars.
This was first posted on my blog My Reader's Block. Pleaser request permission before reposting. Thanks.
This is a decent read, but it's not serious Holmes. Holmes is larger than his usual larger-than-life self and Watson is a bigger dolt than usual (not quite on a Nigel Bruce as Watson level, but still). That said, the adventure is fun, there's lot's of action, there's a mysterious Countess, Holmes goes in disguise, Watson gets to save his life, and Lestrade gets proven wrong, again (of course). And who knew that Holmes could fly a plane? Three stars.
This was first posted on my blog My Reader's Block. Pleaser request permission before reposting. Thanks.
March 5, 2025
Es muy predecible el final pero es algo entretenido el desarrollo de la historia
June 24, 2025
In The Further Adventures of Sherlock Holmes: The Ectoplasmic Man, Daniel Stashower delivers us Sherlock Holmes vs. ectoplasm, séances, and the original king of stage magic: Harry Freaking Houdini. Yes, you read that right. This book is basically Victorian Ghostbusters but with better mustaches and way more shade.
This tome had me hooked the moment I realized that not only is Holmes investigating spiritualist fraud and ectoplasmic nonsense, but he's also teaming up with Harry Houdini, escape artist extraordinaire and full-time skeptic sass machine. If Watson had Instagram, this book would’ve been one long thirst trap captioned “#SherlockAndTheMagicMan.”
Daniel Stashower doesn’t just dabble in the paranormal — he drags it to court, puts it under cross-examination, and dares it to produce even a mildly convincing ghost. Holmes, of course, is having none of it. He's like, “Ectoplasm? Please. That’s just cheesecloth and desperation.” Meanwhile, Houdini is over here doing backflips out of handcuffs and smirking like he knows he’s the coolest man in the room (second only to Holmes, who’d never admit it).
The mystery is juicy, the banter sparkles, and the atmosphere? Positively thick with fog, flair, and flamboyant fraudsters. If you’ve ever wanted to see what happens when two of the smartest, most stubborn men of the 19th century walk into a séance and ruin everyone’s supernatural fun — this is your book.
Final verdict: Sherlock Holmes + Harry Houdini + paranormal tomfoolery = a supernatural buddy-cop mystery the Victorians didn’t deserve but absolutely needed.
This tome had me hooked the moment I realized that not only is Holmes investigating spiritualist fraud and ectoplasmic nonsense, but he's also teaming up with Harry Houdini, escape artist extraordinaire and full-time skeptic sass machine. If Watson had Instagram, this book would’ve been one long thirst trap captioned “#SherlockAndTheMagicMan.”
Daniel Stashower doesn’t just dabble in the paranormal — he drags it to court, puts it under cross-examination, and dares it to produce even a mildly convincing ghost. Holmes, of course, is having none of it. He's like, “Ectoplasm? Please. That’s just cheesecloth and desperation.” Meanwhile, Houdini is over here doing backflips out of handcuffs and smirking like he knows he’s the coolest man in the room (second only to Holmes, who’d never admit it).
The mystery is juicy, the banter sparkles, and the atmosphere? Positively thick with fog, flair, and flamboyant fraudsters. If you’ve ever wanted to see what happens when two of the smartest, most stubborn men of the 19th century walk into a séance and ruin everyone’s supernatural fun — this is your book.
Final verdict: Sherlock Holmes + Harry Houdini + paranormal tomfoolery = a supernatural buddy-cop mystery the Victorians didn’t deserve but absolutely needed.
September 9, 2017
Daniel Stashower's entry in "The Further Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" series - "The Ectoplasmic Man" - is sheer delight. When I saw the book on Amazon, thought: "Sherlock Holmes and Houdini! I have to give it a try." Stashower has indeed paired two of history's greats in Holmes and Houdini in a story that will keep you turning the pages. Although the Holmesian fan can tell that Doyle didn't write it, "The Ectoplasmic Man" was still a well written story which held one's attention.
The pairing of the two great starts off awkwardly enough as Holmes appears to be on the verge of revealing one of Houdini's tricks to Houdini’s dismay; an irritated Houdini shouts and leaves. Later, important documents, kept in room sealed tighter than the vaults of the Bank of England, are stolen; since it is impossible for anyone to break into the vault and since Houdini was present, therefore, it must be him. Thus, Houdini is arrested, and Holmes must solve the case.
In "The Further Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" series, there are certainly both good and bad entries. This one is a delight; I enjoyed the author's blending of Holmes and Houdini into a good mystery. If you are a Holmes fan, give it a try!
The pairing of the two great starts off awkwardly enough as Holmes appears to be on the verge of revealing one of Houdini's tricks to Houdini’s dismay; an irritated Houdini shouts and leaves. Later, important documents, kept in room sealed tighter than the vaults of the Bank of England, are stolen; since it is impossible for anyone to break into the vault and since Houdini was present, therefore, it must be him. Thus, Houdini is arrested, and Holmes must solve the case.
In "The Further Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" series, there are certainly both good and bad entries. This one is a delight; I enjoyed the author's blending of Holmes and Houdini into a good mystery. If you are a Holmes fan, give it a try!
January 2, 2023
This was the first novel chosen in my "Blind Date with a Book" challenge, and am glad for it; I love many of the new takes on the Adventures of Sherlock Holmes.
In this novel, famed escape artist Harry Houdini is accused of (and eventually jailed by) Scotland Yard for stealing some important papers belonging to the Prince of Wales (who was about to be George V). Mr. Houdini insists he is innocent and convinces Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson to find the real thief and solve the crime. As always, there's more than one riddle to figure out, and Sherlock proves he is a master of deduction!
It's interesting that in real life, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Harry Houdini were friends... until Doyle, who believed strongly in the paranormal, repeatedly insisted that Houdini, someone who did not believe in it and often disproved psychic mediums, was extremely skilled in the paranormal. Doyle believed Houdini was much more powerful and could block the abilities of well-known psychics, making them out to be charlatans.
This upset Houdini greatly, and they eventually had a falling out... to the point where Doyle considered Houdini his enemy.
I'm looking forward to reading more in this excellent series, which had first been released in the 80s, then published again in the late 00s.
In this novel, famed escape artist Harry Houdini is accused of (and eventually jailed by) Scotland Yard for stealing some important papers belonging to the Prince of Wales (who was about to be George V). Mr. Houdini insists he is innocent and convinces Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson to find the real thief and solve the crime. As always, there's more than one riddle to figure out, and Sherlock proves he is a master of deduction!
It's interesting that in real life, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Harry Houdini were friends... until Doyle, who believed strongly in the paranormal, repeatedly insisted that Houdini, someone who did not believe in it and often disproved psychic mediums, was extremely skilled in the paranormal. Doyle believed Houdini was much more powerful and could block the abilities of well-known psychics, making them out to be charlatans.
This upset Houdini greatly, and they eventually had a falling out... to the point where Doyle considered Houdini his enemy.
I'm looking forward to reading more in this excellent series, which had first been released in the 80s, then published again in the late 00s.
December 10, 2025
I am always up for a good Holmes crossover... real or fictional are both fun. Houdini seemed like it should be a great choice. There was something about the book that just fell flat for me. Perhaps the simplicity of the mystery. I'm not usually all that good at beating the characters in the book to the answer, but I had this one less than 1/2 way though.
I love the author started with the 'I found these pages that Dr. Watson wrote' and went all in portraying the Great Detective as real, but he was trying way to hard to prove he knew his Holmes lore. His Watson fit in with the idea of it being written when he was very old, but that made it a bit ponderous as far as descriptions go.
The biggest thing though, was the plane chase. I don't think the planes of 1910 were nearly that good, and it just didn't fit with Holmes.
As far as Holmes himself, he was written, to me, alot like the Benedict Cumberbach version, which was a bit odd considering it was written in the 80s. He was too cordial with Lestrade, but setting the book when Holmes and Watson are old men, it makes sense they would be a bit less adversarial (at least for a while).
Overall, not the worst Holmes pastiche I've read, but definitely not the best.
I love the author started with the 'I found these pages that Dr. Watson wrote' and went all in portraying the Great Detective as real, but he was trying way to hard to prove he knew his Holmes lore. His Watson fit in with the idea of it being written when he was very old, but that made it a bit ponderous as far as descriptions go.
The biggest thing though, was the plane chase. I don't think the planes of 1910 were nearly that good, and it just didn't fit with Holmes.
As far as Holmes himself, he was written, to me, alot like the Benedict Cumberbach version, which was a bit odd considering it was written in the 80s. He was too cordial with Lestrade, but setting the book when Holmes and Watson are old men, it makes sense they would be a bit less adversarial (at least for a while).
Overall, not the worst Holmes pastiche I've read, but definitely not the best.
August 10, 2020
Fun, easy, and quick to read. I feel like this would be good for older teenagers who are interested in Sherlock Holmes, just because it was not a complicated read. I enjoyed Houdini’s presence in the story. I noticed a few spelling errors in the story, but nothing that detracted from the overall quality and comprehension of the story. I admit that I’m relatively easy to please as a Holmes fan, but I had very few issues with the novel. I would pursue other novels in the series from the author in the future.
January 16, 2019
A quick, enjoyable read. Holmes and Watson are in fine, recognizable form. The villains/mystery are second fiddle to the primary characters and their interactions with Houdini, whose illusions and escapes play a big role. I've read many of Titan's on-going "Further Adventures" series, and this is a pretty fun one to dive into.
November 17, 2019
Harry Houdini is arrested in London for stealing controversial documents from the Prince of Wales. Holmes and Watson must rush to prove his innocence and prevent an international scandal.
Stashower's novel is interesting in the way it builds characters, but the plot is somewhat muddled and the denouement makes very little sense.
Stashower's novel is interesting in the way it builds characters, but the plot is somewhat muddled and the denouement makes very little sense.
October 3, 2020
Sherlock Holmes and Harry Houdini, need I say more? At first I was skeptical, wondering whether both of these characters would fit together in a detective story. But the author did a wonderful job of adding your typical Sherlock mystery and using one of histories greatest icons in the magic business, to thwart a crime just in time. Really enjoyable read.
October 4, 2020
The writing was pretty good, it felt close to a Conan Doyle Sherlock. However, some of the aspects which were supposed to be surprises felt kind of easy to guess. I also thought this version of Dr. Watson wasn't as quick on the uptake of some things, and needed almost too many things explained to him. Surprising considering his status as a doctor.
September 9, 2017
Loved this book !!! It was written in true Sherlock Holmes fashion. The mystery , which takes clever puzzle solving skills and the writing style were spot on. Looking forward to other books in the series.
February 4, 2018
Excellent Holmes pastiche! Combining Holmes and Houdini was a truly amusing pairing in the story. And of course, Watson does a capital job of narrating the entire tale. It was even better than I had expected.
December 20, 2021
A fun read for Holmes fans -- and fans of Houdini! I didn't know much about Houdini myself, but it's clear the author did a lot of research into him and his methods. The mystery itself is a good one, and the characters are interesting. All in all it was a quick and engaging read!
March 22, 2023
A weak SH pastiche. Some parts were stretched out and there was too much action rather than mystery. While the mystery resolution was ok, it was a chore to complete the book.
Not as good a SH crossover, when compared to Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Holmes by Loren D. Estleman.
Not recommended.
Not as good a SH crossover, when compared to Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Holmes by Loren D. Estleman.
Not recommended.
November 24, 2023
Fairly formulaic at the start, but that plane near-denouement is so superb you will forget all that. Not Conan Doyle, but compelling in a different way, and it ties everything together really well at the end. Great stuff!
August 2, 2018
Another in Further Adventures Of Sherlock Holmes series, I enjoyed reading this. Short & easy read, Holmes & Watson meet Harry Houdini in 1910 London. (Own)
November 8, 2018
Great story that gives the reader a bonus education about the type of shows performed by Harry Houdini.
December 24, 2020
Good book.
February 7, 2021
Me tope con esta joyita del año 1985, es un crossover maravilloso que por lo menos a mi me entretuvo bastante.
February 8, 2021
Slight but amusing Holmes pastiche.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews