Sherlock Holmes and the Legend of the Great Auk

The Early Casebook of Sherlock Holmes series #5

by Linda Stratmann

Holmes and Stamford return in twisty Victorian mystery! Perfect for fans of Sherlock Holmes, Arthur Conan Doyle, Anthony Horowitz and classic crime fiction.

Are some secrets worth killing for…?

London, 1877

The unveiling of a new specimen of the extinct Great Auk leads to accusations of fraud against the British Museum and a ferocious attack on the exhibit by ornithologist Charles Smith.

Sherlock Holmes is tasked with saving the reputation of the museum, but before long, Smith is found murdered.

Police think it was a random robbery gone wrong but when Holmes examines the crime scene, he is sure there is more to it.

Aided by his loyal friend Mr Stamford, Holmes is determined to discover if the museum has something to hide.

Is there more to the legend of the Great Auk? Why has this exhibit attracted so much controversy?

Could more lives be in danger…?

SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE LEGEND OF THE GREAT AUK is the fifth Victorian crime thriller in the Early Casebook of Sherlock Holmes series.

THE EARLY CASEBOOK OF SHERLOCK HOLMES
BOOK 1: Sherlock Holmes and the Rosetta Stone Mystery
BOOK 2: Sherlock Holmes and the Explorers’ Club
BOOK 3: Sherlock Holmes and the Ebony Idol
BOOK 4: Sherlock Holmes and the Persian Slipper
BOOK 5: Sherlock Holmes and the Legend of the Great Auk
BOOK 6: Sherlock Holmes and the Duelling Dukes
BOOK 7: Sherlock Holmes and the Mycroft Incident

247 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 23, 2023

About the author

Linda Stratmann is a British writer of historical true crime, biography and crime fiction.

Reviews

[Harish Namboothiri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Linda Stratmann has delivered a suspenseful detective novel featuring Holmes, very much in the style of Doyle. Though this Holmes never attempts to break any new ground and settles to stay close to its classic predecessor, the book ultimately was a satisfying experience.

[Lastblossom]

tl;dr
Another solid entry in the Early Casebook series, with several interconnected mysteries that closely match the feel of the original canon.

Thoughts
There's a lot of Sherlock Holmes extended universe fiction out there, but the Early Casebook series is, for me, the one that best recreates the feel of the original stories: An observer's view of the genius that is Sherlock Holmes as he unravels one bewildering mystery after another. This one is probably the most complex of the Early Casebook stories I've read, with with several interwoven mysteries this time around, including a whole lot of family drama. Any of these cases could have been distilled into a short story of its own, with only a bit of the Greak Auk's mystery connecting them, but there was also a good deal of fun in trying to sort out which clue was relevant to which mystery. As with the other books in the series, historical research is vast, with a heap of author's notes in the back that go into further detail for any curious readers.

Thanks to NetGalley and Sapere Books for an advance copy. All thoughts in this review are mine.

[Lizzie Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

These stories of the early adventures of Sherlock Holmes are narrated in the memoirs of Doctor Arthur Stamford, the medical man who was Holmes’ friend and companion in detection when they were both students in London, before Holmes met his main biographer, Dr Watson.

In the first adventure that Holmes and Stamford shared they won the gratitude of the officials at the British Museum when they solved a mystery involving a great treasure of the Museum, the Rosetta Stone. As a result of this they are often invited to private views of new exhibitions. Usually, Holmes and Stamford are not interested enough in to make the time to accept these invitations, but they decide to attend the private unveiling of a new ornithological exhibit, a stuffed and mounted specimen of the Great Auk, a large flightless bird, which in the year of the exhibition, 1877, is believed to be extinct.

The Great Auk has been donated as part of the estate of Sir Andrew Caldie, a keen amateur ornithologist who had died the previous year. The select audience includes the eminent ornithologists who verified the authenticity of the exhibit, including the superintendent of the museum’s natural history department, Sir Richard Owen, and Sir Andrew Caldie’s grandchildren and heirs to his fortune, Mr and Miss Caldie. Also present was the eminent editor of the Ibis magazine and, far less well known, the editor of The Natural History Review, Mr Smith. Smith is younger than most of the academics present, and he appears to be dangerously overwrought. When the Great Auk is revealed, he rants at Sir Richard Owen, accusing him of fraudulent practices, he then tries to attack the glass front of the cabinet that houses the exhibit with a small hammer. Holmes acts swiftly to subdue Smith and the officials of the British Museum decide not to prosecute him, especially when they realise that he is the son of an ornithologist who died recently in tragic circumstances. According to newspaper reports, the young man’s father, Professor Smith, committed suicide by cutting his throat, after attacking his wife with a razor blade. This tragedy occurred before their son returned from his employment in New Zealand, and Mrs Smith was rescued by the coal delivery man who burst into the house when he heard her screams. Smith blames Sir Richard Owen for his father’s mental breakdown because he believes that Owen unfairly built his career on Professor’s Smith’s work.

Holmes writes to Smith, offering to call and return his geologists’ hammer, and Smith replies thanking Holmes for his intervention and saying that if Holmes visits his house on the following Saturday, Smith will explain his reason for suspecting the provenance of the stuffed Great Auk.

Everybody present at the altercation at the British Museum has given their word not to speak of Smith’s accusations about the authenticity of the Great Auk but wild stories appear in some popular newspapers. Most people blame Smith but Holmes is not convinced that the young man is guilty of this indiscretion.

The newspaper publicity has two effects involving Holmes. Two of the eminent ornithologists who had validated the authenticity of the exhibit request Holmes to help them to dispel the doubt about the bird while, at the same time, concealing any hint of where the specimen originated. Although, the Great Auk is believed to be extinct, the senior ornithologist harbours a hope that the bird may still exist and does not wish to endanger any survivors by revealing their location. Also, Holmes is summoned by Miss and Mr Caldie, who wish him to prove the validity of the specimen donated by their grandfather to save his reputation and that of their family name. The two siblings are very different types of people: Miss Caldie is a serious-minded young woman who is determined to spend her fortune on a foundation to provide education for young women; her brother is a sybaritic wastrel who has already gambled away much of his inheritance.

Before Holmes and Stamford can keep their appointment with Smith he goes missing and is discovered beaten to death. The investigation transforms from academic interest in an almost certainly extinct bird and becomes a mission to discover the truth about the brutal murder of a young man. Stamford is an inoffensive young man, who unlike his successor, Watson, has little expertise in weapons and self-defence, and an unwise foray into the world of public house gambling leads him into a dangerous. potentially fatal situation.

Sherlock Holmes and the Legend of the Great Auk is the fifth book in the series featuring the early adventures of Sherlock Holmes as narrated by Arthur Stamford. This is an excellent series, which grows stronger all the time. An investigation that starts as a matter of academic interest turns into the hunt for a monstrous killer. In this book we discover more about the background of Stamford, a young man who, because he comes of an ordinary working family, feels like an outsider amongst the more privileged medical students, which does much to explain his friendship with the consummate loner, Holmes. The plot is complex with several strands of investigation and the historical detail is authentic and immaculately researched. As a protagonist, Stamford is engaging, especially as he reveals a disarming candour about his own shortcomings, and Holmes is a far more sympathetic character when seen through his narrator’s eyes. Sherlock Holmes and the Legend of the Great Auk is a superb read which I recommend.
-----
Reviewer: Carol Westron
For Lizzie Sirett (Mystery People Group)

[Madelon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The display of a conserved great auk in the British Museum has caused quite a stir.

Species extinction, academic jealousy, and murder are the hallmarks of SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE LEGEND OF THE GREAT AUK. The great auk is a flightless bird that went extinct in the early to mid-nineteenth century. Like the penguin of the southern hemisphere, the great auk 'flies' through the sea. It is sometimes confused with smaller, flighted razorbill, occasionally called the lesser auk. Exactly when the last great auk took to the sea is a matter of conjecture and controversy.

Holmes makes significant use of the British Museum's library but has little interest in the natural history exhibits. His assistant, friend, and chronicler, Mr. Stamford manages to convince him to attend the unveiling of the great auk donated to the museum by Sir Andrew Caldie. Sir Andrew was not an ornithologist; however, he did enjoy a reputation as one of the foremost collectors and preservers of birds — most notably birds from the Americas. How he came to obtain and mount the great auk is central to the mystery.

The machinations over the great auk are window dressing for a murder mystery. Mr. Charles Witwer Smith, lately of New Zealand, takes umbrage with the display of the odd bird claiming it to have no provenance and to have been constructed from parts of a razorbill. Mr. Robert Witwer Smith, Charles' father, declared to have taken his own life, is the reason his son Charles travels back to England.

The widow Smith and Sir Andrew's granddaughter Miss Emmeline Caldie both engage Holmes — the former to find her missing son Charles, and the latter to clear her grandfather's name of scandal. As you might imagine these investigations are quite convoluted separately, but together they twist and twine from one suspect to another. Holmes apprises Sergeant Lestrade of his findings, which adds Scotland Yard to the already heady mix.

Just when you think the mystery is solved, Sherlock deems the affair unsuitably concluded. He offers a scenario that fits all the facts, but for which he can offer no tangible evidence. Thus, he decries the entire investigation as an abject failure.

Linda Stratmann has outdone herself this time. She's done yeoman's work creating a story that runs the gamut of academic mayhem to murder with a side of ecology thrown in for good measure. Her narrator, Mr. Arthur Stamford, takes his role as chronicler seriously while lamenting his lack of stature compared to Dr. Watson. Holmes and Stamford are a cracking good pair, and these narratives complement the canon splendidly.

[Paromjit · Rating 3 out of 5]

This gives us a younger Sherlock Holmes still building the skills that will build him such a fearsome reputation in his future, written by Linda Stratmann, and with a different sidekick in the form of medic Arthur Stamford, although there are numerous mentions of John Watson. Set in 1877, this is my first taste of this series, it begins at the British Museum where an exhibit of the extinct Great Auk, acquired from the deceased Sir Andrew Caldie, is being shown in the presence of his adult children, Alastair and Emmeline. However, it becomes a matter of dispute when Charles Smith claims it is not genuine. There had been a history of Smith family conflict with the Museum's Professor Richard Owen, and Holmes has to step in until Smith leaves.

Unfortunately for the reputation of the British Museum the damage has been done with the affair being covered by the press. Holmes is asked to do what he can to help the Museum, a matter in which he works with ornithologist scholars, Professor Beare and Dr Woodley. Matters become considerably more murky when Charles Smith, who had been planning to return to New Zealand, is found murdered, is his death a random brutal act of robbery and violence or is it related to what happened at the museum? Sargeant Lestrage looks into the matter for the police, as Holmes meanders high and low, including examining the lives of Alastair and Emmeline, and the trauma of what happened between Smith's parents earlier. It turns out very little is as it appears as Holmes throws a light on a number of matters.

This is a light and entertaining younger version of the detective within the Sherlock Holmes franchise, although I have to say he still comes across as the most observant person in any room. The Great Auk provides an interesting subject that is likely to ensnare the interest of readers and it covers some of the theories as to how the bird became extinct. For me, this was an engaging read, although I found the different levels of pacing a little frustrating. I recommend this to fans of Sherlock Holmes. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.

[Elaine Tomasso · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank Netgalley and Sapere Books for an advance copy of Sherlock Holmes and the Legend of the Great Auk, the fifth novel in the Early Casebook series, set in London in 1877.

An altercation at the British Museum’s unveiling of a stuffed great auk, a prized exhibit of a now extinct species, leads to accusations of fraud and Sherlock Holmes being asked to investigate the claims. Events take a turn when the accuser, Charles Smith, is found murdered. The police think it may have been a robbery gone wrong, but Holmes suspects a deeper motive.

I thoroughly enjoyed Sherlock Holmes and the Legend of the Great Auk, which is a fun read that doesn’t take itself too seriously and has a puzzling mystery to solve. As ever in this series it is related by Holmes’s friend, trainee doctor Arthur Stamford, and while it may be my imagination it feels like he has a bigger role than his usual of foil and narrator.

The plot whizzes along as Holmes with one hand tied behind his back due to prohibitions on what and where he can investigate from the British Museum gradually unravels the thorny question of the stuffed great auk’s authenticity, uncovers an attempted murder and solves the murder of Charles Smith. It’s fun, especially as everything hinges on little details that most of us overlook. Some these little details are rather serendipitous, but they all add to the fun, so who cares.

This novel feels livelier than its predecessor and with all this crime it probably is. I’m in awe of the author’s imagination and store of knowledge. Who else would think to revolve a plot around a stuffed, extinct bird, in fact who would know about the great auk and its extinction outside of experts? My knowledge base has expanded and my life has lightened for a few hours with this fun read.

Sherlock Holmes and the Legend of the Great Auk is a fun read that I have no hesitation in recommending.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

Sherlock Holmes and the Legend of the Great Auk is the fifth Early Sherlock Holmes historical mystery by Linda Stratmann. Released 23rd June 2023 by Sapere Books, it's 239 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The previous books are also available on KU.

This is a well written and succinct mystery true to its roots. The clues are laid out tantalizingly and (as always) woven together by the young Holmes and his associate, Mr. Stamford. The details are just as outlandish as we could wish, a spectacular ornithological specimen unveiled by the British Museum which leads to bitter conflict and murder, and it's up to Holmes & co. to get to the bottom of the trouble.

I recommend it to fans of the canon who are yearning for more Holmes and Watson adventures. Stratmann is a capable writer with a sure voice who captures the period very well. The dialogue and descriptions are true to period and add a lot to the read. The denouement and resolution were well crafted and satisfying.

Four stars. Well done and entertaining. With 5 books extant in the series at this point, it would be a good choice for a binge or buddy read.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Sylvia · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Sherlock Holmes and the Legend of the Great Auk" by Linda Stratmann is a captivating addition to the Sherlock Holmes canon that seamlessly weaves mystery and historical elements. Stratmann demonstrates a commendable understanding of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's iconic characters, offering readers a compelling narrative that aligns with the spirit of the original stories.

One of the novel's strengths lies in Stratmann's ability to capture the essence of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson, staying true to their established personalities and dynamic. The mystery unfolds with intricate details, and the incorporation of historical elements, notably the legend of the Great Auk, adds depth to the storyline. The writing style pays homage to Conan Doyle's, contributing to the overall authenticity of the narrative.

However, readers well-versed in Holmesian literature may recognize certain familiar detective tropes and investigative patterns. While the pacing is effective, there may be instances where the deductive process feels somewhat expected. Nonetheless, Stratmann's respectful handling of the iconic characters and the intriguing historical backdrop make "Sherlock Holmes and the Legend of the Great Auk" an engaging and enjoyable read.

In conclusion, this novel successfully captures the spirit of Sherlock Holmes, offering fans a satisfying mystery with a historical twist. Linda Stratmann's ability to blend the classic detective style with an intriguing historical legend makes it a compelling choice for readers who appreciate both Holmesian tales and historical mysteries. Despite incorporating some familiar elements, the novel distinguishes itself with its authentic portrayal of the legendary detective and the incorporation of an intriguing historical backdrop.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book in this Sherlock Holmes series by this author and I thought she did a very good job. It really felt as though I was reading an original story by Doyle himself. The mystery itself was good. I came close, but was not able to solve it on my own. I like that this was a younger, less experienced Holmes. The author mentioned in her notes that Holmes did not meet Watson until I believe 1881 and this tale was based in the early to mid-1770s while Holmes was still at university. Rather the trusty John Watson as his sidekick, this Holmes used another friend and medical student named Stamford. He was a younger, even more naive Watson, without Watson's military experience, but I found him to be a capable narrator and colleague. My only complaint was with the numerous references to what Watson or Holmes would do in the future. I found that a bit distracting. If Stamford is writing of his experiences at they time they occurred then how would he know what Holmes or Watson would do at a later date. I think those observations would be better in the author's notes or perhaps in an introduction. They take the reader out of moment when included in the story. But that is a minor complaint. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good Sherlock Holmes mystery and wish to thank the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to reading the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Bethany Swafford · Rating 5 out of 5]

The introduction of an extinct Great Auk specimen ignites accusations of fraud against the British Museum. Assigned to salvage the museum's reputation, Sherlock Holmes embarks on the case, only to encounter murder. Unconvinced by the police's theory of a random robbery, Holmes, alongside steadfast companion Mr Stamford, delves into the crime scene, driven to unveil potential hidden truths held by the museum. As the mystery unfolds, revolving around the Great Auk's legend and the controversy it incites, Holmes races to unearth the real danger threatening more lives.

Holmes is back in a case from his university days. This time, Stamford draws him into the case by inviting him to an unveiling at the museum. The initial conflict leads to a family history also shrouded in a mystery. Finding answers for one case means uncovering the past.

The details of the time period were interesting, and I’m impressed by the amount of research that must have gone into taxidermy and the history of the Great Auk. It’s not something I know much about.

I would recommend this book and the rest of the series to readers who enjoy seeing Sherlock Holmes as a young person learning his craft. I received an ARC through NetGalley, and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Bibliophileverse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sherlock Holmes and The Legend of the Great Auk by Linda Stratmann is an engaging mystery thriller that transports readers to the atmospheric streets of old England alongside the iconic detective. Having already read many Sherlock Holmes adventures, this story feels like a natural extension of his early case files. The author does an admirable job of preserving the familiar tone, setting, and mannerisms that readers expect from a Holmes narrative, making the experience both nostalgic and immersive. The period details are well crafted, successfully recreating the essence of Victorian England and its intriguing social backdrop. The plot unfolds with several clever surprises that keep the reader invested and eager to uncover the truth alongside Holmes. However, there are a few moments where the story slightly wavers from its central theme, which may momentarily slow the pacing. Despite this minor drawback, the novel remains an enjoyable read. Fans of classic English mysteries and devoted Sherlock Holmes enthusiasts will certainly appreciate this well-written and atmospheric tale.

Read more at https://bibliophileverse.blogspot.com...

[Blue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having a schoolmate become a movie star doesn't happen every day. When it happens, stardom in your hometown, you feel proud. In this instance, it speaks well for Paterson, New Jersey. By the way, that is Mamie on the cover of this book. She's a poodle.

The setting for "Flip Flop Gorgeous" is interesting : Paterson, New Jersey and Passaic County Also, small objects are significant. Like two coffee cups at a table and only one person is in the house. Does David Rosenfelt wish for his audience to given credence to the Paranormal. Is there a ghost wandering from Hollywood to New Jersey to New York? "Flip Flop Gorgeous" is not a dreary murder mystery. Once the body is discovered everything is okay. After all, Jenny Nichols is gardening and baking cookies. She made bail. Andy Carpenter is always there with a light hand. He will figure it all out. I am plum out of ideas.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another quite good mystery from the pen of master mystery writer Linda Stratmann. I wasn't sure I was going to like a tale about an extinct bird even if Sherlock Holmes was involved but I once I tucked in I was hooked on another great adventure. Multiple convoluted mysteries kept my attention as I worked to solve them before Sherlock. I can only claim partial success but the ride was thrilling. I can't wait for the next adventure. Well done, Ms. Stratmann. Very well done.

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Linda Stratmann, Sapere Books, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

In this fifth book in the series, Linda Stratmann continues to capture the essence of Sherlock Holmes well while introducing new problems to solve. The book is well written, the pace moves along well and the dialog is crisp. Recommended.

[Christa Saccullo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun Read!

What has an extinct bird to do with murder?
This one was a really fun mystery. Holmes has to deal with more social niceties, which is always a source of entertainment.

Christa

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

1877. How and why does the disagreement over the providence of a stuffed Great Auk result in a murder. Was there also previous attempts of poisoning to others related. Holmes and Stamford investigate.
A well-written and entertaining Holmes mystery. Another good addition to this enjoyable series with its likeable characters.

[Jennifer Booth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tie in between young and older

I was hoping to find d a book that helped with time when Sherlock was young out of school man. The first book before he met Watson.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

superb mystery series.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too much ornithological detail make this a slower/tougher read. An the characters were in general not those people I would admire. This was not one of my favorites.

[Amanda Kassner · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a joy to return to the world of Sherlock Holmes! This well-written book was so fun to read, and the mystery was very well done and came across as both fun and educational.  I was unable to guess the answer to any of the riddles puzzling Holmes this time - he's as clever as always.   

I enjoyed Holmes' companion (and the narrator for this series, Mr. Stamford.  Ms. Stratmann cleverly calls back to the writings of Arthur Conan Doyle and his creation of Dr. Watson by allowing Stamford to mention to the reader that these are the early casebooks and, of course, you've already heard about Holmes from Dr. Watson's writings.  A nice Easter egg for Holmesian readers! 

I am looking forward to going back and reading the first four stories. I'm so glad to have found this series!

[Roslyn Stillman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great adventure of the young Sherlock Holmes. It was an excellent read with well-developed characters and a storyline that kept you guessing till the end with lots of twists and turns. I enjoyed the way it was written as a story being retold. I don’t usually like a lot of description but this was written in a way that made it interesting and was not overdone. I found it very easy to read and very hard to put down. A very enjoyable read and I hope to read more by this author. I received this as an ARC from Netgalley and freely give my review.