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The Adventures of Holloway Holmes
The Case-Book of Holloway Holmes
Even great detectives have their off days. The Case-Book of Holloway Holmes is a collection of short stories from The Adventures of Holloway Holmes.
In “The Adventure of the First Day” Jack and Holmes settle in at their new school. This story is set before The Strangest Forms.
In “The Adventure of the New Friend” Jack and Holmes discover the highs and lows of friendship. This story is set before The Old Wheel.
“The Adventure of the Lost Boy” is a series of vignettes during Holmes’s absence from the Walker School. This story is set before Where All Paths Meet.
In “The Return of Holloway Holmes” Jack and Holmes experience several relationship “firsts.” This story is set after Where All Paths Meet.
Please note that the first three stories were distributed previously in various formats. “The Return of Holloway Holmes” is exclusively available in this collection.
In “The Adventure of the First Day” Jack and Holmes settle in at their new school. This story is set before The Strangest Forms.
In “The Adventure of the New Friend” Jack and Holmes discover the highs and lows of friendship. This story is set before The Old Wheel.
“The Adventure of the Lost Boy” is a series of vignettes during Holmes’s absence from the Walker School. This story is set before Where All Paths Meet.
In “The Return of Holloway Holmes” Jack and Holmes experience several relationship “firsts.” This story is set after Where All Paths Meet.
Please note that the first three stories were distributed previously in various formats. “The Return of Holloway Holmes” is exclusively available in this collection.
86 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 21, 2023
27 people are currently reading
151 people want to read
About the author
Gregory Ashe
135 books1,799 followersI'm a long-time Midwesterner. I've lived in Chicago, Bloomington (IN), and Saint Louis, my current home. Aside from reading and writing (which take up a lot of my time), I'm an educator.
While I enjoy reading across many genres, my two main loves are mystery and speculative fiction. I used to keep a list of favorite books, but it changes so frequently that I've given up. I'm always looking for recommendations, though, so please drop me a line if you have something in mind!
My big goal right now is one day to be responsible enough to get a dog.
While I enjoy reading across many genres, my two main loves are mystery and speculative fiction. I used to keep a list of favorite books, but it changes so frequently that I've given up. I'm always looking for recommendations, though, so please drop me a line if you have something in mind!
My big goal right now is one day to be responsible enough to get a dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
June 25, 2023
✰ 4.75 stars ✰
“Friends finish each other’s sandwiches.”
Yes, this was pretty much me as I devoured all the lovely little snippets The Case-Book of Holloway Holmes gave us into Jack and Holloway's relationship since the start of the series. Each little moment was laced with such a tender touch of sweet moments, from their startling first unpleasant meeting to their soft birthday celebrations to that significant moment of firsts in their level of intimacy. 🥰 I've praised Gregory Ashe's writing time and time again, so I won't wax too much poetry about it this time around; Jack and his precious endearing feelings for H pretty much speak for themselves. 🤍🤍
“When I didn’t say anything, red came into his cheeks. We had read a poem in Mr. Scholz’s eighth-grade Language Arts class, and there had been something in there about roses in your cheeks.
You are a poem, I wanted to say. Every line of you is a poem. And at the same time, I felt the now-familiar panic that I was in too deep, that I’d gotten myself into something I couldn’t come close to understanding.”
I'm so happy we got to see these missing glimpses as to how their relationship progressed, some very significant parts that depicted how much their friendship had cemented into so much more between the course of events. 😊 My heart warmed at their hesitant hand-holding, my heart felt the painful wreckage left behind by Jack's swinging bat - my heart ached for Holloway's mental war waging in his head of wanting to take the next step of intimacy with Jack, but being too conscious of his own vulnerability. ❤️🩹 They are the perfect mix of humor and sweetness, with a whole cup of heart. 🥹
“Light traveled ninety-three million miles from the sun to the earth. It came all the way here to touch you, I wanted to say. And I can’t. How is that fair?”
I could read so much more of these two - together, they're so very precious - so very much in tune with each other's feelings and simply full of so much tender love and soft understanding and care for each other. 🥹 🥹 Seeing things from Holloway's beautiful and unique perspective was so very interesting, and it made me almost sad that we didn't get a chance to have more of it earlier. 😔 But, I'm so very grateful for that little hopeful cliffhanger of a clue that this may not be the last we'll see of Jack Moreno and Holloway Holmes. ✨✨
“Friends finish each other’s sandwiches.”
Yes, this was pretty much me as I devoured all the lovely little snippets The Case-Book of Holloway Holmes gave us into Jack and Holloway's relationship since the start of the series. Each little moment was laced with such a tender touch of sweet moments, from their startling first unpleasant meeting to their soft birthday celebrations to that significant moment of firsts in their level of intimacy. 🥰 I've praised Gregory Ashe's writing time and time again, so I won't wax too much poetry about it this time around; Jack and his precious endearing feelings for H pretty much speak for themselves. 🤍🤍
“When I didn’t say anything, red came into his cheeks. We had read a poem in Mr. Scholz’s eighth-grade Language Arts class, and there had been something in there about roses in your cheeks.
You are a poem, I wanted to say. Every line of you is a poem. And at the same time, I felt the now-familiar panic that I was in too deep, that I’d gotten myself into something I couldn’t come close to understanding.”
I'm so happy we got to see these missing glimpses as to how their relationship progressed, some very significant parts that depicted how much their friendship had cemented into so much more between the course of events. 😊 My heart warmed at their hesitant hand-holding, my heart felt the painful wreckage left behind by Jack's swinging bat - my heart ached for Holloway's mental war waging in his head of wanting to take the next step of intimacy with Jack, but being too conscious of his own vulnerability. ❤️🩹 They are the perfect mix of humor and sweetness, with a whole cup of heart. 🥹
“Light traveled ninety-three million miles from the sun to the earth. It came all the way here to touch you, I wanted to say. And I can’t. How is that fair?”
I could read so much more of these two - together, they're so very precious - so very much in tune with each other's feelings and simply full of so much tender love and soft understanding and care for each other. 🥹 🥹 Seeing things from Holloway's beautiful and unique perspective was so very interesting, and it made me almost sad that we didn't get a chance to have more of it earlier. 😔 But, I'm so very grateful for that little hopeful cliffhanger of a clue that this may not be the last we'll see of Jack Moreno and Holloway Holmes. ✨✨
August 15, 2025
🎧: Out now on audio by the amazing Greg Tremblay! Love that our dream of getting the short story collections narrated is coming to fruition: https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Case-B...
———————
happy friday and happy release day to this cardinal piece documenting Jack & H's relationship woes and highs in moving snapshots! it leaves such a weighty feeling in my chest when i look back and see how far they've come - what an amazing journey to have had the privilege to join in on this first half of the year. while i'm busy transmitting respectful requests into the universe for future arcs (because with a door as wide open as this one, GA is bound to find his way back home), just a quick reminder that this is the final week of GA's Kickstarter campaign, which is already over 1000% funded 🤯 i'd check it out for the delicious art and stories (he shared one to backers recently, and legend has it, i'm still laughing maniacally to this day): https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...
as a final tribute, i bring my (sad attempt at a) haiku:
*mic drop* thank you.
---pre-release thoughts---
IT WOULDN'T BE A GREGORY ASHE END-OF-ARC SHORT STORY WITHOUT A CLIFFY. i've already started on construction of the second arc summoning circle because the world needs it to happen🕯️
everything else? chef's kiss. H gets his fair share of pov allocation, and their little domestic moments mean the universe to me. Holmesverse gods, please let their happiness reign supreme no matter what comes ahead *side eyes GA in the process*
Thank you to the author for providing a complimentary copy of this book - this is my honest review :)
———————
happy friday and happy release day to this cardinal piece documenting Jack & H's relationship woes and highs in moving snapshots! it leaves such a weighty feeling in my chest when i look back and see how far they've come - what an amazing journey to have had the privilege to join in on this first half of the year. while i'm busy transmitting respectful requests into the universe for future arcs (because with a door as wide open as this one, GA is bound to find his way back home), just a quick reminder that this is the final week of GA's Kickstarter campaign, which is already over 1000% funded 🤯 i'd check it out for the delicious art and stories (he shared one to backers recently, and legend has it, i'm still laughing maniacally to this day): https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...
as a final tribute, i bring my (sad attempt at a) haiku:
jack o' way is bae
can try but they’re here to stay
and forever slay
*mic drop* thank you.
---pre-release thoughts---
IT WOULDN'T BE A GREGORY ASHE END-OF-ARC SHORT STORY WITHOUT A CLIFFY. i've already started on construction of the second arc summoning circle because the world needs it to happen🕯️
everything else? chef's kiss. H gets his fair share of pov allocation, and their little domestic moments mean the universe to me. Holmesverse gods, please let their happiness reign supreme no matter what comes ahead *side eyes GA in the process*
Thank you to the author for providing a complimentary copy of this book - this is my honest review :)
June 23, 2023
Gregory Ashe is the only author who can hit me with a cliffhanger that I will welcome with open arms because it's a promise for more. And I need more! These short stories are always a balm to my soul, but I found this case-book to be extra-extra-special because it gave me insight into the complicated and fascinating mind of Holloway Holmes. As much as I enjoy being in Jack's head, getting these little snippets of Holloway makes me incredibly happy. I love these guys and can't wait for whatever GA has in store for them next (poor Mr. Moreno). Until then...back to the Hazardverse!
June 28, 2023
In general I’m not a fan of this type of short compilations with timelines taking place between the different previous books however a few of these shorts were so sweet that i somehow didn’t mind this time. I’d still much prefer another novel though.
August 17, 2025
Perfect narration for these boys !
As always these little snippets are fun to read. I enjoyed in particular that we got some of Holloways POVs ❤️
As always these little snippets are fun to read. I enjoyed in particular that we got some of Holloways POVs ❤️
June 30, 2023
That last short ❤️❤️❤️
June 21, 2023
The light played on his cheekbone, and I couldn't grin anymore, and then I swallowed. Light traveled ninety-three million miles from the sun to the earth. It came all the way here to touch you, I wanted to say. And I can't. How is that fair?
I always love Gregory Ashe's short story collections for the glimpses they give us of the characters' emotional state and frame of mind in between books. In this one, each short story shows us Jack and Holmes at a different stage of their relationship, from when they were basically strangers, to their burgeoning friendship, to them becoming something more. We also have the added bonus of getting Holloway's POV in these stories.
My favorite story in this collection is "The Adventure of the New Friend," in which Jack tries to throw Holmes the perfect birthday and Holmes is there for Jack on a difficult day. The two of them have the softest and most caring moments that make my heart ache. We see how important the two of them are to each other, even early on in their friendship.
The last story pulls double duty by providing us with significant relationship development as well as a cliffhanger to set up a future mystery. Not that I doubted it, but I love getting concrete evidence that the door is open for more books!
June 29, 2025
I loved these little snapshots of life for Jack and Holloway outside of the main books, but what the hell was that cliffhanger?!? There absolutely has to be more to their story....
I also loved how they work together as a couple and I'm excited to see more of them as they get older - but I also love the fade to black and I'm hoping their series stays that way because it's so refreshing not to have explicit sex scenes 😂
I also loved how they work together as a couple and I'm excited to see more of them as they get older - but I also love the fade to black and I'm hoping their series stays that way because it's so refreshing not to have explicit sex scenes 😂
July 1, 2023
I always look forward to the short stories Gregory Ashe sends out with his newsletter, stories that take place between the full-length books in a series and which offer little vignettes of the characters’ daily lives when they’re not in deadly peril whilst on the trail of a twisty mystery. As has become the norm, the author then publishes the stories - together with one completely new one - as a collection after the appearance of the final book, hence the recent release of The Casebook of Holloway Holmes, which comprises a mini ‘prequel’, two ‘between books’ stories and a ‘coda’ that follows on from Where All Paths Meet.
The Adventure of the First Day introduces us to Jack, Holmes and some of the other characters we’ll meet in the series, as Jack covers his dad’s custodial shift and Holmes takes stock of everything on his first day at the Walker School. While the books are all written from Jack’s PoV, in these stories we get to hear from Holmes, too, which is something of a treat – and we get to witness his first meetings with Jack and Sarah Watson.
The Adventure of the New Friend. After the events of The Strangest Forms, Jack fusses over every small detail as he throws Holloway a birthday party that has to be perfect. My heart ached for Jack as he tries to make some new friends – he so often comes across as supremely confident, but underneath he’s still a sixteen-year-old boy whose life has been turned upside down and wants to belong – and I may just have “aww”ed when, no matter how much he wants more friends, Jack won’t let them talk shit about Holmes. And Holloway is there for Jack on a really bad day, because “friends finish each other’s sandwiches.”
The Adventure of the Lost Boy. Jack attempts to pick up the pieces after Holloway’s disappearance at the end of The Old Wheel, and becomes good friends with Rowe, Glo and Em while Holloway is off on the other side of the world trying to keep Jack safe. I was really pleased at the way Rowe, Glo and Em rally round to offer Jack their support – he really needs it, and despite the physical distance between them, Jack and Holloway are never far from each other’s thoughts, and it’s clear how hard Jack is working to hide his heartache.
The new story in the collection is The Return of Holloway Holmes, which takes place after the events of Where All Paths Meet. Echoing the the birthday party in The Adventure of the New Friend, this story sees Jack fussing over Holloway’s first dinner chez Moreno as his boyfriend, followed by H’s meltdown over the state of Jack’s room after he finds an old pop tart in one of his text books! It’s their first fight (aww) – although honestly, I’m with H (and Jack’s dad) on the need for Jack to clean his room more often! In the final story, the guys get to spend a night together – and Jack proves himself to be the most perceptive and understanding of boyfriends ;) But the loved-up afterglow can’t last forever and their morning after is interrupted by some unwelcome news – which, for readers, is very welcome as it surely signals that this is not the end of the line for this Holmes and his Watson.
Of course, the books can be read without needing to read these shorts, but they’re full of such humour, insight and emotion that it would be a shame to miss them. And as these are the only places we get H’s PoV, the author uses them to show us, directly, how he has progressed from the Holmes bot Jack thinks he is in the first book to someone who is prepared to risk connecting with others, even though he finds it difficult and doesn’t always understand it, and to someone who is prepared to love and be loved. There are so many wonderful moments that highlight the progression of their relationship – one of my favourites is in New Friend where Holloway needs to to something to comfort Jack, but because he’s Holloway, he has to work out the pros and cons of offering some physical comfort in his head:
Jack was… uninhibited about things like touch. He often touched my shoulder, my arm, my leg, without seeming to think about it. I weighed the pros and cons. I decided that if it was a mistake, I could always flee the country. I twisted around, checked the distance to the door in case I needed to run, and began to scratch his back lightly through the blanket.
It’s cute and funny - but just a little bit heartbreaking, too, to think of how he’s been so conditioned not to connect with people.
There are also some beautiful moments where the author lets Jack give in to his inner romantic -
You are a poem, I wanted to say. Every line of you is a poem.
which are just lovely; in fact, the author captures the headiness of first love incredibly well throughout this series.
Gregory Ashe truly is a master of his craft and is – somehow – only getting better. His full-length novels are a superb combination of clever, intricate plotting and beautifully developed relationships featuring complex, well-drawn characters readers can come to care for deeply. The shorts generally don’t feature mysteries, but I love the way they showcase his talent for humour, tenderness and poignancy while his characters remain very much themselves.
The Casebook of Holloway Holmes is a delicious little treat, and a lovely way to wrap up the series.
The Adventure of the First Day introduces us to Jack, Holmes and some of the other characters we’ll meet in the series, as Jack covers his dad’s custodial shift and Holmes takes stock of everything on his first day at the Walker School. While the books are all written from Jack’s PoV, in these stories we get to hear from Holmes, too, which is something of a treat – and we get to witness his first meetings with Jack and Sarah Watson.
The Adventure of the New Friend. After the events of The Strangest Forms, Jack fusses over every small detail as he throws Holloway a birthday party that has to be perfect. My heart ached for Jack as he tries to make some new friends – he so often comes across as supremely confident, but underneath he’s still a sixteen-year-old boy whose life has been turned upside down and wants to belong – and I may just have “aww”ed when, no matter how much he wants more friends, Jack won’t let them talk shit about Holmes. And Holloway is there for Jack on a really bad day, because “friends finish each other’s sandwiches.”
The Adventure of the Lost Boy. Jack attempts to pick up the pieces after Holloway’s disappearance at the end of The Old Wheel, and becomes good friends with Rowe, Glo and Em while Holloway is off on the other side of the world trying to keep Jack safe. I was really pleased at the way Rowe, Glo and Em rally round to offer Jack their support – he really needs it, and despite the physical distance between them, Jack and Holloway are never far from each other’s thoughts, and it’s clear how hard Jack is working to hide his heartache.
The new story in the collection is The Return of Holloway Holmes, which takes place after the events of Where All Paths Meet. Echoing the the birthday party in The Adventure of the New Friend, this story sees Jack fussing over Holloway’s first dinner chez Moreno as his boyfriend, followed by H’s meltdown over the state of Jack’s room after he finds an old pop tart in one of his text books! It’s their first fight (aww) – although honestly, I’m with H (and Jack’s dad) on the need for Jack to clean his room more often! In the final story, the guys get to spend a night together – and Jack proves himself to be the most perceptive and understanding of boyfriends ;) But the loved-up afterglow can’t last forever and their morning after is interrupted by some unwelcome news – which, for readers, is very welcome as it surely signals that this is not the end of the line for this Holmes and his Watson.
Of course, the books can be read without needing to read these shorts, but they’re full of such humour, insight and emotion that it would be a shame to miss them. And as these are the only places we get H’s PoV, the author uses them to show us, directly, how he has progressed from the Holmes bot Jack thinks he is in the first book to someone who is prepared to risk connecting with others, even though he finds it difficult and doesn’t always understand it, and to someone who is prepared to love and be loved. There are so many wonderful moments that highlight the progression of their relationship – one of my favourites is in New Friend where Holloway needs to to something to comfort Jack, but because he’s Holloway, he has to work out the pros and cons of offering some physical comfort in his head:
Jack was… uninhibited about things like touch. He often touched my shoulder, my arm, my leg, without seeming to think about it. I weighed the pros and cons. I decided that if it was a mistake, I could always flee the country. I twisted around, checked the distance to the door in case I needed to run, and began to scratch his back lightly through the blanket.
It’s cute and funny - but just a little bit heartbreaking, too, to think of how he’s been so conditioned not to connect with people.
There are also some beautiful moments where the author lets Jack give in to his inner romantic -
You are a poem, I wanted to say. Every line of you is a poem.
which are just lovely; in fact, the author captures the headiness of first love incredibly well throughout this series.
Gregory Ashe truly is a master of his craft and is – somehow – only getting better. His full-length novels are a superb combination of clever, intricate plotting and beautifully developed relationships featuring complex, well-drawn characters readers can come to care for deeply. The shorts generally don’t feature mysteries, but I love the way they showcase his talent for humour, tenderness and poignancy while his characters remain very much themselves.
The Casebook of Holloway Holmes is a delicious little treat, and a lovely way to wrap up the series.
June 24, 2023
The light played on his cheekbone, and I couldn't grin anymore, and then I swallowed. Light traveled ninety-three million miles from the sun to the earth. It came all the way here to touch you, I wanted to say. And I can’t. How is that fair?
I totally forgot this was coming out today till I opened the kindle app. I had to immediately read it - if for nothing else, for the crumb of Holloway povs we get in these stories and I had to immediately write this review just to put the insane quote somewhere on my profile. I read that short story many times since it first came out, I love it. I love all of them and the last one did not disappoint either, especially in leaving things on a cliffhanger thing Greg loves to do now to torture us. Well, I'll be here whenever Jack and Holloway come back to me.
December 6, 2023
(DEUTSCH WEITER UNTEN)
Okay, that was perfect!
I loved the short stories and it was great just to have more ... uhm ... peace and quiet in this universe. More interactions with Jack and his friends and more interactions with dad Moreno and also Ariana and of course more domestic vibes between Holloway and Jack!
Every single moment put a smile on my face (sometimes a sad one) and made me sigh comfortably.
It was really great when the topic of sex (anal) was addressed and it was also about condoms and preparation (anal douche). It was also stated quite directly that the boys don’t have gigantic dicks, but normal genitals. (I think that’s worth emphasising, because that’s different in many books xD)
I also loved how Ashe let Jack and Holloway communicate with each other. It was just so loving and full of greenflags.
(Even though Holloway is allowed to learn to communicate his fears ûu)
Okay, okay - enough here. The short story collection gets 1000 smoochies from me <3
(DEUTSCH)
Okay, das war perfekt!
Ich habe die Kurzgeschichten geliebt und es war toll einfach mal mehr ... uhm ... Ruhe in diesem Universum zu genießen. Mehr Interaktionen mit Jack und seinen Freunden und mehr Interaktionen mit Papa Moreno und auch Ariana und natürlich mehr domestic vibes zwischen Holloway und Jack!
Jede einzelne Momentaufnahme (denn das waren viele Szenen) hat mir ein Lächeln aufs Gesicht gezaubert (manchmal auch ein trauriges) und mich seufzen lassen.
Richtig toll fand ich es, als die Thematik Sex (anal) angesprochen wurde und es auch um Kondome und sich vorbereiten (Analdusche) ging. Auch das ganz direkt ausgesprochen wurde, dass die Boys keine gigantischen Dicks haben, sondern ganze normale Geschlechtsteile. (Finde ich hervorhebenswert, denn das ist in vielen Büchern anders xD)
Auch fand ich es toll, wie Ashe Jack und Holloway hat miteinander kommunizieren lassen. Das war einfach so liebevoll und voller Greenflags.
(Auch wenn Holloway lernen darf, seine Ängste zu kommunizieren ûu)
Okay, okay – Schluss hier. Die Kurzgeschichtensammlung bekommt 1000 Luftküsse von mir <3
Okay, that was perfect!
I loved the short stories and it was great just to have more ... uhm ... peace and quiet in this universe. More interactions with Jack and his friends and more interactions with dad Moreno and also Ariana and of course more domestic vibes between Holloway and Jack!
Every single moment put a smile on my face (sometimes a sad one) and made me sigh comfortably.
It was really great when the topic of sex (anal) was addressed and it was also about condoms and preparation (anal douche). It was also stated quite directly that the boys don’t have gigantic dicks, but normal genitals. (I think that’s worth emphasising, because that’s different in many books xD)
I also loved how Ashe let Jack and Holloway communicate with each other. It was just so loving and full of greenflags.
(Even though Holloway is allowed to learn to communicate his fears ûu)
Okay, okay - enough here. The short story collection gets 1000 smoochies from me <3
(DEUTSCH)
Okay, das war perfekt!
Ich habe die Kurzgeschichten geliebt und es war toll einfach mal mehr ... uhm ... Ruhe in diesem Universum zu genießen. Mehr Interaktionen mit Jack und seinen Freunden und mehr Interaktionen mit Papa Moreno und auch Ariana und natürlich mehr domestic vibes zwischen Holloway und Jack!
Jede einzelne Momentaufnahme (denn das waren viele Szenen) hat mir ein Lächeln aufs Gesicht gezaubert (manchmal auch ein trauriges) und mich seufzen lassen.
Richtig toll fand ich es, als die Thematik Sex (anal) angesprochen wurde und es auch um Kondome und sich vorbereiten (Analdusche) ging. Auch das ganz direkt ausgesprochen wurde, dass die Boys keine gigantischen Dicks haben, sondern ganze normale Geschlechtsteile. (Finde ich hervorhebenswert, denn das ist in vielen Büchern anders xD)
Auch fand ich es toll, wie Ashe Jack und Holloway hat miteinander kommunizieren lassen. Das war einfach so liebevoll und voller Greenflags.
(Auch wenn Holloway lernen darf, seine Ängste zu kommunizieren ûu)
Okay, okay – Schluss hier. Die Kurzgeschichtensammlung bekommt 1000 Luftküsse von mir <3
July 21, 2023
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
The Case-Book of Holloway Holmes is book four in the Adventures of Holloway Holmes series and it is not meant to be read as a standalone. Each of the four short stories included is a companion to one of the original books, adding a nice bit of flavor and, for the first time, a glimpse into Holloway’s point of view.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
The Case-Book of Holloway Holmes is book four in the Adventures of Holloway Holmes series and it is not meant to be read as a standalone. Each of the four short stories included is a companion to one of the original books, adding a nice bit of flavor and, for the first time, a glimpse into Holloway’s point of view.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
May 9, 2024
Holloway POV!
I have been dying to see how this boys brain works.
And now I want more of it.
I have been dying to see how this boys brain works.
And now I want more of it.
October 7, 2024
A collection of interstitial stories to go with The Adventures of Holloway Holmes. Optimally read along with the trilogy. (Contains a prequel, and a short that takes place after each of the three books of the main series.)
The stories here would probably not be at all satisfying on their own. They’re much calmer than the main series, and the main appeal of them, in my opinion, is we get interleaved povs, meaning we actually get chunks of Holmes’ pov, while the main series is 100% Jack’s.
The stories here would probably not be at all satisfying on their own. They’re much calmer than the main series, and the main appeal of them, in my opinion, is we get interleaved povs, meaning we actually get chunks of Holmes’ pov, while the main series is 100% Jack’s.
April 29, 2024
If GA doesn't deliver on the tease at the end of the last story, I shall be very put out.
January 4, 2026
Key advice, read these shorts in the order of the story. I would have appreciated them much more if I had read them in order, as opposed to waiting until I finished book 3, and then jumping into the shorts. I struggled to remember all the events of the previous books. Outside of that, the stories are great. The collection contains:
“The Adventure of the First Day” (book 0.5) Jack and Holmes settle in at their new school. This story is set before The Strangest Forms, which is book 1. I liked seeing these characters before all the events start, the calm before the storm.
In “The Adventure of the New Friend” (book 1.5) Jack and Holmes discover the highs and lows of friendship. This story is set before The Old Wheel, book 2.
“The Adventure of the Lost Boy” (book 2.5) is a series of vignettes during Holmes’s absence from the Walker School. This story is set before Where All Paths Meet, book 3.
I have to admit I was somewhat lost reading these two because, as I mentioned at the start, I read these after I finished the series. I didn't really remember when certain events happened and since I wasn't sure what relationship developments had happened with Homes and Jack with each story, I didn't feel as connected to their time together. Not that I didn't like them as characters. The writing is still great, the narration still great, and my failure to follow along is all me, not the writing.
In “The Return of Holloway Holmes” (book 3.5) Jack and Holmes experience several relationship “firsts.” This story is set after Where All Paths Meet, book 3. Oh yeah, this one was good. I was and am so enchanted by these characters, particularly Holmes. He is so special, and I feel a connection with him. The world is chaotic and hard for Holmes, and logic is how he processes things. Jack is far from logical, and this can be difficult for Holmes to understand certain situations.
I absolutely recommend this collection of short stories as it will add a great deal to the series as a whole. I know I will be listening again and do it right this time. The narration was stellar. I love Greg Tremblay and felt he added a whole other level to these characters throughout the series. Greg, never retire. Please.
“The Adventure of the First Day” (book 0.5) Jack and Holmes settle in at their new school. This story is set before The Strangest Forms, which is book 1. I liked seeing these characters before all the events start, the calm before the storm.
In “The Adventure of the New Friend” (book 1.5) Jack and Holmes discover the highs and lows of friendship. This story is set before The Old Wheel, book 2.
“The Adventure of the Lost Boy” (book 2.5) is a series of vignettes during Holmes’s absence from the Walker School. This story is set before Where All Paths Meet, book 3.
I have to admit I was somewhat lost reading these two because, as I mentioned at the start, I read these after I finished the series. I didn't really remember when certain events happened and since I wasn't sure what relationship developments had happened with Homes and Jack with each story, I didn't feel as connected to their time together. Not that I didn't like them as characters. The writing is still great, the narration still great, and my failure to follow along is all me, not the writing.
In “The Return of Holloway Holmes” (book 3.5) Jack and Holmes experience several relationship “firsts.” This story is set after Where All Paths Meet, book 3. Oh yeah, this one was good. I was and am so enchanted by these characters, particularly Holmes. He is so special, and I feel a connection with him. The world is chaotic and hard for Holmes, and logic is how he processes things. Jack is far from logical, and this can be difficult for Holmes to understand certain situations.
I absolutely recommend this collection of short stories as it will add a great deal to the series as a whole. I know I will be listening again and do it right this time. The narration was stellar. I love Greg Tremblay and felt he added a whole other level to these characters throughout the series. Greg, never retire. Please.
Read
September 14, 2025The best thing about these short stories is we get Holloway's point of view! I loved them all. Gregory Ashe really does bless us with these short stories that bring lightness and humanity to characters who are in the midst of great emotional turmoil. I could read so much more of their every day life! Jack and Holmes 5ever (I just have a feeling Jack would say that to annoy Holmes).
The Adventure of the First Day
We get a meet cute!! I loved this little insight into their introduction to Walker before they met. Sets the scene and dynamics a bit for the first book.
The Adventure of the New Friend
They are so cute, yet so oblivious. Jack is adorably endearing when it comes to making everything perfect for Holloway and Holloway goes along with everything just to be near Jack. I just want them to kiss already.
The Adventure of the Lost Boy
Wow, way to twist the knife in a little more. I did like seeing Jack with Rowe and the girls but it hurts my heart knowing how much he was hurting. And Holloway isn't doing much better, but knowing he was just as distraught makes me feel a little better about it.
The Return of Holloway Holmes
This was perfect to round out the series. Jack and Holloway figuring out the little things in their relationship like dinner with Jack's dad (as boyfriends! It's totally different), first sleepovers, and all the stuff you should be experience with your first love when you're not dealing with psychopaths and never ending blackmail scenes.
Read if you like:
• short stories
• romantic suspense
• hurt/comfort
•••••••••••••••••••••
The Adventure of the First Day
We get a meet cute!! I loved this little insight into their introduction to Walker before they met. Sets the scene and dynamics a bit for the first book.
The Adventure of the New Friend
They are so cute, yet so oblivious. Jack is adorably endearing when it comes to making everything perfect for Holloway and Holloway goes along with everything just to be near Jack. I just want them to kiss already.
The Adventure of the Lost Boy
Wow, way to twist the knife in a little more. I did like seeing Jack with Rowe and the girls but it hurts my heart knowing how much he was hurting. And Holloway isn't doing much better, but knowing he was just as distraught makes me feel a little better about it.
The Return of Holloway Holmes
This was perfect to round out the series. Jack and Holloway figuring out the little things in their relationship like dinner with Jack's dad (as boyfriends! It's totally different), first sleepovers, and all the stuff you should be experience with your first love when you're not dealing with psychopaths and never ending blackmail scenes.
Read if you like:
• short stories
• romantic suspense
• hurt/comfort
•••••••••••••••••••••
August 17, 2025
A lovely little amuse bouche in audio, with wonderful narration by Greg Tremblay.
I reviewed this collection when it came out in Jan 2024 HERE.
I reviewed this collection when it came out in Jan 2024 HERE.
June 24, 2023
A collection of 4 short stories filling in some of the background between the novels.
March 3, 2025
Ahhhhh A mini little cliffhanger! I hope there's going to be more in the future!
June 11, 2023
The Adventure of the First Day
This is a brief introduction to all the characters that we will get to know while reading 'The Strangest Forms'.
And we witness the first meeting between Jack and Holmes and Holmes and Watson... if that's not a treat, I don't know what it would be one :P
The Adventure of the New Friend
Jack tries to give H a birthday party and it goes as well as you can imagine. And we see some interactions that are VERY telling.
And I felt so much pity for Jack and his failed attempt to make friends. H can be a bit... obtuse when it comes to social cues. But then, I love that however much Jack wants friends, he won't let those brats insult H.
And then, H takes care of him while they are having a very uncomfortable conversation. Yeah, your typical Jack and H :P
Next, we have ' Friends finish each other’s sandwiches. ' which is, believe me, an utterly wonderfully understated bit of comfort *hugs chapter*
And Friday night comes, and Jack is gaming while H made some research and his father watches them, and talks about Ariana. He's not subtle. At all, *shakes head*
And this is it: some very telling scenes showing Jack and H's friendship growing. Lovely ♥
The Adventure of the Lost Boy
Oh, Jack!
We see here the aftermath of H departure, and it is not pretty.
Jack is in a bad place, although his friends and his dad are doing their best to help him out. It's great to see how close Jack, Emma, Glo and Rowe have become. He needs their support and they are not shy about providing it.
H is running around the world, trying to keep Jack safe but it's not going well. And, strangely, I'm happy that Paxton is there to help him. He really needs all the help he can get.
And here we have a lovely spoiler tag, because this one comes after Where All Paths Meet
Great in-between little stories that provide us with significant moments in their lives and help us to understand them more. What else can we ask for?. ♥
This is a brief introduction to all the characters that we will get to know while reading 'The Strangest Forms'.
And we witness the first meeting between Jack and Holmes and Holmes and Watson... if that's not a treat, I don't know what it would be one :P
The Adventure of the New Friend
Jack tries to give H a birthday party and it goes as well as you can imagine. And we see some interactions that are VERY telling.
And I felt so much pity for Jack and his failed attempt to make friends. H can be a bit... obtuse when it comes to social cues. But then, I love that however much Jack wants friends, he won't let those brats insult H.
And then, H takes care of him while they are having a very uncomfortable conversation. Yeah, your typical Jack and H :P
Next, we have ' Friends finish each other’s sandwiches. ' which is, believe me, an utterly wonderfully understated bit of comfort *hugs chapter*
And Friday night comes, and Jack is gaming while H made some research and his father watches them, and talks about Ariana. He's not subtle. At all, *shakes head*
And this is it: some very telling scenes showing Jack and H's friendship growing. Lovely ♥
The Adventure of the Lost Boy
Oh, Jack!
We see here the aftermath of H departure, and it is not pretty.
Jack is in a bad place, although his friends and his dad are doing their best to help him out. It's great to see how close Jack, Emma, Glo and Rowe have become. He needs their support and they are not shy about providing it.
H is running around the world, trying to keep Jack safe but it's not going well. And, strangely, I'm happy that Paxton is there to help him. He really needs all the help he can get.
And here we have a lovely spoiler tag, because this one comes after Where All Paths Meet
Great in-between little stories that provide us with significant moments in their lives and help us to understand them more. What else can we ask for?. ♥
June 23, 2023
The light played on his cheekbone, and I couldn’t grin anymore, and then I swallowed. Light traveled ninety-three million miles from the sun to the earth. It came all the way here to touch you, I wanted to say. And I can’t. How is that fair?
I remember when I read the short-story in Greg's newsletter with the above quote and being immediately sad it wasn't in a book yet so I couldn't use it in a review.
These short-story collections of Greg's are always the best. We get to see little glimpses of the characters outside of whatever mystery they're dealing with in the novels. Also, the upside to the Holloway Holmes short-stories is we get some stories from H's POV! While I love and understand Greg's decision and reasoning to make the books from only Jack's POV, I do enjoy seeing glimpses of H's beautiful mind.
The first shorts we got via the newsletter and they were as good the second time as they were the first.
The new set of vignettes in "The Return of Holloway Holmes" were lovely and the best way to wake up this morning. Also, that little door left open for possible future stories -- chef's kiss.
October 1, 2024
Well worth reading. I wish I'd known each one takes place between the novels, I'd have bought it to read along with the series. But now YOU know. :)
July 1, 2023
I always love a Gregory Ashe short story, and this anthology is no different. I am a true fan of Jack and Holloway; I still find the idea of a 16-year-old tracking and fighting spies from America to Hong Kong farfetched, but these stories normalise things a little for a couple of teenagers. Plus they are just super fun. My favourite story is 'The Return of Holloway Holmes', where Jack and Holloway appear as normal teens battling teething issues in their relationship. Jack's dad (does he have a name????) and his "weenie roast" had me in stitches.There's a big cliffhanger, as these short story collections tend to have, but that just means there should be more Jack and Holloway in the future for which I am all in. Thank you as always to the author for an ARC of this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 27, 2025
Me hubiera encantado más historias de cuando empiezan a ser amigos, y obviamente ya de novios... ah! y de bonding entre Holloway y el papá de Jack.
El final de la última historia... ¿debería emocionarme por más libros? AAA. Necesito!!!
Siempre agradecida de autores que dan mini historias ;-; es lo mejor
El final de la última historia... ¿debería emocionarme por más libros? AAA. Necesito!!!
Siempre agradecida de autores que dan mini historias ;-; es lo mejor
January 17, 2026
Nooooo, don't leave us in the lurch Gregory Ashe!! BUT at least we get the hope that there will be more stories 🫣😊🌈🎉
September 14, 2025
Reviewed for Rainbow Gold Reviews. A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
It’s been nearly two years since I listened to the last story in The Adventures of Holloway Holmes series. Going into this collection of short stories, I realized that I had forgotten a few things about the series and the characters and it made me wish I had relistened to the series. And though I won’t be holding off this review to do so, I do think I will have to listen to them again soon.
I do think it is a little harder reviewing short stories because there is not as much to talk about, but I will do my best to let you know how enjoyable it was listening to this book. One thing that was different about this collection is that each of the short stories is told in alternating viewpoints of Jack and Holloway. In the previous books we were only treated to Jack’s pov.
The first short story was before the first book in the series. We get to see Holmes as he first showed up at the Walker School. It was hard to see him at his most aloof and robotic. It was even harder seeing how people treated him. We also see his first meeting with Jack, who while helping his dad do maintenance at the school ends up dealing drugs to the students there. It’s just a brief glimpse of the two characters before they became friends and started their transformations into the characters I grew to love.
The second short story was also a bit awkward. I loved seeing them build their friendship and the interest in more grow in them, but, there were also moments when worrying about what others would think put them on shaky ground.
The third story takes place when Jack and Holloway are apart from each other. I think this was one of the more interesting stories because we get to see exactly what Jack was doing, how much danger he was in, and his working with his ex, Paxton. I don’t remember how I felt about Paxton in the past, but I was glad he was there for Holloway. I also realized that I had completely forgotten the friend group that Jack had formed. I finally remembered that I really did like his bond with Rowe, though, and it makes me want to relisten to the previous books even more.
The last story of this collection is definitely the most intriguing. It takes place immediately after the last book in the series. Jack and Holloway have been through the wringer and not it’s time for them to shake off the things that were holding them back and have the romantic relationship they’ve both wanted. The biggest thing for me in this story is the mysterious package Holloway receives that hints that there might be more to this series after all. I do have to acknowledge that there has been almost two years since this short story was written, so there might not be anything coming, but a part of me will continue to hope.
I guess the only downside to this book is how it makes me want more. And that’s not really a bad thing, in my opinion. Add to that, Greg Tremblay’s great narration and I would definitely recommend this book to people who have read the previous books.
It’s been nearly two years since I listened to the last story in The Adventures of Holloway Holmes series. Going into this collection of short stories, I realized that I had forgotten a few things about the series and the characters and it made me wish I had relistened to the series. And though I won’t be holding off this review to do so, I do think I will have to listen to them again soon.
I do think it is a little harder reviewing short stories because there is not as much to talk about, but I will do my best to let you know how enjoyable it was listening to this book. One thing that was different about this collection is that each of the short stories is told in alternating viewpoints of Jack and Holloway. In the previous books we were only treated to Jack’s pov.
The first short story was before the first book in the series. We get to see Holmes as he first showed up at the Walker School. It was hard to see him at his most aloof and robotic. It was even harder seeing how people treated him. We also see his first meeting with Jack, who while helping his dad do maintenance at the school ends up dealing drugs to the students there. It’s just a brief glimpse of the two characters before they became friends and started their transformations into the characters I grew to love.
The second short story was also a bit awkward. I loved seeing them build their friendship and the interest in more grow in them, but, there were also moments when worrying about what others would think put them on shaky ground.
The third story takes place when Jack and Holloway are apart from each other. I think this was one of the more interesting stories because we get to see exactly what Jack was doing, how much danger he was in, and his working with his ex, Paxton. I don’t remember how I felt about Paxton in the past, but I was glad he was there for Holloway. I also realized that I had completely forgotten the friend group that Jack had formed. I finally remembered that I really did like his bond with Rowe, though, and it makes me want to relisten to the previous books even more.
The last story of this collection is definitely the most intriguing. It takes place immediately after the last book in the series. Jack and Holloway have been through the wringer and not it’s time for them to shake off the things that were holding them back and have the romantic relationship they’ve both wanted. The biggest thing for me in this story is the mysterious package Holloway receives that hints that there might be more to this series after all. I do have to acknowledge that there has been almost two years since this short story was written, so there might not be anything coming, but a part of me will continue to hope.
I guess the only downside to this book is how it makes me want more. And that’s not really a bad thing, in my opinion. Add to that, Greg Tremblay’s great narration and I would definitely recommend this book to people who have read the previous books.
June 23, 2023
So by now we all know the absolute joy and frustration that is the Gregory Ashe short collection? Because you get so much humour, lots of slice of life moments, hits of emotion and tenderness, and then, of course, the cliffy that leaves you salivating for the next series? Yes? Excellent, because this one delivers all of the above.
The stories give us alternating perspectives between Jack and Holloway. Because the main series has been all Jack’s POV, getting a bit of time in Holloway’s head is a special treat. Following him across the shorts, you get to see him move from obsessive focus on control and strategy to risking being in connection with others to being in love and all that brings. Holloway’s tentativeness about connection, the fear he feels around caring for someone and showing that care, his quickness to believe he is not wanted, ugh, it always kills me. In The Adventure of the New Friend, seeing Holloway work himself up the risk of physically comforting Jack almost broke me:
Oh Holloway, my sweet injured little bear. I adore you so. Honestly, my heart went through it with him in this collection of shorts.
And Jack! Oh, my darling Jack. That boy has such a soft heart. I love how Ashe lets Jack feel and have these responses to Holloway that are just so lovely and unadulterated.
These two are so tender and so soft and I love them so much. And I could cite a million and five quotes for each of them because Ashe’s writing is so wonderful. I love seeing them come together, first as friends, then as more. I love how Jack’s emotion and genuineness create the safety that Holloway needs to be vulnerable. Well, to let his vulnerability show, because that boy is nothing but vulnerability, even if he tries to hide it. There are so many awesome moments, humorous, heart-rending, touching, just all of it. The perfect way to close out this first Holloway Holmes series.
But I’m counting on Ashe to make good on that tease of an ending and deliver us another round of these wonderful characters.
Note: I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
The stories give us alternating perspectives between Jack and Holloway. Because the main series has been all Jack’s POV, getting a bit of time in Holloway’s head is a special treat. Following him across the shorts, you get to see him move from obsessive focus on control and strategy to risking being in connection with others to being in love and all that brings. Holloway’s tentativeness about connection, the fear he feels around caring for someone and showing that care, his quickness to believe he is not wanted, ugh, it always kills me. In The Adventure of the New Friend, seeing Holloway work himself up the risk of physically comforting Jack almost broke me:
Jack was… uninhibited about things like touch. He often touched my shoulder, my arm, my leg, without seeming to think about it. I weighed the pros and cons. I decided that if it was a mistake, I could always flee the country. I twisted around, checked the distance to the door in case I needed to run, and began to scratch his back lightly through the blanket.
Oh Holloway, my sweet injured little bear. I adore you so. Honestly, my heart went through it with him in this collection of shorts.
And Jack! Oh, my darling Jack. That boy has such a soft heart. I love how Ashe lets Jack feel and have these responses to Holloway that are just so lovely and unadulterated.
When I didn’t say anything, red came into his cheeks. We had read a poem in Mr. Scholz’s eighth-grade Language Arts class, and there had been something in there about roses in your cheeks. You are a poem, I wanted to say. Every line of you is a poem.
These two are so tender and so soft and I love them so much. And I could cite a million and five quotes for each of them because Ashe’s writing is so wonderful. I love seeing them come together, first as friends, then as more. I love how Jack’s emotion and genuineness create the safety that Holloway needs to be vulnerable. Well, to let his vulnerability show, because that boy is nothing but vulnerability, even if he tries to hide it. There are so many awesome moments, humorous, heart-rending, touching, just all of it. The perfect way to close out this first Holloway Holmes series.
But I’m counting on Ashe to make good on that tease of an ending and deliver us another round of these wonderful characters.
Note: I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
June 24, 2023
Jack smiled when he saw me. I wasn’t sure he knew that he did it; it seemed unselfconscious, and genuine, and easy, which were three good words for Jack himself.
——————
I was constitutionally incapable of telling him no. It was the summer darkness of his eyes. It was the little tuft of hair in front, the one that he could never get to lie flat. It was the way he hummed when he got lost in something. It was his eyebrows, which were wonderfully thick and dark. When I heard that thought, a panicked part of me decided I had lost my mind.
——————
I sat at my desk, unlocked my laptop—the password was still not, in spite of Jack’s best efforts to persuade me, cutebutt
——————
June 2023. Short story collection about Jack and Holloway, with stories set before, between, and after each book in the trilogy. As always, these collections are fantastic and worth far more than the $1 price tag on kindle unlimited.
They are lighter and sweeter than the main books that tackle complex murder plots, relational conflict, and character growth (though the main books have humor and sweetness as well).
This collection is especially a treat since the trilogy is written in first person, all in Jack’s perspective, and the short stories switch between the narrative of him and Holloway, which gives us chances to see his perspective. The way Holloway sees and describes Jack is so great to see, and something I wondered about everytime I got to see Jack’s amazing descriptions of Holloway.
Definitely check out the trilogy, and then check this out too!!!
“The Casebook of Holloway Holmes” by Gregory Ashe. Short story collection about the characters from the series “The Adventures of Holloway Holmes.”
——————
I was constitutionally incapable of telling him no. It was the summer darkness of his eyes. It was the little tuft of hair in front, the one that he could never get to lie flat. It was the way he hummed when he got lost in something. It was his eyebrows, which were wonderfully thick and dark. When I heard that thought, a panicked part of me decided I had lost my mind.
——————
I sat at my desk, unlocked my laptop—the password was still not, in spite of Jack’s best efforts to persuade me, cutebutt
——————
June 2023. Short story collection about Jack and Holloway, with stories set before, between, and after each book in the trilogy. As always, these collections are fantastic and worth far more than the $1 price tag on kindle unlimited.
They are lighter and sweeter than the main books that tackle complex murder plots, relational conflict, and character growth (though the main books have humor and sweetness as well).
This collection is especially a treat since the trilogy is written in first person, all in Jack’s perspective, and the short stories switch between the narrative of him and Holloway, which gives us chances to see his perspective. The way Holloway sees and describes Jack is so great to see, and something I wondered about everytime I got to see Jack’s amazing descriptions of Holloway.
Definitely check out the trilogy, and then check this out too!!!
“The Casebook of Holloway Holmes” by Gregory Ashe. Short story collection about the characters from the series “The Adventures of Holloway Holmes.”
October 19, 2025
"The Case-Book of Holloway Holmes" is a delightful and essential collection of short stories that significantly enriches the overall series experience for fans. Unlike the full-length mystery novels, this book focuses on the relationship development between the descendants of the famous duo, Holloway Holmes and Jack Moreno.
The book includes four short pieces that act as insightful interludes, filling in the emotional and relationship gaps between the main books, which include scenes from Holloway Holmes's point of view, providing deep insight into his complex, repressed, and brilliant mind.
Greg Tremblay's narration perfectly captures the distinctive voices and personalities of Jack and Holloway, from Jack's bravado and underlying vulnerability to Holloway's stilted, ultra-correct, and often-repressed speech. Tremblay's performance adds depth and humor, making the already tender and emotional moments between the two boys particularly compelling.
The book includes four short pieces that act as insightful interludes, filling in the emotional and relationship gaps between the main books, which include scenes from Holloway Holmes's point of view, providing deep insight into his complex, repressed, and brilliant mind.
Greg Tremblay's narration perfectly captures the distinctive voices and personalities of Jack and Holloway, from Jack's bravado and underlying vulnerability to Holloway's stilted, ultra-correct, and often-repressed speech. Tremblay's performance adds depth and humor, making the already tender and emotional moments between the two boys particularly compelling.
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