The Final Deduction: The Last of Sherlock Holmes

by David W. Walker

THE LAST OF SHERLOCK HOLMES. This accounting of Sherlock Holmes' last case I have penned only after much consideration and debate. What follows will not be released to my heirs until long after that brilliant intelligence and myself have passed from this material world. Otherwise, the scandal this chronicle will create would outweigh the momentous accomplishments of Holmes and sensationalize our remaining lives in a manner I am certain we would both find undesirable. Yet this last case and all its revelations must be published, for without it, the true significance of who and what Holmes was will never be appreciated. I know this to be true, for until this last adventure—though I had called him friend for thirty years—I did not know Sherlock Holmes. Dr. John Watson.

Genres: Fiction, Mystery

170 pages, Paperback

First published December 7, 2011

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Strong in style but weak in characterization (Watson's extreme anger over Holmes revelation that she is female is never satisfactorily explained). The plot stumbles near the end as it suddenly switches gears from action/mystery to a novel focused on self-reflection and self-acceptance. The use of "sexual identity" to describe both gender identity and sexual orientation is confusing, particularly given Holmes' cross dressing doesn't actually speak to either subject (a male persona for Holmes is a convenience and a shield, not an issue of transgender identity). It is unclear if the author himself was unaware of the full meaning of these concepts, if the meaning of Holmes' gender swap was not fully communicated, or if the author was simply trying to limit himself to the vocabulary of the time.

[Volsung]

Thoroughly and completely enjoyable. The book offers a major twist on the central Sherlock-premise, which I won't give here; but it makes for a highly intriguing and interesting read, and one that explores ideas that have especial resonance today. Some fans may balk at the new premise, but I found that it is a fascinating idea which creates avenues well-worth exploring in story-form. Extremely entertaining from start to finish.

[Michael Thompson · Rating 1 out of 5]

If you accept it for what it is, it is a good, well-written book. Most Holmes fans will not be able to accept the premise. I do not think it a likely Holmes adventure, but it plays out well.

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not care much for this rendition of Holmes and Watson. It was an OK read if you don't have anything else to read.