The Case of the Antiquarian's Study

Sebastian Symes #1

by G.W. Colkitto

G.W Colkitto’s charming novella transports the reader back to the late nineteenth century, a world of gentleman detectives, ingenious thieves, bumbling constables, and cryptic mysteries.

A friend and sometimes rival of two of the best-loved characters in English literature - Dr Watson and Sherlock Holmes - the Sebastian Symes stories are a brilliant addition to the canon of British detective fiction.

In 'The Case of the Antiquarian’s Study', Sebastian Symes is invited by Sir James Bellamy to help with the excavation of a medieval chapel on his estate.

It is just the distraction Symes needs after his bruising encounter with the old- style London Rules fighter, Battling Billy Ford.

But will the promise of a quiet week out of London be as restful as Symes imagines? Not a chance.

The Antiquarian is found murdered in a locked room. The ancient treasure stolen.

With the help of Major Ritson and the local Constabulary, can Sebastian Symes solve the puzzle?

'The Case of the Antiquarian’s Study' is perfect for fans of Sherlock Holmes, Raffles and historical fiction.

G W Colkitto is an ardent Sherlock Holmes fan and former Bookshop owner, who writes both poetry and prose. He lives in Scotland.

Praise for The Case of the Antiqurian's Study:

'Sherlock Holmes possesses both a friend and rival in Sebastian Symes. Conan Doyle would be pleased. More so, the reader will be.' - Richard Foreman, author of Raffles: The Gentleman Thief.

Endeavour Press is the UK's leading independent digital publisher.

Genres: Ebooks

74 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 31, 2019

About the author

George W. Colkitto is an ex-Inspector of Taxes, chartered accountant and bookshop owner. He writes both poetry and prose and has had short stories and poetry published in magazines and anthologies including Ink Sweat and Tears, Envoi and Poetry Scotland.

Successful in a number of competitions including Pendle War Poetry 2018, he is a past winner of the Scottish Writers’ Groups Short Story Competition 2011 and Poetry Competition 2012, the Siar Sceal Hanna Greally Poetry Award 2014, and the Autumn Voices Acrostic Competition 2020. He is author of the Sebastian Symes series of Victorian Detective novellas, featuring Sebastian Symes and Major Ritson, contemporaries of Sherlock Holmes.

He also writes as George Colkitto.

Reviews

[Barry Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Sebastian Symes and Major Ritson are very similar to Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson in that they investigate crime. In this case Symes and Ritson invite themselves to the residence of Sir James Bellamy a renowned former judge. During their visit another guest Herbert Cunliff is murdered and while the police are called it is Symes and Ritson who investigate the crime. Thoroughly enjoyable and passed an afternoon during lockdown.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Major Ritson decides that Sebastian Symes needs a rest and as he has a standing invitation to visit the excavations of a medieval chapel near Molesley House, he accepts Sir James Bellamy's invite. But soon there is a theft, and a death. Is there a connection and what could be the motives.
An enjoyable historical mystery novella

[Joanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read, spoiled by typos

This was a fun read, well-written, even if there was never much doubt about the murderer, but there were too many typos.

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

New author to me. It was a good read and interesting. Characters needed a bit more info on them but didn't loose anything to the story.

[Lena · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was painfully, painfully bad. The author's done their research, and is intent on making sure you know this. There's absolutely no reason for it to be written in present tense, and it just highlights how unbelievably clunky and unrealistic the language is.

And, really, if Colkitto wants to write a Holmes & Watson story, they should just write a Holmes & Watson story, rather than giving us Symes and Ritson.

[Nihita Sharma · Rating 3 out of 5]

This short read is set in the times of the Sherlock Holmes. Though, it could have been much better given that the plot was good. The characterization should have been more fleshed out and with more amount of detailing this could have been a good story. Nevertheless, three stars for the idea and the basic storyline.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not Sherlock

Another able dective of the 1800's along with a doctor as companion.
Though similar in the use of deductive reasoning, Symes and Riton are a closer match than Holmes and Watson as they of course solve the case.