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The Lost Files of Sherlock Holmes #3
The Annals of Sherlock Holmes
From the author of "Chronicles of Sherlock Holmes" and "Sherlock Holmes and The Giant Rat of Sumatra"""
A sparkling collection of three new Sherlock Holmes stories draw on details and hints from the pages of Conan Doyle's classic works. From the pen of the acclaimed Doctor John Watson readers are introduced to previously unsolved mysteries, as referenced in many of the original stories.
A sparkling collection of three new Sherlock Holmes stories draw on details and hints from the pages of Conan Doyle's classic works. From the pen of the acclaimed Doctor John Watson readers are introduced to previously unsolved mysteries, as referenced in many of the original stories.
- GenresMysteryShort Stories
312 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
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August 3, 2017Note: the copyright of this hardcover Hale edition is 2012, unlike what the description states.
The book contains three stories
"The Dundas Separation Case"
"The Abernathy Case"
"The Adventure of the Reluctant Spirit"
Paul D. Gilbert also published 3 other Sherlock Holmes books,
The book contains three stories
"The Dundas Separation Case"
"The Abernathy Case"
"The Adventure of the Reluctant Spirit"
Paul D. Gilbert also published 3 other Sherlock Holmes books,
May 11, 2022
This is a 3.5 🌟 read rounded ⬆️ to 4 🌟.
July 2, 2025
The third in the series. These were novellas rather than short stories.
June 22, 2017
After the epic Sherlock Holmes and the Giant Rat of Sumatra, (which is currently my favourite Sherlock Holmes story), I was wondering how PDG (Paul D Gilbert), was going to top that adventure. When I started reading the Annals I kept comparing the two. This was unfair as because the stories in this book are more than good enough to stand on their own. For all the description in the book it is very fast paced I kept checking the page to make sure I was not shorter, but it is 224 like all of PDG's books.
This book is consists of 3 medium length stories (broken over more than one chapter). I am not going to go into detail of the stories themselves for fear of giving something away. All three had great plots and were excellently written, and well thought out. The strongest point of this book for me was the way I felt PDG's character development. I felt he added shades to Holmes' character yet still staying true to Sir ACD's original. In essence putting his own stamp on Holmes from his own work.
This novel PDG refers to cases in his own book as well as Sir ACD's stories. He shows Holmes moody, manipulative and controlling but caring (in his own way) nature. He also shows Holmes vigilante side, which I think ACD did touch on but did not explore fully. Watson is also more vocal about his displeasure at the treatment he receives from Holmes from time to time. Another great touch PDG puts in is he gives Watson a chance to grief over his lost wife which I believe he has not had before.
Other great touches are even the great Sherlock Holmes realising he need a holiday to recharge his mind. Showing that Holmes does have other friends from previous cases. The summary of his relationship with Watson, claiming Watson keep his grounded, and he keep Watson on his toes. I great book, great stories and good character development. Also if I am not mistake their might be another big case which was hinted at but could not be discussed at the time.
This book is consists of 3 medium length stories (broken over more than one chapter). I am not going to go into detail of the stories themselves for fear of giving something away. All three had great plots and were excellently written, and well thought out. The strongest point of this book for me was the way I felt PDG's character development. I felt he added shades to Holmes' character yet still staying true to Sir ACD's original. In essence putting his own stamp on Holmes from his own work.
This novel PDG refers to cases in his own book as well as Sir ACD's stories. He shows Holmes moody, manipulative and controlling but caring (in his own way) nature. He also shows Holmes vigilante side, which I think ACD did touch on but did not explore fully. Watson is also more vocal about his displeasure at the treatment he receives from Holmes from time to time. Another great touch PDG puts in is he gives Watson a chance to grief over his lost wife which I believe he has not had before.
Other great touches are even the great Sherlock Holmes realising he need a holiday to recharge his mind. Showing that Holmes does have other friends from previous cases. The summary of his relationship with Watson, claiming Watson keep his grounded, and he keep Watson on his toes. I great book, great stories and good character development. Also if I am not mistake their might be another big case which was hinted at but could not be discussed at the time.
May 28, 2020
Three stories that are very much Sherlock-lite. Not one of them has the wow factor that makes the reader think "Blimey! That Sherlock Holmes - I don't know how he does it." They are nice to read and the characterisation of Dr Watson is particularly good. Sherlock however comes across as a know-all with none of the intrigue that made him stand out under the pen of Conan Doyle. A couple of things really grated - the two of them smoke to excess; I don't recall that in the originals, and, surely, if on a stakeout where maintaining absolute silence is essential you don't then stand in the dark sparking up so that your matches can be seen and, presumably, your tobacco can be smelt. Read it if you are a Holmes fan but don't expect too much.
October 14, 2023
I read this one today and liked this trio of short tales from P D Gilbert a lot more than I liked the Giant Rat of Sumatra, mainly due to excess padding. The pace was good in each tale and was in the style of the canon, the first tale was a 3 star short, the second and third tales deserved 4 stars. I was happy to have Langdale Pike (tittle for tattle) in another SH adventure he's a bit of a slippery character, but SH puts up with his affectations and antics - so who am I to argue with who SH decides to consort with ? The last line in the last tale re John in the garden would, have been more poignant (IMHO) if Mary's voice had just whispered John.
December 12, 2020
1. The Dundas Separation Case
Housekeeper Edith Swinton approaches Holmes to determine why Lady Dundas has left her home. Edith presumes she knows where Lady Dundas is staying, but does she.
2. The Abernetty Mystery
On been invited to visit Daniel Collier in Kent, Watson decides to visit old friends the Abernetty family on the way. But on arrival they are met by murder.
3. The Adventure of the Reluctant Spirit.
Holmes arrives back after solving the case of the theft of the Landsbury sapphire when Watson leaves to visit friend Mrs Cecil Forrester to persuade her against the use of a medium to contact her daughter Evangeline.
Three entertaining stories
Housekeeper Edith Swinton approaches Holmes to determine why Lady Dundas has left her home. Edith presumes she knows where Lady Dundas is staying, but does she.
2. The Abernetty Mystery
On been invited to visit Daniel Collier in Kent, Watson decides to visit old friends the Abernetty family on the way. But on arrival they are met by murder.
3. The Adventure of the Reluctant Spirit.
Holmes arrives back after solving the case of the theft of the Landsbury sapphire when Watson leaves to visit friend Mrs Cecil Forrester to persuade her against the use of a medium to contact her daughter Evangeline.
Three entertaining stories
November 16, 2020
Entertaining reading 📚
Three very will written Sherlock Holmes mystery novellas with interesting characters. The story lines are interesting leading to the conclusions. I would recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys Sherlock Holmes mysteries. Enjoy reading 🔰2020☺
Three very will written Sherlock Holmes mystery novellas with interesting characters. The story lines are interesting leading to the conclusions. I would recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys Sherlock Holmes mysteries. Enjoy reading 🔰2020☺
February 10, 2025
Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson are confronted in these three tales, that are extremely well crafted and keeps you jumping to conclusions like Inspector Hopkins. Wonderful and delightful is the best description of them. ...I loved them!!!
October 12, 2016
I chose this because the author mentions Jeremy Brett in his foreword, and it's definitely him on the cover. For me, Brett IS Holmes and when I read a Sherlock story that presents a different character, I don't like it! So I expected to enjoy these.
I did enjoy the characterisation of both Holmes and Watson and the writing style - the weak point for me was the plotting. The author made life difficult for himself by deciding to write about the cases that Conan Doyle mentions in his stories but doesn't explain.
It's obvious those cases didn't exist, and CD just plucked outrageous ideas out of the air to make them sound intriguing. The result is that in the first novella, Gilbert has to combine the preposterous notion that a Lord is throwing his false teeth at his wife daily, with trained cormorants and lighthouses. It works, but it's hard to forget the silliness of the original premise. In the second, I'm not even convinced the butter would have been affected. And in the third, the author resorted to a very well worn whodunit plot - .
I did enjoy the characterisation of both Holmes and Watson and the writing style - the weak point for me was the plotting. The author made life difficult for himself by deciding to write about the cases that Conan Doyle mentions in his stories but doesn't explain.
It's obvious those cases didn't exist, and CD just plucked outrageous ideas out of the air to make them sound intriguing. The result is that in the first novella, Gilbert has to combine the preposterous notion that a Lord is throwing his false teeth at his wife daily, with trained cormorants and lighthouses. It works, but it's hard to forget the silliness of the original premise. In the second, I'm not even convinced the butter would have been affected. And in the third, the author resorted to a very well worn whodunit plot - .
August 21, 2018
Outstanding. Worthy successor to Conan Doyle. I want more!!!
April 14, 2021
Another brilliant series of spin-off Sherlock stories!
November 17, 2021
Good as the original
Mr. Gilbert has taken the reins of Mr. Doyle and done him proud. I personally like the novellas and will continue to read as many as Mr. Gilbert has written.
Mr. Gilbert has taken the reins of Mr. Doyle and done him proud. I personally like the novellas and will continue to read as many as Mr. Gilbert has written.
April 20, 2023
There is a horrible, ghastly flaw in one of the stories: so obvious that I needn't point it out. In fact, that particular story is unsatisfactory in several ways.
August 27, 2023
Of course, it doesn't read as well as the writing of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle but it was entertaining nonetheless. The third and final story was probably the best one in my opinion.
July 24, 2013
Good plotting marred by inelegant writing…
This book is made up of three short novellas and my initial impressions were favourable. The first episode sets out to tell the story of one of the most intriguing of Watson's references in the original tales; that of the politician, the lighthouse and the trained cormorant. In the second, he explains the mysterious reference to the parsley in the butter dish. The final story gives us an opportunity to meet up again with Mrs Watson's employer in The Sign of Four, Mrs Cecil Forrester.
I found the plotting gave the authentic flavour of a Watson narration and the author doesn't tamper too much with the Holmesian world we all know - no female assistants, for instance, thank goodness. However, there were some real problems with these stories as far as I'm concerned. The over-emphasis on Holmes' and Watson's smoking habits really grated after a while. Nearly every paragraph includes a reference to one or other (or both) of them lighting up a pipe, cigarette or cigar. But that paled into insignificance beside their constant cognac swilling. Cognac? I got so irritated by that that I checked and confirmed that never, not once, did they drink cognac in the original. And yet here they're knocking the stuff back at a rate that would suggest serious addiction issues! Also Holmes and Watson rarely speak to each other without squabbling and Holmes is so excessively nasty to Watson throughout that I couldn't help but wonder where the friendship had gone.
I can just about forgive these kinds of variations however if all else is good. What I find harder to forgive, in both the author and possibly even more in the editor, are the grammatical howlers that litter this book. Conan Doyle's elegance in use of language is one of the most attractive things about the originals and any pastiche must at least pass the 'writes well' test. Phrases such as 'somebody within the household felt that it was important enough to secrete from within the bedroom of their matriarch' and 'It was only the absolute stillness of the night that rendered the subtle sound which was barely perceptible.' are not only clunky and inelegant, they are just plain wrong.
So for the plotting and sticking within the spirit of the originals, three stars. But the poor quality of the writing means that I will not be looking out for any of the author's other books, I'm afraid.
www.fictionfanblog.wordpress.com
This book is made up of three short novellas and my initial impressions were favourable. The first episode sets out to tell the story of one of the most intriguing of Watson's references in the original tales; that of the politician, the lighthouse and the trained cormorant. In the second, he explains the mysterious reference to the parsley in the butter dish. The final story gives us an opportunity to meet up again with Mrs Watson's employer in The Sign of Four, Mrs Cecil Forrester.
I found the plotting gave the authentic flavour of a Watson narration and the author doesn't tamper too much with the Holmesian world we all know - no female assistants, for instance, thank goodness. However, there were some real problems with these stories as far as I'm concerned. The over-emphasis on Holmes' and Watson's smoking habits really grated after a while. Nearly every paragraph includes a reference to one or other (or both) of them lighting up a pipe, cigarette or cigar. But that paled into insignificance beside their constant cognac swilling. Cognac? I got so irritated by that that I checked and confirmed that never, not once, did they drink cognac in the original. And yet here they're knocking the stuff back at a rate that would suggest serious addiction issues! Also Holmes and Watson rarely speak to each other without squabbling and Holmes is so excessively nasty to Watson throughout that I couldn't help but wonder where the friendship had gone.
I can just about forgive these kinds of variations however if all else is good. What I find harder to forgive, in both the author and possibly even more in the editor, are the grammatical howlers that litter this book. Conan Doyle's elegance in use of language is one of the most attractive things about the originals and any pastiche must at least pass the 'writes well' test. Phrases such as 'somebody within the household felt that it was important enough to secrete from within the bedroom of their matriarch' and 'It was only the absolute stillness of the night that rendered the subtle sound which was barely perceptible.' are not only clunky and inelegant, they are just plain wrong.
So for the plotting and sticking within the spirit of the originals, three stars. But the poor quality of the writing means that I will not be looking out for any of the author's other books, I'm afraid.
www.fictionfanblog.wordpress.com
November 5, 2019
I liked this book!
The stories were developed enough to keep me interested but did not supply too much information, so I was kept in the dark about who the guilty party was right till the end. It was an excellent collection of novella size mysteries. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good mystery, but does not have the time to dedicate to a full novel.
The stories were developed enough to keep me interested but did not supply too much information, so I was kept in the dark about who the guilty party was right till the end. It was an excellent collection of novella size mysteries. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good mystery, but does not have the time to dedicate to a full novel.
November 4, 2019
Well done
The third collection of tales, Gilbert has crafted stories for many of the adventures Watson mentions but never elaborates. Gilbert really captures the Watson's style. Check it out.
The third collection of tales, Gilbert has crafted stories for many of the adventures Watson mentions but never elaborates. Gilbert really captures the Watson's style. Check it out.
February 4, 2014
In this book Paul Gilbert gives us a mercurial Holmes clearly modeled on Jeremy Brett's interpretation of the detective. ( If in doubt, check the bookcover..) Watson's voice is not the way Doyle wrote it, but it's close enough for comfort. The Homes/Watson banter, some Sherlockismus, and "cozy" scenes where the two protagonists are waitng in the dark for something to happen, evokes atmosphere and are true to the spirit of the original stories. Both Holmes and Watson comes across as truly heavy smokers(, which also adds atmosphere). The plots might not be first rate, but certainly not poor - and no worse than most of The Canon. I look forward to read more of Gilbert's Holmes-books!
July 16, 2015
I am such a Sherlock Holmes fan that I am always pleased to discover other authors who have continued the tradition.
There wasn't anything terribly wrong with this book other than the fact that this author made Dr Watson into such a sooky buffoon. He was constantly complaining about some perceived slight or injustice done unto him by his dear friend. He he knows the man better than any other. It got a bit tedious...
There wasn't anything terribly wrong with this book other than the fact that this author made Dr Watson into such a sooky buffoon. He was constantly complaining about some perceived slight or injustice done unto him by his dear friend. He he knows the man better than any other. It got a bit tedious...
November 6, 2013
I liked this continuation of the Sherlock Holmes stories by Paul Gilbert. He seems to have "the ear" for the type of dialogue that Conan Doyle used in the original. I would recommend this book to other Holmes enthusiasts.
July 9, 2015
Another really enjoyable read by Mr Gilbert. Once again he's done superbly to capture Watson's voice and you can tell he writes with a genuine passion as a fan of Holmes. I look forward to reading more from this author.
April 13, 2017
The stories were interesting and it was a pleasant enough read. The book contains 3 novellas where the author challenges himself to write based on referenced ( but unpublished ) Watson stories. (Aren't they all?) But they could be clumsy and the relationship between Holmes and Watson is a bit snarky for my taste. Literary Holmes isn't quite the heartless machine his pop culture manifestations make home out to be and I prefer that friendship over the sparring partner style. There is also a bizarre focus on the two men chain-smoking. I don't understand if the author was tucking in some symbolism i missed, but the action is referenced so frequently that it interupts the narrative. It's an okay read and worth picking up if you find it at the library.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews