When a priceless piece of jewelry, an heirloom once presented to Mary, Queen of Scots, is stolen from Lady Carolyn Mowbray, Sherlock Holmes sets out to solve the case
I am very fond of saying time spent with Mr. Sherlock Holmes is never wasted. Happy to report that Sherlock Holmes and the Thistle of Scotland by LB Greenwood confirms my maxim. This tome features a nice mystery that is worthy of Holmes and a satisfying conclusion plus the chemistry between Holmes and Watson is generally right so the book has the proper feel to it.
A highly enjoyable continuation of the Holmes adventures. The mystery is well thought out and logical, and there are so many tidbits of information about the time and place that it is fascinating just as a peek into the past. The author does a good job of capturing the atmosphere and energy of the original stories, even if the syntax/grammar isn't exactly like the original. The slightly more modern phrasing makes it an easier read for the everyday reader.
OK, I'm a sucker for Sherlock Holmes pastiches (not to mention the real thing),and this one is really good. I started to say it's one of the best, but then I thought of how much I love the many great ones I have read. But this does rank right up there. So much so that I immediately started reading the "Case of Sabina Hall" and really wish I could spend more time with this book. " the thistle of Scotland" is a rare jewel on which rests the fate of the Mowbray family and especially daughter Lady Caroline Mowbray. But the Thistle disappears in full view(?) of the guests at the wedding breakfast following Lady Caroline's marriage to fortune-hunter Dolph Stanley. How could this happen, only one man in the world can solve this mystery and so Sherlock Holmes is called in. Mystery that can not be solved? Read the book, and enjoy!
I really enjoyed this book. The writing was clear and descriptive. The plot was tight and succinctly told. The book had the feel of an Agatha Christie mystery and the familiar characters of an Arthur Conan Doyle book. The plot of a precious jewel which goes missing from the hair of the bride on her wedding day was a narrative with many avenues to explore. The intrigue begins as a cast of the wedding party is revealed and the jewel cannot be located within the dinning room where it disappeared. Lot's of clues and hints dropped throughout the story, some of which are relevant to the disappearance and others which add to the depth of the relationships of the characters. L. B. Greenwood is an author I would read again.
I borrowed this book from the Live Oaks Library System in Savannah, GA.
My copy of this hardback is not as illustrated - a mystery in itself ! Victorian social norms aside the "woman's place in society" is at the core of the story. As a mystery with a good solution, it's worthy of SH with despicable characters galore all for personal gain both good and bad earns this one earns 3 stars.
A good story! I figured out how the gem had vanished on page 48, but I still didn't know where it had gone or who had taken it so I still enjoyed the book! It got a little slow and plodding at times but the characterization and the attention to detail made up for it in my opinion. Greenwood is definitely among my favorite authors of Holmes pastiches!
For a Holmes book only 2 stars, it might get 3 from me for another character. I'm afraid I'm just spoiled by Doyle but have enjoyed some other more recent attempts at 'continuations' of Sherlock adventures. Worth a 'go' though. Quick read.
I enjoyoed this one. It's not canon, obviously but the author had the backing of the Doyle estate and did a good job with the characters plus it was nice to see some of Watson with his wife:)