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5-Minute Sherlock #3
The Case of the Felonious Faire
When a fiendish fraudster has been fomenting financial falsehoods, who can find the finagler?
The World’s Greatest Detective Agency, of course!
Staffed by the eccentric man who calls himself Sherman Holmes and aided by his ever-composed assistant Watson, the duo will take on cases other agencies might consider helpless, hopeless, or downright preposterous.
Which is how our fearless fellows find themselves investigating a Renaissance faire’s cooked books, with the finger of guilt pointing directly at their client. To prove his innocence, Sherman and Watson will have to join the revelry, triumph in challenges, deal with an unusually aggressive parrot, and uncover the true origins of the seemingly cheerful faire.
The World’s Greatest Detective Agency, of course!
Staffed by the eccentric man who calls himself Sherman Holmes and aided by his ever-composed assistant Watson, the duo will take on cases other agencies might consider helpless, hopeless, or downright preposterous.
Which is how our fearless fellows find themselves investigating a Renaissance faire’s cooked books, with the finger of guilt pointing directly at their client. To prove his innocence, Sherman and Watson will have to join the revelry, triumph in challenges, deal with an unusually aggressive parrot, and uncover the true origins of the seemingly cheerful faire.
Audiobook
First published December 7, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
February 7, 2024
I love this series so much for a very specific reason: I’ve yet to find another series that measures up in combining intrigue with zany/outlandish characters, hilarious jokes, and wild adventures. I was a little disappointed in the mystery in this installment; I kept waiting for a twist or some kind of wtf moment but it never came. I felt a distinct lack of the intrigue that was so present in the first two. That being said, this installment went above and beyond with the Sherman antics, goofy adventures, and character development. It was a wonderful, fast-paced, mac-and-cheesy delight even if it lacked the suspense and puzzling nature of its predecessors.
July 20, 2024
4.3 Fun, well written, interesting characters and premise.
January 19, 2024
I like how the relationship between Watson and Sherman develops, how he becomes more than a charge or a burden, but something akin to a friend, a real companion. The setting is nice in this book too, because Sherman kind of fits better than Watson in the faire environment, so the reversal of the "roles" they play is funny. The fish out of water is not the same character as in the previous books. Overall, I liked it a lot :)
March 12, 2024
Characters: 5*
Plot: 3.5*
Universe: 4*
A very fun and relatively quick read in this universe. Perfect for when you want some low stakes enjoyment of Holmes and Watson.
Plot: 3.5*
Universe: 4*
A very fun and relatively quick read in this universe. Perfect for when you want some low stakes enjoyment of Holmes and Watson.
November 18, 2024
The series continues to occupy my remaining brain cells plus this is based in Oregon.
March 24, 2025
Like I said in my previous review I need like 100 more of these books yesterday this is such a fun series and love Sherman and Watsons dynamic so much this is going to be a series I follow hopefully for another 100 books.
April 11, 2024
This book is great. Read it. Well, read the first two, then listen to this one. In audio. Because it’s good. Trust me.
May 19, 2024
I love this series! It's funny, brilliant, entertaining, with the right amount of action packed into these buddy novels. Scott Aiello has the perfect voice to narrate from Watson's point of view making me fall into these stories even easier. Joel Watson is charged with protecting Sherman Holmes, but new to this volume, Holmes gets the chance to stand up for Watson giving a new layer to the Holmes character. I worry about the end of this book, however. Could this delightful series be coming to an end soon? I hope not!
June 2, 2025
Fun and captivating
I really love this comical reimagining (or more of a reinventing) of a sherlock-esque character. Its not another series trying to be john watson telling storys of the "true Holmes" or another writer claiming all of watsons writings were false and their telling what "REALLY happened". Ive found a couple authors that did the name of sherlock holmes justice with their tales but as a big fan of the original works by sir ACD when authors try and retell the story of watson and holmes in a completely new way it feels cheap to me. Its like the authors want to write a certain type of story but use and abuse the famous names of watson and holmes to get people to read without staying true to what made the characters great in the first place.
THIS book however is nothing like that at all. Its a completely unique story all its own about a man being unwillingly dosed with a drug that basically makes him a sherlock level genius without the ability to focus that intellect say for a 5 minute window once a day. That idea in and of itself is a stoke of genius (much like all Drew Hayes works) but the characters are also very well developed and deep not to mention have alot in common with the original duo (in a vague distant type of way, seperated by over a century). Written masterfully like I've come to expect of Hayes by this point. I honestly dont know how he crafts such entertaining, funny, touching works of art so consistently but he does (and i hope he never stops). Without fail he always knocks it out of the park.
This story takes place in a Renaissance fair where Sherman and Watson are trying to find the culprit of some financial fudgery. The actual mystery aspect of this story in particular wasnt all too intricate, but the real fun of these books lies with the characters and the hijinx they get up to (and there was PLENTY of that to go around). I am sad these books are so short but the type of story it is, its to be expected. I wouldnt really appreciate it being dragged out for the sake of length so overall im extremely pleased with this book and the series as a whole. Seems to be hes setting up for the mysterious character that was hinted at in the last book to make an appearance soon so that should be interesting 🤔
Shout out to Scott Aiello for doin a superb job with the audible narration. Really helps me get lost in the story.
Cant wait for Hayes next fictional perfection!
I really love this comical reimagining (or more of a reinventing) of a sherlock-esque character. Its not another series trying to be john watson telling storys of the "true Holmes" or another writer claiming all of watsons writings were false and their telling what "REALLY happened". Ive found a couple authors that did the name of sherlock holmes justice with their tales but as a big fan of the original works by sir ACD when authors try and retell the story of watson and holmes in a completely new way it feels cheap to me. Its like the authors want to write a certain type of story but use and abuse the famous names of watson and holmes to get people to read without staying true to what made the characters great in the first place.
THIS book however is nothing like that at all. Its a completely unique story all its own about a man being unwillingly dosed with a drug that basically makes him a sherlock level genius without the ability to focus that intellect say for a 5 minute window once a day. That idea in and of itself is a stoke of genius (much like all Drew Hayes works) but the characters are also very well developed and deep not to mention have alot in common with the original duo (in a vague distant type of way, seperated by over a century). Written masterfully like I've come to expect of Hayes by this point. I honestly dont know how he crafts such entertaining, funny, touching works of art so consistently but he does (and i hope he never stops). Without fail he always knocks it out of the park.
This story takes place in a Renaissance fair where Sherman and Watson are trying to find the culprit of some financial fudgery. The actual mystery aspect of this story in particular wasnt all too intricate, but the real fun of these books lies with the characters and the hijinx they get up to (and there was PLENTY of that to go around). I am sad these books are so short but the type of story it is, its to be expected. I wouldnt really appreciate it being dragged out for the sake of length so overall im extremely pleased with this book and the series as a whole. Seems to be hes setting up for the mysterious character that was hinted at in the last book to make an appearance soon so that should be interesting 🤔
Shout out to Scott Aiello for doin a superb job with the audible narration. Really helps me get lost in the story.
Cant wait for Hayes next fictional perfection!
June 9, 2024
MY RATING GUIDE: 4.5 Stars. Unique, fun, and never boring with excellent voice performances. Great job!
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/cute; 3.5= I enjoyed it; 4= I LIKED THIS A LOT; 5= I LOVED THIS; IT WAS GREAT! (I seldom give 5 Stars).
Joel Watson, a former top-level field agent, is now the bodyguard for Sherman Holmes, a unique and very eccentric, potentially dangerous yet incredibly brilliant man who has survived a questionable laboratory experiment by an unknown source. Since the “incident” government doctors and scientists periodically study him, yet Sherman is allowed a life of sorts. He and Watson operate a low-level detective agency.
Case: A new client approaches Sherman and Holmes with his suspicions that he is being framed at his work as an accountant. He proposes that Sherman & Watson attend the final days of the Renaissance Faire, his place of employment, to see if they can ascertain the identity of the perp before they leave the area. In THE CASE OF THE FELONIOUS FAIRE, Sherman & Watson accept a case of magic, dragons & treachery.
Quote ~
“The case is afoot.”
Comments ~
1) THE CASE OF THE FELONIOUS FAIRE is as fun, unique and ridiculous as I remember the earlier books being. I enjoyed it immensely.
2) Scott Aiello was wonderful voicing the various characters. It sounded like he was having a lot of fun with it.
3) I recommend this book and the 3bk series of the “5 Minute Sherlock” to listeners who enjoy tongue-in-cheek humor, unique stories and/or a light-hearted romp. (Check out the blurb if you think this might be for you. I can’t do it justice).
READER CAUTION ~
PROFANITY - Yes. Occasional strong language is used.
VIOLENCE - PG. This is more a piece of light humor than anything else.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - None.
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/cute; 3.5= I enjoyed it; 4= I LIKED THIS A LOT; 5= I LOVED THIS; IT WAS GREAT! (I seldom give 5 Stars).
Joel Watson, a former top-level field agent, is now the bodyguard for Sherman Holmes, a unique and very eccentric, potentially dangerous yet incredibly brilliant man who has survived a questionable laboratory experiment by an unknown source. Since the “incident” government doctors and scientists periodically study him, yet Sherman is allowed a life of sorts. He and Watson operate a low-level detective agency.
Case: A new client approaches Sherman and Holmes with his suspicions that he is being framed at his work as an accountant. He proposes that Sherman & Watson attend the final days of the Renaissance Faire, his place of employment, to see if they can ascertain the identity of the perp before they leave the area. In THE CASE OF THE FELONIOUS FAIRE, Sherman & Watson accept a case of magic, dragons & treachery.
Quote ~
“The case is afoot.”
Comments ~
1) THE CASE OF THE FELONIOUS FAIRE is as fun, unique and ridiculous as I remember the earlier books being. I enjoyed it immensely.
2) Scott Aiello was wonderful voicing the various characters. It sounded like he was having a lot of fun with it.
3) I recommend this book and the 3bk series of the “5 Minute Sherlock” to listeners who enjoy tongue-in-cheek humor, unique stories and/or a light-hearted romp. (Check out the blurb if you think this might be for you. I can’t do it justice).
READER CAUTION ~
PROFANITY - Yes. Occasional strong language is used.
VIOLENCE - PG. This is more a piece of light humor than anything else.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - None.
September 5, 2025
Really liked the first two instalments but this one is no longer fun and means it has reached the end of the line for me. I understand the plot but even at the end I fail to see why the perpetrator chose the route he took, Also, why do authors feel the need to have their main character or (as in this case) his sidekick all of a sudden turn from a more than competent bodyguard into Superman, expert at things he had no experience with before? Moreover, there are some passages that are truly meaningless, especially the chapter about the pickpockets. Hardly any mention of them before and not once more after that, so what was the point? Also, the ending is one even the producers of James Bond and Mission Impossible might find a bit hard to swallow. Finally, the very end suggests there are more sequels to come, sequels that are no longer lighthearted and follow the same script, ie a supervillain who is of course no match for our hero (with or without the help of a hitherto only obliquely mentioned partner). Sorry, three stars but only for the first two books and the first half of this one.
May 28, 2025
Alright, just finished The Case of the Felonious Faire (that's 5-Minute Sherlock #3), and here's the lowdown: I'm giving it a solid 3.5 stars.
It was a fun ride, no doubt. Sherman's antics and his crazy ways are still a highlight, and he really shines at the faire, playing "the world's greatest wizard." That setting was perfect for him. You can really see how Watson has grown to truly care about Sherman, not just as a partner, but as a genuine friend. Their dynamic is a big part of what makes these books enjoyable.
Now, while I enjoyed it, I gotta be honest: the first book, The Case of the Damaged Detective, is still the champ for me. That one had a bit more of the intrigue and mystery that I really dig. This one was more on the quirky fun side, which is great, but I was hoping for a little more of that suspense.
Still, it's a good read, and I've really grown to love Sherman and Watson. I'm definitely hoping for a Book 4 because I'm not ready to say goodbye to these guys yet!
It was a fun ride, no doubt. Sherman's antics and his crazy ways are still a highlight, and he really shines at the faire, playing "the world's greatest wizard." That setting was perfect for him. You can really see how Watson has grown to truly care about Sherman, not just as a partner, but as a genuine friend. Their dynamic is a big part of what makes these books enjoyable.
Now, while I enjoyed it, I gotta be honest: the first book, The Case of the Damaged Detective, is still the champ for me. That one had a bit more of the intrigue and mystery that I really dig. This one was more on the quirky fun side, which is great, but I was hoping for a little more of that suspense.
Still, it's a good read, and I've really grown to love Sherman and Watson. I'm definitely hoping for a Book 4 because I'm not ready to say goodbye to these guys yet!
May 11, 2024
If you need something light and fun but with enough twists and turns to keep you listening, then I recommend the 5-Minute Sherlock audio series by Drew Hayes. There are references in later books to earlier ones, so I recommend listening to them in order, but it's not really necessary. You'll catch on fast enough.
In The Case of the Felonious Faire, Watson, an agent assigned to watch and protect Sherman Holmes (a.k.a., the five-minute Sherlock), would really rather keep their profile low. However, with Sherman, that's never an option. Once he hears about an accountant in distress, one being framed for a financial fall, Sherman takes the case. The only trouble is that it involves a high-profile role-playing Medieval fair. With that, the mayhem is off and running.
A great read. However, now I have to wait for the next installment. Curse you, good writers!
In The Case of the Felonious Faire, Watson, an agent assigned to watch and protect Sherman Holmes (a.k.a., the five-minute Sherlock), would really rather keep their profile low. However, with Sherman, that's never an option. Once he hears about an accountant in distress, one being framed for a financial fall, Sherman takes the case. The only trouble is that it involves a high-profile role-playing Medieval fair. With that, the mayhem is off and running.
A great read. However, now I have to wait for the next installment. Curse you, good writers!
March 22, 2025
Sherman Holmes, the greatest detective in the world, and his assistant Watson are back on the case. This time their client is the accountant for a very unique Renaissance festival. The man with the ability to access five minutes of enhanced cognition and his ex-spy handler will have to go undercover to try and determine who is behind the monetary malfeasance. How will Holmes handle being thrust into this make-believe medieval setting?
As with the other books in the 5-Minute Sherlock series, The Case of the Felonious Faire effortlessly blends mystery, action, and comedy to produce a captivating, entertaining read.
As with the other books in the 5-Minute Sherlock series, The Case of the Felonious Faire effortlessly blends mystery, action, and comedy to produce a captivating, entertaining read.
January 31, 2024
Another enjoyable entry into the series. The character of Sherman Holmes is grating, but the series is well-read for Audible, and so he's tolerable, but that's why the rating is not higher. The characters do develop over the course of each book, and that is an advantage. I would certainly read another one in the future, if there is one.
March 7, 2024
My least favorite from the series. It was pretty good, if a little boring, but it also may be because I've read all 3 book quickly one after the other. I didn't particularly enjoy the setting or the mystery, but I loved learning more about Sherman and his condition, and listening to the audiobook made it better. And after that ending, I can't wait for the next book.
April 21, 2024
I like Drew Hayes's writing. I like Sherlock Holmes. And I like the conceit.
But I don't like this book much.
The characters lack relatability; the plot lacks verisimilitude; and neither the suspenseful nor the comedic moments land.
Perhaps this book would have been better for me had I read the first two books in this series, but as is, I can't recommend the book or series.
But I don't like this book much.
The characters lack relatability; the plot lacks verisimilitude; and neither the suspenseful nor the comedic moments land.
Perhaps this book would have been better for me had I read the first two books in this series, but as is, I can't recommend the book or series.
April 23, 2024
The Case of the Felonious Faire is narrated by Scott Aiello, and he's spot-on. I think I liked the story in large part due to his voice acting. This is a Sherlock-Holmes-esque mystery with a sci-fi setup and silly setting (a renaissance festival). I was impressed by Holmes' speeches, and Watson's handling of situations. Light and entertaining.
February 10, 2025
Character Masterclass
As a mystery, this series disappoints. As a comedy about two strange friends solving mysteries, this series is great. The carefully realized characters are always plausible and themselves, no matter how silly that sounds in summary.
An engaging read, recommended.
As a mystery, this series disappoints. As a comedy about two strange friends solving mysteries, this series is great. The carefully realized characters are always plausible and themselves, no matter how silly that sounds in summary.
An engaging read, recommended.
January 2, 2024
Hayes continues to prove why he is my favorite author! Jumping back into the world of these wonderfully interesting characters and great storytelling was the perfect way to kick off my 2024 reading challenge!
January 10, 2024
3rd book of the 5 minute Sherlock series, not sure why this isn’t showing book #3 on Goodreads yet or why I don’t have ratings for the other two… Anyways, another fun installment with excellent narration!
February 11, 2024
3.25-3.5*
Love the humour, and love the pairing of Sherman and Watson, but this one fell flat compared to Book 2 - the case just wasn't nearly as strong or interesting. That won't stop me from eagerly listening to Book 4 when/if it comes out, though!
Love the humour, and love the pairing of Sherman and Watson, but this one fell flat compared to Book 2 - the case just wasn't nearly as strong or interesting. That won't stop me from eagerly listening to Book 4 when/if it comes out, though!
March 5, 2024
Initial thoughts: That was a lot of fun. Sherman's unique style of speaking really works at a Renaissance Faire. I can also tell that the author loves alliteration lol I'm glad this series is going to be continuing. That ending has me intrigued.
March 24, 2024
Another fun adventure with the condescendingly crazy detective of fictional historical ancestry. While not as good or as suspenseful as the Caggleback Manor episode, I liked the characters and the new possibilities this brings up. Also Moriarty's granddaughter was a fun new addition.
May 16, 2024
Drew Hayes is a masterful writer and I love his humor. As the characters continue to be written he develops them amazingly. I'll be curious where the next adventure takes them as this one I was not interested in at all, but now I actually want to go to a wondering fair. Crazy!
December 12, 2023
Vintage Hayes with his offbeat sense of humor. I laughed out loud a couple of times.
December 16, 2023
This has become a favorite series of mine. Funny, quirky, but actually has heart under the surface.
January 5, 2024
Audiobook
February 7, 2024
These are always fun.
I liked this the best so far because Watson gets something to do other than just watch over Sherman.
I'm looking forward to more of this series.
I liked this the best so far because Watson gets something to do other than just watch over Sherman.
I'm looking forward to more of this series.
February 7, 2024
not my favorite of this series. Too much side-plot focus in my opinion. I did enjoy that the relationship between the two partners has deepened and matured.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews