Sherlock Holmes: The Crimson Trail and Other Stories

by Brenda Seabrooke

What is a crimson trail? Is it blood? Or paint? Or yarn? Why would Sherlock Holmes revisit a previously solved case? How could an open window be important and how can a house be blackmailed?

Dr. John Watson reveals the answers to these questions in The Crimson Trail and Other Stories along with cases involving the disappearance of a poet's intended, a Christmas card clue, a missing tiara, a caped murderer, a vampire attack, and a mythical moor creature.

Ten traditional pastiches with a touch of fantasy here and there were published in Holmes anthologies at Belanger Books in the US, MX Publishing in the UK and Proceedings of the Pondicherry Lodge, the Sherlock Holmes Society of India.

Brenda Seabrooke is the author of 22 books for young readers and The Persian Slipper and Other Stories, MX Publishing. Her stories have been published in more than 40 anthologies and literary journals. She received a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Robie Macauley Award from Emerson College and was a finalist for the Edgar Allan Poe Award at Mystery Writers of America.

364 pages, Paperback

Published September 28, 2024

Reviews

[Kelly B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was provided a copy of this audiobook at no cost for review purposes courtesy of MX Publishing.

This book is a collection of ten short stories. From the first story to the last, I felt I’d been whisked away to the foggy streets of Victorian London! The style, the atmosphere, the moments of seriousness and the moments of lightheartedness and banter— it was all delightfully Holmesian. I particularly enjoyed the way the author describes many locations, individuals, and events in more detail than other authors (Doyle included, perhaps) may have. I could picture each scene I my mind’s eye in fantastic detail.

“The Christmas Card Case” may be my favorite in this collection. It was just so heartwarming! I love a nice gruesome murder mystery as much as the next Holmsian, but sometimes it’s a nice change to see Holmes and Watson dealing with something closer to the cozy end of the spectrum, though with no lack of excitement!

“The Open Window” was another of my favorites. I always enjoy when seemingly unconnected characters and events are weaved into the main story, and seeing the more charitable sides of Holmes and Watson while their own finances aren’t in the best shape is a pet favorite motif of mine.

I recommend this collection!

[George Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sherlock Holmes: The Crimson Trail and Other Stories is a thoroughly enjoyable collection of traditional Holmes pastiches that capture the spirit of the original canon while still offering fresh puzzles. Told through Dr. Watson’s perspective, the stories balance sharp deduction with moments of warmth and humanity, allowing Watson’s own intelligence and compassion to shine alongside Holmes’s brilliance. The ten mysteries vary in complexity but remain consistently engaging, blending classic elements blackmail, disappearances, moral dilemmas with the occasional touch of the uncanny. This is a comforting, well crafted collection for longtime Holmes readers who value atmosphere, character, and clever plotting.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book comprises ten excellent short stories.

Brenda Seabrooke's handling of the characters is deft and delightful. Holmes and Watson are well-rounded, and the supporting characters are also very well-handled. Her original characters fairly spring from the page.

I make no secret that I really enjoy reading anthologies. In some ways they give you a broader look at the author's capabilities. Brenda Seabrooke is capable indeed. All the stories were enjoyable. My personal favourites were:
The Return of Spring-Heeled Jack; and
The Christmas Card Case

Highly recommended.

[Christopher Cannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent set of Sherlock Holmes stories that felt like the real ones in their writing and stories. I very much enjoyed them.