The Further Adventures of Sherlock Holmes - The Devil's Promise

Sherlock Holmes Adventures #8

by David Stuart Davies

Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson are holidaying on the English coast when they discover a corpse on the beach… which then disappears. They can get little help from the nearby village, populated by strange and unfriendly characters. Then the corpse suddenly reappears in their cottage and they are attacked by persons unknown. Watson comes to, and discovers that months have passed, and Holmes is not the man he remembers. What has happened to his friend? Does it have something to do with a dead devil worshipper, whose children happen to live in the cursed village?

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Historical Mystery, Horror, Detective, Mystery Thriller, Historical

200 pages, Paperback

First published November 21, 2014

About the author

David Stuart Davies was a British writer. He worked as a teacher of English before becoming a full-time editor, writer, and playwright. Davies wrote extensively about Sherlock Holmes, both fiction and non-fiction. He was the editor of Red Herrings, the monthly in-house publication of the Crime Writers' Association, and a member of The Baker Street Irregulars and the Detection Club.

Reviews

[Ria · Rating 4 out of 5]

do i like reading Sherlock stories? no
do i keep getting them for free? yes
do people like this one? not really
did i enjoy it? surprisingly yes

[D'Ailleurs · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ατυχής στιγμή στη βιβλιογραφία του συμπαθέστατου David Stuart Davies. Ο Γουότσον ταλαιπωρείται, ο Χόλμς διακοσμητικός, η αίσθηση θυμίζει ταινία direct to dvd, προσπεράστε χωρίς τύψεις. Α και για να μην το ξεχάσω, δυσκολεύομαι να διαχειριστώ το γεγονός ότι ο Davies στην λίστα των ηθοποιών που υποδύθηκαν τον Χόλμς δεν μνημονεύει το Ρώσο Vasily Livanov, ΤΟΝ ΚΑΛΥΤΕΡΟ ΧΟΛΜΣ ΣΤΗΝ ΙΣΤΟΡΙΑ ΤΗΣ ΤΗΛΕΟΡΑΣΗΣ/ΚΙΝΗΜΑΤΟΓΡΑΦΟΥ ΠΟΣΕΣ ΦΟΡΕΣ ΝΑ ΤΟ ΠΩ ΠΙΑ.

[Margaret · Rating 2 out of 5]

I will freely admit I was disappointed in this book. It was nowhere near as good as the author's earlier Sherlock Holmes novel "The Seventh Scroll".

The friendship between Holmes and Watson felt off. The ending was horrid. No other word for it.

Personally, I think it would have been better off being truncated for a Charles Prepolec "Gaslight" anthology.

Not recommended.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really think this book is a 2.5, but I just can't give it a three. I enjoyed the first half, but as the second half started, the whole story line just fell apart for me, and it never recovered. There was to much going back and forth with what was happening with Sherlock, that even at the end, I don't think we get a real answer to the mystery with Sherlock. There is way to much abuse on poor old Watson during these 200 pages. I'm surprised, he could remember anything by the time the story ended with all the head hitting, getting into fights, and the chloroform attacks he went through. I wasn't a big fan of how the narrative was written, it didn't feel like it was coming from journal entries written by gentlemen from the late 19th century. Over all, I was just glad to see the end of the book.

[Fred Hughes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of Sherlock's more complicated cases and in fact for a time it appeared that Holmes had joined the satanist cult he was investigating. You can appreciate what this did to Watson.

All soon ends well, at least we think it is until the last line in the book, that introduces a MAJOR TWIST.

Great story pace and assorted bad guys make this a great read. Recommended book as well as the entire "The Further Adventures of Sherlock Holmes"

[Siddhesh Kabe · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am absolutely disappointed in this book. Sherlock Holmes being the sharpest mind of the century, showing him as a vulnerable puppet in the grand scheme of things is an author's dream but this shenanigan is no Sherlock story with demons, magic enchanting and demon rising.
It is just mis-using the rational mind of the century into a half-baked story about satanic ritual in which Watson is abandoned, Holmes and Mycroft suddenly believe in hokum.

[David · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, that was...different. An A+ for characterization, style, and panache. A much lesser grade for the conclusion, which goes against everything Holmesian (from the extreme and unnecessary violence perpetrated by Watson and Holmes to the supernatural elements actually being real). This was a strange one.

[Ken B · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a little disappointed with this one.

It just seemed to draw on and on. Even at 181 pages, it could and probably should have been shorter.

I think a lot of the issue in this one was editing. There were points in which the author uses the same expression or the same wording, even the same blow to the back of the head or hands around the throat are repeated too often. And there is an issue with a stolen pocket watch magically reappears in the next scene only to be gone again in the following. Somebody missed something in this one.

The ending left something to be desired. The reveal was long-winded and the final scene way too open-ended.


3 STARS

[Marianna Sharktooth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Αγαπώ τον Σέρλοκ, είναι από τους πιο έξυπνους και πολυδιάστατους ήρωες που υπάρχουν στη λογοτεχνία. Καθότι λοιπόν προκατειλλημένη, και εφόσον δεν υπάρχουν πολλές ιστορίες του που να μην έχω διαβάσει, απόλαυσα αυτό το βιβλίο. Όμως! Δεν μπορώ να πω ότι η ιστορία με συγκίνησε ιδιαίτερα. Δεν ήταν δεμένη αρκετά, σε σημείο που να αναρωτιέμαι σε κάποια σημεία αν έχασα κατι, ή το προσπέρασα! Επίσης, όλο αυτό το θέμα με τον σατανισμό και τα δαιμόνια, έχει καταντήσει κουραστικό... και όχι, δεν θα ασχολιόταν ο Σέρλοκ με αυτή την υπόθεση, όσο και να τον παρακάλαγε ο Μάικροφτ.
Περίμενα καλύτερα, αλλά η αλήθεια ειναι ότι Σερ Άρθουρ Κόναν Ντόιλ, δεν υπάρχουν πολλοί, και πως κι εμένα αν μου ζήταγαν να γράψω μια ιστορία του, όσο ωραία και να την έστηνα υπάρχει κόσμος που θα έκλαιγε από τα γέλια. Εν κατακλείδι λοιπόν, (γιατί είναι και περίεργη περίοδος...) νιώθω ευγνωμοσύνη για την ύπαρξη μιας ακόμη ιστορίας Σέρλοκ, την οποία ρούφηξα, αλλά θα προτιμούσα μια άλλη θεματολογία, για να είμαι ικανοποιημένη πλήρως.

[WhatShouldIRead · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and think that this series will be one of my go-to reads when I need to escape real life for a bit. The author really caught the atmosphere of Sherlock and Watson and the setting was well described as well (and pretty spooky).

The only quibble I had was - and this may be a spoiler so beware - Watson was robbed and his watch taken, yet a little later in the story he looked at his watch to see what time it was. Just a minor editing thing or maybe I missed something and read it the wrong way.

Either way, I recommend this mystery if you are in the mood for a good mystery which has deception, a gothic feel, an eerie town, people who are not who they seem and a generally well told tale.

[Evi Routoula · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ο Σέρλοκ Χολμς και ο Δρ. Γουάτσον έρχονται αντιμέτωποι με μια ομάδα σατανιστών. Μετριότατη περιπέτεια χωρίς ιδαίτερο σασπένς.

[Ronny Kjelsberg · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. Neiter works as a Sherlock novel, nor read as a horror-novel, independently.

As Sherlock novel the plot is too based on 'ghost in the machine' breaking with the premise of the novel. As a horror novel, it is too formularistic.

[Jonathan · Rating 3 out of 5]

If it’s a fresh take on Sherlock Holmes you are looking for then this is definitely a good place to start, but as is often the case with Sherlock parodies, this story is a great idea never really explored to its full potential. The structure and tone is very different to Doyle’s original tales and although it is still Watson who narrates the story he seems like a completely different character here.
The opening chapters were the most engaging and enjoyable, but the story just seemed to unravel as it continued. After a good opening it became very frustrating to read, as Holmes was barely present, and despite the commonly used idea of Watson often being kept in the dark by his companion’s superior logic and intellect, it felt overdone as Holmes did not tell Watson anything at all. So we then have to follow Watson’s increasing unbelievable and blundering attempts to discover the truth, he even recruits his own sidekick at one point for no conceivable reason.
However there is still a sense of a break from the norm and despite the flaws it was interesting to see Holmes seemingly fail as he genuinely does appear to be beaten this time around. Yet even with this twist, the ending is a little disappointing and fails to fully realise the potential of the premise.
One surprising element is how clearly you see that this story along with Davies’ other Sherlock tales, are an obvious influence on the BBC’s modern take “Sherlock”. In fact the edition I read included a foreword written by Mark Gatiss, who is of course a co-writer on the series.

[Charlotte Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gripping read full of suspense and you can sense the evil that makes its presence known throughout the story. Super portryal of the friendship between Holmes and Watson as they investigate strange goings on as they take a break in the countryside and find a body. As the investigation continues they become embroiled in a Darkness that threatens them both. One word of warning. Don't read this book at night. You will have nightmares as soon as you put your light out of Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson doing battle with the forces of Evil. A super Sherlock Holmes story for Halloween or indeed those harsh winter evenings!

[Morgan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Usually I can forgive a lot because I have a weak spot for the paranormal, but....this was a tough one to swallow. Holmes' mannerisms and relationship with Watson felt "off", even when they weren't supposed to.

Also surprising because I enjoyed the author's other Holmes pastiche, 'The Scroll of the Dead'. Unfortunately, I'd recommend avid Sherlock Holmes fans pass on this one.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Can't say I was a huge fan of this one. It really hits a lot of buttons - Holmes is acting weird, Watson can't remember anything from a vacation they took, Watson working to solve his own darn problems, possible occult/black magic - but I just didn't fall in love with it the way I thought I would. I read it one sitting, it was engaging, but it's not something I'd be rushing out to read again.

[Laurali · Rating 2 out of 5]

A bit disappointing as the author is supposed to be an expert on Holmes. I feel he just didn't capture the relationship or the inner workings of Holmes and Watson.

[Steven Haeberle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not of fan of Sherlock and the supernatural

[Mabji · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wenn ich könnte, würde ich dem Buch 3,5 Stern geben.
Geht aber nicht, also habe ich abgerundet.
Im Großen und ganzen kann man schon sagen, dass die Geschichte spannend geschrieben war. Der Plot war durchdacht und hatte viele unerwartete Wendungen und auch das Spielen mit der Zeitlinie hat die Sache noch interessanter gemacht.

Leider gibt es auch zwei große Mankos für mich.
Erstens ist die ganze Beziehung zwischen Holmes und Watson hier regelrecht unterkühlt bis abwesend. Ja, ich weiß. Manche werden das für übertrieben halten, aber für mich ist das unerschütterliche Vertrauen der beiden ineinander auch in den schlimmsten Zeiten einer der Bausteine zum Lesevergnügen.
Und zweitens ist das Ende einfach total daneben! Ich habe nichts dagegen in die Welt des Sherlock Holmes das Mystische einzubauen. Im gegenteil finde ich das sogar erfrischend. Aber hier anzudeuten, dass Sherlock nun zu einem Teil des Bösen wird, halte ich für ziemlich daneben.
Ganz davon abgesehen, dass ich es auch nicht sonderlich ansprechend fand, dass sein Verstand hier so übermannt wurde. Wenn es etwas gibt, was unseren Meisterdetektiv auszeichnet, dann ist es sein klares Denken, welches hier so gut wie gar nicht vorkam!

So fies es klingen mag, ich frage mich, ob der Autor einfach nicht dazu in der Lage war Sherlocks logische Denkweise nachvollziebar niederzuschreiben und es daher einfach bleiben gelassen hat.

Fazit: Solide Basis, furchtbares Ende!

[Kim · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’m kind of surprised that I read this book to the end, but it was short enough to hope it would improve as I went along and written well enough to hold my attention. I had high hopes that the author, with his background as a Sherlock Holmes expert, would create a story that read like it was written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. I was disappointed, however, that (imho) he did not capture 1) Doyles’ “voice,” 2) the nuances of the characters or relationship between Holmes and Watson, or 3) the type of mystery in Doyle’s stories. I fully agree with other reviewers who pointed out their dislike of combining Sherlock Homes and supernatural, portraying Holmes as a puppet in someone else’s evil plot, the amount of violence (particularly on and by Watson), problems with editing (e.g. the stolen/reappearing/missing pocket watch, the use of some American nouns, at least one description of behavior that didn’t sound like it was in the late 19th century), and the open-ended twist dropped at the very end of the book. Postscript: It’s interesting that a couple of reviewers did like other Sherlock Holmes stories by this author…

[Jim Collins · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoy reading Holmes pastiches and I've enjoyed other Holmes stories by Davies, but I can't recommend this one. It was nice to see Watson take the lead in this, but Holmes presence was almost non-existent and what there was of him did not feel like the Holmes that we know and love. Instead of the sharp-witted, logical and slightly irascible Sherlock Holmes, who should always be one step ahead of the villain, we get a dull, morose pretender who sleptwalk through the whole story. The premise is that devil- worshipers in a small town need Holmes as a vessel for their master to bring him to earth. Yes, the story is supernatural in its basic premise and I have no problem with that, even though supernatural stories fly in the face of what Doyle intended for his original stories. I can suspend my disbelief and enjoy Holmes and Watson in a supernatural or fantastic setting...as long as the writer lets the two men stay true to their characters. I can excuse even that if the story is enjoyable and fun, but this one is neither. The twist at the ending is also unforgivable and made the whole story pointless in the extreme.

[Garyu Ide · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Further Adventures of Sherlock Holmes: The Devil's Promise (Paperback)
by David Stuart Davies

I had seen few movies and read few book about Holmes but this was definitely not the best one.
To be honest This is not really good as I thought.
Well it was not the worst mystery novel but it might be one of the worst from the Sherlock Holmes series.
But it was really well structured if you compare with those real bad mystery books.
I t was not really my cup of tea though.
But i guess it was still fine.

[Lari · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was unsure about this one, but it was actually really good. I loved that some bits were from Holmes' perspective, and I loved that Watson got to do some of his own investigating, and be a hero! It was also fun to see Thurston from the club in his first on-page appearance. It wasn't really a surprise that the Blackwoods were evil, or even that Blackwood Sr was alive, but I loved the suspense of how much Holmes was compromised, and if Arabella Blackwood could be trusted or not.

A story I'd probably read again.

[Kieran McAndrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

A broken down Holmes is brought to recuperate in Devon by Dr Watson, but when a dead body mysteriously disappears from the beach near their holiday home, a new case seems to be just what Holmes needed.

When Watson is accosted, waking up in London with no memory of events, he begins to become suspicious of his oldest friend and his intentions.

Davies' novel has just the right combination of chills and thrills and he captures the style of a Holmesian adventure extremely well.

[Thxlbx · Rating 3 out of 5]

More supernatural than mystery. I thinking the ending was supposed to be a plot twist or creepy....but it did not do much except maybe setup a sequel.

Average. Quick read. I have two more Sherlock Holmes by the same author...if they were not such quick reads I would probably skip them, but I got them from the library so I will probably go ahead and give them a quick read.

Just goes to show that nothing is as good as the original.

[Lily Ashton · Rating 3 out of 5]

A recent story of Sherlock Holmes told efficiently by Doctor Watson. Encouraged to take a break, Holmes and Watson stumble across a village where strange things happen, including the Sherlock's kidnap. Watson is unconvinced by Sherlock's insistence that all is well and determines to investigate the case himself. It was enjoyable enough, though this wasn't my favourite Holmes and Watson story.

[Jennifer Bowers · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are SO MANY Sherlock Holmes imitators out there, trying to reproduce the voice of Conan Doyle. Most of them fall short, but I like Davies. The story itself is a bit meh, but he got the voice pretty good.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining, but far-fetched. Some of the dialogue and actions seemed very un-Holmes like, but he is supposedly under another's power. Would rate it 3.5- because of surprise ending.

[Calvin Daniels · Rating 4 out of 5]

More a 3.7 but still a fine read that is a bit more fantasy than usual for SH.

[Samantha Pajor · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked it as it started out, but near the end the author made a choice that didn't fit with the world he was writing in.