When the Rose Speaks Its Name: A Sherlock Holmes Anthology

by Alexandra Fox, EC Boss (editor), S.J. Lock (editor)

When the Rose Speaks Its A Sherlock Holmes Anthology is a collection of original writings and illustrations inspired by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s tales of the great detective Sherlock Holmes. Each work interprets the iconic character through a queer lens in celebration of the deep bond between Holmes and Watson—a relationship which has captured the hearts and minds of readers for generations.

Proceeds from When the Rose Speaks Its A Sherlock Holmes Anthology directly support the non-profit akt and their mission to support LGBTQ+ young people aged 16-25 in the UK who are facing or experiencing homelessness or living in a hostile environment.

Written by EC Boss, Linda M. Crate, Anna Graham Doe, Larc Enciel, Alexandra Fox, S.C. Fraser, Sam Gracie, Narrelle M. Harris, N. Holmes, LF Howard, Lilith Inkwell, Lisbeth King, SM Lawson, S.J. Lock, Bertie M., CS McGuigan, Atlin Merrick, Jaco Mismeander, N.J. Mowry, Eleanor Newell, Holland Parker, Shai Porter, Kyndall Potts, Calais Reno, Em Rowene, Ronit SilverSeeker, Rita Smith, SC Taylor, Booker Wegner, & Carissa Wing

Cover by Anke Eissmann (Khorazir)

Interior Illustrations by Anke Eissmann (Khorazir), chained-to-the-mirror & gooolabatooo.

Genres: Queer

363 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 20, 2024

Reviews

[Austin Shay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This anthology offers a delightful mix of short stories, art, and poetry that truly captivates. It’s refreshing to experience the Victorian era of Arthur Conan Doyle through a lens he never got to explore, making it accessible for all audiences. Even though Sherlock Holmes hasn’t always been my favorite, I thoroughly enjoyed this collection. My personal favorites are “Reigate Redactions,” “Untitled,” “The Not-Quite Date,” “Could Have,” and “Fallen.” Each piece brings its own unique charm, adding depth and emotion to this well-curated selection.

[Lisbeth Kvisten · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful selection of poems, short and longer stories about the great British detective, Sherlock Holmes, and his loyal companion, John Watson, seen through a queer lense. The diversity is refreshing and charming.
Glorious artworks complete this gem of an anthology.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it. I loved it. I am snobbish and wary of self-published works and this one blew me away with its timeliness -- we needed this anthology, now.

[Orion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love seeing all the different takes of these guys. Fun and cute.