The Definitive Furies Collection

Sherlock Holmes

by Pennie Mae Cartawick

Twenty Compelling Sherlock Holmes Crime Mysteries In One Complete Book:

Also available in paperback.

1. The Mystery of the Poisoned Tomb
2. The Mystery of the Faceless Bride
3. The Case of the Cracked Mirror
4. A Strange Affair with the Woman on the Tracks
5. The Curse of a Native
6. The Case of the missing Mayan Codices
7. Murders on the Voyage to India
8. The Heist
9. The Game of Cat and Mouse
10. Death in the Tropics of an English Explorer
11. Double Trouble in York
12. NOT SO MERRY IN GOOD OL’ SCOTLAND
13. Bumbling Caper on the Swiss Alps
14. Dirty Laundry in Paradise
15. The Castle Orphans
16. Watson to the Rescue
17. The Uncanny Disappearance of Miss Ellis
18. Mysterious Murders Surround the Whistling Tavern
19. The Hex of a Gypsy Woman
20. The Perilous Jester

These are the first twenty crime mysteries together in one large collection taken from a string of new short stories set in the late 19th century. No fictional character is more renowned for his powers of thought and observation than Sherlock Holmes and his faithful companion Dr. John Watson.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction

243 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 12, 2014

About the author

Born: Catherine Cartawick.
Pennie Mae Cartawick is a best selling author of both fiction and nonfiction books. Her work is based on a variety of subjects including weight management and nutrition, recipe books, horror novelettes, and short Sherlock Holmes mysteries.
She was born in the city of Sheffield in South Yorkshire, England and emigrated to Florida in 1993.

http://penniemaecartawick.wordpress.c...
View my original paintings at:
http://penniemaecartawick.wix.com/mysite

Reviews

[Stephen Seager · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sherlock Holmes: The Definitive Furies Collection by Pennie Mae Cartawick - a native of England now living in Florida -is an engaging, vivid collection of twenty new stories about the endlessly entertaining, storied British Sleuth. Told with an infectious enthusiasm and an obvious love of the subject, Cartawick brings the reader -from the first person perspective of Dr Watson - to a diverse array of exotic destinations: Egypt, "Darkest Africa", India with a nod to the Mayans and, of course, the requisite train journeys through the English countryside. Along the way we meet disfigured corpses. ancient books with mysterious writing, many murky murders and serpentine conundrums, all solved in the end by the resident of 221-B Baker Street, the peerless Holmes. Among the twenty stories, my favorite was, "The Case of the Missing Mayan Codices." And without giving away any surprise endings, the solution to the story was "Elementary, my dear Watson."
Forgiving some idiosyncratic formatting issues, this collection of Sherlock Holmes tales is engaging and enjoyable. Well done, Ms Cartawick...

[Valerie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is really a 1.5 stars saved from a 1* only because I did finish it, but it got worse the further through the book I went. First the book needs a good grammatical editing. The constant misused words, run on sentences, incorrect punctuation, and long conversations with no clue about who was saying what made the book very difficult to follow. If you are looking for a book with stories that capture the spirit and style of Conan-Doyle's Holmes stories then keep moving on. This does not. The stories also completely miss the Victorian/Edwardian setting. The worst thing though is each story changes the characterization of our heroes. in the early ones we see a Holmes and Watson who are almost recognisable. Then we get a Watson who is afraid of his shadow, to one who blindly trusts his companion, then one who saves the day while Holmes is in a drunken stupor. Holmes goes from being a friendly man with a special smile to being so mysterious that the he endangers Watson with his withheld information, to one who is almost demented. This book reads more like a compilation of many authors' mediocre takes on Holmes than on one author's collection of stories.

[Lance Morcan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most definitely a 5 Star read!


Overdosed on Sherlock Holmes? I thought I was...until Pennie Mae Cartawick came along. Her collection of mystery/crime/detective stories – each a gem in itself – makes for an entertaining read even for the most jaded Sherlock Holmes fan.

My favorites, in no particular order, would have to be Murders on the Voyage to India, Bumbling Caper on the Swiss Alps and The Hex of a Gypsy Woman.

The fluid writing style and attention to detail do justice to the tales, individually and collectively. And the book’s format – essentially 20 stand-alone stories in one – makes for an effortless read.

Love the color images throughout, too!

This reviewer is once more a Sherlock Holmes fan.

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every short story in this marvelous collection was like opening up a party favor with an enchantment of lighthearted moments, mesmerizing mystery, heightened suspense and detailed descriptions inside, the pictures were also a wonderful asset to the atmosphere of each Sherlock Holmes story. I've always liked Sherlock Holmes, my favorite Arthur Conan Doyle book of Sherlock Holmes is the "Hound of the Baskervilles." Ms. Cartawick brought "my good man" Sherlock Holmes back to life keeping the true essence of this classic and historical character pure and untarnished. Every story including Holmes and Watson was written with a fine delicate stroke of absolute genius. Bravo, Ms. Cartawick! I am in your debt for allowing me to read your exceptional work of one of my all time favorites.

[Shubhra · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Case of the Missing Editor

Holmes: Have you observed what is missing in these published works of our cases?
Watson: That's easy - we're missing an Editor!
Holmes: You're scintillating today, Watson!

Will be how a conversation would go, were Holmes and Watson to chance on these works. That is the key problem with this work.

Warning: Spoilers Ahead!

However, much regretfully, there are many issues and improbabilities in this collection:
1 - The Mystery of the Poisoned Tomb: Apart from abrupt changes in proverbs making characters almost mixed up, Holmes and Watson not commenting on a poisoning attempt on them is carrying things a bit too far
2 - The Mystery of the Faceless Bride: Are there no hospitals? Or conscience? Or punishment for heinous crimes?
3 - The Case of the Cracked Mirror: Holmes lets a madman go away unpunished? Why?
4 - A Strange Affair with the Woman on the Tracks - A convoluted spy story, with one-sided characters and hardly any exposition... And a needless ghost at the end?
5 - The Curse of a Native - Told from Holmes's perspective, no mystery at all...
6 - The Case of the Missing Mayan Codices - A rare good story, with a lack of suspects making it a rather transparent affair
7 - Murders on the Voyage in India - Watson, a seasoned campaigner, seasick? And a needless Moriarty connection
8 - The Heist - A rare good case, which earns this book 1 of its 2 stars
9 - The Game of Cat and Mouse - No link between introduction and the case
10 - Death in the Tropics of an English Explorer - Lack of suspects and too long a description, abrupt ending
11 - Double Trouble in York - Another good story, which earns this book its second star
12 - Not So Merry in Good Ol' Scotland - Watson so grievously injured, and Holmes not even concerned even an iota?
13 - Bumbling Caper on the Swiss Alps - The story stumbles, and is too linear for a Holmes story
14 - Dirty Laundry in Paradise - Again too linear
15 - The Castle Orphans - Incoherent account
16 - Watson to the Rescue - Holmes Drunk on a Case?!
17 - The Uncanny Disappearance of Miss Ellis - A Thin Youth getting the better of Holmes - a Baritsu expert, and Watson - a soldier medic?
18 - Mysterious Murders Surround the Whistling Tavern - Holmes would never let Watson be so degenerate
19 - The Hex of a Gypsy Woman - No case, just some mystery illness and a magical cure
20 - The Perilous Jester - Watson would never walk away in the middle of a vigil, and Holmes would never allow him to go away in such dangerous conditions

[Rosie Morgan · Rating 2 out of 5]

That super sleuth, Mr Holmes lives again through the writings of Pennie Mae Cartawick, accompanied, of course, by the ever-faithful Dr Watson.
This is an enjoyable collection of short stories, each one a different challenge for the redoubtable Holmes.
The settings vary, travelling across continents, whisking the reader from places as diverse as Egypt, France or Britain.
And throughout the adventures facing the duo the author conjured up the true feeling of both Holmes and Watson, both in their interactions and relationship.
One of my favourite stories had to be, ‘A strange affair of the woman on the tracks’; there’s a wonderful twist in the tale/tail, worthy of the original creator of Holmes and Watson! It’s atmospheric, conjuring up a true feel of the time and the place; the characters are well written and believable - while the mystery needs to be solved before .the kindle is switched off.
Well done Pennie Mae Cartawick!

[Ron Voigts · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the tradition of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, SHERLOCK HOLMES: The Definitive Furies Collection presents case studies in the adventures Holmes and Watson, taking the reader from the back streets of London to the Swiss Alps and beyond. "The Mystery of the Faceless Bride" tells the tale of a woman climbing from a grave, wearing a bridal dress, carrying dead flower, and her face is gone, leaving only a gaping mouth. "The Case of the Missing Mayan Codices" tracks the disappearance of manuscripts from the Dresden Library that may hold the location of treasures beyond imagination. "The Uncanny Disappearance of Miss Ellis" investigates the disappearance of a sixteen-year-old girl, abruptly taken from her room. Pennie Mae Cartawick tells twenty tales in all of mystery and intrigue that is a must read for Sherlock Holmes aficionados and fans of the detective from 221B Baker Street.

[C.D. Gorri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would like to thank the author for allowing me to read this thoroughly enjoyable collection! Each adventure sucks you in and captivates as a great mystery should. I found myself completely lost in the book which is a huge compliment. The stories are entertaining and the detailed imagery make you feel as if you are there. Her portrayal of Dr. Watson is spot on in his role as caretaker and partner and I am glad to see a Sherlock who is a bit more relatable than he is normally portrayed. Sherlock and Watson are back and I couldn't be more thrilled!
I also wanted to say how incredibly brave it is of the author to take on such iconic characters and make them her own. Well done! I have never been a huge Sherlock fan but these stories are great and I imagine any die hard fans out there would be super excited to read them! Highly recommended!

[Richard Mellon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short story collection

Good collection of stories all are true to the way we love to see Holmes and Watson working to alive the case ... Most are in the normal form a few have the story told by Holmes so we get his view of Watson and his value on the cases ...

[Carolyn Dischinger · Rating 3 out of 5]

incorrect spelling and incorrect word usage was very distracting from the stories.

[C.J. Anaya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a huge fan of mystery, and I enjoy the legendary Sherlock Holmes mysteries, but there were several things about this particular volume of shorts that pulled me from the story time and time again. The formatting was difficult to follow at times. I couldn't figure out who was speaking due to the fact that the text ran together with very few paragraph breaks for dialogue. Grammatical errors were abundant throughout the various stories, and most stories seemed a bit rushed with a serious lack of exposition and set-up. For example: In The Mystery of The Poisoned Tomb, the discovery of Aman's dead body is stated with nothing leading up to it. One moment Holmes and Watson are walking into the Tomb and then, "I couldn't wait to see if there really was a Pharaoh in the next room. There was a body on the ground. It was Amun." We don't get much setting, mood, or internal dialogue as to how Watson is processing this since it is from his point of view.

That's not to say the mysteries are not well conceived, because many of the plots are extremely intriguing, enough so that I continued on, but the stories are so short there is hardly enough time for the author to incorporate the necessary fundamentals of writing in order to carry the plots off without a hitch. Many questions arise, and Holmes and Watson tend to switch personalities at times. This was especially noticeable in The Perilous Jester when Holmes uncharacteristically insists they involve the police and Watson is the one intent on solving the case without them.

There are many things I did enjoy about this collection. I thought The Mystery of The Faceless Bride started off with a bang. Having Mercy show up in the middle of the night, bruised and bleeding grabbed my attention, and the idea that a bride without a face was haunting a cemetery and kidnapping college students was brilliant. I really think the author has a gold mine in this single plot line, and I would love to see her write a full blown novel exploring the mystery of this situation. It could start off with an urban legend of a faceless bride as the prologue and then build from there. Just an idea, but one the author could definitely run with.

There is light humor scattered throughout the various stories, but one recurring theme that I thought rather endearing was Watson's delight in thinking he finally had Holmes on Holiday, only to discover that their vacation was the new location for yet another case. I enjoyed The Case of The Cracked Mirror and its nod to The Phantom of The Opera. The set-up, though rushed, was intriguing and Christine Daae's disappearance doesn't turn out as you might expect. This is yet another plot line that could be written into a fantastic, full-length novel. In fact most of these short stories read more like a summary or outline for a full-length novel.

I enjoyed reading cases from Holmes' point of view, simply because getting into his mind and experiencing those discoveries when he does and how he does is better than seeing it from Watson's point of view. The Castle Orphans and The Perilous Jester were intriguing because of this.

On the whole I think there is quite a bit of potential here, but rewrites and edits are necessary to make this collection of short stories all that it could be. Some review on plot, character development, orchestration etc. would help the author to strengthen the weaker parts. There's plenty of good here to build upon, and I sincerely hope the author continues on with these stories.

[Joshua Blum · Rating 5 out of 5]

There have been so many iterations of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes – in television, film, and on paper, both traditional and modern, that it’s nice to get back to what made the character so enduring. Pennie Mae Cartwick’s Sherlock Holmes collection gives you twenty short stories that do just that. It’s been about twenty years since I've read any Sherlock Holmes material, so I’m by no means an expert, but I found the descriptions of the Victorian era, with its gilded fineries and cobblestone streets, perfect for the stories. The depictions of Holmes and Watson also seemed spot on. There were even some extrapolations of the characters that gave us readers a view what it might be like to be around these characters.

A common theme weaving through this collection of stories (most of which involve some kind of femme fatale or lover’s quandary, which may be why it is titled as it is), is that Watson and Holmes, tired of assisting other people with their problems, just want some rest and relaxation during an occasional holiday (e.g. to Jamaica, to a ski lodge, etc). But no rest for the dynamic duo, as their reputation clearly proceeds them. So these little touches of humanity help bring life to the characters.

My favorite stories were near the latter quarter of the book – we see additional sides of Holmes (as he helps some children in an orphanage and gets drunk but still saves the day), and Watson (as he gets to take a more active roles in a number of cases, including saving Holmes from a so-called curse). The addition of some stories told from Holmes’ perspective and the photographs interspersed throughout the text were nice touches. There are some areas which could probably use another editing pass, but they are fairly minor and don’t detract from the overall entertainment value of the book, which is otherwise easy to read and could be enjoyed by both adults and children.

[Kelly Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sherlock Holmes by Pennie Mae Cartawick

I was given a copy of this book to review.

On the first page of this short story in this collection, you are struck by how well the author has stuck to the character’s voice and setting. Everything is ‘ghastly’ and ‘what the devil’, and they even drink ‘Claret’. Everything is accurate, from their clothing, to the horse and trap transportation and the class distinction. It is exactly what I would have pictured Sherlock Holmes world to be like. I thought this area was especially well done.

Being short stories, and especially being Sherlock Holmes short stories, you can expect clues in everyline through the text. Read carefully and you might even achieve Sherlock Holmes status (I didn’t get there).

My very favourite was the ‘Phantom of the Opera’ story. She inserted Holmes' and Watson’s presence into the setting faultlessly. As you read through the other stories, you may even recognise one or two of the storylines which she has adapted. Illustrations throughout help to give you an idea of just what the famous pair are up to.

I enjoyed how the narrator swapped between Holmes and Watson. I also liked that, as the stories went on, we learned a bit more about Holmes and Watson. From other work I have seen and read about Sherlock Holmes I think she has portrayed his genius, frankness and his ‘need-to-know’ attitude very well. While reading, you come to assume the author has travelled to all of these place. If she hasn’t, then I can only commend her on her amazing setting.

This delivers exactly what it describes. A collection of short stories. Perfect to have on the bedside table for a short, satisfying read at the end of the day.

[Fred Schäfer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sir Arthur Ignatius Conan Doyle was a British writer and physician, best known for his fictional stories about the detective Sherlock Holmes. He passed away on July 7, 1930. I don’t know when Pennie Mae Cartawick, the author of the new Sherlock Holmes book series, was born. Judging by the photo on Amazon’s Pennie Mae Cartawick webpage, I am quite certain that she was born several decades after Sir Arthur Ignatius Conan Doyle’s departure. This makes me think – suspect, actually – that she is a reincarnation of the original author of the Sherlock Holmes’ books.
I am one of her fans. I have read a few of her books and have just finished reading another one: “SHERLOCK HOLMES: The Definitive Furies Collection”. This is a major work, both as far as its volume and the quality of its contents is concerned. I am also a fan of Sir Arthur Ignatius Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes stories. I have a bit of a feeling for his plot development and for his style of writing. Both is very unique and not easily imitated. Having said that, I bet, give ten readers one of the original Sherlock Holmes stories to read and one written by Pennie Mae Cartawick, most readers will not be able to tell you which one is which. Pennie Mae Cartawick is a master Sherlock Holmes story creator and each of her books, but especially the collection of crime mysteries contained in this very substantial volume, is proof of her enormous skills – or of my reincarnation theory. It doesn’t really matter. This book is good entertainment, which I am happy to recommend, not only to Sherlock Holmes fans, but to everybody who enjoys crime fiction. Five stars from me.

[Cora Pop · Rating 5 out of 5]

From an archaeological dig in Egypt through the Opera House in Paris to Africa, exotic characters, locales and objects are all brought together in a clever mixture of suspense, detective work, humour, and eerie, genuinely scary moments.

“Holmes leaned forward and I noticed Mercy shifting uneasily. At that moment Holmes resembled the elongated shadow of a cat that was waiting for a mouse to appear. Although the young woman had arrived beaten and in desperate need of our help, there was nothing interesting about a fight; the police could run after attackers. Holmes wanted an intrigue.”

The language is mostly modern but with enough elements of the era to give it that special flavour. Its modernity though conveys to the stories the fast pace that makes them extremely readable, even often times “edge of the seat” readable.

“She stalked past him, muttering under her breath and forking her fingers in what she most obviously thought was a meaningful manner. Some of her gargled jargon reached a whining pitch, achieving a sound not unlike that of a mosquito. When she reached the edge of the street, she looked back and crackled shrilly at us before continuing on her way. I watched her departure with no lack of puzzlement.
“I say, dear fellow, you do have a way with the ladies.”
“Indeed, Watson, so it would appear.””

Among my favourites are “The Mystery of the Faceless Bride” and “The Hex of a Gypsy Woman” but I loved the entire collection. Actually, every time I put it down, I felt compelled to pick it up again and read another story…

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I’m really glad that I did!

[Devi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a fan of Sherlock Holmes by default and when Pennie sent me a copy to read and review, I had already liked the book right from the name. The only disappointment I felt was when the book was over and I realized that the journey ended. The stories lived up to my expectations of Sherlock and Watson, although at times, Pennie made Sherlock more human than Sir Doyle had done, but I have no complaints. It was refreshing to see Sherlock actually feeling some emotions for a change.
Right from the first story of Poisoned tomb where Holmes and Watson went to Egypt to solve a murder in a tomb, the story goes full fledged head on and every story just keeps on raising the level of suspense and wonders.
Pennie has also managed to put in the phrases we associate with Holmes, like "Elementary, dear Watson" into the stories. For those puritans who say Sherlock never have actually said those lines in any books, now comes the books where Sherlock has actually said it and now we can safely use those words too.
The twenty stories that follows are really nice and you just feel like Sir Doyle has come back from the grave only to meet you (and I mean it in the nicest possible way. Kindly dont go around seeing his ghost)
I loved the short stories of Sherlock and would humbly request Pennie to keep writing more and more Sherlock stories. The world can never have enough of the tweed capped magnifying glass holding detective who manages to outsmart the Scotland Yard every single time.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sherlock Holmes Definitive Furies Collection by Pennie Mae Cartawick
(minor violence, mild language, occult) This doesn’t quite have the depth of Doyle’s Holmes. It is a collection of short stories that feature Sherlock Holmes and Watson as characters. That said, if you like Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes, you will probably not like this. However, if you have struggled in the past to read Doyle’s works, and enjoy lighter, easier to read mysteries, you will probably find these entertaining. I liked the pictures scattered throughout as they were in books of old.

The bad side of this book was definitely the editing. The author wavers inconsistently between British and American English spelling and grammar conventions. Also, I felt as if some of the stories were a little rushed in places and that led to unclear resolution. My favorite story was The Mystery of the Faceless Bride. My least favorite was The Case of the Cracked Mirror, which could have been subtitled: “Sherlock Holmes meets the Phantom of the Opera.”

I received this book free from the author for an honest review. To keep my star rating unbiased on books I receive for review exchanges, I have developed a matrix available in a cataloged (11-9-2014) blog post for “On Being a Writer,” which I used on this book.

[Stephan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detective stories: A blend of Agatha Christie and Conan Doyle

Twenty intriguing and uncanny stories written in an eloquent diction: Moreover, the ambiance of Sherlock Holmes and his associate Doctor Watson whose admiration of Holmes’s brilliant faculty to solve all mysteries fills the reader with curiosity from the very first moment. The events take place all around the globe and the reader is smitten with the chilling and dreadful shadows of the supernatural. The reader, furthermore, is infused with reassurance and guarantee that Holmes is on the top of all things and that there is nothing that escaped his keen eye and acute analytical mind. Doctor Watson does not fall much behind Holmes as credit for solving some cases, like in The Hex of a Gypsy Woman, renders Watson as a mastermind himself. The plots were terrific, a fact which gave the reader an appetite for catharsis each time. I recommend this book to all fans of Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson. My favorite stories in this collection were ‘The case of the missing Mayan codices’ and ‘The Castle Orphans’. I’ve watched many series of Sherlock Holmes on television, and yet it wouldn’t surprise me if a film maker will pick up this book and create a new series out of it. These stories are brilliant film manuscripts.

[Emilia · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a teenager I loved reading Sherlock Holmes stories. That’s how I was taken into the whole world of mystery. No wonder I was very curious to read the new ones that keep showing up nowadays :)
Just a few days ago I had opportunity to read this collection. I have to say I was filled with lots of mixed feelings while reading it. First and foremost – the stories themselves were fun to read, some more complicated than the other, few with really good intrigue in it. Plots interesting enough, overall – simply good, entertaining read. And had it not be that the main characters were supposed to be the world’s finest detective and his trusty sidekick I’d say – great collection. But they were, and I have to say they not always fitted well... It seemed to me sometimes Sherlock “forgot” he is the almost magically brilliant one, lost some of his secrecy, talked and explained way too much... also depended too much on Watson... It was not the Sherlock I remembered...
As the mystery-collection itself – it was pretty good read though :)

[Jenalee Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this Sherlock Holmes series was engaging and suspenseful! The author kept me interested by building the characters, setting and plots perfectly for each of the many unique mysteries. It was fun to try to solve each one just like Holmes. The dialogue is fun, upbeat, and reads fast. Holmes and Watson have a relationship that keeps you wanting more of them. Many times I found myself laughing at the way Holmes delivers his intelligence to those around him; he is such a good character. He really comes to life in these mysteries. The author introduces new characters along the way that each will stir an emotion within and get you connected closer to the story. This is a great book for anyone looking to be taken away on a new adventure (or twenty). There are also some mysteries set in different parts of the world. The style of this book keeps you in suspense for each new mystery as it comes forward. It is hard to say which one I enjoyed the most.

[G.F. Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sherlock Holmes
The Definitive Furies Collection

Pennie Mae Cartawick

If you love the stories of the master detective, this is a great book to add to your reading list. The stories are short, easy reads, and the work is nicely illustrated. As with any Holmes stories, there are numerous twists and timed deliveries of clue and content that I found myself trying to figure out as the stories progressed.

I did amaze myself a few times as I did figure out ahead of time what was going to unfold, but most of the time I didn’t. That’s the fun. However, I was indubitably enthralled by many of the interesting outcomes and reasoning’s interweaved into the plots. This was an enjoyable read, and I’ll probably pick it up again a few years down the road, just remember some of the outrageous endings. I received a copy of the work in exchange for an honest read and review.

G. F. Smith
Author of Smartbrain and the three book series, Subjected.

[James Terzian · Rating 5 out of 5]

For an inexperience Holmes read it was good start and got me interested, August 31, 2014
By James Terzian "James Terzian"
This review is from: SHERLOCK HOLMES: The Definitive Furies Collection. (Twenty Sherlock Holmes crime mysteries together in one complete book. Book 1) (Kindle Edition)
First never read Holmes novel so this is my opinion about the book

Well done from the first Mystery. It does show Holmes intelligence. It through some twist that I did not see. in the first story I concluded it the husband, but that is why I am not a detective. The writing is good and from what I know about Holmes is characterized him very well. My experience is limited and I have to read other Holmes stories. I did like that the mystery was short so I hope finish the book next but I like what I saw so far and hope to see more of your works. I like it kept my attention

[Jeremy Croston · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished Miss Cartawick's interpretation of Sherlock Holmes and I am completely impressed with the effort and detail that went into each story. Overall there are twenty shorts that take us all over the world from Egypt to India and back to England. You can read them one at a time or in bunches as each is its own individual tale but they flow great together. The are some formatting issues in the digital read but nothing that takes away from this being a fantastic collection.

I also wanted to praise Miss Cartawick in her writing of Dr. Watson. Hearing the tales from his point of view combined with his unabashed feelings adds so much. You can hear him sigh and groan every time Holmes comes to him with a case.

If you like quick reads and a good mystery, I strongly suggest take the plunge with The Definitive Furies Collection.

[Allan Reeve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sherlock Holmes: The Definitive Furies Collection has selection of some of the best Sherlock Holmes stories written. It was good to read the tales of the Yorkshire Dr. Sherlock Holmes and his trusted smoking sidekick Mr. John Watson. The stories are all quite different, transporting the reader to various exotic places around the world such as, Egypt and India. The use of illustrations at the start of each story provides a nice change to reading text all the time and was a great help at times visualizing what it must have been like to be there with Dr. Sherlock Holmes.

Most of the stories revolve around supernatural concepts such as, Ouija Boards, and ghost type of things. The text formatting for each story is excellent and very easy to read. For the price you really can't go wrong for 20 Sherlock Holmes stories. Give it a read, you won't be disappointed.

[Tom Bryson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good read. Here's my review of "The Definitive Furies Collection" by Pennie Mae Cartawick.

A delightful collection of short stories featuring the famous historical Arthur Conan Doyle characters Sherlock Holmes and, of course, Watson. Writing about established works and characters is often done as parodies - in this case that isn't so. Written in a more modern style, the traditions of Doyle's detective genre are maintained and even enhanced. Pennie Mae Cartawick has penned some lovely stories with neat twists - how's this, from "The Case of the Cracked Mirror" - no spoiler!

"However, Holmes would remain pensive whenever I mentioned the Paris Opera House.
'There is still the opera ghost,' he once said in reply. 'He might not have been involved in this incident but he is far from docile.' "

Read on...!

[Joe Cosentino · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the style and spirit of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s original stories, Cartawick shares twenty new short tales as we journey via carriage, train, and boat through foggy London, York, the English countryside, Scotland, the Swiss Alps, a Paris opera house (think Phantom of the Opera), India, Egypt, a gypsy village, and remote islands. We meet up with old friends Sherlock Holmes, Dr. Watson, Mrs. Hudson, Mycroft Holmes, and Detective Lestrade as we marvel at Holmes’ elementary deductions. Clothing, a will, a hair, a book, jewels, shoes, and poison take center stage as Holmes uses his wry humor, vast powers of deduction, and sitting room conversation to solve the mysteries. Fine illustrations highlight the journey. As Holmes says to Watson, “everything that one does should lead you to an answer which is turn will free you to address another question.” So true in these intellectual stories.

[Jeff Russell · Rating 4 out of 5]

While reading this collection of short-stories based on the adventures of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson it occurred to me that an author undertaking such a challenge must possess the capacity to think like a criminal mastermind. And not just one criminal but many, each with different motivations, phobias, backgrounds and methods. To write convincingly from the perspective of the protagonist is admirable, but to enhance those stories with the unique traits of multiple adversaries speaks highly of the author. Pennie Mae Cartawick accomplishes this vividly in each of her Holmes anthologies, perhaps mostly in this Definitive Furies Collection, as it covers twenty cases that span the globe and a broad range of emotions that provoke criminal behavior. If you like your mysteries short and provocative then you may well enjoy this collection.

[Ronesa Aveela · Rating 4 out of 5]

These are short stories that would make Sir Arthur Conan Doyle proud, or at least chuckle at his characters' behaviors. The author stays true to the characters and the times. The poverty and crime of the period, as well as Doyle's style of writing, appear to have been well researched by the author. Holmes shows compassion to children, and disdain toward women or unsavory clients. The one thing I would have liked to see more of was the interaction of Holmes with his landlady, but perhaps that was taken up in some of the other stories.

My one complaint is that there are some grammatical errors and numerous punctuation errors. But, they don't detract from the pleasure of reading about this famous sleuth. I still highly recommend this book.

[Carl Nattrass · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is only the second time that I have bought a collection of short stories and I found Sherlock Holmes: The Definitive Furies Collection by Pennie Mae Cartawick, an intriguing read.

The book is split into a collection of shorts as diverse as one could find; from sinister goings-on in London pubs to a drugging in Jamaica, and onto murders in Africa. Cartawick weaves her Holmesian tails in true period style and the brevity of the stories in no way effects their enjoyment.
My only criticism is that the ending of one or two of the stories seemed to be abrupt, due to the book’s need for verbosity; another page on each story would have made all the difference.

However, even so, a pleasing and rewarding read which would encourage me to purchase more short stories.

[Ahmed Al-Sheikh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Writing new Sherlock Holmes stories can be difficult, especially if you're trying to match Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's style of storytelling. It could very easily veer into poor fan fiction territory. Thankfully, this collection manages to maintain a similar voice to the classic stories, as we follow Holmes and Watson on new adventures. The only flaw is less of a storytelling one and more of an editing one. There are some paragraphs that are oddly formatted, (although that could be the digital edition I'm reading from), and a few typos here and there.
Still, despite the editing issue, it's still a pleasant read for any Holmes fan.