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Sherlock Holmes and the Disgraced Inspector
An old rival at Scotland Yard, Inspector Lestrade, pays Sherlock Holmes a visit. Lestrade is deeply troubled. The disappearance of five boys has been left unsolved for almost twenty years. Under Lestrade’s watch, the wrong man was arrested and imprisoned for murder. But after a long appeal, the court has suddenly overturned its decision. The man is free. Lestrade has been disgraced. Holmes is not so convinced by this new verdict. He believes he can help Lestrade prove, once and for all, that his man is guilty. With Holmes and Watson officially retired, and Lestrade forced out of Scotland Yard, the three must endeavour to solve the mystery outside of the law. Can Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson save Inspector Lestrade’s reputation? What evil will they uncover? Sherlock Holmes and the Disgraced Inspector is the second of John Hall's Sherlockian pastiches and a brilliant addition to the Holmes and Watson casebooks. John Hall spent many years in the civil service before becoming a professional writer specialising in crime fiction. His book Death of a Collector won the Sherlock Magazine’s competition for the best new fictional detective. He is also the author of several other Sherlock mysteries.
- GenresMystery
128 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 1999
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July 22, 20157/22/15 $.99 on Kindle.
March 22, 2017
As one may guess from John Hall's title "Sherlock Holmes and the Disgraced Inspector," Scotland Yard's Inspector Lestrade's reputation is at stake. In this story, he calls on Holmes for help. Without a doubt, this case dealing with the mystery of the missing boys may prove to be Holmes’ and Watson’s most sordid case ever!
"Sherlock Holmes and the Disgraced Inspector" centers on an old case of Lestrade's in which a convicted man is being set "free" after 20 years in prison. He and another man were arrested and convicted of kidnapping years ago; Lestrade, being at that time a Sergeant, made the arrest along with Inspector “Chalky” White and Superintendent Buller. But now the man is free and talking of suing the good inspector, which would ruin not only his reputation, but financially ruin him as well. Holmes and Watson look to set the record straight!
John Hall has done a good group of recreating Doyle's characters. In fact, most of his characters in this book are nicely developed. One possible weakness is Hall's reliance on the reader's knowledge of Holmes, Watson, and some of the other characters from reading Doyle rather than telling the reader. For a Holmes reader, that is OK; for one not familiar with the Holmes cannon, that is a "minor" weakness. The plot of "Sherlock Holmes and the Disgraced Inspector" deals with topics that are not usually written about in Conan Doyle's time: the disappearance and the murder of children & pedophilia. Well, every good mystery needs a good villain, and "Sherlock Holmes and the Disgraced Inspector" certainly has that. Here is a villain that you want to get caught - that you actively dislike! If you like Holmes, this is an enjoyable read.
"Sherlock Holmes and the Disgraced Inspector" centers on an old case of Lestrade's in which a convicted man is being set "free" after 20 years in prison. He and another man were arrested and convicted of kidnapping years ago; Lestrade, being at that time a Sergeant, made the arrest along with Inspector “Chalky” White and Superintendent Buller. But now the man is free and talking of suing the good inspector, which would ruin not only his reputation, but financially ruin him as well. Holmes and Watson look to set the record straight!
John Hall has done a good group of recreating Doyle's characters. In fact, most of his characters in this book are nicely developed. One possible weakness is Hall's reliance on the reader's knowledge of Holmes, Watson, and some of the other characters from reading Doyle rather than telling the reader. For a Holmes reader, that is OK; for one not familiar with the Holmes cannon, that is a "minor" weakness. The plot of "Sherlock Holmes and the Disgraced Inspector" deals with topics that are not usually written about in Conan Doyle's time: the disappearance and the murder of children & pedophilia. Well, every good mystery needs a good villain, and "Sherlock Holmes and the Disgraced Inspector" certainly has that. Here is a villain that you want to get caught - that you actively dislike! If you like Holmes, this is an enjoyable read.
November 12, 2018
Easy Reading, but.....
I am a Sherlock fan, but i got no thrill from this book. It was way too pleasant and much too much of the type of good manners of the times. Lestrade seemed just okay. By the time the story reached Lestrade's change to an attitude befitting an experienced detective, it wasn't very strong. He should have been stronger through his problems. He was helpless too long.
I am a Sherlock fan, but i got no thrill from this book. It was way too pleasant and much too much of the type of good manners of the times. Lestrade seemed just okay. By the time the story reached Lestrade's change to an attitude befitting an experienced detective, it wasn't very strong. He should have been stronger through his problems. He was helpless too long.
December 5, 2023
This is a Holmes pastiche written recently, carrying on the detective's adventures and mysteries. Its set fairly late in Holmes' career, probably in the 1900s although as usual the date is vague. This story was for me a mixed bag.
The positives are that Inspector Lestrade is treated with more respect than usual in the Holmes books. The very first book by Doyle describes him as the best in Scotland Yard, then from that point on treats him like an imbecile. That's not to say he's especially bright or thoughtful, just he's not an ass who constantly picks the wrong track to follow.
Another positive is that the setting feels accurate -- perhaps even more so than for Doyle, who had Sherlock perpetually living in around 1880 without any changes.
A final positive is that Watson is treated with respect as well. He's smart, thoughtful, insightful, and even makes a few deductions that are well considered. As I've noted in the past, one of the criteria by which I judge a Sherlock Holmes story is how Watson is treated.
However Sherlock Holmes is given a decent personality to match his canon persona, but the rough edges have been shaved off, and he's not especially bright. I mean he's as smart as his companions, but no smarter. He offers very few deductions or comments at all. He has no insights that the others lack. He doesn't even solve any cases in this. One is solved by basic police work and happenstance and the other by sheer luck. Holmes could have been missing entirely from the book and nothing would have changed.
the writing is solid, and the characterizations were decent, but... there was nothing really there in this book.
The positives are that Inspector Lestrade is treated with more respect than usual in the Holmes books. The very first book by Doyle describes him as the best in Scotland Yard, then from that point on treats him like an imbecile. That's not to say he's especially bright or thoughtful, just he's not an ass who constantly picks the wrong track to follow.
Another positive is that the setting feels accurate -- perhaps even more so than for Doyle, who had Sherlock perpetually living in around 1880 without any changes.
A final positive is that Watson is treated with respect as well. He's smart, thoughtful, insightful, and even makes a few deductions that are well considered. As I've noted in the past, one of the criteria by which I judge a Sherlock Holmes story is how Watson is treated.
However Sherlock Holmes is given a decent personality to match his canon persona, but the rough edges have been shaved off, and he's not especially bright. I mean he's as smart as his companions, but no smarter. He offers very few deductions or comments at all. He has no insights that the others lack. He doesn't even solve any cases in this. One is solved by basic police work and happenstance and the other by sheer luck. Holmes could have been missing entirely from the book and nothing would have changed.
the writing is solid, and the characterizations were decent, but... there was nothing really there in this book.
December 29, 2024
Lestrade looks to have his career ruined by a man he put away twenty years ago who has just been pardoned and released over his alleged crime, and who now wants vengeance on Lestrade.
The lead character is Sherlock Holmes in name only. Holmes, like a magician practices his art of observation and deduction whenever he can, to keep his skills sharp. That is missing here. And fat old Mycroft we learn is a great boxer. The story plods along and more by luck than anything, proof is gained that Clayton was guilty all along.
The lead character is Sherlock Holmes in name only. Holmes, like a magician practices his art of observation and deduction whenever he can, to keep his skills sharp. That is missing here. And fat old Mycroft we learn is a great boxer. The story plods along and more by luck than anything, proof is gained that Clayton was guilty all along.
April 22, 2020
Holmes does police work
This novel is more of a police procedural than a mystery. And it is certainly not a thriller. Holmes solves a couple of crimes to salvage the career of his old friend Inspector Lestrade. Though John Hall fails to deliver the plot twists that Conan Doyle always presented, he does capture the same character profiles and social interactions of the period. So this novel is acceptable but not outstanding.
This novel is more of a police procedural than a mystery. And it is certainly not a thriller. Holmes solves a couple of crimes to salvage the career of his old friend Inspector Lestrade. Though John Hall fails to deliver the plot twists that Conan Doyle always presented, he does capture the same character profiles and social interactions of the period. So this novel is acceptable but not outstanding.
June 7, 2019
Read on the train short story
This story was really a quick read it was interesting enough but not very convoluted if you like lots of twists and turns from your detective story's then don't chose this. It was well written and had a familiar cast so not a bad choice for a quick read
This story was really a quick read it was interesting enough but not very convoluted if you like lots of twists and turns from your detective story's then don't chose this. It was well written and had a familiar cast so not a bad choice for a quick read
December 23, 2019
A welcome change of perspective
I’ve always felt that it would be fun to give Inspector Lestrade the floor so occupied by Holmes and Watson. This book does it well, and gives him our two heroes as wingmen. In the tradition of the canon, it is a great story of friendship. The mystery itself was so-so though. Still, it was a fun read!
I’ve always felt that it would be fun to give Inspector Lestrade the floor so occupied by Holmes and Watson. This book does it well, and gives him our two heroes as wingmen. In the tradition of the canon, it is a great story of friendship. The mystery itself was so-so though. Still, it was a fun read!
September 16, 2020
Lestrade in trouble
For fans of Sherlock and Watson another mystery to solve. This time their aim is to help their Police Inspector friend, Lestrade. With many twists and turns they seek evidence to absolve him. Written in period style, the atmosphere of the places and time come through and the characters are credible. An enjoyable read.
For fans of Sherlock and Watson another mystery to solve. This time their aim is to help their Police Inspector friend, Lestrade. With many twists and turns they seek evidence to absolve him. Written in period style, the atmosphere of the places and time come through and the characters are credible. An enjoyable read.
September 12, 2024
Set 10 years after the Reichenbach Fall incident. Clayton was convicted 20 years previously for the disappearance of 5 young boys, now an appeal has overturned the conviction and he is out to sue Inspector Lestrade, only one left from 20 years ago. But now another boy is missing. But what of Sir Octavius Fotheringay and the several suspicious deaths in his family.
An entertaining Holmes mystery
An entertaining Holmes mystery
November 17, 2017
Decent resurrection of Holmes and Company
Enjoyable pastiche. The setting is well done and the characters are reasonably true to form. A quick but enjoyable story for fans of Sherlock Holmes.
Enjoyable pastiche. The setting is well done and the characters are reasonably true to form. A quick but enjoyable story for fans of Sherlock Holmes.
June 15, 2019
The seeder side of London at the turn of the century
London east end the streets that jack the ripper walked has another mad killer, thought he got away with his crime and was going to rub it in the face of the law , but he did not know the power of Sherlock Holmes
London east end the streets that jack the ripper walked has another mad killer, thought he got away with his crime and was going to rub it in the face of the law , but he did not know the power of Sherlock Holmes
June 27, 2019
Shame not longer
I enjoyed this story. It's not Conan Doyle but I thought the author captured the spirt of Sherlock Holmes nicely. I just think it's a shame it wasn't a longer story
I enjoyed this story. It's not Conan Doyle but I thought the author captured the spirt of Sherlock Holmes nicely. I just think it's a shame it wasn't a longer story
January 10, 2020
Sherlock Holmes pastiche is well written and entertaining
Arthur Conan Doyle would be pleased with this tale of John Hall. Each chapter is thoughtfully organized for the reader to be able to start or stop with ease.
It held my interest throughout the midnight hours.
Arthur Conan Doyle would be pleased with this tale of John Hall. Each chapter is thoughtfully organized for the reader to be able to start or stop with ease.
It held my interest throughout the midnight hours.
November 10, 2020
Good addition to the Holmes Library
This is a nice relaxing read. It is not overburdened with trying to check off every element of what made Holmes Holmes. In that way, it is more subtle than most who try to supplement the Holmes’ library. Definitely worth reading!
This is a nice relaxing read. It is not overburdened with trying to check off every element of what made Holmes Holmes. In that way, it is more subtle than most who try to supplement the Holmes’ library. Definitely worth reading!
December 16, 2023
Just completed this, short but satisfying tale, nicely complicated and characters as they should be re the canon - I am rather fond of Inspector Lestrade, even if he is described as ferret faced - after all he had SH all choked up with emotion. I will look out for more by John Hall.
June 4, 2019
Dull boring characters, messy plot and rushed ending.
December 10, 2022
What a goiod one. Holmes and Lestrade work together on a puzzling case to save Lestrade's job and reputation.
April 2, 2016
Sherlock Holmes and the Disgraced Inspector by John Hall
Through the years Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson have had their rounds with Inspector Lestrade of Scotland Yard. At first there was animosity on both sides, Lestrade not liking being show to be wrong and Holmes upset by Lestrade’s inability to understand. They grew, however; to respect and even like one another.
Now Lestrade is fighting for his job, his reputation, and the small savings that he and his wife have. There is no one to turn too except Holmes.
Twenty years ago, there had been six young boys go missing. The one case seemed not to fit the pattern, but the other five were obviously committed by the same persons unknown. Lestrade made an arrest along with Inspector “Chalky” White and Superintendent Buller, Lestrade being at that time a Sergeant. The man arrested was one Jacobson frankly admitted to the five murders and gave up the location of one body. The others he said he did know how to find, that Algy was driving.
Under some creative questioning that left Jacobson with a black eye and a nosebleed, he gives up his accomplice, Algernon Clayton. Clayton denies all wrong doing but he has no firm alibis. Strictly on the word of Jacobson, both men are sentenced to hang. But the case raises questions and the two men are given life in prison. Now after twenty years, Clayton has been released, his verdict overturned—and he is gunning for Lestrade.
But Lestrade is certain he was right, and no amount of pressure from his superiors will get him to retire or give up. Clayton wants 10,000 sovereigns and is determined to ruin Lestrade.
This story is very well plotted and I found it an excellent read. There is also another case running through it, concerning Sir Octavius Fotheringay, who is also suspected of murder. The intertwined cases make this story come to life!
I give this story five stars!
Quoth the Raven…
Through the years Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson have had their rounds with Inspector Lestrade of Scotland Yard. At first there was animosity on both sides, Lestrade not liking being show to be wrong and Holmes upset by Lestrade’s inability to understand. They grew, however; to respect and even like one another.
Now Lestrade is fighting for his job, his reputation, and the small savings that he and his wife have. There is no one to turn too except Holmes.
Twenty years ago, there had been six young boys go missing. The one case seemed not to fit the pattern, but the other five were obviously committed by the same persons unknown. Lestrade made an arrest along with Inspector “Chalky” White and Superintendent Buller, Lestrade being at that time a Sergeant. The man arrested was one Jacobson frankly admitted to the five murders and gave up the location of one body. The others he said he did know how to find, that Algy was driving.
Under some creative questioning that left Jacobson with a black eye and a nosebleed, he gives up his accomplice, Algernon Clayton. Clayton denies all wrong doing but he has no firm alibis. Strictly on the word of Jacobson, both men are sentenced to hang. But the case raises questions and the two men are given life in prison. Now after twenty years, Clayton has been released, his verdict overturned—and he is gunning for Lestrade.
But Lestrade is certain he was right, and no amount of pressure from his superiors will get him to retire or give up. Clayton wants 10,000 sovereigns and is determined to ruin Lestrade.
This story is very well plotted and I found it an excellent read. There is also another case running through it, concerning Sir Octavius Fotheringay, who is also suspected of murder. The intertwined cases make this story come to life!
I give this story five stars!
Quoth the Raven…
March 5, 2016
It felt good to read something in this type of not-modern English (I don't even know what I want to say with that, so, ignore me, or indulge me).
Funny thing is, I'm trying to think of the past Sherlock Holmes I've read as a kid but can't exactly recall. So probably I'll have to re-read them all before I continue venturing into these post-Doyle Sherlock works.
The actual investigative work here felt bland though, and it seemed everything was just placed on chance...
Funny thing is, I'm trying to think of the past Sherlock Holmes I've read as a kid but can't exactly recall. So probably I'll have to re-read them all before I continue venturing into these post-Doyle Sherlock works.
The actual investigative work here felt bland though, and it seemed everything was just placed on chance...
July 22, 2015
Definitely NOT Conan Doyle....
A ho-hum read....plot seems a bit disjointed & there's none of the spark of either the original Sherlock or a few of the many clones. The tone is just "off" somehow. You can give this a pass.
A ho-hum read....plot seems a bit disjointed & there's none of the spark of either the original Sherlock or a few of the many clones. The tone is just "off" somehow. You can give this a pass.
February 18, 2016
Good read and liked the Victorian sensibilities and language. Holmes is best when it stays Doyle like.
Rating based on it was hard to put down
Highly recommend to even novice Sherlock reader
Can't wait to read others
Rating based on it was hard to put down
Highly recommend to even novice Sherlock reader
Can't wait to read others
Read
April 28, 2016Good read if you like Holmes.
I suggest this book to any one who likes Holmes because it is short, sweet and unpredictable. I chose this rating because it was not as interesting as other ones I read.
I suggest this book to any one who likes Holmes because it is short, sweet and unpredictable. I chose this rating because it was not as interesting as other ones I read.
June 26, 2019
There's enough disgrace to go around. Not only is Lestrade shown to be a truly mediocre investigator, Watson muscles in to no good result, and Holmes, of all characters, is almost timid with only one good idea: set an incompetent petty thief to solve the case. OK is an exaggeration.
March 4, 2015
Lestrade Retrieved
Inspector Lestrade is rescued from involuntary retirement by the efforts of Holmes and Watson. One of the very best of the "new" tales.
Inspector Lestrade is rescued from involuntary retirement by the efforts of Holmes and Watson. One of the very best of the "new" tales.
April 24, 2016
Not bad. Quite an interesting read but spoiled by some terrible spelling and grammar errors which makes me wonder if it was proof read before it was published?
March 29, 2017
Kindle Unlimited One of several Sherlock Holmes stories by an assorted group of authors, wanted to go through them all. Liked it, just didn't love it, sort of the right style and all but....
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