Sherlock Holmes The Stonehenge Cipher

by C Xavier

Sherlock Holmes - The Stonehenge Murder
Book 2: Dr John Watson's Recovered Memoirs

A body on Salisbury Plain. A conspiracy spanning the museums of Europe. A secret worth killing for.

When Sir Percival Thornton—a respected antiquarian and prominent landowner—is discovered dead among the ancient ruins of Stonehenge, the press immediately cries "human sacrifice!" The chaotic scene, carefully arranged among the fallen stones, suggests a dark, occult ritual. But when Mycroft Holmes arrives at Baker Street before breakfast with an urgent demand for discretion, Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson know the truth is far more terrestrial—and infinitely more dangerous.

Drawn into a shadowy world where high-society scholarship meets ruthless ambition, Holmes and Watson must untangle a web of deceit that leads from the fog-drenched docks of the Thames to underground antiquities auctions in the heart of London. Pitted against a splinter faction of the secretive Golden Dawn and a cunning military traitor, Captain Reginald Sutherland, the legendary detective realizes the murder is only the beginning. At the center of the mystery lies a hidden Bronze Age star map, a forbidden journal, and an ancient mechanical secret concealed within the very stones of the monument itself.

With Sir Percival’s grieving daughter, Constance, caught in the crossfire and used as leverage, Holmes and Watson find themselves in a desperate race against time. From breathless chases through the London fog to a harrowing midnight confrontation upon the desolate Salisbury Plain, Holmes must deduce the truth before Sutherland can claim his ultimate prize.

The Stonehenge Murder is the thrilling second installment in Dr. John Watson’s Recovered Memoirs. Masterfully continuing the legacy of the great detective, author C. Xavier delivers a gripping mystery of historical conspiracies, brilliant deductions, and a truth entrusted to time rather than the imperfect justice of the present hour.

360 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 26, 2026

Reviews

[Willy]

I appreciate the style but as others have noted, the story was lost in the details. So much time spent in the weeds. The female characters were also monotone and stereotypical. Not a series I will continue. After reading all of the Laurie R King books and Kareem Abdul Jabbar’s Holmes series, this is less satisfying.

[Mairi Krausse]

This book is well written in the style of Doctor Watson of the original Sherlock Holmes’ books. It did run a little long for me, with the inclusion of the trial of one of the accused of the murder.

[Maryellen Lewis]

A compelling story

I really enjoyed this author's writing style, very thoughtful. The story is often gripping, always keeps the reader enthralled. I will look for more of his pastiches. Highly recommended.

And there were none of the annoying spelling/grammer mistakes of many pastiches that fail to edit their raw manuscripts. What a relief!

There were a couple of times when a piece of narrative is missing, such as in Chapter 39 when Lestrade visits 221b and engaged in conversation, but then Holmes & Watson seem to be alone, without Lestrade taking leave. Also, the last few chapters drag on and on without advancing the story. But these are quibbles.

[Annette Mordec]

Watson's Account

Great take on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Holmes adventures, written as secret chronicals to be read after everyone's death
Good storyline with interesting twists and turns. An easy, relaxing read.

[Betsy]

Way, way too long. The author just couldn't give it up. Wouldn't have been a bad story except for the garrulity. Doesn't encourage me to continue in the series.

[Ginger Sweezy]

Good but overly wordy

Written in true Conan Doyle style.
Seems like the villain came out of nowhere and could have been wrapped up chapters earlier.