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The Case of the Mahjong Dragon: And other Russell Holmes Stories
“A brisk walk in the Botanic gardens before breakfast stimulates the mind for a good murder.”
The Case of the Mahjong Dragon and other stories, takes us into the world of criminal investigations by the Victorian private detective, Russell Holmes.
Murder, assassinations and the rescue of a woman incarcerated in an asylum are some of the challenges Russell Holmes must resolve. During his investigations he shows contempt for the judicial processes that conflicts with his sense of moral justice.
This collection was inspired by a Shortbread Story competition based on the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
“The Case of the Mahjong Dragon” received acclaim;
"Very engaging and well put together James. I have no problem at all with long short stories - particularly ones like this that keep you engrossed from beginning to end. When one can clearly visualize the scenes that are painted by a writer you know that it is good - and this was good.”
The Case of the Mahjong Dragon and other stories, takes us into the world of criminal investigations by the Victorian private detective, Russell Holmes.
Murder, assassinations and the rescue of a woman incarcerated in an asylum are some of the challenges Russell Holmes must resolve. During his investigations he shows contempt for the judicial processes that conflicts with his sense of moral justice.
This collection was inspired by a Shortbread Story competition based on the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
“The Case of the Mahjong Dragon” received acclaim;
"Very engaging and well put together James. I have no problem at all with long short stories - particularly ones like this that keep you engrossed from beginning to end. When one can clearly visualize the scenes that are painted by a writer you know that it is good - and this was good.”
147 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 18, 2015
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About the author
James McEwan
3 books2 followersJames McEwan is a writer of short stories and blogs flash fiction. After a career in engineering he completed a degree; BA (Hon) Humanities with Creative Writing combined with German Language and Culture.
Missing is his first novel.
Other work included The Listener–A collection of short stories.
The Case of the Mahjong Dragon, an original variation on the Sherlock Holmes canon and the stories were criticised for not being long enough.
He has contributed charitable work to:
A Thousand Cranes – Scottish Writers for Japan.
Simply Read Too - Lanark Writers - poetry and short stories, with an audio CD.
Falling Leaves - Lanark Writers - poetry and short stories.
The web sites Literallystories.com and Fictiononthe web.co.uk. publish his work.
He lives in Central Scotland and has two adult daughters
Web-site: www.jplmcewan.wordpress.com
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
July 27, 2018
A few days ago, the very talented James McEwan asked me if I would review his collection of short stories. Since then, I’ve been reading through these tales, all of which are based on the adventures of Sherlock Holmes.
MY REVIEW
I have a lot of mixed emotions when it comes to reviewing this short story collection. Firstly, let me just say that I absolutely love the idea of bringing the adventures of Sherlock Holmes into the present day. McEwan also did a good job of making links to the original stories, whilst still putting his own spin on the narrative. After all, this modern-day Holmes – Mr Russell Holmes – is Scottish.
Most of my issues with this collection stem from the fact that I didn’t enjoy all of the stories, but I can’t work out whether this is due to personal preference, or due to something more noteworthy.
My favourite story was second in the collection, “The Case of the Murder at the Falls”. I really liked the setting in this one and thought that the narrative flowed really well, but, at the same time, I didn’t really get on with the opening tale, “The Case of the Mahjong Dragon”. There were a few typing errors and I honestly found the case quite confusing. Having read this first story, I assumed that I wouldn’t like the rest of the book, either.
Yet as soon as I started the second story, I found that I was wrong. James McEwan is a fantastic writer, and this really comes to light as the collection goes on. Holmes’ character is fascinating – he is like the classic Holmes but is also completely original – and his sidekick Wilson is always there to lend a hand, too. The stories are loveable in the same way that the original stories are; they’re familiar, presenting a repeated pattern that always involves a triumphant cracking of the case.
There are twists (particularly in “The Case of the Asylum”, where we come to question Holmes’ past), turns and intellectual victories that are all bound up in this wonderful narrative. As I’ve already mentioned, there were certainly parts of it that I didn’t like, but, to be fair, I don’t like all of the original Holmes stories, either. So, whilst I do recommend this book, I would suggest that, if you’re like me and you don’t take to the first story, that is not a reason to put this book down. I also think that it would probably be easier to appreciate these stories if you have already read the original Holmes stories. That way, you can see some of the clever links McEwan has made.
Regardless, I am glad that I have read this book and am very grateful to the author for sending it my way in exchange for an honest review.
MY REVIEW
I have a lot of mixed emotions when it comes to reviewing this short story collection. Firstly, let me just say that I absolutely love the idea of bringing the adventures of Sherlock Holmes into the present day. McEwan also did a good job of making links to the original stories, whilst still putting his own spin on the narrative. After all, this modern-day Holmes – Mr Russell Holmes – is Scottish.
Most of my issues with this collection stem from the fact that I didn’t enjoy all of the stories, but I can’t work out whether this is due to personal preference, or due to something more noteworthy.
My favourite story was second in the collection, “The Case of the Murder at the Falls”. I really liked the setting in this one and thought that the narrative flowed really well, but, at the same time, I didn’t really get on with the opening tale, “The Case of the Mahjong Dragon”. There were a few typing errors and I honestly found the case quite confusing. Having read this first story, I assumed that I wouldn’t like the rest of the book, either.
Yet as soon as I started the second story, I found that I was wrong. James McEwan is a fantastic writer, and this really comes to light as the collection goes on. Holmes’ character is fascinating – he is like the classic Holmes but is also completely original – and his sidekick Wilson is always there to lend a hand, too. The stories are loveable in the same way that the original stories are; they’re familiar, presenting a repeated pattern that always involves a triumphant cracking of the case.
There are twists (particularly in “The Case of the Asylum”, where we come to question Holmes’ past), turns and intellectual victories that are all bound up in this wonderful narrative. As I’ve already mentioned, there were certainly parts of it that I didn’t like, but, to be fair, I don’t like all of the original Holmes stories, either. So, whilst I do recommend this book, I would suggest that, if you’re like me and you don’t take to the first story, that is not a reason to put this book down. I also think that it would probably be easier to appreciate these stories if you have already read the original Holmes stories. That way, you can see some of the clever links McEwan has made.
Regardless, I am glad that I have read this book and am very grateful to the author for sending it my way in exchange for an honest review.
August 31, 2015
This book follows the genre of Sherlock Holmes style and is based on the private eye and the setting of cira 1890s in Scotland. It contains eight short suspense/murder stories presenting Russell Homes, a PI and his companion Major James Wilson. The more I read, the more I began getting into the stories and the characters. I liked the progressive insights into the characters with each story building on the other. Holmes' housekeeper, Mrs. Fergus loved taking care of Holmes and baked the best scones ever. James Wilson loved wine and there were even a few funny moments. The stories seemed to get better as I read along.
This book would be great for a rainy afternoon, a somewhat light read, suspenseful with not too much brain-power required. More like reading a "cozy mystery." If you are a fan of this genre, you will definitely like these stories.
This book would be great for a rainy afternoon, a somewhat light read, suspenseful with not too much brain-power required. More like reading a "cozy mystery." If you are a fan of this genre, you will definitely like these stories.
September 7, 2015
A collection of intriguing tales of murder and mystery. Russell Holmes is called into investigate some strange deaths. In the case of the mahjong dragon, a man supposedly commits suicide but his wife wants Holmes to dig deeper. Each tale has links to the others and Holmes is well portrayed. He has a kind of manic quality about him as he works a case. Along with his partner Wilson, he is able to uncover the truth using the smallest piece of evidence and by noticing things that others would not. A great book for mystery fans. The only suggestion I would make is that it would be great to read a full length book and draw the story out investigating one case. I would recommend this book.
May 1, 2017
For my full review click here:
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews