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The Unlikely Death
Fifteen months ago, a bombardment by Mimetic forces against a frontline fleet left Captain John Watson, a military surgeon, wounded and nearly dead. Healed but judged unfit to return to duty, John is forced to resort to contracting out on a mining vessel as part of the accompanying medical personnel. It’s boring work but it keeps him in space, one ambush away from adventure again with no real consideration to the terrors of war. Anything is better than boredom. Anything is better than a normal life.
Anything—including homicide?
When Sherlock Holmes is found to be the victim of a gruesome murder aboard the ship, John becomes the only likely suspect despite having no memory of the deed. Now he must face confinement, therapy, and the constant companionship of a hologram of his alleged victim to aid in his rehabilitation—a hologram who is only too happy to engage in the mystery of his own murder to try and discover why he died and how events set his path to cross with the war ravaged stranger he is now posthumously bound to.
Anything—including homicide?
When Sherlock Holmes is found to be the victim of a gruesome murder aboard the ship, John becomes the only likely suspect despite having no memory of the deed. Now he must face confinement, therapy, and the constant companionship of a hologram of his alleged victim to aid in his rehabilitation—a hologram who is only too happy to engage in the mystery of his own murder to try and discover why he died and how events set his path to cross with the war ravaged stranger he is now posthumously bound to.
- GenresScience FictionMystery
185 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 19, 2015
About the author
Niko Ford
2 books8 followersNiko Ford received a Bachelor of Arts in English - Creative Writing from the University of North Texas in 2009. A writer of derivative fiction for over fifteen years, Niko has won awards for both romance and characterization.
Apart from her passion as a writer, Niko is also a belly dancer, amateur voice actress, stage actress, singer, artist, and avid gamer.
Apart from her passion as a writer, Niko is also a belly dancer, amateur voice actress, stage actress, singer, artist, and avid gamer.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 24, 2017
I've put off writing this in the hope I'd think of something amazing to say, some way to describe how much I absolutely adored it and it hasn't happened. I can say that this book has everything I wanted in it and that my only complaint was that I stayed up all night and read it in one go.
The author's characterizations of Sherlock and John are fantastic, her telling of these two classic characters in a setting so far from what we're used to not only didn't seem odd at all but felt so perfect that, once finished, that's all I wanted to read. I have scoured bookshelves and the internet for anything else to keep me half as happy in the days since (It hasn't happened yet).
The story itself is wonderfully thought out. The mystery enough to keep you and the characters going along while the characters grow through beautiful arcs leaving it ready for the next installment. I don't want to spoil anything for details, the synopsis tells you what it's about but cannot prepare you for the smooth writing, the great characters, the wonder it is to read.
I will recommend it to everyone. I will force it on my friends (and they'll love it too). And I will wait very impatiently but completely respectfully for more.
The author's characterizations of Sherlock and John are fantastic, her telling of these two classic characters in a setting so far from what we're used to not only didn't seem odd at all but felt so perfect that, once finished, that's all I wanted to read. I have scoured bookshelves and the internet for anything else to keep me half as happy in the days since (It hasn't happened yet).
The story itself is wonderfully thought out. The mystery enough to keep you and the characters going along while the characters grow through beautiful arcs leaving it ready for the next installment. I don't want to spoil anything for details, the synopsis tells you what it's about but cannot prepare you for the smooth writing, the great characters, the wonder it is to read.
I will recommend it to everyone. I will force it on my friends (and they'll love it too). And I will wait very impatiently but completely respectfully for more.
October 17, 2015
Confession: I am an avid reader who doesn't get the chance to read nearly enough now that I have kids and go to school full time. I also grew up going to libraries and I don't like to have to pay for my books when there are so many offered for free - unless something about the book stands out A LOT. Luckily, I stumbled upon this book and it was worth every penny (yay for having another author/series to obsess over!).
What I liked:
I like the different take on the standard Sherlock Holmes / John Watson.
I like that it was set in the future (I am a not so closeted SciFi fan).
I love the details - I noticed that as I was reading, the words disappeared and I was left watching a movie in my head. The author's Watson and Holmes are not just the typical cliched characters we have come to know. They pull you in with their depth.
I like that the book makes you think.
That I wasn't so fond of:
I NEED MORE BOOKS!! Ok so arguably, I agree that this is not necessarily a negative. I am probably being a little greedy here but I want there to be more in this series.
Overall, good stuff. I highly recommend it. :)
What I liked:
I like the different take on the standard Sherlock Holmes / John Watson.
I like that it was set in the future (I am a not so closeted SciFi fan).
I love the details - I noticed that as I was reading, the words disappeared and I was left watching a movie in my head. The author's Watson and Holmes are not just the typical cliched characters we have come to know. They pull you in with their depth.
I like that the book makes you think.
That I wasn't so fond of:
I NEED MORE BOOKS!! Ok so arguably, I agree that this is not necessarily a negative. I am probably being a little greedy here but I want there to be more in this series.
Overall, good stuff. I highly recommend it. :)
July 25, 2015
Not your typical Holmes adaptation, the author has put Doyle's crime-solving duo in an unexpected location, and given our detective the highly unusual task of solving his own murder. Set against the backdrop of space, humanity at war with 'Mimetic' forces, Holmes' investigation and Watson's metamorphosis from despondent convicted murderer into the confident partner Holmes needs are beautifully done. Along the way to solving the case the characters examine difficult questions dealing with what it means to be human, and what it means to be alive. I loved this book, and am highly anticipating the adventure in the sequel.
June 24, 2017
This is one of the best Holmes pastiches I've read in a long while. There is some brilliant characterisation in this, with a really nice look at Watson's development at the end yah I appreciated. Holmes being revealed as kind and well-meaning and sentimental were always beautiful moments.
I appreciated that there were parts we didn't have to see here. For example, there is a chapter change in the first quarter to skip some of what Lestrade does and some movement of setting. Nothing is lost by doing this and the pace is kept up.
John and Sherlock are going to be so wonderful together. I can't wait to see how their relationship moves forward in this series. The very last line of the book has me eager for it!
Basically what I'm saying here is THIS IS ABSOLUTE GOLD AND I ADORE MY GAY SONS, GOOD STUFF
I appreciated that there were parts we didn't have to see here. For example, there is a chapter change in the first quarter to skip some of what Lestrade does and some movement of setting. Nothing is lost by doing this and the pace is kept up.
John and Sherlock are going to be so wonderful together. I can't wait to see how their relationship moves forward in this series. The very last line of the book has me eager for it!
Basically what I'm saying here is THIS IS ABSOLUTE GOLD AND I ADORE MY GAY SONS, GOOD STUFF
April 6, 2018
Había leído esta historia hace mucho tiempo en forma de fanfic y aunque no recordaba los detalles si tenía una buena impresión de ella. Fue bonito regresar tanto tiempo después y recordar lo emocionante y divertida que es.
Me da gusto que se haya publicado y pulido, y aunque estoy casi segura de que no va a pasar tanto como quisiera, me encantaría que este tipo de historias puedan ser leídas sin prejuicios por personas fuera del fandom.
Aunque ya sé cómo termina, de verdad tengo muchas ganas de leer el siguiente libro.
Me da gusto que se haya publicado y pulido, y aunque estoy casi segura de que no va a pasar tanto como quisiera, me encantaría que este tipo de historias puedan ser leídas sin prejuicios por personas fuera del fandom.
Aunque ya sé cómo termina, de verdad tengo muchas ganas de leer el siguiente libro.
January 10, 2026
Excellent storytelling and compelling characters. The author really needs to write the second book.
October 29, 2015
I should start this off with the fact that I received a copy of this book for free from a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed here are mine and mine alone.
I also want to keep this as spoiler free as possible.
This novel is a Sherlock Holmes derivative (and I say that in the BEST possible way with absolutely no negative connotations though perhaps adaptation might be a better word) story but it isn’t the same old song and dance replaying over and over like a broken record. If you’re wanting a Victorian detective and his faithful companion this is not the story for you.
There are many pleasant changes from Doyle’s original work - Set in a future of space travel, war, and advanced tech; where the line blurs between man and machine - we have our favorite duo as well as a familiar host of characters that stay true to their original characterizations but without coming across as wooden carbon copy imitations of the original works. Instead they are given more spark and a fresh breath of life that rejuvenates them making them much more relatable to this modern age without the risk of them becoming dated over time.
Complete with strikingly accurate depictions of anxiety, PSTD and that moment when you begin to question everything you’ve ever known; the one that makes you wonder if the world is topsy-turvy or you are. The world building, the intricate details and vivid descriptions of even small details show the effort and work that went into this novel.
Did I mention Lestrade is a strong woman of color in a position of power without falling victim to stereotypical, character killing cliché because I find extremely important and something that I never knew I needed until now. Having one of our leads dead before it even starts was and excellent jumping off point - instantly pulling you in and never letting you put the book down. I honestly found myself longing for more even if it left off with the perfect lead in to the next book.
It’s one of those books where you can tell the author truly loves their work and puts their all into it. This shows from the way the words are vivid enough to paint a picture that is as clear as any photograph, carefully chosen and arranged in a way that in itself is art; sweeping the reader up into the story as if they’re actually there.
You will laugh, cry, and cycle through a myriad of emotions as you experience this flawlessly woven tale with its many complex layers. If there is one definitive Sci-Fi Holmes work that you simply MUST read I cast my vote for this one. I certainly recommend reading it whole-heartily - I don’t regreta minute of it and I doubt you will either.
I also want to keep this as spoiler free as possible.
This novel is a Sherlock Holmes derivative (and I say that in the BEST possible way with absolutely no negative connotations though perhaps adaptation might be a better word) story but it isn’t the same old song and dance replaying over and over like a broken record. If you’re wanting a Victorian detective and his faithful companion this is not the story for you.
There are many pleasant changes from Doyle’s original work - Set in a future of space travel, war, and advanced tech; where the line blurs between man and machine - we have our favorite duo as well as a familiar host of characters that stay true to their original characterizations but without coming across as wooden carbon copy imitations of the original works. Instead they are given more spark and a fresh breath of life that rejuvenates them making them much more relatable to this modern age without the risk of them becoming dated over time.
Complete with strikingly accurate depictions of anxiety, PSTD and that moment when you begin to question everything you’ve ever known; the one that makes you wonder if the world is topsy-turvy or you are. The world building, the intricate details and vivid descriptions of even small details show the effort and work that went into this novel.
Did I mention Lestrade is a strong woman of color in a position of power without falling victim to stereotypical, character killing cliché because I find extremely important and something that I never knew I needed until now. Having one of our leads dead before it even starts was and excellent jumping off point - instantly pulling you in and never letting you put the book down. I honestly found myself longing for more even if it left off with the perfect lead in to the next book.
It’s one of those books where you can tell the author truly loves their work and puts their all into it. This shows from the way the words are vivid enough to paint a picture that is as clear as any photograph, carefully chosen and arranged in a way that in itself is art; sweeping the reader up into the story as if they’re actually there.
You will laugh, cry, and cycle through a myriad of emotions as you experience this flawlessly woven tale with its many complex layers. If there is one definitive Sci-Fi Holmes work that you simply MUST read I cast my vote for this one. I certainly recommend reading it whole-heartily - I don’t regreta minute of it and I doubt you will either.
October 14, 2016
I've never bought a Kindle-only book before and I don't expect to buy more, but a friend recommended this one because he knows I love Sherlock Holmes stories. I should admit a publishing-industry bias against self-published novels before I say there were definitely points when I wished the author had had an editor (or a better one).
The story lags at several points and the threat of the big bads (Mimetics) is introduced too subtly and too late for us to feel the appropriate amount of anxiety when they become relevant in the third act. There's a real tendency to lean on a fanfic-like love between Holmes and Watson, which is not my cuppa (two words: shower scene).
But Sherlock Holmes in space is a fun concept and I mostly enjoyed myself. The introduction of the protagonists (Watson is accused of Holmes's murder, neither remembers it, and a hologram of the now-deceased detective helps his convicted killer help find the real perp) is novel and affords many opportunities for the Holmes characteristics we know and love to reveal themselves. A gender-swapped Lestrade and a Mycroft who refuses to acknowledge the humanity of his dead brother's hologram are nice touches.
I'll wait for reviews of the second to see if it's worth a read. I'd say this one is good for those folks who love sci-fi, fanfic, and Sherlock in equal measure.
The story lags at several points and the threat of the big bads (Mimetics) is introduced too subtly and too late for us to feel the appropriate amount of anxiety when they become relevant in the third act. There's a real tendency to lean on a fanfic-like love between Holmes and Watson, which is not my cuppa (two words: shower scene).
But Sherlock Holmes in space is a fun concept and I mostly enjoyed myself. The introduction of the protagonists (Watson is accused of Holmes's murder, neither remembers it, and a hologram of the now-deceased detective helps his convicted killer help find the real perp) is novel and affords many opportunities for the Holmes characteristics we know and love to reveal themselves. A gender-swapped Lestrade and a Mycroft who refuses to acknowledge the humanity of his dead brother's hologram are nice touches.
I'll wait for reviews of the second to see if it's worth a read. I'd say this one is good for those folks who love sci-fi, fanfic, and Sherlock in equal measure.
October 3, 2015
4.5 stars
This book was terrific! Once I started reading, “The Unlikely Death” by Niko Ford, I didn’t want to stop until I’d finished the whole thing. It pulls you in from the beginning, and I enjoyed the author’s “voice” and style of writing. The interweaving plotlines were well-crafted and not predictable, surprising considering it had some familiar tropes and I was bracing myself for it to be cliché. However, I thought Ms. Ford did a wonderful job of making the beloved characters wholly her own, while keeping true to the essence of the characters and their roles. There was just enough mystery to keep me guessing, and I appreciated the philosophical, almost existential approach that gave this book an unexpected depth and intelligence I wasn’t necessarily expecting. Was satisfied with the ending, although the story definitely isn’t over yet. Would love to read the next one when it’s available! Recommend for fans of sci/fi, mystery, and well-written lit-fiction.
This book was terrific! Once I started reading, “The Unlikely Death” by Niko Ford, I didn’t want to stop until I’d finished the whole thing. It pulls you in from the beginning, and I enjoyed the author’s “voice” and style of writing. The interweaving plotlines were well-crafted and not predictable, surprising considering it had some familiar tropes and I was bracing myself for it to be cliché. However, I thought Ms. Ford did a wonderful job of making the beloved characters wholly her own, while keeping true to the essence of the characters and their roles. There was just enough mystery to keep me guessing, and I appreciated the philosophical, almost existential approach that gave this book an unexpected depth and intelligence I wasn’t necessarily expecting. Was satisfied with the ending, although the story definitely isn’t over yet. Would love to read the next one when it’s available! Recommend for fans of sci/fi, mystery, and well-written lit-fiction.
February 14, 2016
A friend sent me the paperback version of this book for my birthday. I read the first page and a half, and immediately went online to buy the Kindle version so I could read it in bed without keeping my husband awake. I'm not normally a fan of Sherlock Holmes anywhere other than Baker Street in 2015. The fact that this one grabbed me so immediately says a lot more than the glowing review I'm trying to put into words.
The premise is ingenious. The opening is instantly involving. The characterizations are perfectly translated to the future and absolutely spot on, and there's an original character by the name of Constance who is so good that she has to appear in the sequel promised on the final page. There is a murder to solve, a conspiracy to root out, and a resolution that erases all of the heartwrenching moments that come before.
If you are a fan of the BBC Sherlock series, you must read this book. It's a simple as that.
The premise is ingenious. The opening is instantly involving. The characterizations are perfectly translated to the future and absolutely spot on, and there's an original character by the name of Constance who is so good that she has to appear in the sequel promised on the final page. There is a murder to solve, a conspiracy to root out, and a resolution that erases all of the heartwrenching moments that come before.
If you are a fan of the BBC Sherlock series, you must read this book. It's a simple as that.
August 29, 2015
I received this book from Goodreads giveaway. I didn't know how to take the book about Sherlock Holmes set in the future with space travel. Sherlock is murder on a ship where Captain John Watson is working on vessel. Watson is charged with Sherlock's murder. John is confined on the ship with a hologram of Sherlock , who is trying to understand how and why John killed him. Together hopefully they can get John to remember what happen.
The author made you feel as if you could picture what was happening. This is a new take on Sherlock Holmes.
I can't wait for the next part of this book to come out. I also can't wait to read more for this author. Niko Ford bought this book to life.
The author made you feel as if you could picture what was happening. This is a new take on Sherlock Holmes.
I can't wait for the next part of this book to come out. I also can't wait to read more for this author. Niko Ford bought this book to life.
November 6, 2015
Every one of the FIVE Star reviews are spot on. Great job! I won this great book on GoodReads and like I do with most my wins I will be paying it forward by giving my win either to a friend or library to enjoy.
July 29, 2015
Sherlock Holmes solving his own murder? One of the best things someone can think of.
April 8, 2016
I loved this book. I really enjoyed what Ms. Ford did with all of the characters we have grown up with.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews