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The Adventure of the Colonial Boy
1893. Dr Watson, still in mourning for the death of his great friend Sherlock Holmes, is now triply bereaved, with his wife Mary's death in childbirth. Then a telegram from Melbourne, Australia intrudes into his grief. "Come at once if convenient." Both suspicious and desperate to believe that Holmes may not, after all, be dead, Watson goes as immediately as the sea voyage will allow. Soon Holmes and Watson are together again, on an adventure through Bohemian Melbourne and rural Victoria, following a series of murders linked by a repulsive red leech and one of Moriarty's lieutenants. But things are not as they were. Too many words lie unsaid between the Great Detective and his biographer. Too much that they feel is a secret. Solve the crime, forgive a friend, rediscover trust and admit to love. Surely that is not beyond that legendary duo, Sherlock Holmes and Dr John Watson?
236 pages, Paperback
First published February 29, 2016
6 people are currently reading
541 people want to read
About the author
Narrelle M. Harris
66 books120 followersI grew up in a home bursting with books. My father was in the Royal Australian Air Force – we moved roughly every three years – and my parents were passionate advocates of reading and the importance of access to a library of ideas, no matter where we lived.
Between a childhood spent on the move yet steeped in literature, and a naturally dramatic personality, it’s no surprise I became a storyteller.
At home, and at libraries all over Australia, I read everything from Little Golden Books to The World Book Encyclopaedia. As my family moved so frequently, my companions wherever I went were the Pevensies of Narnia, a horse named Flicka and the Hardy Boys. I grew up with the characters created by Diana Wynne Jones as they too learned independence and responsibility. Miss Marple and the Dragonriders of Pern were always at my side.
Writers like Eric Frank Russell and Lois McMaster Bujold were as influential on my character and my writing as surely as Shakespeare and the Brontes. I’m still always picking up new influences, from modern writers like Emily Larkin and Neil Gaiman as well as classics by PG Wodehouse and Arthur Conan Doyle.
Before you figure I am always and forever reading, I’m a traveller too. My early years spent moving from state to state led to itchy feet. After moving out of the family home, I lived in Perth, then met Tim Richards and we decided to have adventures of our own. We moved to Egypt to teach English as a Foreign Language, then went on to Poland.
After we finished teaching, we kept travelling: we’ve been to the UK and US, to Thailand, Germany, Hungary, Syria, Jordan, France, Italy, Slovenia, Czech, and Canada – and we’re not done travelling yet.
The places I’ve visited – London, Hungary, Canada – often appear in my work, but the home of my heart is the place I write about most often.
Melbourne, Australia. The town we chose to live in always. The city I love so much she is practically a character in her own right in books like The Opposite of Life and short stories like Near Miss. I even researched the Marvellous Melbourne of the 1890s for my Holmes♥Watson romance, The Adventure of the Colonial Boy.
Given my background and all my literary influences, it’s hardly astonishing that my storytelling is eclectic: crime, adventure, fantasy, horror and romance – separately or combined.
For all the different genres I write in, everything I write generally includes the same tone and the same type of themes. They are full of the families one is born with and the families we make for ourselves. The protagonists all face challenges they’ve made for themselves as well as external threats that test them. They’re full of people who’ve made mistakes who seek to learn and to make better choices.
Whether you’re reading a vampire adventure in modern Melbourne, a Holmesian mystery in London or a racy lesbian romance in the Middle East, you’ll find humour, heart, friendships and love.
Awards
Jane: In 2017, my ghost/crime story Jane won the Athenaeum Library’s Body in the Library prize at the Scarlet Stiletto Awards, hosted by Sisters in Crime Australia.
Other nominations and shortlistings include:
Fly By Night (nominated for a Ned Kelly Award 2004)
Witch Honour (shortlisted for the George Turner Prize as Witching Ways in 1998)
Witch Faith (shortlisted for the George Turner Prize in 1999)
Walking Shadows (Chronos Awards; Davitt Awards in 2012)
__
Narrelle's erotica published as NM Harris is listed on Goodreads here: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Between a childhood spent on the move yet steeped in literature, and a naturally dramatic personality, it’s no surprise I became a storyteller.
At home, and at libraries all over Australia, I read everything from Little Golden Books to The World Book Encyclopaedia. As my family moved so frequently, my companions wherever I went were the Pevensies of Narnia, a horse named Flicka and the Hardy Boys. I grew up with the characters created by Diana Wynne Jones as they too learned independence and responsibility. Miss Marple and the Dragonriders of Pern were always at my side.
Writers like Eric Frank Russell and Lois McMaster Bujold were as influential on my character and my writing as surely as Shakespeare and the Brontes. I’m still always picking up new influences, from modern writers like Emily Larkin and Neil Gaiman as well as classics by PG Wodehouse and Arthur Conan Doyle.
Before you figure I am always and forever reading, I’m a traveller too. My early years spent moving from state to state led to itchy feet. After moving out of the family home, I lived in Perth, then met Tim Richards and we decided to have adventures of our own. We moved to Egypt to teach English as a Foreign Language, then went on to Poland.
After we finished teaching, we kept travelling: we’ve been to the UK and US, to Thailand, Germany, Hungary, Syria, Jordan, France, Italy, Slovenia, Czech, and Canada – and we’re not done travelling yet.
The places I’ve visited – London, Hungary, Canada – often appear in my work, but the home of my heart is the place I write about most often.
Melbourne, Australia. The town we chose to live in always. The city I love so much she is practically a character in her own right in books like The Opposite of Life and short stories like Near Miss. I even researched the Marvellous Melbourne of the 1890s for my Holmes♥Watson romance, The Adventure of the Colonial Boy.
Given my background and all my literary influences, it’s hardly astonishing that my storytelling is eclectic: crime, adventure, fantasy, horror and romance – separately or combined.
For all the different genres I write in, everything I write generally includes the same tone and the same type of themes. They are full of the families one is born with and the families we make for ourselves. The protagonists all face challenges they’ve made for themselves as well as external threats that test them. They’re full of people who’ve made mistakes who seek to learn and to make better choices.
Whether you’re reading a vampire adventure in modern Melbourne, a Holmesian mystery in London or a racy lesbian romance in the Middle East, you’ll find humour, heart, friendships and love.
Awards
Jane: In 2017, my ghost/crime story Jane won the Athenaeum Library’s Body in the Library prize at the Scarlet Stiletto Awards, hosted by Sisters in Crime Australia.
Other nominations and shortlistings include:
Fly By Night (nominated for a Ned Kelly Award 2004)
Witch Honour (shortlisted for the George Turner Prize as Witching Ways in 1998)
Witch Faith (shortlisted for the George Turner Prize in 1999)
Walking Shadows (Chronos Awards; Davitt Awards in 2012)
__
Narrelle's erotica published as NM Harris is listed on Goodreads here: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
February 18, 2017
You’ve probably noticed the explosion of Holmesian retellings in the last few years, what with the two RDJ and Jude Law movies; BBC’s Sherlock, featuring Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman; and the American series Elementary, featuring Jonny Lee Miller and Lucy Liu. Aside from these screen-based adaptations, there are also
countless retellings in written form.
With so many options out there, it can be hard to know just where you’re joining the story and what is going on. The best can be picked up by readers with only a little knowledge without losing them along the way, filling the important information in as it goes along.
The Adventure of the Colonial Boy takes place two years after The Final Problem, as written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, used in the development of both Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows and the final episode of Sherlock season 2.
Watson has done his grieving for Holmes and has suffered through further tragedy in the interim.
What follows is a story of a crime, along with grief, forgiveness, and so much awkwardness between two people who were closer than friends, but who never put into words how they felt. Too many words lie unsaid between the Great Detective and his biographer. Too much that they feel is a secret.
The rest of this review can be found HERE!
With so many options out there, it can be hard to know just where you’re joining the story and what is going on. The best can be picked up by readers with only a little knowledge without losing them along the way, filling the important information in as it goes along.
The Adventure of the Colonial Boy takes place two years after The Final Problem, as written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, used in the development of both Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows and the final episode of Sherlock season 2.
Watson has done his grieving for Holmes and has suffered through further tragedy in the interim.
The last miscarriage, three months ago, had been the most devastating of all. All his medical knowledge and skill had proven useless, just as all his courage and strength had been useless when Holmes had met his end. Their daughter was birthed dead, the cord around her little neck. Mary had bled and bled and bled from the arduous labour and fruitless delivery, and nothing could be done. Mother and daughter died hours apart. Their new beginning had become instead an echo of a bloody battlefield death.Then a telegram from Melbourne, Australia intrudes on his grief, featuring the words Holmes so often used to summon him. Words Watson never included in the stories he published about their adventures. Words only he and Holmes could know.
Come at once if convenient. If inconvenient, come all the same. – S.H.Both suspicious and desperate to believe that Holmes may not, after all, be dead, Watson goes as immediately as the sea voyage will allow. Soon Holmes and Watson are together again, on an adventure through Bohemian Melbourne and rural Victoria, following a series of murders linked by a repulsive red leech and one of Moriarty’s lieutenants.
What follows is a story of a crime, along with grief, forgiveness, and so much awkwardness between two people who were closer than friends, but who never put into words how they felt. Too many words lie unsaid between the Great Detective and his biographer. Too much that they feel is a secret.
The rest of this review can be found HERE!
March 3, 2016
Well, I wrote it, so obviously I like it. I hope you do too.
March 1, 2016
Do you know what I love best about this book? It's about adventures. Adventures through London, Bohemian Melbourne, the Australian outback, and the hearts of John Watson and Sherlock Holmes.
This is more than an adventure story though, it's also a mystery, a romance. It's a full-steam ahead, canon-era tale of two men making a rough world a better place through their gifts of detection, deduction, and doctoring, a tale of two men striving to love one another in a world that makes that loving hard.
Ah, but these are resilient men, legendary. With heart and skill and passion for characters she clearly loves, Narrelle M. Harris shows us how John Watson and Sherlock Holmes prevail in a dangerous world of adders, gold fever, gruesome red leeches, and a murderous enemy bent on their destruction. Ooo now *that's* romantic. Mysterious. And a damned awesome adventure.
This is more than an adventure story though, it's also a mystery, a romance. It's a full-steam ahead, canon-era tale of two men making a rough world a better place through their gifts of detection, deduction, and doctoring, a tale of two men striving to love one another in a world that makes that loving hard.
Ah, but these are resilient men, legendary. With heart and skill and passion for characters she clearly loves, Narrelle M. Harris shows us how John Watson and Sherlock Holmes prevail in a dangerous world of adders, gold fever, gruesome red leeches, and a murderous enemy bent on their destruction. Ooo now *that's* romantic. Mysterious. And a damned awesome adventure.
March 4, 2016
This was a romping good read, and absolute page turner that I couldn't put down.
October 16, 2017
Oh, I did enjoy this one. Not least because it's set during the same canonical period as the second half of 'My Dearest Holmes', ie during the Great Hiatus (between Sherlock Holmes' supposed death at the hands of Professor Moriarty at the Reichenbach Falls and his reappearance in 'The Advanture Of The Empty House'). And yes! Just as in MDH, but in different circumstances and for different reasons, Holmes summons Watson to join him in exile using Mycroft as a go-between. And yes - the Love That Dare Not Speak Its Name hovers between them, still not daring to speak. But there the similarity ends, because in this instance Watson is summoned not to Paris but to Melbourne, Australia, to help Holmes pursue the villainous Sebastian Moran, one of the few surviving members of Moriarty's notorious gang - which includes, in this story, one Li Ju-Long and his sister, Li-Jun, adding a whole new dimension, and indeed continent, to Moriarty's/Moran's nefarious dealings.
It's a great story, and the Love That Dare Not Speak Its Name gets to speak it, and Holmes and Watson are henceforth Sherlock and John which is a nice touch, and the scenes of intimacy are neither too graphic for my middle-aged taste nor (a common complaint about MDH) too subtle. And there's a brilliant explanation as to why the world is not yet prepared to hear about the Giant Rat of Sumatra. What's not to like?
It's a great story, and the Love That Dare Not Speak Its Name gets to speak it, and Holmes and Watson are henceforth Sherlock and John which is a nice touch, and the scenes of intimacy are neither too graphic for my middle-aged taste nor (a common complaint about MDH) too subtle. And there's a brilliant explanation as to why the world is not yet prepared to hear about the Giant Rat of Sumatra. What's not to like?
June 27, 2016
By now I'm sure everyone has realised that I read a lot of Sherlock Holmes pastiches. Some are good, some are mediocre, and some are downright terrible. Occasionally you get one that is bloody brilliant.
"The Adventure of the Colonial Boy" is bloody brilliant!
Mourning both the death of Sherlock Holmes at the Reichenbach Falls, and the death of his wife Mary in childbirth, John Watson is shocked and angered to get a telegram purporting to be from Sherlock himself. After a meeting with Mycroft Holmes, Watson finds himself bound for Melbourne, Australia, to help Sherlock Holmes track down Colonel Sebastian Moran.
The book is a wonderful adventure and crime story. Published by the romance/erotica Sherlock Holmes imprint Improbable Press, "The Adventure of the Colonial Boy" is also a romance. So if two men loving each other is not for you, then do not read. But if you chose not to read it, you will be denying yourself a truly fantastic reading experience.
Highly recommended.
"The Adventure of the Colonial Boy" is bloody brilliant!
Mourning both the death of Sherlock Holmes at the Reichenbach Falls, and the death of his wife Mary in childbirth, John Watson is shocked and angered to get a telegram purporting to be from Sherlock himself. After a meeting with Mycroft Holmes, Watson finds himself bound for Melbourne, Australia, to help Sherlock Holmes track down Colonel Sebastian Moran.
The book is a wonderful adventure and crime story. Published by the romance/erotica Sherlock Holmes imprint Improbable Press, "The Adventure of the Colonial Boy" is also a romance. So if two men loving each other is not for you, then do not read. But if you chose not to read it, you will be denying yourself a truly fantastic reading experience.
Highly recommended.
March 1, 2016
While waiting for the printed book to be published and delivered, I bought the ebook because I couldn't wait - and ended up reading it in one day. I really like the story and the way Watson and Holmes are portrayed. The setting the story takes place in isn't one I'm used to when it comes to Sherlock Holmes stories, which made for a nice change. The story has an interesting mystery/case and just the right amount of character development as well. I'm looking forward to reading it again when the printed version has arrived. :-)
November 3, 2020
What strange tales and astonishing mysteries had led them like hounds through these streets and alleys, into dingy boarding houses and smoky dens, or into handsomely furnished offices, grand halls, homes with a history of great or faded fortunes?
All those wondrous exploits and their dazzling conclusions were at an end now.
This was an absolute delight to read! Jumping into the story, you can immediately tell the author did a lot of research and there is such a deep founded respect for the ACD canon and his characters. Even if you aren’t well versed in the cases from canon, you will no doubt enjoy this story. I couldn’t help but adore the adventures we experienced through late 1800’s London, Melbourne and the Australian outback! Not only were the plot and characters absolutely fantastic, the writing and voice of narration resonated with me so profoundly.
One of the best SH pastiches I’ve read in a while and as an Australian, I’m so glad I have this book in my collection!
All those wondrous exploits and their dazzling conclusions were at an end now.
This was an absolute delight to read! Jumping into the story, you can immediately tell the author did a lot of research and there is such a deep founded respect for the ACD canon and his characters. Even if you aren’t well versed in the cases from canon, you will no doubt enjoy this story. I couldn’t help but adore the adventures we experienced through late 1800’s London, Melbourne and the Australian outback! Not only were the plot and characters absolutely fantastic, the writing and voice of narration resonated with me so profoundly.
One of the best SH pastiches I’ve read in a while and as an Australian, I’m so glad I have this book in my collection!
February 11, 2022
I have a weak spot for Sherlock Holmes pastiches, fanfiction, etc. Usually I’m more drawn to the… fantastical side of things (such as the stories in The Improbable Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, some of which are outstanding), but lately I’ve been getting more into retellings exploring a potential romantic relationship between the detective and his doctor, as well as the consequences of that kind of bond in Victorian times. The Adventure of the Colonial Boy doesn’t technically ignore the canon, but instead gives it a twist in order to make space for a version in which both characters can reasonably start and maintain a romantic partnership. The tale takes place during the Great Hiatus and takes Watson to Australia, summoned by Holmes in order to catch Colonel Sebastian Moran before he catches them. There is also a large subplot involving a former member of Moriarty’s gang and a stolen diamond, and it was so well thought out that it could have been expanded as its own main adventure. All in all I found the story pretty solid and the characters true to the original material, although at times the narration got a bit too much into the starry-eyed type of style that annoys me in conventional romance books.
I was also impressed by the attention to detail employed by Harris when talking about life in England and Australia in the late 19th Century, as well as by the care taken to address canon discrepancies (such as the location of Watson’s gunshot wound) and to ground these characters in an actual historical location, so that when they become aware of each other’s feelings the thing comes across as feasible instead of absurd. I’m not interested in determining whether there was a queer aspect to their relationship in canon stories, but I like how books like this show that hey, even if that wasn’t the original intent, there is certainly room for alternative interpretations, and the core of what makes Holmes’ adventures legendary to begin with is not harmed in the least by him potentially having romantic feelings towards another human being.
I was also impressed by the attention to detail employed by Harris when talking about life in England and Australia in the late 19th Century, as well as by the care taken to address canon discrepancies (such as the location of Watson’s gunshot wound) and to ground these characters in an actual historical location, so that when they become aware of each other’s feelings the thing comes across as feasible instead of absurd. I’m not interested in determining whether there was a queer aspect to their relationship in canon stories, but I like how books like this show that hey, even if that wasn’t the original intent, there is certainly room for alternative interpretations, and the core of what makes Holmes’ adventures legendary to begin with is not harmed in the least by him potentially having romantic feelings towards another human being.
March 27, 2016
This is a brand new Sherlock Holmes story that takes place after Sherlock's death. My poor John Watson ( I have such a weakness for Watson) is in mourning for wife, baby and his best friend when he gets a telegraph calling him to Australia signed with Sherlock's initials. It's all adventure from there.
This one was a ton of fun. It's interesting to see John with a background of having grown up in both India and Australia as he is in this book, but it totally works and he's still true to character just like his relationship to Sherlock is spot and wonderful. I bought the ebook of this one because I couldn't wait another month for the print version but it's good enough I'll have to buy it, too. :)
This one was a ton of fun. It's interesting to see John with a background of having grown up in both India and Australia as he is in this book, but it totally works and he's still true to character just like his relationship to Sherlock is spot and wonderful. I bought the ebook of this one because I couldn't wait another month for the print version but it's good enough I'll have to buy it, too. :)
October 15, 2016
This is a brand new Sherlock Holmes story that takes place after Sherlock's death. My poor John Watson ( I have such a weakness for Watson) is in mourning for wife, baby and his best friend when he gets a telegraph calling him to Australia signed with Sherlock's initials. It's all adventure from there.
This one was a ton of fun. It's interesting to see John with a background of having grown up in both India and Australia as he is in this book, but it totally works and he's still true to character just like his relationship to Sherlock is spot and wonderful. I bought the ebook of this one because I couldn't wait another month for the print version but it's good enough I'll have to buy it, too. :)
This one was a ton of fun. It's interesting to see John with a background of having grown up in both India and Australia as he is in this book, but it totally works and he's still true to character just like his relationship to Sherlock is spot and wonderful. I bought the ebook of this one because I couldn't wait another month for the print version but it's good enough I'll have to buy it, too. :)
August 30, 2016
I was given this book for an honest review.
Well this was certainly different to my normal books and I possibly wouldn't have bought it myself.
I don't know anything about Sherlock, never read it or watched it so any references or innuendos went over my head. Aside from that the story was solid, I got to know the characters and their background.
Being a Melbourne girl myself I enjoyed the references to my town from over 100 years ago as well as the country towns of Victoria.
An interesting tale of adventure and probably a different spin on Sherlock and Watson.
Well this was certainly different to my normal books and I possibly wouldn't have bought it myself.
I don't know anything about Sherlock, never read it or watched it so any references or innuendos went over my head. Aside from that the story was solid, I got to know the characters and their background.
Being a Melbourne girl myself I enjoyed the references to my town from over 100 years ago as well as the country towns of Victoria.
An interesting tale of adventure and probably a different spin on Sherlock and Watson.
April 5, 2016
I have loved this book from start to finish!
I throughly enjoyed the references to canon, the always great insight the author provides on the characters and their feelings, the great taste she gives the reader of their relationship, their courage, their wit and their sweetness.
I could not be happier that this book saw the light: it is a great representative of Improbable Press and I am looking forward to see what else they have in store.
I throughly enjoyed the references to canon, the always great insight the author provides on the characters and their feelings, the great taste she gives the reader of their relationship, their courage, their wit and their sweetness.
I could not be happier that this book saw the light: it is a great representative of Improbable Press and I am looking forward to see what else they have in store.
October 12, 2016
A terrific ripping yarn of a Sherlock Holmes adventure, with a finely drawn romance as well. The settings in London, on board ship, and in Australia were as beautifully realised as the characters. Nicely done!
October 1, 2022
Ok objectively it should be 4 but half more star for the cool Chinese woman character and another half for a certain plot that is very healing for me.
I really like this book! This is written by the same author as the last one I reviewed: A Dream To Build A Kiss On. But this one is much better imo. The story is better and the writing is more sophisticated. The struggle of Watson after witness his brother's tragedy is very touching, and how they both overcome their fear and doubt about love to be with each other is very encouraging. I love it a lot.
The mystery/case aspect of this one is alright - not super engaging but interesting enough to keep me reading instead of skimming through. And the awesome Chinese woman character! A big thumbs up!
This book makes me think about mystery and romance and how they could fit into each other. I said objectively it is 4 stars because I feel the mystery and the romance are somehow segregated. Yes there are some plots their conflict against the enemies bring their relationship deeper, but generally speaking the case itself and their relationship development are two parallel lines, and even sort of distracting to each other. When I read about the mystery and suddenly one character starts to think about their love, or when they are being affectionate but then have to be back on track to solve the case, it is just confusing and kind of pulls me out of the reading a bit. It disturbs the flow.
That being said, I know it is very hard to integrate these two aspects well enough. I have read very few romance/mystery novels, and for now, I haven't seen any that I can say is well done. One aspect is always weaker than another, or they somehow get mixed up in a very weird confusing way. Mystery and romance might be mutually exclusive imo, unless the mystery involves one of the characters who are in the relationship. But maybe I just read so few fictional works that I haven't seen enough.
But to be fair, I barely see any romance that interests me at all other than ships in fandom...oh well lol this is getting subjective.
So this book, even though is not perfectly done, I can see the effort of the writer to bring these two aspects together and it is enjoyable. I appreciate it.
I really like this book! This is written by the same author as the last one I reviewed: A Dream To Build A Kiss On. But this one is much better imo. The story is better and the writing is more sophisticated. The struggle of Watson after witness his brother's tragedy is very touching, and how they both overcome their fear and doubt about love to be with each other is very encouraging. I love it a lot.
The mystery/case aspect of this one is alright - not super engaging but interesting enough to keep me reading instead of skimming through. And the awesome Chinese woman character! A big thumbs up!
This book makes me think about mystery and romance and how they could fit into each other. I said objectively it is 4 stars because I feel the mystery and the romance are somehow segregated. Yes there are some plots their conflict against the enemies bring their relationship deeper, but generally speaking the case itself and their relationship development are two parallel lines, and even sort of distracting to each other. When I read about the mystery and suddenly one character starts to think about their love, or when they are being affectionate but then have to be back on track to solve the case, it is just confusing and kind of pulls me out of the reading a bit. It disturbs the flow.
That being said, I know it is very hard to integrate these two aspects well enough. I have read very few romance/mystery novels, and for now, I haven't seen any that I can say is well done. One aspect is always weaker than another, or they somehow get mixed up in a very weird confusing way. Mystery and romance might be mutually exclusive imo, unless the mystery involves one of the characters who are in the relationship. But maybe I just read so few fictional works that I haven't seen enough.
But to be fair, I barely see any romance that interests me at all other than ships in fandom...oh well lol this is getting subjective.
So this book, even though is not perfectly done, I can see the effort of the writer to bring these two aspects together and it is enjoyable. I appreciate it.
November 18, 2018
4.5
I loved most of the things that were in the book, especially the fact that the author tired real hard to replicate historical details and achieve a writing style that was nearly perfect!
The only thing that I couldn't bring myself to appreciate was the way things were handled between Holmes and Watson: there was something that didn't convince me, maybe that fact that it was rushed or maybe that awkward first love-making scene.
Anyway, apart from a couple of chapters after the first half, I loved every bit of it: the story was interesting and connected in a brilliant way with the canon! And some scenes were incrediby sweet and left with a warm feeling.
I would like to thank the author for gifting us with this little gem <3
For anyone interested in Holmes/Watson, this novel is something you'd like not to miss!
I loved most of the things that were in the book, especially the fact that the author tired real hard to replicate historical details and achieve a writing style that was nearly perfect!
The only thing that I couldn't bring myself to appreciate was the way things were handled between Holmes and Watson: there was something that didn't convince me, maybe that fact that it was rushed or maybe that awkward first love-making scene.
Anyway, apart from a couple of chapters after the first half, I loved every bit of it: the story was interesting and connected in a brilliant way with the canon! And some scenes were incrediby sweet and left with a warm feeling.
I would like to thank the author for gifting us with this little gem <3
For anyone interested in Holmes/Watson, this novel is something you'd like not to miss!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 1, 2018
I love this so much! It has all that I love in the original Sherlock Holmes stories: the adventures, the mystery, the danger. And it makes explicit what I saw implicit since the first time I read those stories: the love between these two men.
The story is happening just before 'The Empty House', in Australia! and the reunion... oh, the reunion makes so much sense. As Holmes' reasons to stay away does (although this may be a biased opinion, as I always thought the same :P)
The writing is perfect, the sense of the era, the characters (the ones we know and the originals), the settings, all is laid in a way that transports you with them, and when you finally arrive at the end of the story, you do it with your heart warm and a smile in your face. A beautiful, thrilling, wonderful story.
The story is happening just before 'The Empty House', in Australia! and the reunion... oh, the reunion makes so much sense. As Holmes' reasons to stay away does (although this may be a biased opinion, as I always thought the same :P)
The writing is perfect, the sense of the era, the characters (the ones we know and the originals), the settings, all is laid in a way that transports you with them, and when you finally arrive at the end of the story, you do it with your heart warm and a smile in your face. A beautiful, thrilling, wonderful story.
December 17, 2023
I got so sucked in to the story that I stayed up late because I didn’t want to stop then got up early (on Sunday morning!) to finish it.
It probably helps if you have some familiarity with Doyle’s original stories, but even without there is enough exposition to make the characters and their motivations clear. Missing a few references to events in Doyle’s stories shouldn’t spoil the sheer exuberant flow of the story.
Holmes and Watson’s rocky reunion was realistically done, and the moment where Holmes and Watson started calling each other Sherlock and John melted my heart. This book filled a gap in my head that I didn’t know existed.
It probably helps if you have some familiarity with Doyle’s original stories, but even without there is enough exposition to make the characters and their motivations clear. Missing a few references to events in Doyle’s stories shouldn’t spoil the sheer exuberant flow of the story.
Holmes and Watson’s rocky reunion was realistically done, and the moment where Holmes and Watson started calling each other Sherlock and John melted my heart. This book filled a gap in my head that I didn’t know existed.
September 29, 2020
the book starts out a bit weak with only one character and too-much-monologuing syndrome but soon picks up with more dialogue.
watson's 𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑖𝑐 𝑝𝑎𝑠𝑡 does seem a bit dramatic in the beginning but actually works with the story, and you really start to feel for him and his brother. the closure with the watch and the grave scene make the book feel rounded-out and thoughtful. (i'm also absolutely in love with all the queer side characters!)
the transition from holmes and watson to sherlock and john was incredibly sweet! definitely one of my favourite pastiches, worth a read (or re-read) anytime.
watson's 𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑖𝑐 𝑝𝑎𝑠𝑡 does seem a bit dramatic in the beginning but actually works with the story, and you really start to feel for him and his brother. the closure with the watch and the grave scene make the book feel rounded-out and thoughtful. (i'm also absolutely in love with all the queer side characters!)
the transition from holmes and watson to sherlock and john was incredibly sweet! definitely one of my favourite pastiches, worth a read (or re-read) anytime.
July 4, 2025
2.5 stars
After immersing myself in fantasy for so long, I found myself missing mysteries. Sherlock is a favorite of mine and this is a quick, decent read. However, this isn’t a mystery but more like a pursuit of Moran. I get it though. I wouldn’t want to tackle the complexities of a Sherlock mystery either so, this is the result. I enjoyed reading of their confessions of love as well as the complexities of being gay during that era.
Even though it was accurate, Victorian speak during smexy times was a choice I did not enjoy.
After immersing myself in fantasy for so long, I found myself missing mysteries. Sherlock is a favorite of mine and this is a quick, decent read. However, this isn’t a mystery but more like a pursuit of Moran. I get it though. I wouldn’t want to tackle the complexities of a Sherlock mystery either so, this is the result. I enjoyed reading of their confessions of love as well as the complexities of being gay during that era.
Even though it was accurate, Victorian speak during smexy times was a choice I did not enjoy.
November 26, 2018
Wonderful!
This was a fantastic story. The world building and sensory details were delightful and really brought both London and Australia to life. Holmes and Watson are very much true to character, with a personal depth that Doyle had left us to wonder about in canon. Meloncoly, sweet, triumphant, fierce in a beautiful balance, I highly recommend The Adventure of the Colonial Boy. Definitely a favorite.
This was a fantastic story. The world building and sensory details were delightful and really brought both London and Australia to life. Holmes and Watson are very much true to character, with a personal depth that Doyle had left us to wonder about in canon. Meloncoly, sweet, triumphant, fierce in a beautiful balance, I highly recommend The Adventure of the Colonial Boy. Definitely a favorite.
December 11, 2017
Excellent read
Rollicking good story and enjoyed the different setting, although I think one of the characters died too quickly... I recommend you read it to see if you agree with me!
Rollicking good story and enjoyed the different setting, although I think one of the characters died too quickly... I recommend you read it to see if you agree with me!
September 22, 2018
Beautiful
Wonderfully written.
Great plot. It was absolutely lovely and I eagerly recommend it to you.
( This is not part of the review I just need more words in order to review)
Wonderfully written.
Great plot. It was absolutely lovely and I eagerly recommend it to you.
( This is not part of the review I just need more words in order to review)
August 3, 2022
A few grammar and spelling errors that annoyed me but otherwise a nice, light read with some of my favorite characters.
December 18, 2016
I know Narrelle M. Harris is a good researcher and widely read, so I've taken her Sherlock and period links as accurate and allowed the dramatic licence to portray a Watson-Holmes gay relationship. The erotic scenes are really well done, especially Watson's moustache. The chapter where they travel the Australian bush on horseback and their relationship changes from angst to acceptance and mutual enjoyment is well written.
There are Sherlock Holmes experts who know every plot and character, and can even quote passages of dialogue but I'm not one of those readers. I like mysteries but have only a working knowledge of the Sherlock-Dr Watson partnership and the various 'baddies'. However, this meant I could read 'The Adventure of the Colonial Boy' as a stand alone which was a different angle. The historical setting was really well done, with the twist of locating it in the Australian bush. And there are specific scenes such as the introduction of the Chinese 'wife' which are dramatically and sensitively presented. Period attitudes are effectively suggested.
I am also not an expert on fan fiction but understand the concept that writing a version with someone else's original characters is a kind of compliment.
What I really liked about 'The Adventures of the Colonial Boy' was the mind behind fitting the jigsaw puzzle pieces into a period framework, even if the reasons for being in Ararat or Bohemian Melbourne were tenuous. There's a lot of racing around various locations and often I lost the plot reason for chasing or hiding because I wasn't familiar enough with the original Conan Doyle story. However the observations were amusing enough to keep me interested.
The strengths are scenes where Dr Watson is working as an emergency doctor patching up patients vital to the plot. The medical sequence details were so well described and also characterised Harris' Watson. The onboard caring of the pregnant passenger and observations of the other ship doctor's less then pristine surgery strengthened the characterisation of Watson who comes out as competent and ethical.
I'd like to read another Harris original, set in the same historic period but with her own sleuth. And utilise that historical research skill again.
There are Sherlock Holmes experts who know every plot and character, and can even quote passages of dialogue but I'm not one of those readers. I like mysteries but have only a working knowledge of the Sherlock-Dr Watson partnership and the various 'baddies'. However, this meant I could read 'The Adventure of the Colonial Boy' as a stand alone which was a different angle. The historical setting was really well done, with the twist of locating it in the Australian bush. And there are specific scenes such as the introduction of the Chinese 'wife' which are dramatically and sensitively presented. Period attitudes are effectively suggested.
I am also not an expert on fan fiction but understand the concept that writing a version with someone else's original characters is a kind of compliment.
What I really liked about 'The Adventures of the Colonial Boy' was the mind behind fitting the jigsaw puzzle pieces into a period framework, even if the reasons for being in Ararat or Bohemian Melbourne were tenuous. There's a lot of racing around various locations and often I lost the plot reason for chasing or hiding because I wasn't familiar enough with the original Conan Doyle story. However the observations were amusing enough to keep me interested.
The strengths are scenes where Dr Watson is working as an emergency doctor patching up patients vital to the plot. The medical sequence details were so well described and also characterised Harris' Watson. The onboard caring of the pregnant passenger and observations of the other ship doctor's less then pristine surgery strengthened the characterisation of Watson who comes out as competent and ethical.
I'd like to read another Harris original, set in the same historic period but with her own sleuth. And utilise that historical research skill again.
January 2, 2017
This is actually a 3.5 stars review.
I enjoyed reading this book.
I think Narrelle Harris really captured the essence of the main characters and the style of writing in this Sherlock Holmes novel, partly set in Australia.
Still grieving the death of his wife, Mary, and still grieving the apparent death of his friend and colleague, Sherlock Holmes, Dr Watson's life is very much in the doldrums when he receives a cryptic telegram that - encouraged by Mycroft Holmes - sees him setting forth on a journey to Australia, where apparently he has previously lived for a time with his father and brother during the Victorian gold rush.
He is reunited with Sherlock and together the two sleuths set about solving this most recent mystery, venturing into the Australian bush (Harris writes some sublime word-pictures of the scenery for non-Australian readers), where they admit and consummate their love for each other.
Harris has spent a lot of time researching the background for this book, and it shows. Pieces of the puzzle all fit together easily, and make sense as the story is divulged, leading to a satisfying ending.
No matter what incarnation of Holmes and Watson is your favourite, I'm sure you'll get pleasure from reading this book.
I enjoyed reading this book.
I think Narrelle Harris really captured the essence of the main characters and the style of writing in this Sherlock Holmes novel, partly set in Australia.
Still grieving the death of his wife, Mary, and still grieving the apparent death of his friend and colleague, Sherlock Holmes, Dr Watson's life is very much in the doldrums when he receives a cryptic telegram that - encouraged by Mycroft Holmes - sees him setting forth on a journey to Australia, where apparently he has previously lived for a time with his father and brother during the Victorian gold rush.
He is reunited with Sherlock and together the two sleuths set about solving this most recent mystery, venturing into the Australian bush (Harris writes some sublime word-pictures of the scenery for non-Australian readers), where they admit and consummate their love for each other.
Harris has spent a lot of time researching the background for this book, and it shows. Pieces of the puzzle all fit together easily, and make sense as the story is divulged, leading to a satisfying ending.
No matter what incarnation of Holmes and Watson is your favourite, I'm sure you'll get pleasure from reading this book.
April 22, 2016
I was really happy to read this book by Narrelle. Being someone who read her earliest works, listened with pride as she read from one of her first professional books, and now am enjoying reading them. Let me say, Go fan-girl!! This is a delight to someone who has written and read the homoerotic adventures of Holmes & Watson.
This novel starts with loss, with Watson's great grief - losing his wife, child and Holmes. It's told with Watson's at-times florid style at first. Tinged with a hopeless "what do I do now?" feeling. And a telegram.... "Come at once if convenient, if inconvenient come all the same - SH" arrives.
Dare I say the game was afoot from that point on....
The book reveals a history of Watson, and Holmes that eventually is shared with the audience. Narrelle's own love for Australia and of the morals and characters of the 1890's, shines through. And their past pain and desire comes through before the inevitability of their joining together. That's pure whimsy but delightful.
Lots of adventure as well, of course. A thoroughly nasty villain. Still mulling over Mrs Hudson's secret life.....
I am happily recommending this book to friends.
This novel starts with loss, with Watson's great grief - losing his wife, child and Holmes. It's told with Watson's at-times florid style at first. Tinged with a hopeless "what do I do now?" feeling. And a telegram.... "Come at once if convenient, if inconvenient come all the same - SH" arrives.
Dare I say the game was afoot from that point on....
The book reveals a history of Watson, and Holmes that eventually is shared with the audience. Narrelle's own love for Australia and of the morals and characters of the 1890's, shines through. And their past pain and desire comes through before the inevitability of their joining together. That's pure whimsy but delightful.
Lots of adventure as well, of course. A thoroughly nasty villain. Still mulling over Mrs Hudson's secret life.....
I am happily recommending this book to friends.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 15, 2018
I could have been reading the piles of unread books around my house, but no, I decided to read this for the third time! Delightful read deserving of a review to say so! Nice balance between the harsh reality of the time for queer folk and the positivity that comes from taking a chance on love. I look forward to reading more from the author.
June 26, 2017
This book is a complete joy. It's quite an easy and smooth read, with wonderful heartwarming moments and brilliant sensual description. If you love Sherlock Holmes and John Watson, and them loving each other, you have to read this book.
March 30, 2016
Romantic adventure
Ms. Harris gives us a great adventure story that is well grounded in its particular time period and geography. An interesting spin on the return of the Great Detective.
Ms. Harris gives us a great adventure story that is well grounded in its particular time period and geography. An interesting spin on the return of the Great Detective.
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