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The Further Adventures of Sherlock Holmes - The Counterfeit Detective
An anonymous telegram brings strange news to Baker Street; there is an impostor Sherlock Holmes at work in New York City, solving cases and taking society by storm. The real Sherlock Holmes, fresh from an undercover mission for his enigmatic brother Mycroft, wastes no time in crossing the Atlantic to confront the charlatan. But he and Watson find more than they bargained the counterfeit Sherlock is nowhere to be found and his clients are none too keen on revealing their secrets...
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 18, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
August 19, 2020
I loved every second of The Counterfeit Detective (The Further Adventures of Sherlock Holmes) by Stuart Douglas. The whole scene where Holmes and Watson talk to Mrs. van Raalte, the landlady of his imposter, is comedy gold. When Holmes has no choice but to come up with an alias on the spot when she catches them trying to break in (because they assume no one is at home and Holmes has to think fast and tells her they were just admiring the quality of an antique doorknob), he manages John Murray for Watson and in a moment of panic Mr. Lestrade for himself. Watson, obviously, has a hard time keeping it together when he hears that and doesn't plan on letting Holmes forget it. Later, he asks Holmes "I have one question, however. Will that remain your name of choice for the entirety of our time in the Americas, or should I expect to find strangers addressing you as Athelney Jones or Tobias Gregson in the near future?" Both of them have a good chuckle after that.
January 30, 2020
4 STARS
October 8, 2025
I enjoyed reading this story, taking place in New York, rather than London. Holmes and Watson worked well together and the supporting characters were interesting and well drawn out.
This being said I'm not sure I 'got' the ending. The reason for the murders didn't seem to make sense to me which lead to the bigger picture of the solution, which seemed confusing. So while I appreciate the atmosphere, the characters and Holmes and Watson doing their thing, all in all I enjoyed most but as I said, found the ending unsatisfactory.
This being said I'm not sure I 'got' the ending. The reason for the murders didn't seem to make sense to me which lead to the bigger picture of the solution, which seemed confusing. So while I appreciate the atmosphere, the characters and Holmes and Watson doing their thing, all in all I enjoyed most but as I said, found the ending unsatisfactory.
July 2, 2017
The opening of the book could not have been more interesting: there was someone out there pretending to be Sherlock Holmes (!), in New York (!!), so the real Sherlock Holmes had to travel to New York to solve the case woohoo!
Too bad there were many problems with this book:
- The writing was not bad, but it was redundant. The story was from Watson's perspective, but this Watson talked too much about how he understood Sherlock, how he felt about Sherlock, so it was really distracting.
- The character of Gregson's friend in New York was quite good, but the other characters were boring with ineffective connections among them. I couldn't even remember what happened to them or what they said when I picked up the book again to continue reading.
- Holmes's deduction really got my eyes rolling. That's it?! Good Lord.
- I was at page 170, and the book was 250 pages. But I felt like the book was going nowhere, and I did not know much about this fake Holmes apart from the fact that... he had done something very bad. Chey. Goodbye. DNF.
I wish I could have liked this book because I bought the physical copy and the copy felt very nice in my hands. I don't want to give this book 1 star because it was not unreadable, but I regretted reading this, so I can't give it 2 stars either.
Too bad there were many problems with this book:
- The writing was not bad, but it was redundant. The story was from Watson's perspective, but this Watson talked too much about how he understood Sherlock, how he felt about Sherlock, so it was really distracting.
- The character of Gregson's friend in New York was quite good, but the other characters were boring with ineffective connections among them. I couldn't even remember what happened to them or what they said when I picked up the book again to continue reading.
- Holmes's deduction really got my eyes rolling. That's it?! Good Lord.
- I was at page 170, and the book was 250 pages. But I felt like the book was going nowhere, and I did not know much about this fake Holmes apart from the fact that... he had done something very bad. Chey. Goodbye. DNF.
I wish I could have liked this book because I bought the physical copy and the copy felt very nice in my hands. I don't want to give this book 1 star because it was not unreadable, but I regretted reading this, so I can't give it 2 stars either.
August 30, 2020
Starts strong. Loses steam and plods along toward the end.
March 22, 2017
a good read
June 3, 2022
This was a fine read, though very difficult to interact with as a mystery rather than an observed adventure.
February 23, 2017
The idea of Sherlock Holmes in New York City seems to be a popular one among those who write Holmes pastiches. As well as a number of novels and short stories (indeed, there's at least one volume dedicated to Holmes in America), there's also the 1970s TV movie starring none other than 007 actor Roger Moore as Holmes. Yet few, if any, have managed to come up with quite as original a take on the idea as Stuart Douglas in his recent pastiche The Counterfeit Detective, a recent entry in Titan Books' range The Further Adventures Of Sherlock Holmes.
Douglas' premise is simple enough. As the title might imply, Holmes faces none other than an imposter claiming to be him running lose in the city that never sleeps. With Watson at his side, Holmes travels to New York City in 1899 and sets out trying to find his doppelganger. What looks to be a straightforward case turns out to be anything but as what seems to be a simple case of unmasking someone instead takes in New York high society, the immigrant community, blackmail, and of course murder. Like any good mystery and thriller writer, Douglas takes in a series of apparently unconnected elements and weaves them together into a compelling narrative that never quite does what one expects it to do.
A narrative that also feels like vintage Holmes. Set in 1899, the novel takes us from Holmes recovering in Baker Street from a series of assignment for his brother to the varying highs and lows of the Big Apple, all of which are described by Watson in fine detail. The standard by which I judge Holmes pastiches these days is if I can hear some of the great Holmes and Watson teams of screen and audio saying the words on the page and I have to say that this novel passed that test admirably. Watson gives the reader enough detail to makes Holmes' logic make sense and gives enough sketches of other characters to bring them to life. That's especially true of the many characters we encounter in New York City from Inspector Bullock to Mrs van Raalte, the Mrs Hudson to the imposter Holmes. All of which helps to make the novel (which runs about 250 pages) into even more of a page turner.
Despite a plethora of tales featuring Sherlock Holmes in New York, The Counterfeit Detective manages to raise its head above the pack. From a compelling narrative taking in the width and breadth of turn of the century New York to an authentic reading Holmes and Watson, Stuart Douglas creates a first rate Holmes pastiche that takes character and reader alike outside their usual comfort zone. The result makes for fine reading to say the least and something that many Holmes fans will likely enjoy immensely.
Douglas' premise is simple enough. As the title might imply, Holmes faces none other than an imposter claiming to be him running lose in the city that never sleeps. With Watson at his side, Holmes travels to New York City in 1899 and sets out trying to find his doppelganger. What looks to be a straightforward case turns out to be anything but as what seems to be a simple case of unmasking someone instead takes in New York high society, the immigrant community, blackmail, and of course murder. Like any good mystery and thriller writer, Douglas takes in a series of apparently unconnected elements and weaves them together into a compelling narrative that never quite does what one expects it to do.
A narrative that also feels like vintage Holmes. Set in 1899, the novel takes us from Holmes recovering in Baker Street from a series of assignment for his brother to the varying highs and lows of the Big Apple, all of which are described by Watson in fine detail. The standard by which I judge Holmes pastiches these days is if I can hear some of the great Holmes and Watson teams of screen and audio saying the words on the page and I have to say that this novel passed that test admirably. Watson gives the reader enough detail to makes Holmes' logic make sense and gives enough sketches of other characters to bring them to life. That's especially true of the many characters we encounter in New York City from Inspector Bullock to Mrs van Raalte, the Mrs Hudson to the imposter Holmes. All of which helps to make the novel (which runs about 250 pages) into even more of a page turner.
Despite a plethora of tales featuring Sherlock Holmes in New York, The Counterfeit Detective manages to raise its head above the pack. From a compelling narrative taking in the width and breadth of turn of the century New York to an authentic reading Holmes and Watson, Stuart Douglas creates a first rate Holmes pastiche that takes character and reader alike outside their usual comfort zone. The result makes for fine reading to say the least and something that many Holmes fans will likely enjoy immensely.
February 23, 2017
While the dialogue and detail was well-written, certainly in the vein of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and the story was suspenseful, the plot element I waited the entire story for... didn't happen.
The prospect of a false Sherlock Holmes gallivanting around intrigued me very much. Compared to the potential I felt a plot like that would bring, I felt this story suffered.
Not a bad story, just not the breakout I felt it could have been. 3 out of 5 stars.
The prospect of a false Sherlock Holmes gallivanting around intrigued me very much. Compared to the potential I felt a plot like that would bring, I felt this story suffered.
Not a bad story, just not the breakout I felt it could have been. 3 out of 5 stars.
March 11, 2017
The Counterfeit Detective evoked memories of reading the Sherlock Holmes mysteries by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. That's a good thing. As I was reading I felt as if Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce were saying their lines from the movies of the 1940's. Another good thing. This book by Stuart Douglas is full of great characters, murders, mysteries, plots and subplots, several suspects, New York City in the late 1800's and the banter between Holmes and Watson. Holmes is his usual logical, crude and eccentric self to Watson's bumbling, confused and loyal friend. As in all the Sherlock Holmes books that I have read I did not figure out who was the culprit but I enjoyed reading this tale and finding out who was.
One small point that I found odd and it stuck with me for some reason. Although weight was mentioned as "stones" distance and length was told in feet and inches.
Sorry. I just found out that England didn't convert to the metric system until the 1960's. So "stones" and feet and inches are correct.
One small point that I found odd and it stuck with me for some reason. Although weight was mentioned as "stones" distance and length was told in feet and inches.
Sorry. I just found out that England didn't convert to the metric system until the 1960's. So "stones" and feet and inches are correct.
June 27, 2020
A highly enjoyable and easy to read book.
The premise is simple: Holmes learns that there is a detective in New York City who states he is Sherlock Holmes and is helping people. Incensed that his name is being used by a charlatan, Holmes with Watson journey to the Big Apple and find themselves involved with a series of crimes more horrendous than name appropriation.
I loved everything about this story, which begins with a two chapter mystery on the voyage to the states. The settings are wonderful, the characters delightful and deadly, and the mystery twisting in every chapter.
The solution is wonderful and completely plausible in the world of Sherlock Holmes. Doyle would be proud of this puzzle.
The premise is simple: Holmes learns that there is a detective in New York City who states he is Sherlock Holmes and is helping people. Incensed that his name is being used by a charlatan, Holmes with Watson journey to the Big Apple and find themselves involved with a series of crimes more horrendous than name appropriation.
I loved everything about this story, which begins with a two chapter mystery on the voyage to the states. The settings are wonderful, the characters delightful and deadly, and the mystery twisting in every chapter.
The solution is wonderful and completely plausible in the world of Sherlock Holmes. Doyle would be proud of this puzzle.
June 19, 2017
Competently written, it does the work that it sets out to do. However I found it lacked any distinguishing feature, an interesting new idea or addition to the Sherlock Holmes mythos.
June 13, 2018
Holmes is in a blue funk - his elder brother, the elusive Mycroft, has him running about the lower reaches of London fact finding among the usual criminals and lowlifes.
Watson is officially concerned about his friend, not least the lurking presence of the 7% solution and the hypodermic needle in the desk drawer.
Thankfully, fate, or its instrument, arrive in the form of a letter from America. The anonymous writer, who claims to be a friend, tells Holmes that an interloper is not only taking the name of the great detective in vain, but is claiming to be the real thing in New York and causing mayhem as a result.
Holmes butterfly mind when an interesting case presents itself, rapidly packs up, and with Watson in tow, crosses the Atlantic to meet the so called doppleganger. En route, he solves a mystery and saves a man from the noose - just to keep his hand in - and the duo arrive safe and sound in NYC. With a letter of introduction (note to the Modern World - can we bring these back please?!), they arrive at a NYC Police Station to meet with a friend of Lestrade's who emigrated. This police officer is happy to help - but is hampered because this fake Holmes hasn't committed any crimes. Holmes understands, but isn't going to let that stop him. He tracks down the fake Holmes' lodgings and landlady, two recent clients and appears to have met a dead end when the landlady turns up dead in a 5 Points drinking den. From then on, the plot thickens, with leads pertaining to a man on the run, blackmail, Holmes under arrest and Watson in a dangerous denouement.
An enjoyable, quite quick read. Quite faithful to the writing and with a homage to the original stories. A library book, so being returned this weekend.
Watson is officially concerned about his friend, not least the lurking presence of the 7% solution and the hypodermic needle in the desk drawer.
Thankfully, fate, or its instrument, arrive in the form of a letter from America. The anonymous writer, who claims to be a friend, tells Holmes that an interloper is not only taking the name of the great detective in vain, but is claiming to be the real thing in New York and causing mayhem as a result.
Holmes butterfly mind when an interesting case presents itself, rapidly packs up, and with Watson in tow, crosses the Atlantic to meet the so called doppleganger. En route, he solves a mystery and saves a man from the noose - just to keep his hand in - and the duo arrive safe and sound in NYC. With a letter of introduction (note to the Modern World - can we bring these back please?!), they arrive at a NYC Police Station to meet with a friend of Lestrade's who emigrated. This police officer is happy to help - but is hampered because this fake Holmes hasn't committed any crimes. Holmes understands, but isn't going to let that stop him. He tracks down the fake Holmes' lodgings and landlady, two recent clients and appears to have met a dead end when the landlady turns up dead in a 5 Points drinking den. From then on, the plot thickens, with leads pertaining to a man on the run, blackmail, Holmes under arrest and Watson in a dangerous denouement.
An enjoyable, quite quick read. Quite faithful to the writing and with a homage to the original stories. A library book, so being returned this weekend.
May 28, 2023
Sherlock and Watson cross the ocean to track down a NYC detective going by the name of Sherlock Holmes. But when he gets there, no one will talk to him, and the case leads to murder. Like it so often does.
A good mystery--inventive and entertaining, if not wholly even. (I found my attention wandering in the middle just a bit, but it pulled it together toward the end. Or I did, maybe.) Good enough that I was glad to pick it up in its turn, which is usually how I judge whether a book is successful. Part of that, I'm sure, is that it can be easier and more satisfying to read stories about familiar characters in familiar settings, like Sherlock or Star Trek or probably any long-running series, as long as the authors do a pretty good job of recreating those characters, and IMO that is the case here.
If you read several books at a time, a little from each book each day--that's the way I approach reading--I believe that the order you pick them up will tell you how you're enjoying them even more than deep reflection will. This one was in the middle of my stack, but always nearer the top. (It sparked pretty good joy, is what I'm trying to explain.)
:)
Anyway, I'm digging this Sherlock series written by multiple authors, and they continue to be good enough to lead me on to the next. So I'd recommend the book as well as the series ("The further adventures of...") to other Sherlock fans.
A good mystery--inventive and entertaining, if not wholly even. (I found my attention wandering in the middle just a bit, but it pulled it together toward the end. Or I did, maybe.) Good enough that I was glad to pick it up in its turn, which is usually how I judge whether a book is successful. Part of that, I'm sure, is that it can be easier and more satisfying to read stories about familiar characters in familiar settings, like Sherlock or Star Trek or probably any long-running series, as long as the authors do a pretty good job of recreating those characters, and IMO that is the case here.
If you read several books at a time, a little from each book each day--that's the way I approach reading--I believe that the order you pick them up will tell you how you're enjoying them even more than deep reflection will. This one was in the middle of my stack, but always nearer the top. (It sparked pretty good joy, is what I'm trying to explain.)
:)
Anyway, I'm digging this Sherlock series written by multiple authors, and they continue to be good enough to lead me on to the next. So I'd recommend the book as well as the series ("The further adventures of...") to other Sherlock fans.
July 30, 2017
Two Sherlock Holmeses?
The year is 1899. Holmes has more or less been working for Mycroft since his return from “The Great Hiatus.” Then a mysterious letter arrives at 221B. The writer mentions that Holmes had taken a case for his uncle and then proceeds to shock Holmes and Watson with his next words.
It seems that there is at present in New York City a man calling himself Sherlock Holmes! The man is calling himself a consulting detective and has been involved in a series of more or less high profile cases!
However, some of the results have been a bit questionable. Holmes is angry enough that someone has the gall to pretend to be him! To sully Holmes’ name with less than stellar work is something Holmes simply cannot bear!
Holmes and Watson, therefore, embark on a voyage to New York. Holmes plans to hunt down his doppelganger and put an end to this once and for all. Along with faithful Watson, Holmes will have the aid of Inspector Simeon Bullock of New York’s finest.
The trail leads into very dangerous areas of the city. More than once Holmes and Watson are in fear for their lives. A collection of murders, threats, and other crimes seem to follow the faker like seagulls behind a barge.
Who is this intrepid imposter?
I give the book four stars…
Quoth the Raven…
The year is 1899. Holmes has more or less been working for Mycroft since his return from “The Great Hiatus.” Then a mysterious letter arrives at 221B. The writer mentions that Holmes had taken a case for his uncle and then proceeds to shock Holmes and Watson with his next words.
It seems that there is at present in New York City a man calling himself Sherlock Holmes! The man is calling himself a consulting detective and has been involved in a series of more or less high profile cases!
However, some of the results have been a bit questionable. Holmes is angry enough that someone has the gall to pretend to be him! To sully Holmes’ name with less than stellar work is something Holmes simply cannot bear!
Holmes and Watson, therefore, embark on a voyage to New York. Holmes plans to hunt down his doppelganger and put an end to this once and for all. Along with faithful Watson, Holmes will have the aid of Inspector Simeon Bullock of New York’s finest.
The trail leads into very dangerous areas of the city. More than once Holmes and Watson are in fear for their lives. A collection of murders, threats, and other crimes seem to follow the faker like seagulls behind a barge.
Who is this intrepid imposter?
I give the book four stars…
Quoth the Raven…
October 5, 2023
A Sherlock Holmes pastiche that breaks the mold, sort of. Holmes gets word that someone in New York is impersonating him, so of course he must leave at once to see what this is about. The duo travel in style on the RMS Oceanic. While on board, Holmes saves the life and reputation of a crewman, a detail that will be important later.
While in New York, the reader is subjected, or treated, to Watson's comparisons of New York and London, depending on if you enjoy such things. I liked it. Most of his observations were favorable. However, I wish there had been a comparison of the White Chapel District and Five Points, but I believe the 'clean up' of Five Points was underway about this time. I found it interesting that the two were always being served tea instead of coffee, but that's just a minor detail.
Holmes discovers his impersonator is not some newbie detective using his name to garner a reputation, but a blackmailer. The chase is on all over the various parts of New York, from Gilded Age mansions to the roughest slums, all the while there is something more sinister going on behind it all, a hidden reason for Holmes to be in New York instead of London.
A good read, a little different from the usual Holmes faire, but enjoyable.
While in New York, the reader is subjected, or treated, to Watson's comparisons of New York and London, depending on if you enjoy such things. I liked it. Most of his observations were favorable. However, I wish there had been a comparison of the White Chapel District and Five Points, but I believe the 'clean up' of Five Points was underway about this time. I found it interesting that the two were always being served tea instead of coffee, but that's just a minor detail.
Holmes discovers his impersonator is not some newbie detective using his name to garner a reputation, but a blackmailer. The chase is on all over the various parts of New York, from Gilded Age mansions to the roughest slums, all the while there is something more sinister going on behind it all, a hidden reason for Holmes to be in New York instead of London.
A good read, a little different from the usual Holmes faire, but enjoyable.
December 8, 2018
Unexpected depth
Not the most exciting plot or villains, but great narration from Watson. Rather than the simple observer of the original books or the dunce of many movies, here, Watson’s motivations and concerns for Holmes are explained in a compelling way and what was in the original books naïveté comes across as Watson gently manipulating (although that may be too strong a word) the great detective. Watson is no mastermind (while the movies are often critiqued for making him comic relief, the seed of not the flower of this is in the originals) and Holmes still often surprises and befuddles him, but this the best, most real feeling narration from Watson of any of the books (original or pastiche).
Not the most exciting plot or villains, but great narration from Watson. Rather than the simple observer of the original books or the dunce of many movies, here, Watson’s motivations and concerns for Holmes are explained in a compelling way and what was in the original books naïveté comes across as Watson gently manipulating (although that may be too strong a word) the great detective. Watson is no mastermind (while the movies are often critiqued for making him comic relief, the seed of not the flower of this is in the originals) and Holmes still often surprises and befuddles him, but this the best, most real feeling narration from Watson of any of the books (original or pastiche).
January 30, 2022
This book showed up in my LFL and I decided to check it out since I enjoy Sherlock Holmes stories. While this book, and the whole series by different authors, is obviously written in this century, it evokes the original books as it is written through the observations of John Watson. While in London, Sherlock learns of an imposter Sherlock working in New York City and decides to investigate. What follows is an entertaining train of clues, thoughts, murders, diversions, and surprises. It kept me guessing the whole time and in the end, I was very satisfied.
March 1, 2018
Another solid Sherlock story from Mr Douglas. Stronger story than his first. Captures Conan Doyle’s voice well.
Though maybe a bit slow in places. Douglas’s Watson has a slight tendency to waffle, taking some much needed pacing out of the narrative. And perhaps his Sherlock is more belittling of his good friend than usual. There were times I wanted Watson just to deck him.
But overall a good read and admirable pastiche.
Though maybe a bit slow in places. Douglas’s Watson has a slight tendency to waffle, taking some much needed pacing out of the narrative. And perhaps his Sherlock is more belittling of his good friend than usual. There were times I wanted Watson just to deck him.
But overall a good read and admirable pastiche.
November 27, 2018
Well written and enjoyable tale of S Holmes and Dr Watson's trip across the Atlantic to find a man acting as Sherlick Holmes. Upon arrival they get involved with several murders/mysteries in the NYC area and in locating a blackmailer. In the enad only the real SH could put together the signs and clues, to locate the murderer and stop a dastardly plot against the government.
June 26, 2021
A Holmes imposter is at work in New York City. Sherlock & Watson travel to the city & find the imposter missing & his "clients" not revealing how they were duped. With the help of the police the duo uncover a sophisticated defrauding scheme.
August 5, 2021
Perfectly pleasant Sherlock read. Sherlock finds there is someone in the United Stares using his name and we just can’t have that, now can we? He and Watson make the trip to New York and solve a few puzzles for the locals. Oh, and they find out who the imposter is too.
December 27, 2016
Another enjoyable entry in Further Adventures of Sherlock Holmes series. Holmes & Watson go to America to investigate counterfeit Holmes. Fun read!(Own)
May 13, 2017
A good story with an unusual twist. As ever, an excellent Sherlock novel. Nice inclusion of RMS Oceanic in the storyline.
October 10, 2017
Actual rating: 3.5 stars
February 21, 2018
A really clever take on Sherlock Holmes with an engaging story!
November 10, 2022
I felt that the writing is true to Conan Doyle's style but slightly updated. It was typical turns in plot and conclusions. Enjoyable.
December 17, 2022
I love these Further Adventures of Sherlock Holmes books!
December 30, 2022
Over long lacking any real drive
August 16, 2023
A good romp but it breaks at least two of Ronald Knox's Ten commandments.
The was too much known by Sherlock Holmes which we did not. It was more a thriller than a mystery.
The was too much known by Sherlock Holmes which we did not. It was more a thriller than a mystery.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews