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Sherlock Holmes #1
Sherlock Holmes and the Baker Street Dozen
Join one of the world’s greatest detectives and his assistant as they help to solve the unsolvable with Lestrade and his team at the metropolitan police.
Follow Holmes and Watson as they traverse the streets of London and take on cases from the most unlikely of clients in these thirteen short mysteries.
In Val Andrews’ Sherlock Holmes and the Baker Street Dozen you will find marvellous tales of intrigue and mystery....
The Lobster Quadrille
Colonel Archibald Fanshawe, from Watson’s Afghanistan days, bumps into his old comrade and proceeds to invite Watson and Holmes for dinner with him and his wife. As the dinner is in full swing and the main course gets underway it is apparent to Holmes that something is afoot after Fanshawe falls gravely ill at dinner…
The Gantry Point Wreckers
Take a trip away from Baker Street whilst Holmes recuperates on doctor’s orders and has some well-earned rest in the North Devon town of Bideford. Not too long after arriving in the town Holmes’ rested mind begins to work overtime as he soon begins unravelling the mystery of sinking ships in the next town along.
Sherlock Holmes and the Gypsy Switch
Mrs Joan Moran’s trip out to Streatham to ogle at Middle Eastern oddities culminates in a new case for Holmes and Watson. They must discover how her husband, who has been dead for some time, is able to gift her with gold coins from beyond the grave in this chilling tale.
The Kinema Mystery
In an unusual case Holmes must save the owner of several kinemas from a thief who is able to walk through walls and disappear without a trace. Leaving in their wake a series of robberies targeting the kinema owner and stealing valuable objects, Holmes must use all his nous to solve this case.
The Baker Street Conjurer
George Dean, proprietor and owner of the tavern ‘Cold Cut and Tankard’ requires the help of Holmes and Watson to ascertain how a conjurer who entertains his paying guests may or may not be magically stealing his earnings from right under his nose.
Plus many more stories.
Sherlock Holmes and the Baker Street Dozenis a new collection from Val Andrews that is packed full of vibrant tales of London’s finest detective.
Val Andrews (15 February 1926 – 12 December 2006) was a music hall artist, ventriloquist and writer. Andrews was a prolific writer on magic, having published over 1000 books and booklets from 1952. He also authored Sherlock Holmes pastiches and Houdini's novels.
Endeavour Press is the UK's leading independent digital publisher. For more information on our titles please sign up to our newsletter at www.endeavourpress.com. Each week you will receive updates on free and discounted ebooks. Follow us on Twitter: @EndeavourPress and on Facebook via http://on.fb.me/1HweQV7. We are always interested in hearing from our readers. Endeavour Press believes that the future is now.
Follow Holmes and Watson as they traverse the streets of London and take on cases from the most unlikely of clients in these thirteen short mysteries.
In Val Andrews’ Sherlock Holmes and the Baker Street Dozen you will find marvellous tales of intrigue and mystery....
The Lobster Quadrille
Colonel Archibald Fanshawe, from Watson’s Afghanistan days, bumps into his old comrade and proceeds to invite Watson and Holmes for dinner with him and his wife. As the dinner is in full swing and the main course gets underway it is apparent to Holmes that something is afoot after Fanshawe falls gravely ill at dinner…
The Gantry Point Wreckers
Take a trip away from Baker Street whilst Holmes recuperates on doctor’s orders and has some well-earned rest in the North Devon town of Bideford. Not too long after arriving in the town Holmes’ rested mind begins to work overtime as he soon begins unravelling the mystery of sinking ships in the next town along.
Sherlock Holmes and the Gypsy Switch
Mrs Joan Moran’s trip out to Streatham to ogle at Middle Eastern oddities culminates in a new case for Holmes and Watson. They must discover how her husband, who has been dead for some time, is able to gift her with gold coins from beyond the grave in this chilling tale.
The Kinema Mystery
In an unusual case Holmes must save the owner of several kinemas from a thief who is able to walk through walls and disappear without a trace. Leaving in their wake a series of robberies targeting the kinema owner and stealing valuable objects, Holmes must use all his nous to solve this case.
The Baker Street Conjurer
George Dean, proprietor and owner of the tavern ‘Cold Cut and Tankard’ requires the help of Holmes and Watson to ascertain how a conjurer who entertains his paying guests may or may not be magically stealing his earnings from right under his nose.
Plus many more stories.
Sherlock Holmes and the Baker Street Dozenis a new collection from Val Andrews that is packed full of vibrant tales of London’s finest detective.
Val Andrews (15 February 1926 – 12 December 2006) was a music hall artist, ventriloquist and writer. Andrews was a prolific writer on magic, having published over 1000 books and booklets from 1952. He also authored Sherlock Holmes pastiches and Houdini's novels.
Endeavour Press is the UK's leading independent digital publisher. For more information on our titles please sign up to our newsletter at www.endeavourpress.com. Each week you will receive updates on free and discounted ebooks. Follow us on Twitter: @EndeavourPress and on Facebook via http://on.fb.me/1HweQV7. We are always interested in hearing from our readers. Endeavour Press believes that the future is now.
126 pages, ebook
First published December 1, 1997
163 people are currently reading
159 people want to read
About the author
Val Andrews
60 books16 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Val Andrews was a music hall artist, ventriloquist and writer.
Andrews was born in Hove, Sussex, England a few hours after Valentine's Day, hence his name. Son of an architect, he was introduced to magic by his father. Andrews was a prolific writer on magic, having published over 1000 books and booklets from 1952. He also authored Sherlock Holmes pastiches and Houdini's novels. He lived for a number of years in Brighton, then in London (from 1943 onwards) where he joined the London Society of Magicians.
Val Andrews was a music hall artist, ventriloquist and writer.
Andrews was born in Hove, Sussex, England a few hours after Valentine's Day, hence his name. Son of an architect, he was introduced to magic by his father. Andrews was a prolific writer on magic, having published over 1000 books and booklets from 1952. He also authored Sherlock Holmes pastiches and Houdini's novels. He lived for a number of years in Brighton, then in London (from 1943 onwards) where he joined the London Society of Magicians.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
October 1, 2016
A bunch of Sherlock Holmes short stories, each one could be read in about five minutes. Nothing too detailed about any of the mysteries.
An enjoyable read.
An enjoyable read.
December 27, 2018
A series of stories involving the great detective and Watson that are not as serious matters.
Light and interesting read.
Light and interesting read.
January 16, 2025
I actually had kind of high expectations, but in the end I ended up being bored while reading it. I think I was waiting for crazy murder mystery, and it really wasn't, which is my fault caused I picked up the first sherlock holmes book I saw. Also, the fact that the game on the Nintendo switch is sooo good probably biased my opinion. The game is all about mystery, and like in a way, obviously, this book was too, but not in the same way, like it was too easy seeing as it was small chapters going over the crime quickly. So yeah 3 stars cause I still liked it, just was expecting something else.
Want to read
December 20, 2019ENdeavor Media Holmes Advent Calendar 99
January 14, 2023
Thirteen (13) is usually thought to be an unlucky number. And in some ways, that is true of “Sherlock Holmes and the Baker Street Dozen.” Here are thirteen too underdeveloped short stories. Regardless, one can follow Holmes and Watson as they traverse the streets of London and take on various short cases with the most unlikely of clients in these thirteen short mysteries. Just don’t expect too challenging of a read.
This novella features some very short stories that are often underdeveloped. This is my main issue with the book; the stories were far, far too short. Thus, for the most part these stories do not show off the Great Detective’s character to his best advantage. As you read, often one figures out what is going to happen so the reader never gets to experience the deductive power of Holmes. Although I have issues with the book, “Sherlock Holmes and the Baker Street Dozen” is still a brief, but enjoyable read. If you enjoy a quick short story before bed, give this one a try. Despite my reservations, I will still give it a ‘weak’ “3”.
This novella features some very short stories that are often underdeveloped. This is my main issue with the book; the stories were far, far too short. Thus, for the most part these stories do not show off the Great Detective’s character to his best advantage. As you read, often one figures out what is going to happen so the reader never gets to experience the deductive power of Holmes. Although I have issues with the book, “Sherlock Holmes and the Baker Street Dozen” is still a brief, but enjoyable read. If you enjoy a quick short story before bed, give this one a try. Despite my reservations, I will still give it a ‘weak’ “3”.
August 29, 2020
Sherlock Holmes and the Baker Street Dozen... we need to chat about this one for a moment. If you’ve ever wondered what Sherlock Holmes gets up to when he is not engaged in cases such as The Hound of the Baskervilles or The Valley of Fear this book may be for you. This features some ultra short stories that are very light in tone. Unfortunately for the most part these don’t show off Holmes to best advantage. You’ll figure out what is going on promptly every time-so you never get to experience the deductive power of the Great Detective. Three stars.
December 12, 2023
This is the only SH by this author I have come across, but if I can source more then I would add them to my shelf as it's not a bad selection of 13 short SH tales. I gave 3 of the stories 3 stars each (The Baker's Watch, the Gypsy Switch and Gantry Point Wreckers), 7 of the stories 2 stars each and the final 3 at 1 star each.
March 21, 2018
More good short reading
Series of shorts, ideal for just before bed, or sitting in a waiting room. Just the ticket for keeping the mind active with rapid conclusions. Please continue these.....
Series of shorts, ideal for just before bed, or sitting in a waiting room. Just the ticket for keeping the mind active with rapid conclusions. Please continue these.....
February 24, 2022
a fun collection of Holmes short stories
This is a very nice collection of Holmes short stories. While each is a fast read they hold your attention and have a surprise ending. I enjoyed reading this book.
This is a very nice collection of Holmes short stories. While each is a fast read they hold your attention and have a surprise ending. I enjoyed reading this book.
December 31, 2024
long live Sherlock
I have long been a follower of Sherlock Holmes ,I found these short stories excellent well written and believable congratulations to the worlds greatest private detective long may he live,and bring thrills and enjoyment to future generations
I have long been a follower of Sherlock Holmes ,I found these short stories excellent well written and believable congratulations to the worlds greatest private detective long may he live,and bring thrills and enjoyment to future generations
January 29, 2019
Good reading
Interesting short stories of Holmes and Watson. Well worth reading . Concise and to the point , but still manage to capture the essence of the characters.
Interesting short stories of Holmes and Watson. Well worth reading . Concise and to the point , but still manage to capture the essence of the characters.
July 9, 2019
A fair attempt
An enjoyable read however the terminology is just not close enough to ACD to feel like the genuine article. But worth a read
An enjoyable read however the terminology is just not close enough to ACD to feel like the genuine article. But worth a read
August 8, 2020
More Baker Street stories
It was such a pleasure to read more Sherlock and Watson stories. It was a fun read; looking forward to more.
It was such a pleasure to read more Sherlock and Watson stories. It was a fun read; looking forward to more.
August 10, 2020
I doesn't get any better than this!
August 25, 2020
A selection of adventures well in keeping with Conan Doyle's master sleuth
October 28, 2020
Pure Entertainment
Short Holmes stories that kept me throughly entertained when time was not my friend. You won’t be disappointed. More Holmes and Watson is never a bad thing.
Short Holmes stories that kept me throughly entertained when time was not my friend. You won’t be disappointed. More Holmes and Watson is never a bad thing.
January 22, 2022
not worth reading
stories too short to be detailed
feels like they were just brought to an end abruptly
stories too short to be detailed
feels like they were just brought to an end abruptly
August 5, 2022
Readable, lightly entertaining. Characters are not true to canon. Some of the cases are a little interesting, so provided a distraction.
Read
March 26, 2024Not finished or rated.
I quickly realized this is a book of very short stories which aren't my favourite.
I quickly realized this is a book of very short stories which aren't my favourite.
June 19, 2019
An excellent read.
May 14, 2020
Evening with Holmes
The stories are delightful and clever. This book is a great 👍way to spend a rainy evening. Every SH fan should have a copy of it or their Holmes library.
The stories are delightful and clever. This book is a great 👍way to spend a rainy evening. Every SH fan should have a copy of it or their Holmes library.
April 22, 2016
I don't recommend it. I just agreed to give it an honest review.
Sherlock Holmes and the Baker Street Dozen by Val Andrews
My thanks go out to Georgina Cutler at Endeavor Press for my Kindle™ copy of this book.
Val Andrews has written some Holmes fiction that is so good that they compare favorably with the original canon. This is NOT one of those books. The 13 stories featured in this book are not up to Andrews’ usual polish and plotting. They are very short and the mysteries far too easy to solve. Every author is entitled to an off day; a run of writer’s block; or a time when things just won’t gel together like he or she would wish. This is one of those times. I give this little volume only two stars…
The stories run thus: Spoilers, if that is even possible
“The Kinema Mystery” involves the early days of motion pictures. Someone is stealing expensive cigars from the concession stand. The method is simply too easy.
“The Strange Case of the Burmese Jungle Fowl” features Mr. Chapman, an early case of Holmes’ who has reformed and is now in the business of importing exotic birds and animals. Someone is stealing his shipment of Burmese Jungle Fowl, which may be the ancestor of common chickens. There is a restaurant next door…
“The Incident of the Baker’s Watch” tells of George Barret, a former Irregular. George served in the army during the Boer War, was wounded, and became a baker. He inherited a watch that doesn’t work and that he cannot open, but which someone tries to steal. He also was left a stamp collection…
“All This and the Giant Rat of Sumatra” is perhaps the worst version of this tale “for which the world is not yet prepared” I have ever read. It’s a Nutria for pity’s sake! We now have them in eastern Virginia…
“The Lobster Quadrille” introduces another of Watson’s old army buddies, Colonel Archibald Fanshawe. The Colonel is poisoned by shellfish during a “Lobster Quadrille” with Holmes and Watson. This one is so old hat as to raise the question of “Did the Butler do it after all?”
“Sherlock Holmes and the Gypsy Switch” is a tip to all the Spiritualism that was so prevalent in the Late 1800’s-Early 1900’s; so common that they swayed even Conan Doyle. In this case, a scheme to steal from a pair of widows is foiled…
“The Gantry Point Wreckers” deals with a village of people who lure ships to their doom. The Village Idiot turns out to be a savant whose skilled carving holds the clues Holmes needs.
“The South Downs Railway Mystery” involves a cracksman and jewel thief who has hidden his loot and left a chipper that may reveal just where. Lestrade has the crook but not the evidence…
“The Case of the Flying Messengers” concerns carrier pigeons which Lestrade believes have been used for nefarious purposes. Lestrade suspects diamond smuggling, and is working closely with the sûreté …
“Sherlock Holmes and a Fraud in Baker Street” finds Holmes dealing with a rival consulting detective named Ruxton Lake. Lake is a fictional detective published in Crimes of the Week. All of the stories are plagiarized from Watson’s accounts. The author, Edward Carstairs, is the house name…
“The Teacup Mystery” is examined at Lestrade’s behest. A dead man is found with a smashed teacup beneath his body. The nature of the fall seems to portend that the teacup is more smashed than the body landing on it would cause. Part of the cup has been driven into his brain…
“The Maestro’s Problem” deals with a man who drops dead after his impromptu flute solo at the music hall. He was not part of the group; he just played some notes and fell over dead. The man who was to play the flute solo didn’t show up for the show…
And finally—“The Baker Street Conjuror” ends the volume with a whimper, not a bang. A man giving unscheduled magic tricks in a hostelry in Baker Street called the Cold Cut and Tankard. Unfortunately his little tricks always end with one of the tills being short four pounds, ten shillings. Everyone who works at the CC&T is family, so seeming above reproach…
And there the book mercifully ends…
Quoth the Raven…
Sherlock Holmes and the Baker Street Dozen by Val Andrews
My thanks go out to Georgina Cutler at Endeavor Press for my Kindle™ copy of this book.
Val Andrews has written some Holmes fiction that is so good that they compare favorably with the original canon. This is NOT one of those books. The 13 stories featured in this book are not up to Andrews’ usual polish and plotting. They are very short and the mysteries far too easy to solve. Every author is entitled to an off day; a run of writer’s block; or a time when things just won’t gel together like he or she would wish. This is one of those times. I give this little volume only two stars…
The stories run thus: Spoilers, if that is even possible
“The Kinema Mystery” involves the early days of motion pictures. Someone is stealing expensive cigars from the concession stand. The method is simply too easy.
“The Strange Case of the Burmese Jungle Fowl” features Mr. Chapman, an early case of Holmes’ who has reformed and is now in the business of importing exotic birds and animals. Someone is stealing his shipment of Burmese Jungle Fowl, which may be the ancestor of common chickens. There is a restaurant next door…
“The Incident of the Baker’s Watch” tells of George Barret, a former Irregular. George served in the army during the Boer War, was wounded, and became a baker. He inherited a watch that doesn’t work and that he cannot open, but which someone tries to steal. He also was left a stamp collection…
“All This and the Giant Rat of Sumatra” is perhaps the worst version of this tale “for which the world is not yet prepared” I have ever read. It’s a Nutria for pity’s sake! We now have them in eastern Virginia…
“The Lobster Quadrille” introduces another of Watson’s old army buddies, Colonel Archibald Fanshawe. The Colonel is poisoned by shellfish during a “Lobster Quadrille” with Holmes and Watson. This one is so old hat as to raise the question of “Did the Butler do it after all?”
“Sherlock Holmes and the Gypsy Switch” is a tip to all the Spiritualism that was so prevalent in the Late 1800’s-Early 1900’s; so common that they swayed even Conan Doyle. In this case, a scheme to steal from a pair of widows is foiled…
“The Gantry Point Wreckers” deals with a village of people who lure ships to their doom. The Village Idiot turns out to be a savant whose skilled carving holds the clues Holmes needs.
“The South Downs Railway Mystery” involves a cracksman and jewel thief who has hidden his loot and left a chipper that may reveal just where. Lestrade has the crook but not the evidence…
“The Case of the Flying Messengers” concerns carrier pigeons which Lestrade believes have been used for nefarious purposes. Lestrade suspects diamond smuggling, and is working closely with the sûreté …
“Sherlock Holmes and a Fraud in Baker Street” finds Holmes dealing with a rival consulting detective named Ruxton Lake. Lake is a fictional detective published in Crimes of the Week. All of the stories are plagiarized from Watson’s accounts. The author, Edward Carstairs, is the house name…
“The Teacup Mystery” is examined at Lestrade’s behest. A dead man is found with a smashed teacup beneath his body. The nature of the fall seems to portend that the teacup is more smashed than the body landing on it would cause. Part of the cup has been driven into his brain…
“The Maestro’s Problem” deals with a man who drops dead after his impromptu flute solo at the music hall. He was not part of the group; he just played some notes and fell over dead. The man who was to play the flute solo didn’t show up for the show…
And finally—“The Baker Street Conjuror” ends the volume with a whimper, not a bang. A man giving unscheduled magic tricks in a hostelry in Baker Street called the Cold Cut and Tankard. Unfortunately his little tricks always end with one of the tills being short four pounds, ten shillings. Everyone who works at the CC&T is family, so seeming above reproach…
And there the book mercifully ends…
Quoth the Raven…
November 1, 2016
Obviously fan fiction, and shallow stuff at that. If you've read the original Arthur Conan Doyle ones, you'll know. This book's laced with fakey dialogue from Sherlock and mischaracterizations of Lestrade as a pompous, patronizing fool. Watson's dialogue alone is slightly more authentic, and the settings are pretty well done.
The real kicker is the mysteries. They're not even mysteries! Most of the stories are plausible problems, but the solutions are super obvious. Encyclopedia Brown mysteries are harder to figure out. But even if the mystery is initially confusing, once Sherlock figures it out that's the end of the story! It's like, one tiny little issue to clear up and then- poof! Problem solved. Whereas true Sherlock Holmes mysteries are more complex or involved. Solving a confusing situation or figuring out who's the liar--that's preliminary work. One of those does not a story make.
If most of Doyle's short stories are a walk in the park for Sherlock, the ones in this book are a stroll from his armchair to the door of 221 B Baker St.
The real kicker is the mysteries. They're not even mysteries! Most of the stories are plausible problems, but the solutions are super obvious. Encyclopedia Brown mysteries are harder to figure out. But even if the mystery is initially confusing, once Sherlock figures it out that's the end of the story! It's like, one tiny little issue to clear up and then- poof! Problem solved. Whereas true Sherlock Holmes mysteries are more complex or involved. Solving a confusing situation or figuring out who's the liar--that's preliminary work. One of those does not a story make.
If most of Doyle's short stories are a walk in the park for Sherlock, the ones in this book are a stroll from his armchair to the door of 221 B Baker St.
April 7, 2018
Val Andrews is one of the best of the post-Conan Doyle authors of Sherlock Holmes stories. This is another collection of short stories that are interesting and pleasant reading. His Sherlock is very much the same character created by Conan Doyle.
November 11, 2016
Really entertaining
The writer makes me think I am reading Doyle again, Can,t wait to read more. If you love Holmes and Watson S I do, give these stories a try.
The writer makes me think I am reading Doyle again, Can,t wait to read more. If you love Holmes and Watson S I do, give these stories a try.
March 29, 2017
Kindle Unlimited One of several Sherlock Holmes stories by an assorted group of authors, wanted to go through them all. Liked it, just didn't love it, sort of the right style and all but....
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews