What do you think?
Rate this book
The Case of the Exploding Speakeasy
Seeking to get out from under the shadow of his famous father, Dr. John Watson, and his father's even more famous friend, Sherlock Holmes, young Thomas Watson signs on as a newspaper reporter in Philadelphia -- a city that rivals Al Capone's Chicago for its crime and corruption. Now Thomas suddenly finds himself caught up in the biggest story of his career: a suspicious explosion at a speakeasy, which kills the owner and his card-playing buddies.
From the scanty clues that Thomas compiles, he and Sherlock's older brother, Mycroft, set out to solve the case. But can the pair uncover the truth and reveal the killer before one or both become the next victim?
From the scanty clues that Thomas compiles, he and Sherlock's older brother, Mycroft, set out to solve the case. But can the pair uncover the truth and reveal the killer before one or both become the next victim?
147 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 26, 2013
37 people are currently reading
336 people want to read
About the author
David E. Fessenden
13 books16 followersDavid E. Fessenden is the editorial coordinator for CLC Publications, the owner and publisher of Honeycomb House Publishing, a literary agent for WordWise Media, and a publishing coach and consultant for the Christian book market. He has over 25 years experience in editorial management with Christian publishing houses. Dave has a B.A. in journalism, an M.A. in religion, and over 30 years of experience in writing and editing. In previous positions Dave served on the communications staff of a Bible institute and was a regional editor of the largest Protestant weekly newspaper in the country.
Dave has published seven books, produced study guides for two titles by A.W. Tozer (published in the back of the books), written hundreds of newspaper and magazine articles, and edited numerous books. His columns from 10-year stint on the staff of a Christian writers newsletter were the basis for his books, Writing the Christian Nonfiction Book: Concept to Contract, and The Christian Writer's Guide to Book Proposals, published by SonFire Media.
Dave's first novel, The Case of the Exploding Speakeasy, tells the story of the son of Dr. Watson and the smarter brother of Sherlock Holmes investigating the death of a speakeasy owner and his car-playing buddies in 1920s Philadelphia.
Dave has served as an instructor for the Christian Writers Guild, and is a frequent speaker at writers’ conferences. He also conducts Sunday school teaching workshops based on his book, Teaching with All Your Heart.
Dave and his wife, Jacque, live in the southcentral PA area and have two adult sons.
Dave has published seven books, produced study guides for two titles by A.W. Tozer (published in the back of the books), written hundreds of newspaper and magazine articles, and edited numerous books. His columns from 10-year stint on the staff of a Christian writers newsletter were the basis for his books, Writing the Christian Nonfiction Book: Concept to Contract, and The Christian Writer's Guide to Book Proposals, published by SonFire Media.
Dave's first novel, The Case of the Exploding Speakeasy, tells the story of the son of Dr. Watson and the smarter brother of Sherlock Holmes investigating the death of a speakeasy owner and his car-playing buddies in 1920s Philadelphia.
Dave has served as an instructor for the Christian Writers Guild, and is a frequent speaker at writers’ conferences. He also conducts Sunday school teaching workshops based on his book, Teaching with All Your Heart.
Dave and his wife, Jacque, live in the southcentral PA area and have two adult sons.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
July 7, 2018
Thomas Watson, son of John Watson, the famous Sherlock Holmes chronicler, has moved to Philadelphia in the 1920s to become a newspaperman in The Case of the Exploding Speakeasy by David E. Fessenden. Despite being the only employee to have a college degree, Thomas has been relegated to writing obituaries, only to be handed the report of his father’s death, which has taken place not long after the famous detective’s death. Then he learns that in addition to being left his father’s estate, he has also been left Sherlock’s brother, Mycroft Holmes, who has shown up unexpectedly to move in with Thomas.
Read the rest of this review and other fun, geeky articles at Fangirl Nation
Read the rest of this review and other fun, geeky articles at Fangirl Nation
March 16, 2019
Thomas Watson (son of John Watson), working as a new reporter in America, finds himself involved in a baffling murder case after he witnesses an explosion at a speakeasy. Others are convinced the owner, Harry Ragan, was killed in a mob hit, but Thomas isn't so certain. Joined by his butler, Basil, and Sherlock Holmes' brother, Mycroft, Thomas sets out to solve the mystery!
This was a fun read that kept me guessing all the way to the end. The Case of the Exploding Speakeasy had a light-hearted, old-fashioned feel that I loved. Thomas himself is an interesting protagonist--impetuous, curious, and quick-witted. I enjoyed his frequent sarcastic comments.
Fans of Sherlock Holes will love The Case of the Exploding Speakeasy , but I think fans of Agatha Christie's mysteries will enjoy it, too! I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a whodunit with a touch of humor!
This was a fun read that kept me guessing all the way to the end. The Case of the Exploding Speakeasy had a light-hearted, old-fashioned feel that I loved. Thomas himself is an interesting protagonist--impetuous, curious, and quick-witted. I enjoyed his frequent sarcastic comments.
Fans of Sherlock Holes will love The Case of the Exploding Speakeasy , but I think fans of Agatha Christie's mysteries will enjoy it, too! I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a whodunit with a touch of humor!
June 18, 2017
A funny light story
A change of pace after reading some long and intense mysteries. The Sherlock Holmes and Watson was good fellowship connection
A change of pace after reading some long and intense mysteries. The Sherlock Holmes and Watson was good fellowship connection
May 1, 2024
Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson have passed into the public domain, so, for the most part, authors are free to do with the characters what they will... and, judging from the large number of Holmes-based fiction on Amazon, today's versions of Arthur Conan Doyle have explored just about every possible permutation of the Holmes legend. Sadly, few of them get the character and the writing just right, as witnessed by David Fessenden's amiable but not-that-mysterious of a tribute, "The Case of the Exploding Speakeasy."
Fessenden does a number of things right in this book. Sherlock and Dr. Watson are dead, but Fessenden is able to credibly move the Holmes mythos forward in time to the American Roaring 20's by having as his narrator, Thomas Watson, son and heir of the late Dr. John Watson, who is now in Philadelphia trying to make it as a newspaper reporter. There's a more familiar Holmes here, the late Sherlock's brother Mycroft who pays the young Watson a visit in his official capacity as the executor of John Watson's estate.
Mycroft's timing is propitious, as he arrives just as the young Watson catches his first professional break when he's an eyewitness to the titular crime... an explosion in an illegal saloon in which the owner is killed. The police and the newspaper's more experienced reporters are willing to chalk it up as another mob hit, but Thomas interviewed a waiter at the club whose version of the events made it appear most unlikely that the explosion was mob-related. Thomas is determined to get the real story to help get himself promoted out of a career writing obituaries for the paper.
Fessenden has Doyle's writing style down fairly well, and a casual reader skimming through a couple of pages of this book could well think it was an actual Doyle work. However, Doyle was also a genius at creating compelling mysteries (people today still fondly remember tales like The Hound of the Baskervilles and The Speckled Band). Unfortunately, while the crime in Speakeasy could easily come from a Holmes tale, the mystery in the book more closely resembles the pilot episode for a cable television drama than a true Holmes mystery. It should be obvious almost immediately who the killer must be, but Thomas Watson's detective skills are much closer to Barney Fife's than even the limited skills of his own father. It's up to Mycroft to save the day, but he, instead, allows Watson to blunder right into the killer's grasp before sending someone in to rescue Thomas.
Fessenden may be setting the stage for a series involving Thomas Watson, as he carefully gives the young journalist a love interest and some rivals at the newspaper. However, Fessenden will have to do a lot more work in future books to give these characters more depth. Watson is a likable lightweight and Mycroft a drowsy substitute for his brother. The byplay between the two of them is considerably more difficult to pull off than what Doyle faced due to the age difference, but Fessenden's attempt to create Holmesian dialogue between this pair amounted to little more than sitcom level squabbling.
Reading "The Case of the Exploding Speakeasy" brought to mind a number of classic Holmes tales... as long as I didn't start paying too much attention to the actual story. Then, it brought to mind a number of not-so-classic TV mysteries. True Holmes fans may appreciate the book for its admittedly original twist on the original characters, but most others may wonder what these new characters are doing in the middle of such a routine mystery.
Fessenden does a number of things right in this book. Sherlock and Dr. Watson are dead, but Fessenden is able to credibly move the Holmes mythos forward in time to the American Roaring 20's by having as his narrator, Thomas Watson, son and heir of the late Dr. John Watson, who is now in Philadelphia trying to make it as a newspaper reporter. There's a more familiar Holmes here, the late Sherlock's brother Mycroft who pays the young Watson a visit in his official capacity as the executor of John Watson's estate.
Mycroft's timing is propitious, as he arrives just as the young Watson catches his first professional break when he's an eyewitness to the titular crime... an explosion in an illegal saloon in which the owner is killed. The police and the newspaper's more experienced reporters are willing to chalk it up as another mob hit, but Thomas interviewed a waiter at the club whose version of the events made it appear most unlikely that the explosion was mob-related. Thomas is determined to get the real story to help get himself promoted out of a career writing obituaries for the paper.
Fessenden has Doyle's writing style down fairly well, and a casual reader skimming through a couple of pages of this book could well think it was an actual Doyle work. However, Doyle was also a genius at creating compelling mysteries (people today still fondly remember tales like The Hound of the Baskervilles and The Speckled Band). Unfortunately, while the crime in Speakeasy could easily come from a Holmes tale, the mystery in the book more closely resembles the pilot episode for a cable television drama than a true Holmes mystery. It should be obvious almost immediately who the killer must be, but Thomas Watson's detective skills are much closer to Barney Fife's than even the limited skills of his own father. It's up to Mycroft to save the day, but he, instead, allows Watson to blunder right into the killer's grasp before sending someone in to rescue Thomas.
Fessenden may be setting the stage for a series involving Thomas Watson, as he carefully gives the young journalist a love interest and some rivals at the newspaper. However, Fessenden will have to do a lot more work in future books to give these characters more depth. Watson is a likable lightweight and Mycroft a drowsy substitute for his brother. The byplay between the two of them is considerably more difficult to pull off than what Doyle faced due to the age difference, but Fessenden's attempt to create Holmesian dialogue between this pair amounted to little more than sitcom level squabbling.
Reading "The Case of the Exploding Speakeasy" brought to mind a number of classic Holmes tales... as long as I didn't start paying too much attention to the actual story. Then, it brought to mind a number of not-so-classic TV mysteries. True Holmes fans may appreciate the book for its admittedly original twist on the original characters, but most others may wonder what these new characters are doing in the middle of such a routine mystery.
June 22, 2018
When a favorite author recommends a new author to you, sometimes you look into it, sometimes you say you're going to look him up, and sometimes you read the book. I'm so glad I won a copy of this book and then took the time to read it. Honestly, it only took me 2 days, and that was only because I had to go to bed. (Lame excuse, I know)
I love mysteries and I love Sherlock Holmes mysteries. So I had to give it a shot!
The main character is John Watson's son. Sherlock and John are not in it, but I feel one should know Sherlock and John (from another source) before reading this.
The writing was a bit tricky to get used to the style, but I found myself in it pretty quick. The story flows well, and I found myself trying to solve it before Thomas did! No, I did not.
If your looking for a quick read, a Sherlock-type mystery with a hint of God, then you've come to the right place!
I love mysteries and I love Sherlock Holmes mysteries. So I had to give it a shot!
The main character is John Watson's son. Sherlock and John are not in it, but I feel one should know Sherlock and John (from another source) before reading this.
The writing was a bit tricky to get used to the style, but I found myself in it pretty quick. The story flows well, and I found myself trying to solve it before Thomas did! No, I did not.
If your looking for a quick read, a Sherlock-type mystery with a hint of God, then you've come to the right place!
August 7, 2018
The Case of Exploding Speakeasy. by David Fessenden
Watson son Thomas was a reporter, with Holmes, saying they were nothing but a rag paper, never getting anything right, Thomas walking back to his flat, smoke from an explosion of the speakeasy with showers of money in the air. In his flat was Mycroft, Sherlock’s brother.,informing Thomas that he was to look after his well being now, that Sherlock was gone. The success of the article, with few to celebrate. An enjoyable read with the son .
Watson son Thomas was a reporter, with Holmes, saying they were nothing but a rag paper, never getting anything right, Thomas walking back to his flat, smoke from an explosion of the speakeasy with showers of money in the air. In his flat was Mycroft, Sherlock’s brother.,informing Thomas that he was to look after his well being now, that Sherlock was gone. The success of the article, with few to celebrate. An enjoyable read with the son .
June 26, 2019
1926 and the son of Dr John Watson, Thomas Watson, is working as a newspaper reporter in Philadelphia. He is soon involved in a story that involves an explosion at a speakeasy, killing four men. He is soon joined by Mycroft Holmes and Basil Meridan, a butler, who help him in the investigation.
An enjoyable quick read of a mystery story
An enjoyable quick read of a mystery story
January 20, 2021
I give this book a 41/2 stars.
This is a twist on Sherlock Holmes.
It is Mycroft Sherlock Holmes, Thompson Watson (Watson’s son) who solve this mystery in a true Sherlock Holme’s fashion.
It takes place in the 1920’s America during the time of flappers and Speakeasies.
English meets America.
A murder that was not a murder
This is a twist on Sherlock Holmes.
It is Mycroft Sherlock Holmes, Thompson Watson (Watson’s son) who solve this mystery in a true Sherlock Holme’s fashion.
It takes place in the 1920’s America during the time of flappers and Speakeasies.
English meets America.
A murder that was not a murder
January 7, 2018
The Case of the Exploding Speakeasy
The only reasoning for this rating is because this isn't my usual genre. I thought it was okay. It was different than the books I usually read.
The only reasoning for this rating is because this isn't my usual genre. I thought it was okay. It was different than the books I usually read.
July 5, 2018
An enjoyable take-off from Sherlock Holmes
I really enjoyed this book, finishing it the day I started. I do think the identity of the killer could have been hidden a little better. While you did not know for certain, the clues were there early on.
I really enjoyed this book, finishing it the day I started. I do think the identity of the killer could have been hidden a little better. While you did not know for certain, the clues were there early on.
March 19, 2019
I love this & I can't wait for more.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.
October 8, 2024
Thoroughly enjoyed this light-weight mystery. Fun read!
January 5, 2014
“The Case of the Exploding Speakeasy” by David E. Fessenden was a delightful read. I am, and have long been, an inveterate Sherlock Holmes fan. I own over 200 episodes of the old time radio shows of the Sherlock Holmes adventures. So it was with high hopes, but guarded expectations, that I selected “The Case of the Exploding Speakeasy” to read.
My high hopes were entirely justified, and the story was quite worthy of the storied reputation of Sherlock Holmes. David Fessenden proudly can take his place alongside the few authors who successfully continued the Sherlock Holmes legacy, subsequent to the demise of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
Featuring the son of Dr. John Watson, Holmes’ biographer, and an unexpected visit from Sherlock’s brother, Mycroft, this tale was as filled with unique twists and turns, as well as astounding examples of logical thinking, as anything written by the great Sir Conan Doyle.
Thomas Watson was a lowly writer of obituaries at his Philadelphia newspaper, longing for his big break. Walking home one day, he noticed that the papers blowing past him were, in fact, twenty-dollar bills, some of which were charred. Looking up, he saw a small fire being extinguished by the fire department, along with a crowd of excited people scooping up the money floating around the scene.
Four men had been gambling in a locked room in an illegal saloon during the days of Prohibition. A mysterious explosion had apparently killed them all and started the fire. The police quickly concluded the “case” with the same ineptitude frequently demonstrated by Scotland Yard in the original Sherlock stories. However, with Mycroft Holmes to help him, Thomas Watson was able to solve the case correctly, at great peril, but ultimately with great reward.
This is a great Sherlock Holmes style mystery, even though the Great Man himself was not a part of it. Still, it made for very entertaining reading, and I highly recommend it to all Sherlock Holmes enthusiasts and anybody else who is curious about all the “Sherlock” hoopla. Personally, I hope Mr. Fessenden has more Thomas Watson/Mycroft Holmes episodes in his future.
My high hopes were entirely justified, and the story was quite worthy of the storied reputation of Sherlock Holmes. David Fessenden proudly can take his place alongside the few authors who successfully continued the Sherlock Holmes legacy, subsequent to the demise of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
Featuring the son of Dr. John Watson, Holmes’ biographer, and an unexpected visit from Sherlock’s brother, Mycroft, this tale was as filled with unique twists and turns, as well as astounding examples of logical thinking, as anything written by the great Sir Conan Doyle.
Thomas Watson was a lowly writer of obituaries at his Philadelphia newspaper, longing for his big break. Walking home one day, he noticed that the papers blowing past him were, in fact, twenty-dollar bills, some of which were charred. Looking up, he saw a small fire being extinguished by the fire department, along with a crowd of excited people scooping up the money floating around the scene.
Four men had been gambling in a locked room in an illegal saloon during the days of Prohibition. A mysterious explosion had apparently killed them all and started the fire. The police quickly concluded the “case” with the same ineptitude frequently demonstrated by Scotland Yard in the original Sherlock stories. However, with Mycroft Holmes to help him, Thomas Watson was able to solve the case correctly, at great peril, but ultimately with great reward.
This is a great Sherlock Holmes style mystery, even though the Great Man himself was not a part of it. Still, it made for very entertaining reading, and I highly recommend it to all Sherlock Holmes enthusiasts and anybody else who is curious about all the “Sherlock” hoopla. Personally, I hope Mr. Fessenden has more Thomas Watson/Mycroft Holmes episodes in his future.
October 21, 2016
Basil Meridian (waiter, former English butler) had a round of drinks on his tray ready to serve the weekly poker players at Harry Ragan’s (employer, bootlegger) Speakeasy (Germantown, 200 East Price St.).
BANG!
Basil opened the door & there lay Harry’s body on the floor.
BOOM!
The place was on fire & left in shambles.
Basil somehow managed to survive.
Thomas Watson (narrator, John’s son, reporter, Philadelphia Herald) came to interview him.
Officer Rufus Feeney (Philadelphia PD, aka flatfoot) was checking out the crime scene.
Thomas got the honor off looking after Mycroft Holmes (Sherlock’s elderly brother, executor) who came to live with him.
Since Basil was out of a job, Thomas hired him to look after that aging gentleman Mycroft.
The coroner gave Thomas some very bizarre information on the bodies.
Who might Painless be?
Thomas paid Captain Willie “Bill” McBride (city mission, former Willie the Touch safecracker) a visit.
Thomas was off to the Chelten Hotel (flophouse) where Melvin Bemish (Harry’s bookkeeper) lived.
Will Thomas solve the murder mystery & make his deadline with the newspaper story.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written who-dun-it book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great 1926, who-dun-it movie, or better yet a mini TV series. A very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free ebooksdaily; Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas; Amazon Digital Services LLC; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
BANG!
Basil opened the door & there lay Harry’s body on the floor.
BOOM!
The place was on fire & left in shambles.
Basil somehow managed to survive.
Thomas Watson (narrator, John’s son, reporter, Philadelphia Herald) came to interview him.
Officer Rufus Feeney (Philadelphia PD, aka flatfoot) was checking out the crime scene.
Thomas got the honor off looking after Mycroft Holmes (Sherlock’s elderly brother, executor) who came to live with him.
Since Basil was out of a job, Thomas hired him to look after that aging gentleman Mycroft.
The coroner gave Thomas some very bizarre information on the bodies.
Who might Painless be?
Thomas paid Captain Willie “Bill” McBride (city mission, former Willie the Touch safecracker) a visit.
Thomas was off to the Chelten Hotel (flophouse) where Melvin Bemish (Harry’s bookkeeper) lived.
Will Thomas solve the murder mystery & make his deadline with the newspaper story.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written who-dun-it book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great 1926, who-dun-it movie, or better yet a mini TV series. A very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free ebooksdaily; Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas; Amazon Digital Services LLC; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
February 16, 2014
The legend of Holmes and Watson lives on!
I love historical fiction, and add my addiction to anything with Sherlock Holmes – I could only hope for the best, and I was not disappointed at all. I set my sights pretty high to see if the family of Holmes and Watson could save the day and solve the crime. The book places Thomas Watson, son of Dr. John Watson, living in Philadelphia during Prohibition, to pursue his dream of being an ace reporter. It has been a while since Sherlock has passed on, leaving the care of his brother Mycroft entrusted to Dr. John Watson. Thomas finds out that his father has passed on when his editor directs him to write the obituary and it is only then that Thomas reveals the truth about who is father was. Soon Thomas finds out that his father has transferred the care of Mycroft (and his small fortune) to him. Mycroft comes to America, and is totally unprepared for life here. Thomas learns about the suspicious explosion of a local speakeasy, he is ready to sink his teeth in to solve the crime. Being laughed at by fellow reporters at the paper, Thomas ends up making a bet that he can solve the crime and turn in a great story first. The editor tells him to leave, and only come back if he can do just the same.
The book keeps rolling, and just like any other Holmes story, the small clues are what make the case. It was a fast easy book to read. I am hoping that this is not the last we hear from Thomas and Mycroft. Enjoy!
I love historical fiction, and add my addiction to anything with Sherlock Holmes – I could only hope for the best, and I was not disappointed at all. I set my sights pretty high to see if the family of Holmes and Watson could save the day and solve the crime. The book places Thomas Watson, son of Dr. John Watson, living in Philadelphia during Prohibition, to pursue his dream of being an ace reporter. It has been a while since Sherlock has passed on, leaving the care of his brother Mycroft entrusted to Dr. John Watson. Thomas finds out that his father has passed on when his editor directs him to write the obituary and it is only then that Thomas reveals the truth about who is father was. Soon Thomas finds out that his father has transferred the care of Mycroft (and his small fortune) to him. Mycroft comes to America, and is totally unprepared for life here. Thomas learns about the suspicious explosion of a local speakeasy, he is ready to sink his teeth in to solve the crime. Being laughed at by fellow reporters at the paper, Thomas ends up making a bet that he can solve the crime and turn in a great story first. The editor tells him to leave, and only come back if he can do just the same.
The book keeps rolling, and just like any other Holmes story, the small clues are what make the case. It was a fast easy book to read. I am hoping that this is not the last we hear from Thomas and Mycroft. Enjoy!
February 2, 2014
An new and interesting take on the Holmes/Watson legacy. There are at least two new series out recently focused on relatives of the Great Detective, however, this book centers on the only son of Dr. John Watson.
Thomas Watson has made his way to Philadelphia to be a journalist, though he is currently working his way up from cub reporter and obit writer for the Herald. In a span of a few days, Thomas writes his own father's obituary, inherits the position of "caretaker" for Mycroft Holmes, who has moved himself to America and into Thomas's tiny apartment, and becomes the new employer for a formerly disgraced British butler, most recently resigned from speakeasy, which exploded.
Thomas is determined to solve the Case of The Exploding Speakeasy, with (or perhaps in spite of) the guidance of Mycroft Holmes, to clear their new employee's name, and pull himself out of the obit column and onto a front page story. It's a quick read, but most enjoyable. Written with plenty of period detail, and plenty of action, anyone who enjoys a fun mystery will find it well worth checking out.
Thomas Watson has made his way to Philadelphia to be a journalist, though he is currently working his way up from cub reporter and obit writer for the Herald. In a span of a few days, Thomas writes his own father's obituary, inherits the position of "caretaker" for Mycroft Holmes, who has moved himself to America and into Thomas's tiny apartment, and becomes the new employer for a formerly disgraced British butler, most recently resigned from speakeasy, which exploded.
Thomas is determined to solve the Case of The Exploding Speakeasy, with (or perhaps in spite of) the guidance of Mycroft Holmes, to clear their new employee's name, and pull himself out of the obit column and onto a front page story. It's a quick read, but most enjoyable. Written with plenty of period detail, and plenty of action, anyone who enjoys a fun mystery will find it well worth checking out.
September 8, 2016
The tales of Sherlock Holmes are often considered the baseline for all future mysteries, and Fessenden does a wonderful job bringing Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's world to new light. The storyteller, Watson's son, is a Philadephia newspaper reporter. The comments the character makes in regards to both his father and Holmes (including references to other Doyle characters, like Mycroft) is excellent. Also, in the vein of Doyle's work, this is a short, quick read, with quirky characters and a twisting plot that lends itself to the storytelling. This is the next generation of a classic and is likely to attract new readers both familiar and unfamiliar with the original stories, but who have probably seen recent media amalgamations (such as Robert Downey Jr's excellent portrayal, or the modern day television series with a female Watson). Definitely worth the couple hours it takes to read. This is one of those books that can easily be read in one sitting, leaving you satisfied and wondering when and if there will be more.
January 28, 2014
Thomas Watson is the son of Dr. John Watson. He is an obituary reporter in Philadelphia and he has just found out that his famous father has died.
Thomas inherits from his father the present and future earnings from the Sherlock Holmes publications and Mycroft Holmes.
This is a fun book and it is written in much the same fashion as the original Holmes stories.
There is an explosion in a speakeasy. Four men have been killed and the nearest thing to a witness is Basil, a British butler who has fallen on hard times and has been working as a waiter.
Thomas does not have the deductive reasoning of Sherlock Holmes. But between Mycroft and Basil, there are enough people around who see actual clues and use deductive reasoning.
If you are a fan of Sherlock Holmes, you will enjoy this book. There is enough of a mystery to keep a reader interested and the characters are people who can keep you reading to find out what happens next.
I hope this is first in a series, because I want to find out how Thomas, Mycroft and Basil get along in the future.
Thomas inherits from his father the present and future earnings from the Sherlock Holmes publications and Mycroft Holmes.
This is a fun book and it is written in much the same fashion as the original Holmes stories.
There is an explosion in a speakeasy. Four men have been killed and the nearest thing to a witness is Basil, a British butler who has fallen on hard times and has been working as a waiter.
Thomas does not have the deductive reasoning of Sherlock Holmes. But between Mycroft and Basil, there are enough people around who see actual clues and use deductive reasoning.
If you are a fan of Sherlock Holmes, you will enjoy this book. There is enough of a mystery to keep a reader interested and the characters are people who can keep you reading to find out what happens next.
I hope this is first in a series, because I want to find out how Thomas, Mycroft and Basil get along in the future.
March 12, 2014
Sherlock Holmes is dead but his legacy lives on. Thomas Watson, the son of Dr. Watson, Sherlock Holmes’ friend and co-sleuth, is a young writer of obit columns longing to become a full-fledged journalist. He resides in Philadelphia and has just learned he is to inherit his recently deceased father’s modest estate. Young Watson happens to be in the vicinity of a Speakeasy which blows up, killing a card-playing underworld figure and his cohorts. He’s left to solve the crime and prove the innocence of Basil the butler. Sherlock’s older brother, Mycroft, turns up and the team of Holmes and Watson is reborn.
If you are a fan of Sherlock Holmes mysteries, you’ll enjoy this story as Fessenden does a good job staying true to the form and methods of the original book series. I give it four out of five stars.
If you are a fan of Sherlock Holmes mysteries, you’ll enjoy this story as Fessenden does a good job staying true to the form and methods of the original book series. I give it four out of five stars.
December 4, 2013
In The Case of the Exploding Speakeasy Dave Fessenden masterfully brings a welcome freshness to the Holmes/Watson stories while sustaining an endearing familiarity with the original by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Recent TV and film efforts to revive the crime fighting pair prove a new generation’s appetite and interest in Holmes and Watson. Fessenden brings the story to a new generation with skill and flair. The character development is exceptional, the storyline engaging, the intrigue gripping, and the ending … well, lets just say, you’ll be surprised! I wholeheartedly encourage you to enjoy this new historical mystery. Let’s hope there will be more where this comes from.
January 28, 2014
cute idea disappointing follow through. good light reading to fill an afternoon. watson was very smart just not as smart as Sherlock. in this case the reader kniws before mycroft and lightyears before the hero. if the cases become more difficult it could become a good series. and even though we solved the case before mycroft some of the clues were hidden this is cheating in a classic whodunit. in conan doyles books you had all of the clues so when sherlock Holmes gave the solution tou felt how did I miss that. this book is worth reading but could be so much better . looking forward to seeing growth in future books
November 22, 2014
The Case of the Exploding Speakeasy is an intriguing tale of Dr. Watson's son. Through a series of events this struggling reporter is forced to solve the mystery of an explosion at a speakeasy in order to keep his job. Working to complete the story he finds himself in danger as he searches for the answer. Sherlock Holme's brother Mycroft Holme's lends a hand, mentoring Dr. Watson's son in this exciting adventure.
This book is a great read! I thoroughly enjoyed the story and premise. It is a fresh take on the original Sherlock Holmes mysteries. I can't recommend this book enough, 5 Stars! I can't wait to see what Mr. Fessenden comes up with next.
This book is a great read! I thoroughly enjoyed the story and premise. It is a fresh take on the original Sherlock Holmes mysteries. I can't recommend this book enough, 5 Stars! I can't wait to see what Mr. Fessenden comes up with next.
April 12, 2015
A fun and satisfying read. My husband and I are Sherlock Holmes fans, and I found the characters in this book fit the picture created in my mind, especially by the BBC dramas with Jeremy Brett. Why not have Dr. Watson widowed, raising a son in his later years, and getting religion? Using the Salvation Army mission in Philadelphia as the setting for "religion" in this book works well. I enjoyed the author's writing style--concise, no words wasted but seamlessly weaving in pithy bits of wisdom, humor, and clues that all fit neatly together in the end like a puzzle, which they should in a good mystery.
January 23, 2016
This happened to be better than thought it would be. There were some parts that didn't catch my attention, and the plot wasn't extremely complex, but for the most part, I enjoyed it. The only problem that I had is that sometimes, I found Thomas to be slightly irksome. Only sometimes. :) However, all in all it was a quick read and easily finished within the hour, and I would love to see more mysteries later on.
November 15, 2014
I enjoyed getting to know Dr. Watson's son Thomas. I really like Basil and that the three of them, including Mycroft, are now sharing an apartment below Maggie and her father. I did find Thomas a little too naive, though, and hope he takes more of a lead in future cases. In the vein of Sherlock, but definitely more lighthearted.
November 23, 2016
The Case of the Exploding Speakeasy
A wonderful mystery in the style of Sherlock Holmes. I do hope that David E Fessenden can continue this vain of his excellent writing talent many more tines the character Thomas Watson is great and more readers need to read and know about him. Get your copy today and let Mr David E Fessenden we need more tales like this!
A wonderful mystery in the style of Sherlock Holmes. I do hope that David E Fessenden can continue this vain of his excellent writing talent many more tines the character Thomas Watson is great and more readers need to read and know about him. Get your copy today and let Mr David E Fessenden we need more tales like this!
December 18, 2013
So many Sherlock stories have been done long after the passing of Conan Doyle. This takes a refreshing twist and pulls together a new pair in the city of Philadelphia. I really enjoyed this read a lot. I hope there will be a sequel.
January 24, 2014
This was a fun mystery starring the son of the famous Dr. Watson from Sherlock Holmes lore. I have not read much in that series, but this book stands alone quite well. I especially liked the interplay between the young reporter, Watson, and his two rather surprising partners in crime-solving.
January 29, 2014
I love all things Sherlock! This book was a lovely treat. It takes place in the US, after Holmes and Watson have died. Only Mycroft and Watson's son remain. It is a fun, new twist. The book is well written from an angle you wouldn't expect. I hope there will be another book in the series!
January 30, 2015
Well-written mystery in the Sherlock Holmes universe
I really enjoyed this book. Nicely crafted story, engaging characters, and a mystery that I didn't figure out in the first five minutes. (Nothing worse than a non-mysterious mystery.)
A light, fun read.
I really enjoyed this book. Nicely crafted story, engaging characters, and a mystery that I didn't figure out in the first five minutes. (Nothing worse than a non-mysterious mystery.)
A light, fun read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews