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The Watson Files #1
Sherlock Holmes and the Missing Shakespeare
Sherlock Holmes, legendary sleuth of Victorian London, is asked to authenticate the work of what appears to be a long lost Shakespearean play. Alas, just as the famed detective is about to announce his conclusion, the manuscript is stolen-and the chase is on to locate and recover it. As Sherlock Holmes and his trusted sidekick, Dr. John Watson, begin to unravel the mystery of the missing play, their investigation leads them on a convoluted but logical path. But the closer they come to the missing play, the more their lives are endangered. Now, as the clever pair of investigators become the pursued, can Holmes and Watson locate and recover the missing Shakespeare play without dying at the hands of a diabolical killer?
126 pages, Paperback
First published April 10, 2016
441 people are currently reading
367 people want to read
About the author
J.R. Rain
700 books1,728 followersJ.R. Rain is the author of 110 novels and counting. He lives on an island in the Pacific Northwest, where he's hard at work on his next novel... and fighting off sparkly vampires.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
February 11, 2018
I love the fact that there are so many Sherlock Holmes pastiche stories, yet this means many will rise to the top and several others may fall by the wayside. "The Missing Shakespeare" implies a potentially intriguing story/reveal, but - without giving any spoilers - does not deliver the intricate descriptions, feel and power of the stronger Holmes entries (most namely, those of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle himself).
Frankly, I believe the story would have benefitted by adding some pages - pages that were utilized to add the level of detail of each observation and scene. There were good lines and some of the banter amongst characters indicative of a Holmes story, but the story as a whole did not feel like Holmes canon. 3 stars out of 5.
Frankly, I believe the story would have benefitted by adding some pages - pages that were utilized to add the level of detail of each observation and scene. There were good lines and some of the banter amongst characters indicative of a Holmes story, but the story as a whole did not feel like Holmes canon. 3 stars out of 5.
May 23, 2022
Awesome
I have always loved Sherlock Holmes stories. I used to devour the stories when I was younger. J. R. Rain being one of my top favorite authors when I came across this book I had to read it. I can't wait to continue this series.
I have always loved Sherlock Holmes stories. I used to devour the stories when I was younger. J. R. Rain being one of my top favorite authors when I came across this book I had to read it. I can't wait to continue this series.
February 15, 2024
This was an OK Sherlock story for me. Somehow it felt 'light' on all the details and story line. Plus Holmes gathering all involved a.k.a. Hercule Poirot for the final reveal felt weird to me. Still, it was something quick to read and I enjoyed it for what it was.
February 28, 2021
I believe Rain has captured the spirit and style of Holmes. It was a good read, but disappointingly thin/short. I began and then I was finished. So, a good read, but I'd have liked a bit more detail & substance.
November 6, 2023
Short, ok read.
January 6, 2019
Back to the Game: Sherlock Holmes and the Missing Shakespeare
J.R. Rain has written a ton of books. Yet, this is the first for me. I have wafted through many wanna-be Doyle novels. Most copies of the great detective don’t match. But with this one: a clear bell has chimed. The dialogue has all the logic of Doyle, mixed with a complex and successfully resolved plot line. It is all in the studied voices of Watson and Holmes. They create a genuine sequel to the Victorian tales of movement, refinement and clever deductions. Read one, and, like me, you will be quite pleased.
J.R. Rain has written a ton of books. Yet, this is the first for me. I have wafted through many wanna-be Doyle novels. Most copies of the great detective don’t match. But with this one: a clear bell has chimed. The dialogue has all the logic of Doyle, mixed with a complex and successfully resolved plot line. It is all in the studied voices of Watson and Holmes. They create a genuine sequel to the Victorian tales of movement, refinement and clever deductions. Read one, and, like me, you will be quite pleased.
May 30, 2022
I like almost every book I read, and seldom give fewer than 4 stars. This one started out as OK but poorly edited and went downhill from there. I can’t believe J.R. Rain has actually written so many books. I will make a point not to read any others.
(And I do usually enjoy Sherlock Holmes pastiches. This one was just bad.)
(And I do usually enjoy Sherlock Holmes pastiches. This one was just bad.)
February 28, 2022
Fans of Sherlock Holmes should appreciate this book. It is a a quick read at just over 100 pages, but satisfies the aspects that make a good mystery. This author has nailed the characters of Watson and Holmes.
November 4, 2018
I have been a fan of Sherlock Holmes since I was a kid. I just did not get Holmes and Watson's voice with this book. It was an interesting mystery, but it just did not hold my interest.
May 21, 2025
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle gave the world Sherlock Holmes. Little did he know he was launching a cottage industry for mystery writers—some of whom adhere to the canonical style, while others do not. Sherlock Holmes and the Missing Shakespeare falls somewhere outside the canon.
Despite Sherlock's reputation for being cold and unfeeling, he always maintains a polite demeanor. That’s why it was unsettling to hear him refer to "the housekeeper" without ever mentioning Mrs. Hudson by name. The time period here is the dawn of the twentieth century, meaning Holmes and Watson have a longstanding relationship—yet their conversations feel too formal for old flatmates. It seems as though the essence of Sherlock Holmes is missing. I should also note that Doctor Watson no longer resides at 221B Baker Street; he now lives a long walk away with his wife.
Authors who strive to match the style and tone of Conan Doyle’s original work understand the value of revealing most of the information needed to solve the mystery while holding back a single, vital clue. Rain and Smith, however, seem to ignore Watson’s basic questions in favor of brooding, noncommittal statements from Holmes—who insists he has solved the puzzle. Holmes frequently responds with, "In due time; in due time." The resulting solution then comes entirely out of left field.
The central plot revolves around a previously unknown manuscript written by William Shakespeare, discovered by a governess working for the Galham family at the time of their brutal murder. She is, in fact, Lady Jessica Flora of Harcourt and Avon, though she introduces herself to Holmes as Miss Harcourt. The gardener, John Miller, is infatuated with the governess—whom he believes to be above his station. He, too, is hiding his true identity; in reality, he is Gerald Fitzwilliam, heir to the title of The Marquis of Tach Saggart. The manuscript, along with these two young individuals, is only a small piece of a much more convoluted narrative.
One of my guilty pleasures is vampire fiction. I’ve read a dozen or more books from J.R. Rain’s Vampire for Hire series (AKA Samantha Moon). I initially suspected the changes to Conan Doyle’s signature character would depict Holmes as the Great Detective with fangs. I am less familiar with Chanel Smith’s work, but I do know she is published by Rain Press.
Some books are difficult to rate within the standard star-rating system, and Sherlock Holmes and the Missing Shakespeare is one such book. It is written for a modern audience—particularly those who grew up watching Sherlock (starring Benedict Cumberbatch) and Elementary (starring Jonny Lee Miller and Lucy Liu) but never delved into the original stories. While these two television series depict versions of Holmes and Watson far removed from the canon, they do adhere to the fundamental principles of the original. I’m giving this book three stars—not because it isn’t worth reading, but because it lacks the essential qualities needed to draw in the purists.
Despite Sherlock's reputation for being cold and unfeeling, he always maintains a polite demeanor. That’s why it was unsettling to hear him refer to "the housekeeper" without ever mentioning Mrs. Hudson by name. The time period here is the dawn of the twentieth century, meaning Holmes and Watson have a longstanding relationship—yet their conversations feel too formal for old flatmates. It seems as though the essence of Sherlock Holmes is missing. I should also note that Doctor Watson no longer resides at 221B Baker Street; he now lives a long walk away with his wife.
Authors who strive to match the style and tone of Conan Doyle’s original work understand the value of revealing most of the information needed to solve the mystery while holding back a single, vital clue. Rain and Smith, however, seem to ignore Watson’s basic questions in favor of brooding, noncommittal statements from Holmes—who insists he has solved the puzzle. Holmes frequently responds with, "In due time; in due time." The resulting solution then comes entirely out of left field.
The central plot revolves around a previously unknown manuscript written by William Shakespeare, discovered by a governess working for the Galham family at the time of their brutal murder. She is, in fact, Lady Jessica Flora of Harcourt and Avon, though she introduces herself to Holmes as Miss Harcourt. The gardener, John Miller, is infatuated with the governess—whom he believes to be above his station. He, too, is hiding his true identity; in reality, he is Gerald Fitzwilliam, heir to the title of The Marquis of Tach Saggart. The manuscript, along with these two young individuals, is only a small piece of a much more convoluted narrative.
One of my guilty pleasures is vampire fiction. I’ve read a dozen or more books from J.R. Rain’s Vampire for Hire series (AKA Samantha Moon). I initially suspected the changes to Conan Doyle’s signature character would depict Holmes as the Great Detective with fangs. I am less familiar with Chanel Smith’s work, but I do know she is published by Rain Press.
Some books are difficult to rate within the standard star-rating system, and Sherlock Holmes and the Missing Shakespeare is one such book. It is written for a modern audience—particularly those who grew up watching Sherlock (starring Benedict Cumberbatch) and Elementary (starring Jonny Lee Miller and Lucy Liu) but never delved into the original stories. While these two television series depict versions of Holmes and Watson far removed from the canon, they do adhere to the fundamental principles of the original. I’m giving this book three stars—not because it isn’t worth reading, but because it lacks the essential qualities needed to draw in the purists.
May 26, 2024
I found the plot to be very boring right at the start. So I had to drop at the 20% mark.
The thing is there's something happening in the beginning. And there are no stakes involved if Sherlock does nothing or doesn't get involved. And the lack of stakes makes it boring.
Also, the initial conversation with the client was soo boring because it was all centered around "earls" and "lords" and various noble families and their properties and arrangements with servants with lots of different characters. Basically tied down too much into an England specific society structure. To such an extent that it's difficult to follow unless you're aware of the details of what is an earl, what is a lord etc.
Somewhere among all those ramblings by the client (which was quite unrelated to the task at hand) that I had to skim through it.
The writing style is very good though but not as good as J. R. Rain's style in Aladdin Sins Bad. They've captured the Sherlock Holmes writing style, no doubt. But no humour.
The thing is there's something happening in the beginning. And there are no stakes involved if Sherlock does nothing or doesn't get involved. And the lack of stakes makes it boring.
Also, the initial conversation with the client was soo boring because it was all centered around "earls" and "lords" and various noble families and their properties and arrangements with servants with lots of different characters. Basically tied down too much into an England specific society structure. To such an extent that it's difficult to follow unless you're aware of the details of what is an earl, what is a lord etc.
Somewhere among all those ramblings by the client (which was quite unrelated to the task at hand) that I had to skim through it.
The writing style is very good though but not as good as J. R. Rain's style in Aladdin Sins Bad. They've captured the Sherlock Holmes writing style, no doubt. But no humour.
June 25, 2018
So I have to start by saying that I have read, watched, and usually enjoyed any opportunity to visit Baker Street with this amazing duo. I also love the writing of J.R. Rain, Samantha Moon, is such a unique twist of vampire lore and having a vested interest in the main character. So when I saw that J.R. decided to pick up Watson's pen, I knew I would love it.
Of course, he didn't disappoint! I have to wonder if J.R. also enjoys the latest BBC version of Sherlock with Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman because as I read this I found myself imagining these actors. Currently, BBC is not sure of the future of this show, but I would love to see this story in a live-action tv show!
If you enjoy a good game, this version will not disappoint!
Of course, he didn't disappoint! I have to wonder if J.R. also enjoys the latest BBC version of Sherlock with Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman because as I read this I found myself imagining these actors. Currently, BBC is not sure of the future of this show, but I would love to see this story in a live-action tv show!
If you enjoy a good game, this version will not disappoint!
January 26, 2023
It seems odd that so little of the story relates to the titular unknown Shakespeare manuscript, even after it gets stolen from Holmes himself. His housekeeper informs him it isn't laying out where he left it There is a lot of repetitive and unnecessary discussion about lines of succession with titles and estates.
This pastiche also misses a lot of the key characteristics of the Watson-Holmes relationship but tries to make up for it by throwing in some well known phrases and ideas from the Holmes movies, even a couple from the books by Doyle.
I felt the solution to the "big problem" was revealed a couple of chapters early and the grand denouement falls flat as it is so obvious. This didn't work for me as a Holmes mystery and worked only a tiny bit better as a generic mystery story.
This pastiche also misses a lot of the key characteristics of the Watson-Holmes relationship but tries to make up for it by throwing in some well known phrases and ideas from the Holmes movies, even a couple from the books by Doyle.
I felt the solution to the "big problem" was revealed a couple of chapters early and the grand denouement falls flat as it is so obvious. This didn't work for me as a Holmes mystery and worked only a tiny bit better as a generic mystery story.
October 7, 2018
Aa a fan of the TV series (Benedict Cumberbatch pls) I decided to try out this book. Set in the early 1900s I believe, we find the detective and his side kick Dr Watson on the path to another mystery. All this is told from Watson's point of view.
As far as mysteries go, this was entertaining but not as engaging as I found myself taking my time reading this book. Really taking my time reading this book. Dr Watson having the front row seat to Holmes' brilliance is in as much in the dark as we are on how Holmes thinks and solves mysteries. And that is the greatest mystery of all to me.
Not sure if I'll continue this series. But it was worth a try.
As far as mysteries go, this was entertaining but not as engaging as I found myself taking my time reading this book. Really taking my time reading this book. Dr Watson having the front row seat to Holmes' brilliance is in as much in the dark as we are on how Holmes thinks and solves mysteries. And that is the greatest mystery of all to me.
Not sure if I'll continue this series. But it was worth a try.
September 19, 2019
While I enjoyed the story, the voice just didn't read like Watson and Homes. It felt like someone else telling the story they had told him, with something lost in the third party translation. The plot didn't have the flow typical to a good Holmes adaptation, characters jumped around, and movement between locations was abrupt.
I've enjoyed other work by this author, and will definitely give the next books a shot!
I've enjoyed other work by this author, and will definitely give the next books a shot!
March 2, 2021
The story is well written, except that the authors felt it necessary to show their unique flair for using unusual vocabulary which took away from the attention the story should have gotten.
When a manuscript is found Sherlock is tasked with proving it is authentic. While the manuscript is in his care it is stolen. But is that just a was to distract the detective from the real, more serious, crime of murder!?
When a manuscript is found Sherlock is tasked with proving it is authentic. While the manuscript is in his care it is stolen. But is that just a was to distract the detective from the real, more serious, crime of murder!?
April 10, 2019
While employed as a governess at Galham House Miss Harcourt or Lady Jessica Flora of Harcourt in the company of the gardener John Miller discover a lost manscript in the library. Sherlock Holmes is asked to authenticate the play, a lost Shakespearean play. Told from the viewpoint of Dr. Watson.
An enjoyable mystery which I would have liked a bit more depth to the story.
An enjoyable mystery which I would have liked a bit more depth to the story.
December 3, 2019
Excellent Mystery
I really like the way these authors take Sherlock and Watson to their own way of writing... i think that as an avid reader of Doyle I like the way they handle the conversations between the two, somewhat like Rathbone and Bruce... I can't wait to read the next 2 novels... very enjoyable... Highly recommend!!!
I really like the way these authors take Sherlock and Watson to their own way of writing... i think that as an avid reader of Doyle I like the way they handle the conversations between the two, somewhat like Rathbone and Bruce... I can't wait to read the next 2 novels... very enjoyable... Highly recommend!!!
January 7, 2021
Excellent mystery
Another very will written Sherlock Holmes mystery in the series. The characters are interesting and will developed. The story line is complicated with lots of misdirection leading to the unexpected conclusion. I would recommend this series to anyone who enjoys will written mysteries. Enjoy reading 2020 😕
Another very will written Sherlock Holmes mystery in the series. The characters are interesting and will developed. The story line is complicated with lots of misdirection leading to the unexpected conclusion. I would recommend this series to anyone who enjoys will written mysteries. Enjoy reading 2020 😕
May 30, 2022
Sherlock Holmes and the Missing Shakespeare 1
I received this book as an ARC from the author and I’m writing a review because I want to. A young woman brings a manuscript to Holmes for authenticity. This opens the door to an investigation. It uncovers a plot so dastardly it requires further action! Highly recommended!
I received this book as an ARC from the author and I’m writing a review because I want to. A young woman brings a manuscript to Holmes for authenticity. This opens the door to an investigation. It uncovers a plot so dastardly it requires further action! Highly recommended!
December 31, 2022
contemporary reading of Sherlock Holmes
I think the author at the dialect, correct and you were really feeling like you were reading an original version from Arthur Conan Doyle. Sometimes, though it seem like the characters were a little confusing, but I still thoroughly enjoyed the book and would read the next one.
I think the author at the dialect, correct and you were really feeling like you were reading an original version from Arthur Conan Doyle. Sometimes, though it seem like the characters were a little confusing, but I still thoroughly enjoyed the book and would read the next one.
May 20, 2024
This is the first of a four-part series written by this duo. The stories are set in those few years between Watson’s marriage and Holmes’s disappearance.
The author’s capture the personality and relationship between the duo in a classic manner. The story was on par with other Holmes and Watson tales where clues are strung throughout the plot only to be collected for a classic ending.
The author’s capture the personality and relationship between the duo in a classic manner. The story was on par with other Holmes and Watson tales where clues are strung throughout the plot only to be collected for a classic ending.
February 20, 2025
I love Sherlock Holmes, but even after reading just the first chapter, and knowing it was going to be a short book with just a little over 100 pages, I just wasn't impressed. It didn't capture my attention as I thought it would. I skipped to the last chapter to see how things ended and it still didn't do much for me.
October 6, 2025
This modern Sherlock Holmes story was written in the style of Arthur Conan Doyle, narrated by Dr Watson. But the plot was dull and seemed rushed, and the titular 'missing Shakespeare' nothing more than a MacGuffin.
Disappointing, and not recommended, even (especially?) for fans of the original Holmes tales.
Disappointing, and not recommended, even (especially?) for fans of the original Holmes tales.
October 6, 2017
Much like the original
This book captures the "voice" of the original Doyle cannon, but it's pretty slow. I finished it, although it occurred to me several times not to. I am unlikely to pick up another.
This book captures the "voice" of the original Doyle cannon, but it's pretty slow. I finished it, although it occurred to me several times not to. I am unlikely to pick up another.
May 17, 2018
Except able
I have read almost everything J R Raine has written and this one just didn’t grab my attention. I stuck with it to the end but it wasn’t his usual writing, this one was kind of dry.
I have read almost everything J R Raine has written and this one just didn’t grab my attention. I stuck with it to the end but it wasn’t his usual writing, this one was kind of dry.
September 13, 2019
An ok read
enjoyed the plot & pace but it didnt quite capture the atmosphere of an authentic Sherlock Holmes story and chapter 12's description of the crime I felt was out of place however a good start to a series
enjoyed the plot & pace but it didnt quite capture the atmosphere of an authentic Sherlock Holmes story and chapter 12's description of the crime I felt was out of place however a good start to a series
October 21, 2019
Good
This is a reputable pastiche but less than great. A pastiche that basically modified the sense of the origins by Doyle cannot out do the original . This was good enough to bring a smile or two in a memory
This is a reputable pastiche but less than great. A pastiche that basically modified the sense of the origins by Doyle cannot out do the original . This was good enough to bring a smile or two in a memory
May 25, 2022
Sherlock is back!
Once again Sherlock pieces together, having to locate then from the deep fog in which they lay. As you’d expect Doctor Watson’s roll plays a significant role.
Thanks for for an interesting.
Once again Sherlock pieces together, having to locate then from the deep fog in which they lay. As you’d expect Doctor Watson’s roll plays a significant role.
Thanks for for an interesting.
March 24, 2017
A good mystery
They writing style is close to Doyle's and anyone who enjoys Sherlock Holmes books, movies or television will probably like this book.
They writing style is close to Doyle's and anyone who enjoys Sherlock Holmes books, movies or television will probably like this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews