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A Case of Domestic Pilfering
Summer 1890. Guy Clements, spoilt, rich and charming, has invited his friend Max Fareham to spend a month of hedonistic leisure at his London residence. Meanwhile below stairs, clever, streetwise Madeleine Peterson is hatching a scheme to lift herself out of domestic service and her brother Michael out of prostitution. A few streets away, amateur spy Louis la Rothiere is gloating over his latest cache which may, just may, turn out to be the scoop of a lifetime.
An apparently straightforward case of domestic pilfering is about to take an unexpected turn involving blackmail, mistaken identity, War Office documents and the love that dare not speak its name - and for once, Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson find themselves repeatedly and hilariously wrong-footed.
An apparently straightforward case of domestic pilfering is about to take an unexpected turn involving blackmail, mistaken identity, War Office documents and the love that dare not speak its name - and for once, Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson find themselves repeatedly and hilariously wrong-footed.
193 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 16, 2017
3 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
About the author
Rohase Piercy
7 books57 followersRohase Piercy was born in London in 1958 and now lives in Brighton (on the South Coast of England) with her husband Leslie, dog Spike and a fluctuating number of racing pigeons. She has two grown-up daughters.
When her debut novel, 'My Dearest Holmes' was published by the Gay Men's Press in 1988 it provoked howls of outrage from the Sherlock Holmes Society of London and from the mainstream media - (SHERLOCK HOMO! He's gay in new book!) However times have changed, and during the last ten years or so it has gained an appreciative readership and has been published in Italian (Mio Diletto Holmes, Tre Editori, 2011) and Japanese (Shinshokan, 2015).
At first glance Rohase's writing may seem confusingly diverse, but all of her novels present well known characters, stories or events from an alternative perspective - usually with LGBTQ overtones.
When her debut novel, 'My Dearest Holmes' was published by the Gay Men's Press in 1988 it provoked howls of outrage from the Sherlock Holmes Society of London and from the mainstream media - (SHERLOCK HOMO! He's gay in new book!) However times have changed, and during the last ten years or so it has gained an appreciative readership and has been published in Italian (Mio Diletto Holmes, Tre Editori, 2011) and Japanese (Shinshokan, 2015).
At first glance Rohase's writing may seem confusingly diverse, but all of her novels present well known characters, stories or events from an alternative perspective - usually with LGBTQ overtones.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
January 22, 2018
(Review originally posted on the John H Watson Society website.)
General Review
A Case of Domestic Pilfering strikes me as a comedy of manners rather than the most traditional of pastiches—and I don’t mean that as a critique because having the comedy of manners style applied to a Holmesian narrative was immensely satisfying. Throughout the story I was reminded of Wilde and his characters, particularly those found in The Importance of Being Earnest or Lady Windermere’s Fan.
The comedy of manners aspect comes through most strongly with the two central characters of the book, Guy and Max. Guy and Max are immensely enjoyable to watch; Guy is dramatic and a bit overblown, while Max is the quieter, more practical of the two. They have a fascinating relationship dynamic, simultaneously sweet (you root for their romance!) and exasperating (oh, Guy…). Having such characters encounter Holmes and Watson is endlessly entertaining, to the point where I laughed out loud throughout the entire story.
With Guy and Max as our central characters, we get to see an investigation by Holmes and Watson from a different angle. The story switches points of view quite a bit, so we do get to see the investigation from our normal perspective as well, but it’s fun to see how two suspects- one of whom hero worships Holmes- cope with interacting with our dynamic duo, especially when they’re not entirely sure what’s happening.
Because of the rotating points of view, we also get to see the investigation from the perspective of the actual criminals, which is just fantastic. Knowing what they think of being investigated by Holmes helps bring home just what an excellent detective he really is. One of the criminals any Holmesian will recognize, and I appreciated them being given a little more page space. And I adored the main criminal; they were sympathetic and understandable, while still also still doing something illegal, quite willingly. That ending, too! I clapped my hands with joy at the way it all comes together in the end.
This book is a short one, and the prose very simple. I was able to read it just over an hour, and longed for more. I would love to see another adventure involving Guy, Max, Holmes, and Watson, who play off of each other in the most spectacular ways. Watching Holmes react to Guy at his most outlandish was so, so satisfying; Max’s awe and bumbling around his hero/crush was sweetly hilarious. And of course, Watson helped guide them throughout their interactions.
The queer themes in the book are lovingly and subtly handled. The few kisses that we see Guy and Max share are a mix of sweet and passionate, depending, and their banter helps us get a grip on how much history they have between them, even though we never hear their full backstory. The presence of Michael in the story serves to highlight a potential avenue for our queer protagonists, as well as draw attention to a well-known, but less talked about, part of Victorian history (as well as far more modern history). I also enjoyed the small hints towards queerness in Holmes and Watson, though it’s never stated explicitly in the text if they ARE queer or not. This will probably appeal to readers who don’t particularly want Holmes or Watson to be read as queer; you can choose to do so or not as you please.
I’m quite thankful that the author sent me this book to review; it’s definitely one I’ll be returning to for a re-read whenever I want something that has that touch of humor to it, while still remaining faithful to who Holmes and Watson are in canon.
What About Our Watson?
What an excellent Watson! The canon Watson shines through in this book in every way. We get to see Watson from the perspective of other characters throughout the story, and he’s consistently described as warm and kind and generous. It was so good to see other characters appreciating Watson.
From his very first appearance, Watson is depicted as compassionate. His part in the book begins with an average day in Baker Street, working on his writing and fretting about Holmes, and doing what he can to keep Holmes from turning to the cocaine/morphine. In the very same scene he’s shown to be clever enough to outwit Holmes at times, which instantly warmed me to this author and the story.
His acquaintanceship with Guy and Max is beautifully drawn, from his wry amusement at their antics to his genuine pleasure at being in their company. We almost never get to see Watson interact with his own group of friends or acquaintances, as attached as he is to Holmes, and I really enjoyed seeing who Watson is when he isn’t part of the Holmes-and-Watson package. It isn’t that he is so radically a different person or anything; but people are subtly different depending on the company they’re in, and this author reflected that well.
Of course, I also like this Watson because his instincts and insights prove vital to the case. He may not be portrayed as a deductive genius like Holmes, but he certainly is shown to contribute, vitally, to their partnership.
You Might Like This Book If You Like:
Oscar Wilde; romance; the canon stories SECO, NAVA, and BRUC; outsider perspectives
General Review
A Case of Domestic Pilfering strikes me as a comedy of manners rather than the most traditional of pastiches—and I don’t mean that as a critique because having the comedy of manners style applied to a Holmesian narrative was immensely satisfying. Throughout the story I was reminded of Wilde and his characters, particularly those found in The Importance of Being Earnest or Lady Windermere’s Fan.
The comedy of manners aspect comes through most strongly with the two central characters of the book, Guy and Max. Guy and Max are immensely enjoyable to watch; Guy is dramatic and a bit overblown, while Max is the quieter, more practical of the two. They have a fascinating relationship dynamic, simultaneously sweet (you root for their romance!) and exasperating (oh, Guy…). Having such characters encounter Holmes and Watson is endlessly entertaining, to the point where I laughed out loud throughout the entire story.
With Guy and Max as our central characters, we get to see an investigation by Holmes and Watson from a different angle. The story switches points of view quite a bit, so we do get to see the investigation from our normal perspective as well, but it’s fun to see how two suspects- one of whom hero worships Holmes- cope with interacting with our dynamic duo, especially when they’re not entirely sure what’s happening.
Because of the rotating points of view, we also get to see the investigation from the perspective of the actual criminals, which is just fantastic. Knowing what they think of being investigated by Holmes helps bring home just what an excellent detective he really is. One of the criminals any Holmesian will recognize, and I appreciated them being given a little more page space. And I adored the main criminal; they were sympathetic and understandable, while still also still doing something illegal, quite willingly. That ending, too! I clapped my hands with joy at the way it all comes together in the end.
This book is a short one, and the prose very simple. I was able to read it just over an hour, and longed for more. I would love to see another adventure involving Guy, Max, Holmes, and Watson, who play off of each other in the most spectacular ways. Watching Holmes react to Guy at his most outlandish was so, so satisfying; Max’s awe and bumbling around his hero/crush was sweetly hilarious. And of course, Watson helped guide them throughout their interactions.
The queer themes in the book are lovingly and subtly handled. The few kisses that we see Guy and Max share are a mix of sweet and passionate, depending, and their banter helps us get a grip on how much history they have between them, even though we never hear their full backstory. The presence of Michael in the story serves to highlight a potential avenue for our queer protagonists, as well as draw attention to a well-known, but less talked about, part of Victorian history (as well as far more modern history). I also enjoyed the small hints towards queerness in Holmes and Watson, though it’s never stated explicitly in the text if they ARE queer or not. This will probably appeal to readers who don’t particularly want Holmes or Watson to be read as queer; you can choose to do so or not as you please.
I’m quite thankful that the author sent me this book to review; it’s definitely one I’ll be returning to for a re-read whenever I want something that has that touch of humor to it, while still remaining faithful to who Holmes and Watson are in canon.
What About Our Watson?
What an excellent Watson! The canon Watson shines through in this book in every way. We get to see Watson from the perspective of other characters throughout the story, and he’s consistently described as warm and kind and generous. It was so good to see other characters appreciating Watson.
From his very first appearance, Watson is depicted as compassionate. His part in the book begins with an average day in Baker Street, working on his writing and fretting about Holmes, and doing what he can to keep Holmes from turning to the cocaine/morphine. In the very same scene he’s shown to be clever enough to outwit Holmes at times, which instantly warmed me to this author and the story.
His acquaintanceship with Guy and Max is beautifully drawn, from his wry amusement at their antics to his genuine pleasure at being in their company. We almost never get to see Watson interact with his own group of friends or acquaintances, as attached as he is to Holmes, and I really enjoyed seeing who Watson is when he isn’t part of the Holmes-and-Watson package. It isn’t that he is so radically a different person or anything; but people are subtly different depending on the company they’re in, and this author reflected that well.
Of course, I also like this Watson because his instincts and insights prove vital to the case. He may not be portrayed as a deductive genius like Holmes, but he certainly is shown to contribute, vitally, to their partnership.
You Might Like This Book If You Like:
Oscar Wilde; romance; the canon stories SECO, NAVA, and BRUC; outsider perspectives
August 29, 2017
This was a really sweet and funny romp in the Holmes world. The case is a fun double-blind confusion of coincidences, and the characters of Guy and Max are sweet and endearing in their goofiness. The true perpetrator is sympathetic and clever, and I enjoyed seeing Holmes and Watson from the multiple exterior perspectives. A short, clever, excellent read.
April 4, 2022
Frothy fun. A mashup of a Wildean drawing room comedy of mistaken assumptions and an 1890s Holmes pastiche, with a bit of jewel robbery and spying thrown in to keep things interesting. Guy and Max are two adorable "good-humored, outgoing youth," as Dr. Watson terms them, and I particularly enjoyed how Max was a Holmes fan.
May 8, 2017
This was a joy to read. Guy and Max were a triumph and the real stars of this show.
A Case of Domestic Pilfering is so easy to read that I have felt very annoyed at having to stop to speak to customers. Yes, I read it all at work. I'm writing this review while still in work. I'm trash.
It is unfortunate however, that we're never explicitly told or shown what relationship Holmes and Watson share- we are left to question this through the eyes of Guy and Max in a couple of brief moments. (A couple of 'My Dear's were slipped in here and there like gunfingers to gay readers though so that was cool). Had I known it would be thus, I likely wouldn't have read the book. I'm a little passionate about such things.
As I said earlier though, Holmes and Watson weren't the main characters in my focus, and Guy and Max were delightfully in love. So yes, this is a queer Holmes pastiche, just not quite the way one might assume.
Nonetheless a heartwarming story with some great original characters and a plot that unfolds smoothly.
*EDIT*
I've decided that I like the idea that 'My Dearest Holmes' and this book take place in the same timeline because that makes me happy and they can be adorable nerds smooching in Paris and sharing the same bed in between the events of this story.
I just need this, okay
A Case of Domestic Pilfering is so easy to read that I have felt very annoyed at having to stop to speak to customers. Yes, I read it all at work. I'm writing this review while still in work. I'm trash.
It is unfortunate however, that we're never explicitly told or shown what relationship Holmes and Watson share- we are left to question this through the eyes of Guy and Max in a couple of brief moments. (A couple of 'My Dear's were slipped in here and there like gunfingers to gay readers though so that was cool). Had I known it would be thus, I likely wouldn't have read the book. I'm a little passionate about such things.
As I said earlier though, Holmes and Watson weren't the main characters in my focus, and Guy and Max were delightfully in love. So yes, this is a queer Holmes pastiche, just not quite the way one might assume.
Nonetheless a heartwarming story with some great original characters and a plot that unfolds smoothly.
*EDIT*
I've decided that I like the idea that 'My Dearest Holmes' and this book take place in the same timeline because that makes me happy and they can be adorable nerds smooching in Paris and sharing the same bed in between the events of this story.
I just need this, okay
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2017
A Case of Domestic Pilfering is a delightfully fast-paced adventure seen mainly through the eyes of well-to-do Guy Clements and his dear friend Max Fareham in the summer of 1890.
They are very much more than good friends, in fact, and not always as discrete as they might be. Guy is vivacious and more than a little foolish, an extroverted drama queen and aesthete, more Bosie than he is Wilde, despite his pretentions. Max is less well off, less overt, and really very sweet.
They fall into trouble through a combination of events, including the theft of some important documents, a clever and desperate young housemaid, a shortfall of funds for gambling debts, a little domestic pilfering, and a chance meeting with Dr John Watson at the races.
Holmes of course is involved in an investigation and all the elements become rather tumbled as the Great Detective doesn't quite get hold of the right end of it.
Holmes and Watson are supporting characters in a story of misunderstandings, cross-purposes, disguises and secrets. It feels very much Wilde meets Wodehouse, with it's foppish upper class young men who are mentally negligible.
The book is hugely fun and reads at a smart pace. I'll definitely be looking for more of Piercy's work.
They are very much more than good friends, in fact, and not always as discrete as they might be. Guy is vivacious and more than a little foolish, an extroverted drama queen and aesthete, more Bosie than he is Wilde, despite his pretentions. Max is less well off, less overt, and really very sweet.
They fall into trouble through a combination of events, including the theft of some important documents, a clever and desperate young housemaid, a shortfall of funds for gambling debts, a little domestic pilfering, and a chance meeting with Dr John Watson at the races.
Holmes of course is involved in an investigation and all the elements become rather tumbled as the Great Detective doesn't quite get hold of the right end of it.
Holmes and Watson are supporting characters in a story of misunderstandings, cross-purposes, disguises and secrets. It feels very much Wilde meets Wodehouse, with it's foppish upper class young men who are mentally negligible.
The book is hugely fun and reads at a smart pace. I'll definitely be looking for more of Piercy's work.
October 28, 2025
A charming, well-written, and funny Sherlock Holmes pastiche, full of delightful original characters and with a fun and not-too-intricate mystery, where we always know more than the characters (even more than the great detective!), and where coincidences and blunders abound.
I loved Holmes and Watson in this: their relationship is portrayed beautifully and lovingly - and very subtly (by which I mean: their friendship is very strong, but anything romantic between them is only implied). But in many ways Holmes and Watson are side characters in this story, the renowned investigative pair that other characters fawn over or know to watch out for. These other characters are Guy, the infuriating rich kid; his nerdier boyfriend and Holmes fanboy, Max; the incredible and resourceful Madeleine, who is an absolutely fantastic character; and the mysterious Louis.
The point of view shifts and slides between this short novel's cast, in a way I found to be smooth and well-done, as if we're floating around London and visiting each of the mystery's actors in turn.
I loved Holmes and Watson in this: their relationship is portrayed beautifully and lovingly - and very subtly (by which I mean: their friendship is very strong, but anything romantic between them is only implied). But in many ways Holmes and Watson are side characters in this story, the renowned investigative pair that other characters fawn over or know to watch out for. These other characters are Guy, the infuriating rich kid; his nerdier boyfriend and Holmes fanboy, Max; the incredible and resourceful Madeleine, who is an absolutely fantastic character; and the mysterious Louis.
The point of view shifts and slides between this short novel's cast, in a way I found to be smooth and well-done, as if we're floating around London and visiting each of the mystery's actors in turn.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews