My Grave Ritual

Warlock Holmes #3

by G.S. Denning

As they blunder towards doom, Warlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson find themselves inconvenienced by a variety of eldritch beings. Christmas brings a goose that doesn't let being cooked slow it down; they meet an electricity demon, discover why being a redhead is even trickier than one might imagine, and Holmes attempts an Irish accent. And, naturally, Moriarty is hanging around... in some form or other.

Genres: Fantasy, Mystery, Audiobook, Fiction, Paranormal, Humor, Horror

308 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 15, 2018

About the author

Gabriel Denning was born and raised in Seattle. He has published articles for the popular games company Wizards of the Coast, worked as a editor, written a video-game script for Nintendo, and scripted and performed shows at the Epcot Center, Walt Disney World. He now lives in Las Vegas with his family.

Reviews

[K.J. Charles]

Another gleeful instalment of this hugely entertaining series. Veers between Lovecraftian cosmic horror and very very silly jokes, much based closely in the original Holmes stories. Massive fun, wolfed down three books in a row, and now I have to wait for the author to actually write another one. Curses.

[Mogsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2018/05/28/...

It’s a little ridiculous how much I’m loving this series. Despite the mountain of books in my TBR waiting to be read, I picked this one up as soon as it arrived on my doorstep because you know you’re always guaranteed a fun time with a Warlock Holmes book. While My Grave Ritual might have been a little bit less cohesive and a bit more meandering compared to the two previous volumes, I was happy to see that once again it did not disappoint in bringing the humor and hellfire.

Like the previous novels, My Grave Ritual plays on the original Sherlock Holmes tales and is presented as a narrative made up of a sequence of skit-like shorts featuring our protagonists Warlock Holmes and his sidekick Dr. John Watson. But of course, those of us who have been following the series so far know that the real brain behind the operation is Watson. The so-called great detective here, Warlock, is in fact a bumbling idiot. Sure, he may possess the fearsome ability to commune with demons and wield untold powers of the arcane, but without Watson keeping an eye on him, Warlock couldn’t be counted on not to set fire to his own shoes. That said, to his credit, Warlock Holmes is something of an expert in the cryptic and occult. While the man can be exasperating, Watson can’t deny that by pooling their skills and resources, the two of them make a rather formidable team.

This time, Holmes and Watson find themselves embroiled in more adventures involving the paranormal and uncanny, including a disastrous Christmas dinner with a magical goose and a run-in with a betentacled eldritch messenger from Bohemia. Not to mention, of course, the trouble that still plagues their lives in the form of Moriarty, Holmes’ greatest nemesis who is waiting patiently in the shadows for the perfect time to strike.

Despite the short story format of these books, all the tales here are interconnected and come together to form a greater narrative. In this manner, G.S. Denning continues to develop the overall series arc for Warlock Holmes and Watson, expanding upon the characters’ lives and their unique setting. As I have alluded to before, however, things felt a little more disjointed this time around, perhaps due to the shorter length of the stories in this installment. As a result, I felt that this book lacked the focus of the two previous volumes, with a plot that bounced around a bit too much. Clearly, the story is starting to build towards a major confrontation with Moriarty, but there’s still a lot of groundwork to cover in the meantime. The series is still in the process of bringing many of the elements from the original source, putting a new and magical spin on them at the same time.

As always though, my favorite thing about these books is the humor, especially the witty laugh-out-loud banter between Watson and Holmes. These are wonderful characters, and the author has done a great job making them his own by offering a fresh and fun perspective on this classic duo. I also liked how Warlock got to play a bigger role in this book, and there were even a couple sections of the story from his point of view. Don’t get me wrong, while I still think it’s hilarious that Holmes is a depicted as an eccentric and incompetent buffoon, it was a bit refreshing to see him become a stabilizing force for Watson for a change, instead of it constantly being the other way around. In essence, I’ve been given exactly what I wanted—more developments in the two men’s friendship and seeing their characters interact with each other in more meaningful and interesting ways.

In sum, I’m loving these books, and despite the somewhat rambling nature of this one, I still think the series as a whole is progressing in the right direction. Warlock Holmes has become my go-to for some light and fluffy fun because I know these characters will never let me down when I want a good laugh. I really hope this trend will continue for the next installment and beyond, because I just can’t wait to read more.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was SO much fun! I could hardly put this down (certainly not for something as boring as walking…), and was looked at askance more than once for bursting into uncontrollable fits of laughter while walking and reading at the same time. People are so weird sometimes :D

Anyways…

As always, this is the perfect combination of the original story and geeky references, with all the thrills and laughs you could possibly want- as long as you're okay with a bumbling, demonic, hellfire-hurling Holmes and a genius Watson who does all the work when he's not being a love-struck fool.

LOVED IT!

[Alex Crozier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never have I found a series quite so perfectly in line with my tastes. This book- the whole series so far- has been such a delight, I really hope we see more.

[Little Timmy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very nice but odd alternate version of the Sherlock Holmes mythos. Interesting and a fun read. Recommended

[Wiebke (1book1review) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is just entertaining. The little mysteries they solve, the narration and characters just work so well. And the audiobooks work really well for me as well.

[Stuart · Rating 5 out of 5]

G. S. Dennings’ Warlock Holmes series are the kind of books you didn’t know you needed in your life until you read them. I love this series as it is magical, larger than life, witty and hilarious. Dennings enjoys calamity as much as nuance with his own iteration of the classic Sherlock stories and I can’t get enough of them. The imagery that Dennings conjures in the mind is marvellous to say the least. My Grave Ritual is a clever addition to the series that sets up the return of Moriarty and also lays down the foundations for the arrival of another key and compelling adversary for Warlock and Holmes to go up against.

My Grave Ritual is a stellar continuation of the eccentric and highly entertaining alternative version of the Sherlock Holmes stories we all know and love. Dennings is 100% passionate about Conan Doyle’s work and his magical homage to the greatest detective (or mage) works well on so many levels. For those readers who haven’t approached the series yet, Warlock Holmes is a gentleman with immense archaic power who hides his abilities in plain sight (or not in most cases). Along with an exceptionally smart Watson, Warlock takes on classic cases that include the mystical, the satanic and the dark arts. He rubs shoulders with demons, soul eaters, monsters, creatures and many other oddities as well as powerful individuals much like himself.

The Sherlock Holmes facade is still firmly in place. It is not a huge jump out of the norm. Holmes and Watson’s dynamic is still solid and immensely enjoyable and Dennings includes all the classic characters such as Lestrade and Mrs Hudson but with their own unique twists. In My Grave Ritual we get 8 more cases that take the duo on another wild goose chase. This time they are chasing the disembodied soul of the late and great James Moriarty. On their journey for answers they must deal with everything from pompous fouls, an intellectual and violent goose, ancient rituals and goat throwing wildlings to soul-sucking red-headed demons, cunning and powerful women and the rightful squid king of bohemia, to name a few.

I felt My Grave Ritual was much more cohesive as a novel than the other books. The running theme between the stories was strong and the shift between narratives felt more natural. As usual the events are detailed by Watson, other than one genius tale told by Warlock as Watson was soulless at the the time, and his back and forth with Warlock is as good as ever. The dialogue had me in stitches constantly and the situations the duo find themselves is just as hilarious. Dennings knows how to manipulate tones well though and can generate meaningful moment well on the fly.

My favourite story this time around has to be the final one, quickly followed by the League Of Red-headed Gentleman story. The last chapter of this book was superb and capped off Warlock’s adventures perfectly. I struggled with the two cases that overlapped quite a bit because they were told by two different people at different times and it didn’t sit well in my mind. I will have to return to it again to wrap my head around it. My main issue with My Grave Ritual is, in my opinion, it was just missing a little bit of the spark I saw in the previous novels. Not too much but enough to notice. That said, the last chapter had enough spark for the entire novel so maybe I am just looking at it in the wrong way.

I was glad that Dennings continues to build on the magical side of the story in interesting and meaningful ways. It makes Warlock’s powers less of a gimmick and more fundamental to the narrative. It was great to see the return of the phenomenal illustrations that pop up out of nowhere and really highlight an event or occurrence. Whoever does those pieces should be very proud as they stop me in my tracks every time. One of the most important details to mention about My Grave Ritual is the fact that it ends on a cliffhanger of sorts! Awesome.

I can’t wait to see how Dennings explores these characters more in the future. If this is the end of Warlock Holmes then I am going to be very sad. Overall I highly recommend all three books to readers as they are clever, exciting, fascinating, familiar yet new and ultimately hilarious. It is a refreshing alternative style of Sherlockian shenanigans which is always welcome. Dennings knows how to whip up creative new ways to explore one of literature’s most iconic characters and I am excited to see where events take us next.

[Len · Rating 3 out of 5]

Humour is a strange beast. What one person finds side-splittingly funny someone else will stare at stony-faced wondering why their intelligence is being insulted. Most, and I fall comfortably in that category, can raise or smile or two and an occasional chuckle.

Apart from its stuttering comedy I think My Grave Ritual's main problem was the author's determination to write variations on well known Conan Doyle stories. If he had only used Holmes and Dr. Watson in a plot of his own devising he could have allowed his invention to flow. By fitting his own story into, say, A Scandal in Bohemia or The Red-Headed League he imposes a little straitjacket on what could have been a laugh-a-minute free spirited romp.

As it is, merely making Watson the real detective and Holmes a happy-go-lucky demon-infested bumbler does not provide enough ammunition to keep the jokes coming – and, indeed, some of the jokes in there verge on annoying adolescent sniggering. As for Irene Adler, she really does not work as a femme fatale no matter how devious or downright evil she may have ambition to be.

Some of the story titles – no, I will make that most of them – seem laboured in an effort to be funny. The Naval Treaty to The Navel-Starer; The Blue Carbuncle to The Blue Gob-Runkle; The Second Stain to The Disgusting Stain; The Musgrave Ritual to My Grave Ritual; The Copper Beeches to The Copper's Screeches; The Red-Headed League to The Red Heads' League; The Three Students to The Three Apprentices; A Scandal in Bohemia to A Scandal in Boh-grah-grah-grah. No, one original story worked out thoroughly and with some wit to smooth over the silliness could have been so much better.

[Jeff Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore this series.

[Seregil of Rhiminee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally published at Risingshadow.

G.S. Denning's Warlock Holmes: My Grave Ritual is the third book in the Warlock Holmes series of humorous books about Warlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson. This latest entry is marvellous in its approach to Sherlockian mysteries, because the author once again delivers unique and highly amusing stories that make readers laugh out loud with delight.

I have to confess that I love this book series. There's nothing quite like this out there on the market, because this series is simply brilliant in its inventiveness and originality. It parodises and satirises Sherlock Holmes in the best possible way and leaves readers wanting more. It's pure delight for those who love hilarious stories with a no-holds-barred attitude, sparkling dialogue and witty humour.

What makes this book and the whole series special is that the author has not merely written a parody about Sherlock Holmes, but actually builds something new. He uses classic Sherlock Holmes as a basis for his shameless parody, but adds many elements to the stories that create a larger concept for the whole series and bring depth to it. He puts his own unique spin on Sherlockian elements and spices up everything with magic. There's a distinct background story arc that can be seen running throughout the series that unites the stories, because the stories are interlinked.

My Grave Ritual differs from the previous books by consisting of eight interlinking short stories (this book doesn't have any novella-length stories), but otherwise it's similar to them. The short stories offer a nice counter-balance to the novella-length stories that were present in the previous books.

This book contains the following stories:

- The Adventure of the Navel-Starer
- The Adventure of the Blue Gob-Runkle
- The Adventure of the Disgusting Stain
- The Adventure of My Grave Ritual
- The Adventure of the Copper's Screeches
- The Adventure of the Red Heads' League
- The Adventure of the Three Apprentices
- A Scandal in Boh-grag-grah-grah

In these stories, Warlock and Watson get to solve various kinds of mysteries and deal with adventurous women and demons and secrets. Each of the stories reveals interesting things and enriches the background story arc involving Moriarty and Irene Adler.

This book begins with Warlock Holmes recovering from the Battle of Baskerville Hall. Warlock is bored and Watson tries to keep him occupied. Warlock is impatient, but Watson is firm with him, because he wants Warlock to get better. Suddenly, Watson receives a letter from his old acquaintance and is asked to investigate a perplexing mystery. Although Watson doesn't seem to be willing to help his acquaintance, Warlock convinces him to help the man. Soon Warlock and Watson are on their way to see man so that they can solve the mystery. This mystery begins a new chapter in the protagonists' lives.

I enjoyed reading about how the vampire detective Vladislav Lestrade invites himself to Christmas dinner and how the whole gang (Warlock, Watson, Lestrade, Grogsson, Wiggles and Mrs Hudson) has trouble with a malicious goose in "The Adventure of the Blue Gob-Runkle". The goose's behaviour is something truly extraordinary, because cooking doesn't slow it down. I think that this amusing Christmas tale will become a fan favourite, because it's a memorable story with horror-flavoured slapstick elements.

Along with "The Adventure of the Blue Gob-Runkle" and "A Scandal in Boh-grag-grah-grah", "The Adventure of the Red Heads' League" is one of my favourite stories in this book, because it's narrated by Warlock Holmes. All the other stories are narrated by John Watson, but this one puts the spotlight on Warlock and shines a bit of light on him and reveals what he thinks about certain things.

All things concerning Moriarty are handled wonderfully, because his presence causes Warlock and Watson trouble. The author's vision of Moriarty and the threat he poses to the protagonists is clever and well-executed.

The appearance of the cunning and intelligent Irene Adler aka the Woman is something to behold in this novel. It was fascinating to read what kind of an effect she had on Watson. I have a feeling that all fans of Sherlock Holmes stories will be delighted to read about the author's vision of Irene Adler. I won't reveal any details, but the meeting between Irene Adler, Warlock and Watson is handled brilliantly in "A Scandal in Boh-grag-grah-grah" and the dialogue is excellent.

This book is wonderfully spiced with clever popular culture references. They add a layer of inventiveness to the stories. Such things as the demon Covfefe and a clever Doctor Who spoof will amuse readers.

One of the best things about this book is that it evokes a Victorian atmosphere, because the author's descriptions about Victorian way of life feel vivid. I was enthralled by the author's effortless way of writing about what life was like in the 19th century.

The characterisation is spot-on and often brilliantly sharp and observant. The dynamics between Warlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson works perfectly. Warlock is a talented man when it comes to supernatural and occult things, but otherwise he's eccentric and often dim-witted and Watson keeps an eye on him. Watson's deductive skills complement Warlock's supernatural powers and together they form quite a formidable pair of detectives solving strange and unorthodox mysteries featuring various supernatural elements.

I'm personally amazed at the quality of the prose, because prose is often the weakest link in this kind of fiction. It's great that the author writes good and fluent prose, because it's the icing on the cake. His prose brings the happenings to life, because he easily creates an intense and mysterious atmosphere (it's great that some of the scenes exude eldritch menace, because the dark elements offer excellent counterbalance for the humorous elements).

The illustrations by Sean Patella-Buckley are atmospheric and beautiful. They wonderfully highlight some of the scenes mentioned in the stories.

My final words are:

I enjoyed this book very much, because the stories formed an entertaining story arc that ended in a cliffhanger. I look forward to reading the next book (The Sign of Nine), because I want to know what happens next.

If you've ever read any Sherlock Holmes stories, you'll find yourself laughing out loud when you read G.S. Denning's Warlock Holmes: My Grave Ritual. The inventive, sharp and twisted humour shines brightly in this instalment. I can guarantee that if you love quirky humour, you won't be disappointed by this book. This book is just as good as the previous books and then some.

Highly recommended!

[Kaitlyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like how this one played around with timelines and perspectives more than previous volumes. I liked the development of Adler.

But I gotta say, having one of Holmes' inner demons be a fat, orange-skinned monster with white around its eyes called Covfefe that talks about it "has the best words" is purestrain cringe that took me right out of the book.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have not read the other two in the series. I passed by this and grabbed it on a whim at the library.

I'm glad I did.

I'm not sure of the characterizations in the first two novels of the series, but this had me enthralled in no time. These were interesting and different takes on the characters I've come to love in recent years; quirky and more childish Sherlock, more grounded in reality Watson, and a strange cast of other characters I know.

Even the background characters, such as Violet Hunter, have caught my attention and I eagerly await the next novel, but I also look forward to reading the first two of the series. A fantasy adventure mixed with mystery. Had me wondering the twist they could take this time on different stories. Making Warlock Holmes, one of my favorite contemporary twists on Sherlock Holmes.

Teaching me the important lesson of bone blade care: Hate things, drink milk.

[Tasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just as funny as the first Warlock Holmes!

[rowan]

Why I read it: This is a re-read!

Thoughts: Short review that starts a little bit like this: "Aaahh yes, I now sort of remember why I didn't really read the rest of the series once I ran out of the books I had at the time." The stories all sort of run together, and even though I was present for the reading of each of them, I couldn't in all truthfulness tell you what they were each about. The one with the Christmas goose was the funniest by far; the sequences where the goose tries to escape its bindings made me laugh, especially when it dislocates its own wing in order to escape and then pops it back in in the manner of 90s action films, and Grogsson toasts to it admiringly and says "Dat bird's well hard!" which, again, just made me laugh until I was tearing up.

In short, when this book is good, it's very good. It's very funny, and the jokes flow well. The cases and situations they get into are different enough from one another that every story ends up having a really good moment of utter comedic shenanigans or a moment of earnestness. The last story in the book, the the Warlock Holmes interpolation of A Scandal in Bohemia, had both: comedic shenanigans there were aplenty, especially in the second part, when Dr Watson comes up with a cunning plan that succeeds and fails on multiple levels; moments of earnestness came, unsurprisingly, from Warlock Holmes himself, who worries about Watson's fascination with Irene Adler, and keeps saying that he can see "doom" gathering on/around Watson the more he deals with the woman. Knowing Warlock Holmes, he probably sees the actual manifestation of doom. So anyway, that's nice. Good stories.

The downside is this book came out in 2018, so it includes a Covfefe/orange-demon-with-white-circles-around-the-eyes joke in the Red-Headed League adaptation that immediately took me right out of the piece and kind of had me on my back foot for the rest of the story. Which is a shame, because it was a full story written from Warlock Holmes's perspective, and it included a lot of clues and hooks for future adventures, but all I could think of was "bleh".

Would I read a sequel or the author's other works: I mean... still yes. However, I've found that through some trickery of fate, I don't yet own the next volume in the series even though I do have the fifth, so this series is momentarily on pause until I can get the missing piece. I'm curious about whether Watson's soul... weapon... bone needle... thing comes into play anywhere in the next stories.

Would I recommend this: I mean... yeah, sure. If you're a completionist, you may as well.

[Redsteve · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another humorous installment in the "Warlock Holmes" series. Many of the stories share a connection through the missing (but hotly pursued) lifeforce of the dead (ish?) Moriarty, but there's still room for all sorts of shenanigans and weirdness - including zombified ministers of Her Majesty's Government, an evil Christmas goose, an incompetent demonic butler, Indo-Brazilian Super-Gonorrhea, skull hair spiders, an aristocratic German octopus monster, electrified clothing, and a school for (evil) wizardry, not to mention the recreational smoking the shredded remains of a mummified Persian sorcerer. Readers are also treated to a story penned by Holmes himself and the reappearance of Irene Adler ("The Woman") As with the previous books, Denning's writing is hysterically funny. 3.5 stars.

[Holly Stone · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one isn't quite as funny but there are still loads of demons Lol and it is so funny to hear Holmes being so bumbling and strange. He has done a very good job at changing things a bit. And, showing things as they would be if Watson were to solve all the mysteries. In this one The Woman is a major part so good and so worth reading/listening

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book in the series that reimagings Sherlock Holmes.
The story is about Warlock Holmes who is not smart but he has Watson by his side to take care of the deductions while he has magic.
The original short stories are imagined in this new light.
Any fan of Holmes will find great humor in these books. I laughed so hard.

[Andy Gooding-Call · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve continued to enjoy this series! It’s not at all serious and that was what I was in the mood for. Considering that it’s a spinoff of the most adapted story in the English language, it maintains consistent freshness, as well as literary and entertainment quality, quite well. Easy to pick up and put down.

[S.M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

6/5 stars for Robert Garson's narrations for these books.

[Pages & Cup · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another absolutely hilarious Holmes parody. I can't wait for the next book in the series.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review originally posted at Erlebnisse: erlebnisseweb.wordpress.com/2018/06/0...

Oh, dear reader.

It was so good to be back in this world again.

If you’ve read my reviews of either of the first two books preceding Warlock Holmes: A Grave Ritual, you know I’m a very big fan of both this series and this author. When the author was kind enough once again to send me a copy of the latest installment (thank you, Gabe!!), I was practically dancing with excitement. Especially since I haven’t read anything particularly…funny, in a while, so I knew A Grave Ritual was going to be the read that worked out those ignored laughter muscles and just let me have a pleasurable escape from the stresses of the real world.

Oh, how it did deliver.

Reading about the cases of Warlock Holmes feels like coming home. It gives you a warm, fuzzy feeling inside that just makes your happiness levels increase exponentially, because the stories and the antics within them are just that enjoyable. I will always love the dynamic of Watson being the sleuth with the observational detective skills and Warlock being…well, not the brightest in the bunch, that’s for certain, but not without his own charms and quirks, as well. But I think Watson grew a lot in this book and I really enjoyed seeing that and seeing some different sides of his personality within these cases (especially towards the end).

Watson speaking to Warlock, prolly, eh, 95% of the time.

Some of the cases they deal with, this go around? Whoa. It makes me wish I was a little more up to date (translation: actually, ah, read all of Doyle’s original works of Sherlock Holmes) on my classic literature, because I just know there are Easter Eggs that I’m completely missing, yet that doesn’t take away from the pure awesomeness (and slight ridiculousness) of these cases. Violet’s case was my favorite, by far (also, I wouldn’t mind seeing more of that character, as well, even though I know she’s a minor character that ((most likely)) won’t come back to have any bigger role; still, a girl can dream right?).

Oh, and Irene Adler.

Shit.

If I had to peg Denning as a master at one thing (and he isn’t, but instead, a master of many), it would be of endings. Because oh boy howdy, how can you end a book like that with the knowledge that I have another year before I get to find out what happens next?

Masterfully done, sir. Masterful.

To sum up: if you’ve read the first two books, you’re not going to be disappointed with this one. It has everything you’ve come to expect from this series: laughter, hilarious situations and mind-boggling cases, wonderful characters you love more than you should, considering they’re fictional and a wonderfully fresh twist on a classic story.

Oh, and the worst cliffhanger yet.

Read on!

[Evadare Volney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I dithered over the number of stars because it didn't make me howl with laughter quite as much as the first two books in the series, but then I decided it was just that the novelty had worn off and this one is really just as good - and maybe even better in that it's definitively building towards a series finale that's probably going to be gruesome and painful. Anyway, if you like the premise - Watson is the real detective, Holmes is a rather dim but extremely powerful sorcerer who's usually completely riddled with demons - and you like continually surprising re-writes of the canon stories that turn them into pulpy slapstick horror, you'll enjoy this one just as much as the others.

You'll be rewarded by various cultural easter eggs too if you happen to catch them ("Bellinger leaned in with renewed vigor and insisted, “Destroy the doctor!” “Destroy!” Hope agreed, in high-pitched, strident tones. “Destroy! Destroy! Destroy!”), and droll asides on social behavior ("The man was an arch-conservative politician, but famous for his even temper and courtesy. His political reputation was for upholding basically indefensible beliefs by remaining calm and genial until his opponent’s patience ran out, he yelled, and by the laws of British propriety therefore forfeited the debate.")

But I'm worried. I love this universe, and yet I know I will fail to take Watson's very wise advice here: "To the reader who loves our world and wishes to believe it will continue, let me say: Stop. Stop, right now. Close this book, set it aside and never read anything else I write."

[Charley Robson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you like mysteries?
Do you like inventive urban fantasy?
Do you like wit?
Do you like Sherlock Holmes?

... Well three out of four isn't bad, and honestly doing away with Sherlock Holmes is where the rest gets to shine.

I won't say too much, because most of the fun of this book is in discovering the inventive twists and plays on the original works and saying anything at all is dangerously close to spoiling it, but I will tell you that this is as well-paced, well-planned and thoroughly hilarious a take off of 'Sherlock Holmes But Magic' as you could ever wish for.

To be a little more specific... this book includes:
-- murderous zombie Christmas geese
-- tear-jerking histories of ancient ginger litches
-- multiple Actual Demons (with names as silly as you might please)
-- some of the wittiest dialogue and descriptive passages this side of Lynch and Pratchett
-- the most interesting and evocative Irene Adler ever. Yes, ever. Fight me.

This isn't the first book in the series, so you might want to read those first, but honestly I think one can catch on fast enough (especially if one knows a little bit of Sherlock Holmes to start with - though knowing any more than a little might spoil the fun) to jump straight in, put one's hands in the air, and enjoy the riotous ride all the way down.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Grave Ritual by G.S. Denning is the third book in the ever popular Warlock Holmes series. In it, Denning once again takes the much loved Conan Doyle stories and gives them a macabre and monstrous twist that would do horror authors like H.P. Lovecraft proud.

Much like the original stories, these are also told from the point of view of Dr. Watson. One story however is from the crayon scribbled journals of Warlock Holmes, giving us an insight in to the mind of such a unique character. Funnily enough, aside from how the story ends, Denning’s version strays very little from the original Doyle version.

While some characteristics of both Holmes and Watson have been switched around, one thing does remain true. And that is how highly Holmes and Watson regard one another. How much each man cares for the other, both as a friend and as a work partner.

So far I have been greatly enjoying reading the adventures of Warlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson. Mr. Denning has done a lovely job of giving us readers a new version of these characters while still staying true to what makes them unique. I look forward to reading further stories of these two and seeing what kind of mischief and mayhem they get in to next.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly love this series. It is so brilliant.

And, I most admit, I don't think I can ever read the physical copies of the book because Robert Garson performance is so wonderful.

This installment includes the appearance of Irene Adler. I judge Sherlock Holmes incarnations by how Adler is done. Sherlock lost me with what they did. Elementary was far better. Denning's Adler is a damn fine Adler that the chances of Doyle liking are rather high.

Unlike the other two, this third installment ends on more of a cliffhanger (more because part of the conceit is the potential end of the world). But that's fine.

It's still a great ride. Wonderful fun with Holmes at the expense of the other Victorians. Those wonderful asides, Watson's common sense, and the fun word play are all here. There is more development on the idea of the Nine, as well as the introduction of Violet, who is quite awesome.

And let me say, that I really, really want Denning to write a Violet series.

Holmes comes to the fore a bit more in this installment, which was quite enjoyable. There is even a section while Holmes tells the story, and it was really great.

Honesty, if you like Holmes and like fantasy, you need to read this series.

halloween bingo 2019

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent blend of satire and sincerity at least equal to the first book in the series. I snorted and giggled my way through this and insisted on reading out favorite lines as I reached them to my ever-patient husband. Each section of the book is recognizably based on an original adventure of Sherlock Holmes (by noted fictional dog-murderer Arthur Conan Doyle - don't forget to read the acknowledgements at the end), containing both direct quotes and hilarious twists. The Red-Headed League was probably my favorite because it gave us the rare opportunity of getting a story from Holmes' perspective - in the Arthur Conan Doyle original Watson's perspective is always preferable, but this one was hilarious and endearing. Warlock Holmes may not be a brilliant detective, but he has a unique and not unkind mind. Granted, this adventure contained a moment or two of winking at the reader that I would have been just as happy to miss (a stupid orange monster! We know. It's all been said. It's all true. It hasn't been funny in a long time), but otherwise it was pure delight.
Anyway, I can tell this is a series I will eventually need to own in full so I can go back and reread when I need a laugh.

[Sarah Kate Henne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the series, but this one falls a bit short

I absolutely love this series. I have read or listened to the first two at least a dozen times a piece. This third volume however... it was missing something. The reader can clearly see how the author is developing the plot and expanding his quirky universe beyond the major plot point of Holmes’ battle with Moriarty, but the pace was a bit rushed. There were more adventures covered in this installment than in any of the other, but, again, they were missing the delightful detail the reader has become accustomed to. Despite this, I did enjoy this volume. There were certainly points I laughed out loud at the antics of the protagonists, and I enjoy learning more and more about the character’s back stories, I just wish there was... more depth to this novel. I am looking forward to the final two installments!

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's official. I'm convinced the G.S. in G.S. Denning stands for Genius Sherlockian. Also... Watson is not the only one lovestruck! I am in LOVE with the way Denning has reinvented Irene Adler. She is FIERCE. This is easily, hands down, my favorite representation of her yet.
The connection among the stories felt stronger in this one too, as we see Moriarty attempt to return to physical form. And therein lies the brilliance of G.S. Denning: it's in the way he uses the supernatural elements of each story to, well, take this above and beyond to the next level and lay the foundation for the Sign of Nine in the next installment.

This collection of short stories includes:

The Adventure of the Navel-Starer - in which the paltry Percy Phelps sends annoying missives to Watson pleading for help and Watson just wants to throttle him...
'Argh! I haven't seen him for years - haven't even thought of him - and now, three minutes after he's reintroduced himself, I find myself wishing I could knock him about a bit.'

The Adventure of the Blue Gob-Runkle - starring a Christmas Goose that just won't die no matter how you truss it or cook it or decapitate it.
'That bird is ten times smarter than it ought to be!'
The goose ceased its struggles and shot me a savage look.
'Twenty?'
It arched an eyebrow at me as if to say, 'Oh a great deal more than that, as you are about to learn. At no small cost, I should think. At no small cost.'
(Bonus: Christmas caroling with Lestrade and Grogsson with some revised lyrics.)

The Adventure of the Disgusting Stain - in which the Woman makes her first appearance and completely gobsmacks Watson, though it takes him awhile to put it all together.
'The second one. That was the real Lady Hilda.'
'Indubitably,' said Holmes.
'Did you see how angry she was? How improprietous she found it that such things should happen to a person of her station? That's the real duke's daughter, if ever there was one.'
Holmes nodded sagely. 'And when I noted that she, too, was a posh bit of crumpet, her butler slapped me.'
'As well he should, Holmes. As well he should.'
(Bonus: Meeting Bang Cleopatra.)

The Adventure of My Grave Ritual - in which Holmes and Watson help Reginald Musgrave track down his missing butler and uncover the secrets of the family burial ritual. (Doesn't every family have one?!) Watson on the futility of hiding directions in riddles:
'Or we might just go sixteen steps north, and eight steps east, since the latter two directions do nothing but cancel out part of the earlier two. Really, whoever wrote this thing... just an idiot...'

Watson also finds a stirring connection to one of the artifacts in the process:
'Look here, Watson. It's more than a little disturbing how attached you are to the place. Aren't men supposed to be horrified by the idea of their own mortality?'
'I suppose. But I'm not your average man, Holmes. I was a soldier in a losing fight. More than that: I'm a doctor. Of course I understand I'm going to die. I just... Well, it never occurred to me I might die for a reason. That I might accomplish something worthy of that kind of remembrance. Oh, I hope it's true! Can't you understand?'
'Even if I can, that doesn't mean I have to like it,' Holmes complained. 'You're not allowed to die, Watson!'

The Adventure of the Copper's Screeches - Violet Hunter. Another inspiring heroine, thank you G.S. Denning! In which a governess is asked to wear an electric(fying!) blue dress and sit in a window and read to her patrons in a totally not creepy (no, but it IS totally creepy) way. Also in which I look up the definition and mythology of Barghest, so thank you for that education.
'Gentlemen, I'm glad you came! Things have been so strange, I simply... er... Dr. Watson, have you... have you curled your hair?'
'Ah, yes. It's the fashion nowadays.'
'Is it?' Miss Hunter wondered.
'We told him it was,' Holmes said, exploding into fits of laughter.
I went red with rage. Holmes bent double and laughed so hard he nearly toppled over.
'Very nice. It suits you,' Miss Hunter said.
'Thank you,' I replied, and made a mental note to KILL EVERYONE I KNEW!

The Adventure of the Red Heads' League - more auburn topped shenanigans, with overlapping timelines to the prior story and SO this one is told from Holmes perspective, which makes for a VERY amusing read, especially as he includes all the details he omitted from Watson originally.

The Adventure of the Three Apprentices - in which a misguided magical professor misplaces his newly completed spell for the Fortescue Binding - to summon and bind demons of course.
'But... is he dead?' I wondered.
'Watson, in our future adventures together, here is a good rule of thumb: whenever you see anybody explode into bits and spatter all over a wall, yes, they are dead.'

A Scandal in Boh-grag-grah-grah - the infamous case of Irene Adler and the fire as a ruse. Only in this case it's triple threat twist that winds up with a double twist because, well, Holmes is inept. And Watson is a goner.
'I think that was the moment Holmes proved correct - the moment my fascination became irreversible. ... But no, I'd never known what my heart truly needed, until that day. Indeed, it would take years of reflection to finally come to admit what I truly desire...
To be bested.
Who could I ever respect more? No matter how I threw myself against her, no matter the stratagem I devised, I was never her equal. I strived to be, again and again, but... How frustrating! And yet, how exhilarating! I didn't want to admit her brilliance, yet she forced me to at every turn.'

I have a feeling I will be returning to this series again and again. Can't wait for the next collection of stories!

[Kieran McAndrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Watson and his bumbling sidekick Warlock Holmes investigate a series of increasingly implausible events.

Fast paced, clever and socially barbed, Denning has written a very sly and witty spoof of the Sherlock Holmes stories.

[Michael Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another in the magical Warlock Holmes series of spoofs of the stories all with a new twist.