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Sherlock Holmes and the Glad Game
British sleuth Sherlock Holmes can solve any mystery from a small clue. American traveler Pollyanna Whittier can only see the good side of every situation. The only thing they have in common is their friendship with Dr. John Watson. When Pollyanna shows up in London with a mystery for Holmes to solve, she decides to teach the detective the Glad Game: a way of remaining optimistic no matter what. A dangerous - and hilarious - clash of minds, where these two characters of classic literature need to learn how to work together in order to catch a dangerous criminal.
260 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 23, 2018
5 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
About the author
Matt Ferraz
16 books26 followersAuthor of all trades, Matt Ferraz has written thrillers, sci-fi, cozy mysteries and a lot of witty e-mails that sadly can't be published. With a degree in journalism and a masters in biography, Matt has works published in English, Italian and Portuguese, and loves trying new genres.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
February 17, 2020
Book Reviewed on www.whisperingstories.com
Wow! The author Matt Ferraz amazed me with Sherlock Holmes and the Glad Game. I am old enough to remember the “Pollyanna” philosophy from the 1960 Disney movie, and I have always tried to look for the positive in every circumstance, no matter how bad the situation. The author cleverly borrows the popular character from Eleanor H. Porter’s ‘Pollyanna’ novel published in 1913, and the ever popular Sherlock Holmes novels by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
In this novel, Pollyanna calls the positive attitude the “Glad Game”, and the author, Matt Ferraz, cleverly uses the historic fictional characters to promote Pollyanna’s life-improving attitudes. The novel is presented in the first person from Dr. Watson’s perspective.
If an author is going to use the legendary Sherlock Holmes as a character, a mystery has to be created for Detective Sherlock Holmes to solve. Author Matt Ferraz created that mystery when the much-too-talkative Pollyanna survives when a man mysteriously tries to strangle her, and in the traditional logical fashion, Holmes and Watson gather clues and try to connect them together in an attempt to foil the antagonists.
For detective enthusiasts, this novel’s antagonists, murder plot, and evil greed will intrigue you and keep you turning pages. But more importantly, if you want to have a happier, more positive focus in your life, this novel is a must read. I repeat, a must read. But you have to practice the “glad game” after every unpleasant occurrence to make it part of your life.
Superbly written and edited, I rate the novel at the highest level of 4. I look forward to reading the novel again in the future.
Wow! The author Matt Ferraz amazed me with Sherlock Holmes and the Glad Game. I am old enough to remember the “Pollyanna” philosophy from the 1960 Disney movie, and I have always tried to look for the positive in every circumstance, no matter how bad the situation. The author cleverly borrows the popular character from Eleanor H. Porter’s ‘Pollyanna’ novel published in 1913, and the ever popular Sherlock Holmes novels by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
In this novel, Pollyanna calls the positive attitude the “Glad Game”, and the author, Matt Ferraz, cleverly uses the historic fictional characters to promote Pollyanna’s life-improving attitudes. The novel is presented in the first person from Dr. Watson’s perspective.
If an author is going to use the legendary Sherlock Holmes as a character, a mystery has to be created for Detective Sherlock Holmes to solve. Author Matt Ferraz created that mystery when the much-too-talkative Pollyanna survives when a man mysteriously tries to strangle her, and in the traditional logical fashion, Holmes and Watson gather clues and try to connect them together in an attempt to foil the antagonists.
For detective enthusiasts, this novel’s antagonists, murder plot, and evil greed will intrigue you and keep you turning pages. But more importantly, if you want to have a happier, more positive focus in your life, this novel is a must read. I repeat, a must read. But you have to practice the “glad game” after every unpleasant occurrence to make it part of your life.
Superbly written and edited, I rate the novel at the highest level of 4. I look forward to reading the novel again in the future.
December 5, 2018
With a title like this, how could I not be intrigued?! How could my interest not be piqued?! How could I not remember Benedict Cumberbatch?! Sighhhh...
A story by Matt Ferraz which brought together two characters Sherlock Holmes and Pollyanna into a tale with suspense and mystery which goes in every Holmes and Watson story along with the cheerfulness of Pollyanna with her new Glad Game of positivity wherein every cloud has a silver lining.
Pollyanna first meets up with Mrs Hudson and Dr Watson at 221B Baker Street, when Sherlock is presumed dead after his battle with Moriarty, and introduces the Glad Game, a change in lifestyle of being glad even when bad things happen. She goes back to America and then returns as Mrs Bloom bringing with her a mystery for Sherlock Holmes to solve and yes, he was not really dead.
I was very excited in the initial part of where the by-lanes of the story were twisted and suspense was the main theme, it had a definite Sherlock feel to it. I did see Benedict Cumberbatch in his scenes. Then the story became mundane, the by-lane was straight and narrow with the perpetrator being revealed and arrested and all's well that ends well.
There was no big Sherlock moment in the end where he shows his brilliance in a flamboyant manner. Oh how I miss Benedict!!
Overall, an enjoyable story with tinges of the original Sherlock.
A story by Matt Ferraz which brought together two characters Sherlock Holmes and Pollyanna into a tale with suspense and mystery which goes in every Holmes and Watson story along with the cheerfulness of Pollyanna with her new Glad Game of positivity wherein every cloud has a silver lining.
Pollyanna first meets up with Mrs Hudson and Dr Watson at 221B Baker Street, when Sherlock is presumed dead after his battle with Moriarty, and introduces the Glad Game, a change in lifestyle of being glad even when bad things happen. She goes back to America and then returns as Mrs Bloom bringing with her a mystery for Sherlock Holmes to solve and yes, he was not really dead.
I was very excited in the initial part of where the by-lanes of the story were twisted and suspense was the main theme, it had a definite Sherlock feel to it. I did see Benedict Cumberbatch in his scenes. Then the story became mundane, the by-lane was straight and narrow with the perpetrator being revealed and arrested and all's well that ends well.
There was no big Sherlock moment in the end where he shows his brilliance in a flamboyant manner. Oh how I miss Benedict!!
Overall, an enjoyable story with tinges of the original Sherlock.
December 5, 2018
Full review: http://swiftcoffee.blog/2018/12/05/sh...
This was an entertaining book! I first was afraid that Sherlock and Pollyanna - these two things wouldn't mix very well, the originals being so different, but it actually worked quite great. The style fairly imitates that of the original Sherlock's and it goes unexpectedly well with Pollyanna and the mystery she brings to this novel. Pollyanna doesn't lose herself in spite of it being more of a Sherlock Holmes than a Pollyanna story. The way she speaks stays true to her original version, it's absolutely believable that it is the same person, yet she somehow seems a bit more realistic. I actually liked her character better here!
I expected more actual interaction between Sherlock and Pollyanna, but it turned out to be more subtle and, I think, also more realistic than dramatic - which is definitely something I like. The mystery is good and interesting. The detective work/thinking and solution is more on a human scale than the usual 'Sherlock brings his brilliance' thing, but that was okay with me.
I recommend this book to everyone who's a fan of either/both Sherlock Holmes and/or Pollyanna. Also, anyone who likes classic/cozy crimes. This one's really good! ;)
This was an entertaining book! I first was afraid that Sherlock and Pollyanna - these two things wouldn't mix very well, the originals being so different, but it actually worked quite great. The style fairly imitates that of the original Sherlock's and it goes unexpectedly well with Pollyanna and the mystery she brings to this novel. Pollyanna doesn't lose herself in spite of it being more of a Sherlock Holmes than a Pollyanna story. The way she speaks stays true to her original version, it's absolutely believable that it is the same person, yet she somehow seems a bit more realistic. I actually liked her character better here!
I expected more actual interaction between Sherlock and Pollyanna, but it turned out to be more subtle and, I think, also more realistic than dramatic - which is definitely something I like. The mystery is good and interesting. The detective work/thinking and solution is more on a human scale than the usual 'Sherlock brings his brilliance' thing, but that was okay with me.
I recommend this book to everyone who's a fan of either/both Sherlock Holmes and/or Pollyanna. Also, anyone who likes classic/cozy crimes. This one's really good! ;)
January 22, 2019
Sherlock Holmes and the Glad Game by Matt Ferraz was a delightful addition to light-hearted mysteries.
When people say, “Oh, don’t be such a Pollyanna,” they’re referring to a character from an old book whose sunny outlook is constant. Now imagine Sherlock Holmes meeting Pollyanna and you have a recipe for both danger and fun. Dr. Watson brings the two together when Pollyanna needs help with a dangerous criminal.
Having a bad day? Need something to brighten your outlook? Love mysteries? This is the book for you. I recommend this book to those looking for something new, entertaining and different in the world of mysteries.
When people say, “Oh, don’t be such a Pollyanna,” they’re referring to a character from an old book whose sunny outlook is constant. Now imagine Sherlock Holmes meeting Pollyanna and you have a recipe for both danger and fun. Dr. Watson brings the two together when Pollyanna needs help with a dangerous criminal.
Having a bad day? Need something to brighten your outlook? Love mysteries? This is the book for you. I recommend this book to those looking for something new, entertaining and different in the world of mysteries.
January 6, 2019
If you are a fan of Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson, you will LOVE this interpretation of them. Matt Ferraz shows you a delicate side to the detective and doctor in Sherlock Holmes and the Glad Game......you will be GLAD you read it !!!
In Sherlock Holmes and the Glad Game Doctor Watson is dealing with the apparent death of Sherlock Holmes. Holmes went to confront an enemy and the two were last seem falling over a cliff. Even though the bodies were never found, it is presumed they both died. While Watson is trying to come to terms with the death of his friend, Holmes landlady, Mrs. Hudson meets and introduces Watson to Pollyanna. Pollyanna is an American who is in London for medical attention.
Pollyanna had an accident that landed her in a wheelchair. The American doctors said she would never walk again however, a doctor in London said that he could heal her. So her family and town raised money so that she could travel to London for treatment.
When Watson meets Pollyanna he is drawn to her and when he finds out the doctors name, he feels he must step in because he feels she is being taken advantage of. Watson cannot understand how Pollyanna can be so happy all the time and see bad things as being good....so Pollyanna teaches him the Glad Game. You find something to be glad about in every situation and then things look better ..... Even though Watson stepped in and the doctor, Tate, tells Pollyanna she is "healed" and sends her money back to her and she is returning to America, she tells Watson she is glad for she was able to meet him, his wife and Mrs. Hudson.
Years later after Holmes does in fact return.....he did survive the fall and lost his way for a few years but returns......so does Pollyanna !! As a married woman !! Unfortunately the man that she married is anything but what he says he is..... He meets with Holmes and Watson to hire them.... this leads them on a case that even Pollyanna's Glad Game will be hard to follow......
Sherlock Holmes and the Glad Game takes you back in time to when Pollyanna was young and in love, brings you back to the present when she is married but it isn't what it looks like......and with Holmes and Watson on the case and both having developed a strong relationship with Pollyanna will do whatever it takes to ensure that she continues playing the Glad Game for many years......
You will have a hard time putting this story down until you finish it. You will also fall in love with Pollyanna and her contagiously happy personality. You will find yourself well invested in finding out the truth behind Pollyanna's marriage and will also want to see her happy and in love again !!!
Ferraz will draw you in and keep you captivated from the first word until you've read the final word and close the book.....but don't worry it is a good journey to go on and you are in very good hands.......and you may even catch yourself playing the Glad Game as well.
In Sherlock Holmes and the Glad Game Doctor Watson is dealing with the apparent death of Sherlock Holmes. Holmes went to confront an enemy and the two were last seem falling over a cliff. Even though the bodies were never found, it is presumed they both died. While Watson is trying to come to terms with the death of his friend, Holmes landlady, Mrs. Hudson meets and introduces Watson to Pollyanna. Pollyanna is an American who is in London for medical attention.
Pollyanna had an accident that landed her in a wheelchair. The American doctors said she would never walk again however, a doctor in London said that he could heal her. So her family and town raised money so that she could travel to London for treatment.
When Watson meets Pollyanna he is drawn to her and when he finds out the doctors name, he feels he must step in because he feels she is being taken advantage of. Watson cannot understand how Pollyanna can be so happy all the time and see bad things as being good....so Pollyanna teaches him the Glad Game. You find something to be glad about in every situation and then things look better ..... Even though Watson stepped in and the doctor, Tate, tells Pollyanna she is "healed" and sends her money back to her and she is returning to America, she tells Watson she is glad for she was able to meet him, his wife and Mrs. Hudson.
Years later after Holmes does in fact return.....he did survive the fall and lost his way for a few years but returns......so does Pollyanna !! As a married woman !! Unfortunately the man that she married is anything but what he says he is..... He meets with Holmes and Watson to hire them.... this leads them on a case that even Pollyanna's Glad Game will be hard to follow......
Sherlock Holmes and the Glad Game takes you back in time to when Pollyanna was young and in love, brings you back to the present when she is married but it isn't what it looks like......and with Holmes and Watson on the case and both having developed a strong relationship with Pollyanna will do whatever it takes to ensure that she continues playing the Glad Game for many years......
You will have a hard time putting this story down until you finish it. You will also fall in love with Pollyanna and her contagiously happy personality. You will find yourself well invested in finding out the truth behind Pollyanna's marriage and will also want to see her happy and in love again !!!
Ferraz will draw you in and keep you captivated from the first word until you've read the final word and close the book.....but don't worry it is a good journey to go on and you are in very good hands.......and you may even catch yourself playing the Glad Game as well.
March 13, 2019
*I received a free copy of this book, with thanks to the author. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
This fascinating mashup of two very different literary characters and styles begins by capturing the essence of the original characters, then quickly evolves into something new as the sardonic logic of the British genius and saccharine morality of the American ingénue influence each other and the styles meld somewhere between the two.
Reading the story I strongly felt the influence, not just of Conan Doyle and Porter, but also of the crime fiction of Agatha Christie. The plot scenario involving eccentric inventors mysterious strangers and unsuccessful attempts at theft and murder reminded me of some classic Poirot plot set-ups.
Whilst in theory the story is set in Holmes’ period London, in fact the language, especially during the dialogue, does not stay true to period, but strays into modern linguistic territory; I was somewhat startled, for instance, when Watson told Pollyanna to ‘shut up’!
Likewise I was taken aback by some of the liberties Ferraz takes with little Miss Whittier’s character and the great detective’s reserve initially, but soon realised that for this fresh take to work all of the characters need to give a little. This isn’t exactly Pollyanna getting darker, or Holmes getting softer, but two new characters inspired by the originals. This also added to the plot intrigue as the actions of the characters were less predictable due to their development.
All-in-all, as a fan of both Pollyanna books and the whole of Conan Doyle’s oeuvre, I found this a fun tribute to the original characters and scenarios within a fresh story format. Purists may not be keen, but for more casual fans this is a pleasant visit to some familiar favourites.
I turned off the lights and shut the door on my way out. Mary was standing in the hallway, waiting for me. “How is she?” asked my wife.
“Glad as ever,” I said.
“Do you think she needs a hospital>”
“No,” I answered. “The bruises will take some time to disappear, but…”
“I mean an asylum, John,” corrected Mary. “This Glad Game is very nice, but not when a man tries to murder you in the street. I’m worried that Pollyanna is losing her mind, and that we’re watching it happen and finding it charming.”
She wasn’t totally wrong, but the idea of putting Pollyanna in an asylum didn’t please me. “I’ll talk to Holmes, and we’ll see.”
– Matt Ferraz, Sherlock Holmes and the Glad Game
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
This fascinating mashup of two very different literary characters and styles begins by capturing the essence of the original characters, then quickly evolves into something new as the sardonic logic of the British genius and saccharine morality of the American ingénue influence each other and the styles meld somewhere between the two.
Reading the story I strongly felt the influence, not just of Conan Doyle and Porter, but also of the crime fiction of Agatha Christie. The plot scenario involving eccentric inventors mysterious strangers and unsuccessful attempts at theft and murder reminded me of some classic Poirot plot set-ups.
Whilst in theory the story is set in Holmes’ period London, in fact the language, especially during the dialogue, does not stay true to period, but strays into modern linguistic territory; I was somewhat startled, for instance, when Watson told Pollyanna to ‘shut up’!
Likewise I was taken aback by some of the liberties Ferraz takes with little Miss Whittier’s character and the great detective’s reserve initially, but soon realised that for this fresh take to work all of the characters need to give a little. This isn’t exactly Pollyanna getting darker, or Holmes getting softer, but two new characters inspired by the originals. This also added to the plot intrigue as the actions of the characters were less predictable due to their development.
All-in-all, as a fan of both Pollyanna books and the whole of Conan Doyle’s oeuvre, I found this a fun tribute to the original characters and scenarios within a fresh story format. Purists may not be keen, but for more casual fans this is a pleasant visit to some familiar favourites.
I turned off the lights and shut the door on my way out. Mary was standing in the hallway, waiting for me. “How is she?” asked my wife.
“Glad as ever,” I said.
“Do you think she needs a hospital>”
“No,” I answered. “The bruises will take some time to disappear, but…”
“I mean an asylum, John,” corrected Mary. “This Glad Game is very nice, but not when a man tries to murder you in the street. I’m worried that Pollyanna is losing her mind, and that we’re watching it happen and finding it charming.”
She wasn’t totally wrong, but the idea of putting Pollyanna in an asylum didn’t please me. “I’ll talk to Holmes, and we’ll see.”
– Matt Ferraz, Sherlock Holmes and the Glad Game
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
December 18, 2020
Pollyanna and Holmes are Glad
What a crazy idea: to write a book combining two eccentric, incredibly different fictional characters. I'm a little put out at the way Ferraz talk about having Pollyanna committed. It makes me wonder if that is something that people think around me since I , too, am [a] Pollyanna. Regardless, I am always glad to re-visit both Sherlock Holmes and Pollyanna, no matter what.
What a crazy idea: to write a book combining two eccentric, incredibly different fictional characters. I'm a little put out at the way Ferraz talk about having Pollyanna committed. It makes me wonder if that is something that people think around me since I , too, am [a] Pollyanna. Regardless, I am always glad to re-visit both Sherlock Holmes and Pollyanna, no matter what.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews