Psalms of Sherlock

by Gail Ann Swales

Psalms of Sherlock: A Sherlock Holmes Novel

Many are they who say of me,

"There is no help for him in God." Selah.

--Psalm 3:2

Sherlock Holmes, the world's only consulting detective, has no clue of the rich symphony God has planned for his life. When murder strikes too close, the music of Sherlock's life turns dark and melancholic, and he vows to find the destiny of a person's essence after death.

Professor Moriarty, a maestro of the criminal world, complicates Sherlock's investigation with blackmail. The professor's associate, Irene Adler, presents quite another distraction.

Sherlock enlists the aid of his good friend, Dr. John Watson, but receives more help than expected. John's wife, Mary, is a woman of God and seeks to guide Sherlock's search with her prayers.

A case at St. Michael's Mount proves nearly fatal, but provides Sherlock with an interlude to immerse himself in his music. When he is lent a del Gesu violin (meaning "of Jesus"), he gathers data from biblical scholars and receives insight from another realm.

As an atheist and a gifted intellectual, Sherlock prides himself on his powers of observation and deductive reasoning. Will he finally be able to accept the Truth when his deductions defy science, logic, and his strict policy of self-reliance?

The Game is on!

360 pages, Paperback

Published January 2, 2019

About the author

He has put a new song in my mouth--
Praise to our God;
Many will see it and fear,
and will trust in the LORD.
Psalm 40:3

Gail Ann's infatuation with Sherlock Holmes began almost sixty years ago with her parents' birthday gift of The Complete Sherlock Holmes. Joining the Navy to see the world, her military career awakened a love of travel with journeys to London and Scotland. There she savoured the atmosphere of Sherlock's adventures.

When she retired, Commander Swales raised her daughter as a single mom and is now blessed with two lovely grandchildren. God's Word and particularly the Psalms are dear to her. She delights to share their message of love as a flautist in her church orchestra and as a member of the senior choir, Silvertones. She dedicates her time to church, family and her writing.

Gail Ann thought that would be enough until the Game began to demand an answer. Was there hope for Sherlock and those like him who think there is no hope for them in God? Her contemporary novel, Psalms of Sherlock, is the result of her faith and love. She writes Sherlock's new adventures with suspense and humour from a biblical point of view. They challenge Sherlock and the reader to not only solve cases but to make life-altering decisions.

God Bless, for the Game is on!

Reviews

[Staci · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sherlock Holmes is on the case that begins with a death of his mother and the nefarious ways of his father seem to be at least partially the reason. What's unique about this mystery novel is the large span of time. The events take place over many years.

My gratitude to the author for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Priscilla Bettis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Psalms of Sherlock is a Holmes and Watson story in contemporary times. Of course, there are also Irene Adler and Professor Moriarty and brother Mycroft and Mrs. Hudson and Detective Inspector Lestrade. Swales’ depiction of Holmes is entirely convincing with his arrogance and brilliance and insightful deductions. The author did tweak Watson, though (for the better, I thought). He’s more assertive and action packed (an Afghanistan War veteran, in fact).

Sherlock and Mycroft’s mother is murdered, and the brothers’ father is a suspect. He has fallen in with a despicable crowd. Any reader familiar with Holmes will know who’s really behind it all. It’s just a matter of if and when Holmes and Watson can trap the bad guy (or gal, no spoilers here).

Swales’ book is a Christian story. Readers see the established faith of some characters and the blossoming faith of others. But can a materialist like Sherlock ever accept that there is a God, and especially accept a God who is steadfast, forgiving, loving, and involved in our lives? You’d think the answer is yes, but there is a book two, so who knows? (Again, no spoilers, but I like the way Swales kept confronting Holmes with the Truth.)

Music plays a role in the story, and I was not surprised to learn that Swales is a musician herself. It shows. The music elements feel authentic.

I did take off a star because I couldn’t understand why the plot went here and then there and then over there. Maybe things are being set up for the next book, but it felt a little meandering to me.

Still, it’s a clever and entertaining read. Four enjoyable stars!

[Deborah Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Gail Ann Swales' take on the Sherlock Holmes tales. She mixed faith with these familiar iconic images and the results were delectable! We catch glimpses of faith in both Mary and John Watson, and they both strive to impress upon their good friend that God is a very present help in times of trouble. We see more of their married life than the original books ever went into, and I loved that about this story. But Holmes is a firm atheist. The plot becomes centered around the question: will Sherlock come to a saving faith before Moriarty kills him? As Sherlock's music becomes darker, and violence threatens on every side, the Watsons are more determined to help their friend see the Truth of the Gospel before his time runs out.

You get the thrill of a rousing Sherlock Holmes mystery, and the lovely blend of faith in a benevolent God in one volume. I enjoyed every minute! (even though I was slow to review -- I read this about 2 years ago.) Ms. Swales did her homework, and it shows. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle would be proud!