The Hackney Horror: A Weird Sherlock Holmes Adventure

by William Meikle

The best brains in the country are being hijacked from London – only the brains, the brutalized bodies being discarded after surgery.

The chase to find the perpetrators takes Holmes and Watson to Scotland, and a factory where they discover invaders that have designs not just on London, but the whole planet.

Can Holmes stop the alien schemes in time?

Genres: Horror, Mystery

126 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 30, 2019

About the author

I'm a Scottish writer, now living in Canada, with more than thirty novels published in the genre press and over 300 short story credits in thirteen countries.

My work has appeared in a number of professional anthologies and I have recent short story sales to NATURE Futures and Galaxy's Edge. When I'm not writing I play guitar, drink beer and dream of fortune and glory.

For an intro to me, my writing and my accent see my Youtube channel

Reviews

[M.H. Thaung]

I’ve enjoyed the author’s military action S-Squad books, so I was curious to see how he’d handle a mystery. This short book was a lot of fun: no enormous twists or surprises, but satisfying combination of investigation and action. As with the original Conan Doyle books, we experience the story through Watson’s eyes rather than Holmes’. The language feels suitably Watson-ish without being obtrusively old-fashioned, and I didn’t feel the author had taken liberties with the period. (Though I’ll note here I’m not a Holmes purist).

Since the reader is probably expecting a weird/eldritch tale, the findings are more of a surprise to our heroes than to us. I had fun wondering just when Holmes would cotton on.

Overall, an entertaining light mystery horror.

[Terry and dog · Rating 5 out of 5]

What starts out as a true Holmes mystery, take a turn to the weird and wild. It feels like a natural progression for Sherlock. Easy to read and I loved it.

[Steve Chaput · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Very Strange Murder

When a music hall entertainer, whom Holmes had been assisting, is murdered the detective and Watson must track down a very mysterious killer. When Sherlock's brother Mycroft becomes involved it is apparent that there is much more at stake than just a murder.

Holmes and Watson find themselves caught in a mystery that may ultimately effect not only London but the world. Meikle captured the feel of Doyle's characters and adds a nice SF twist. Well done and a quick read.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Someone, or something, is stealing the best brains in Britain. Not the bodies. Just the brains. Holmes and Watson investigate and come face to face with appalling horror.

"The Hackney Horror" is a delicious horror story. I can't give much detail without giving away the plot, but the story fairly rips along from one thrill to the next.

The friendship between Holmes and Watson is solid. And William Meikle gives us a great Lestrade; all sarcasm and snark.

If you like your Holmes a little strange, you will love "The Hackney Horror".

Highly recommended.

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining paranormal listening 🎶🔰

Another will written British 🏰 murder mystery fantasy relationships adventure thriller short story by William Meikle (The London Terrors book 1). Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson respond to a note from Mr. Green a comedian. They meet at the club where he is playing but he is dead. This leads them to Sci-Fi adventure. I would recommend this novella to anyone who is a Sherlock Holmes fan. It is futuristic but will done ✔. Enjoy the adventure of reading or listening to books 📚. 2022 👑😮👒

[Christa Saccullo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sherlock meets Sci-fi

Not as weird as I'd thought it'd be, but still weird. Two genres meeting, but not clashing two much. Sherlock Holmes is no stranger to the fantastic, and I like how he immediately calls out the true intentions of the plot, which is basically the same theme of every Sci-fi evil.

The author's style is a bit jerky than I like, and though sci-fi isn't my favorite, I liked the buildup to the end.

Christa

[Ali · Rating 3 out of 5]

I stumbled upon this while looking through Kindle Unlimited. What a fun find! I've read Sherlock Holmes stories before, and I feel like this story follows the sorce material nicely with an added scifi/ Lovecraftian twist.

[Matthew Davenport · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly entertaining and a great weird adventure for Sherlock. Loved the integration of the different Lovecraft Mythos elements.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Weird tales meets Sherlock Holmes in this Lovecraftian mash-up. To tell you which one would spoil the fun.

[David Elkin · Rating 3 out of 5]

The question is asked

A solid tale by William. A good rendering of Holmes and Watson. The question is worth all of consideration. I find his Holmes delightful.

[Roy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meikle is remarkably prolific. He seems to do well working in several different milieu, this one of the Holmes/Watson variety but has also written many stories about Hodgson's Carnacki, in the HP Lovecraft universe and several others.
In all he is a fine craftsman, writing stories fairly true to character that hold your attention and are satisfying. Here we combine Holmes in a tale that both seems to hearken to Lovecraft and science fiction.

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice, and twisted.

Inserting twisted horror sci fi into Holmes, and keeping true to Watson's narrative style, yes please. Well done, solid action, and intrigue. I look forward to sampling more.Check it out.

[John R. Dailey Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A FINE TALE IT IS.....

Hello, this is a really good story. Holmes and Watson were spot on. We need more stories like this. Sherlock and weird to hand in hand. Thanks.

[Lonny Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story