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MX New Sherlock Holmes Stories #4
The MX Book of New Sherlock Holmes Stories Part IV: 2016 Annual
In 2015, The MX Book of New Sherlock Holmes Stories burst upon the scene, featuring over sixty new traditional Sherlock Holmes adventures, all set within the correct time period, and written by many of today's leading Sherlockian authors from around the world. This first anthology, spread over three huge volumes, was the largest collection of its kind ever assembled in one place. Response was immediately and overwhelmingly positive, and there were soon calls for additional volumes. The result is this new collection, the next in an ongoing series, featuring twenty-two more Holmes investigations. Since his first appearance in print in 1887, the popularity of Sherlock Holmes has only increased. Although originally chronicled in just sixty exploits, the number of additional Holmes tales discovered since then is literally in the tens of thousands. Along with those original narratives published by Dr. Watson's first literary agent, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, countless other people have managed to find their way to Watson's Tin Dispatch Box in order to reveal more exciting cases featuring the Great Detective. These accounts stretch from one of Holmes's earliest cases, later recounted to Watson as they sit by the fire in the Baker Street sitting room, to an adventure just before Holmes's retirement that affects both the ancient history and the very future of England. These and all the other excellent tales contained in this volume represent some of the finest new Holmesian storytelling to be found, and honor the man described by Watson as "the best and wisest . . . whom I have ever known." All royalties from this collection are being donated by the writers for the benefit of the preservation of Undershaw, one of the former homes of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The "Part IV: 2016 Annual" features contributions by: Derrick Belanger, Deanna Baran, Daniel D. Victor, Mark Mower, Craig Janacek, Jayantika Ganguly, Denis O. Smith, Matthew Booth, J.R. Campbell, Bonnie MacBird, Arthur Hall, Bob Byrne, Andrew Lane, Roger Johnson, Hugh Ashton, David Stuart Davies, Vincent W. Wright, Daniel McGachey, Nicholas Utechin, Jeremy Holstein, David Marcum, and Marcia Wilson, as well as a poem by Andrea Mantin Levy, and forewords by David Marcum, Steven Rothman, Richard Doyle, Steve Emecz, and Melissa Farnham.
492 pages, Hardcover
First published April 18, 2016
27 people are currently reading
514 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
September 11, 2023
I find it charmingly ironic - in the best of possible ways, naturally - that a supposedly one-off anthology turned into three books and still continued to swell due to popular demand, transforming into a continuous, celebrated project of traditional Holmesian pastiches, that as of 2023 reached 39th volume - that's quite a behemoth of a read.
As always, the quality of the stories is consistent and satisfactorily high - the particular rating depends mainly on whether those met my preferences or not. The following short annotations serve primarily for my orientation in locating stories to re-read (as I certainly do not have well over hundreds of not-yet-read Holmesiana waiting...). Hic sunt spoilers, possibly.
Arlene Mantin Levy - Toast to Mrs. Hudson - 2/5
I'm a fan of more traditional poetry...
Derrick Belanger - The Tale of the First Adventure - 3/5
When one of Watson's patients tells him that Holmes, as a youth, was involved in a case that saved his marriage, Watson hurries to Baker Street to find out more.
Deanna Baran - The Adventure of the Turkish Cipher - 3/5
Holmes tells Watson of a case from his undergraduate years involving cryptic messages and possible poisoning.
Daniel D. Victor - The Adventure of the Missing Necklace - 4/5
Holmes tells Watson about a time when he traveled to France with Mycroft to attend his grandmother's funeral, meeting Flaubert and Maupassant. Later he told the author about his recent case, but when Maupassant wrote up the story The Diamond Necklace, he left out all mention of Holmes's investigation.
Mark Mower - The Case of the Rondel Dagger - 3/5
Ancient weapons expert Mickleburgh is approached by Holmes who asks him to identify a dagger used in the murder of a foreign diplomat. Mickleburgh is able to link it to the Bosworth Order, a secret society.
Craig Janacek - The Adventure of the Double-Edged Hoard - 5/5
Holmes receives a summon to Cambridge from Lestrade, who is investigating the brutal murder of Dr Ackroyd, Director of the Fitzwilliam Museum. By the time Holmes and Watson arrive, another murder has occurred.
Jayantika Ganguly - The Adventure of the Impossible Murders - 4/5
Womanizing Viscount Fairwood calls on Holmes after receiving a threatening letter from "The Left Hand of God", claiming that thirteen other men have received the same letter, and all have died, seemingly of natural causes.
Denis O. Smith - The Watcher in the Woods - 4/5
Amateur alchemist, Cuthbert Lidington, has rented Naxon House, the former home of alchemist Serenus Charling, on the edge of Romney Marsh. He consults Holmes after receiving a strange message and noticing a cloaked figure observing him from the edge of a nearby wood, although his walking companion was unable to see it.
Matthew Booth - The Wargrave Resurrection - 3/5
Henry Collins consults Holmes after seeing the publisher Theodore Wargrave entering a Whitechapel lodging house, three years after he supposedly shot himself in the head.
J.R. Campbell - Relating To One of My Old Cases - 2/5
Two years after his investigation into her husband's death, Holmes is visited by Mrs. Mason, who asks for an explanation of his behaviour on the night of the murder. She has come to him in relation to the death of her late husband's mistress, Clara Norville, wanting him to prove that her son was not behind the fire in which they died.
Bonnie MacBird - The Adventure at the Beau Soleil - 4/5
While staying at the fading Hotel Beau Soleil in Nice, Holmes and Watson are asked to investigate the theft of the Countess of Marne LeCroix's diamonds.
Arthur Hall - The Adventure of the Phantom Coachman - 4/5
Mycroft summons Holmes and Watson to his temporary office in East Cheshire Place and sends them to investigate a sighting of a dead member of a German spy ring.
Bob Byrne - The Adventure of the Arsenic Dumplings - 3/5
Holmes is hired by the parents of Lisa Fanning, a cook accused of poisoning her employer and his family with dumplings laced with arsenic.
Andrew Lane - The Disappearing Anarchist Trick - 4/5
Holmes is suffering from a sprained ankle when he is called to Mycroft's office. He is tasked with preventing a list of British agents, obtained by an anarchist cell, from being smuggled out of the country by a red-haired Irish woman. Holmes and Watson, with the help of Shinwell Johnson, Wiggins, and the now-grown-up Irregulars, follow the woman to the Fortune Theatre, where the stage magician makes her disappear.
Roger Johnson - The Adventure of the Grace Chalice - 4/5
A valuable chalice has been stolen from a safe in the home of Henry Staunton. A set of footprints can be clearly seen leading to and from the house on the newly-seeded lawn. The chief suspect seems to be his cousin, Cresswell, who would have been able to have a copy of the safe key manufactured. While Holmes sets out to find and possibly interview Cresswell, Watson learns from Lestrade that the body of Freeling, newly escaped from prison where he was sent by Holmes, has been discovered in Highgate cemetery.
Hugh Ashton - The Adventure of John Vincent Harden - 4/5
Holmes and Watson witness titular John Vincent Harden being pestered by street urchins during a walk. Holmes suspects possible blackmail, as the kids are hired to taunt Harden over a past indiscretion, and the person behind is in possession of information very few people are aware of, but no demands for money have been made.
David Stuart Davies - Murder at Tregere House - 3/5
Holmes and Watson accompany Andrew Sinclair to Tregere House in Ayrshire where his prospective father-in-law, Alan Cameron, the Laird of Tregere, has been stabbed to death during a dinner party, and his wife found standing over the body, holding a knife, been arrested.
Vincent W. Wright - The Adventure of The Green Lady - 5/5
Holmes is visited by a wealthy American, who has had a valuable painting, La Dame Verte d'Ypres by Tousignant, stolen from a locked, windowless room in his apartment. He wants Holmes to prove that his apartment was broken into, but not to recover the painting, because of legal complications associated with it.
Daniel McGachey - The Adventure of the Fellow Traveller - 5/5
A young lady joins Holmes and Watson in their train compartment on the journey back to London from Yorkshire. She tells them how she has become suspicious of her financial advisor husband's trips to London, and a missing letter from his bank, along with changes in his attitude towards her. Upon following her husband to the East End, she saw him meeting with a woman but was herself followed by a ghastly-looking man.
Nicholas Utechin - The Adventure of the Highgate Financier - 3/5
Holmes is consulted by Jocelyn Derwent, son of a city financier who was found dead in his bath, seemingly of natural causes.
Jeremy Branton Holstein - A Game of Illusion - 4/5
Holmes attends a social gathering at the home of Lord and Lady Hornung, disguised as his brother, to thwart a jewel robbery by someone claiming to be the late A.J. Raffles.
David Marcum - The London Wheel - 5/5
During a visit to the circus on the opposite side of the Thames from Scotland Yard, Holmes, Watson, and Lestrade witness an altercation about the wheel's lease. The owners of the circus, on learning Holmes's identity, tell him of a number of incidents over the past weeks, clearly intended to drive the circus out of business. And when the wheel stops, there's a dead man, the wheel's designer Charters, aboard it.
Marcia Wilson - The Adventure of the Half-Melted Wolf - 5/5
Holmes and Watson encounter Gregson at the Turkish Baths. He tells them of a case where his informant, a flower-seller named Lily Sword, has passed on a tip about the recently stolen Wolf of Britannia, the archaeological find of the century. Both Gregson and Lestrade have been put on the case, but Lestrade has disappeared, and his messenger has been killed.
As always, the quality of the stories is consistent and satisfactorily high - the particular rating depends mainly on whether those met my preferences or not. The following short annotations serve primarily for my orientation in locating stories to re-read (as I certainly do not have well over hundreds of not-yet-read Holmesiana waiting...). Hic sunt spoilers, possibly.
Arlene Mantin Levy - Toast to Mrs. Hudson - 2/5
I'm a fan of more traditional poetry...
Derrick Belanger - The Tale of the First Adventure - 3/5
When one of Watson's patients tells him that Holmes, as a youth, was involved in a case that saved his marriage, Watson hurries to Baker Street to find out more.
Deanna Baran - The Adventure of the Turkish Cipher - 3/5
Holmes tells Watson of a case from his undergraduate years involving cryptic messages and possible poisoning.
Daniel D. Victor - The Adventure of the Missing Necklace - 4/5
Holmes tells Watson about a time when he traveled to France with Mycroft to attend his grandmother's funeral, meeting Flaubert and Maupassant. Later he told the author about his recent case, but when Maupassant wrote up the story The Diamond Necklace, he left out all mention of Holmes's investigation.
Mark Mower - The Case of the Rondel Dagger - 3/5
Ancient weapons expert Mickleburgh is approached by Holmes who asks him to identify a dagger used in the murder of a foreign diplomat. Mickleburgh is able to link it to the Bosworth Order, a secret society.
Craig Janacek - The Adventure of the Double-Edged Hoard - 5/5
Holmes receives a summon to Cambridge from Lestrade, who is investigating the brutal murder of Dr Ackroyd, Director of the Fitzwilliam Museum. By the time Holmes and Watson arrive, another murder has occurred.
Jayantika Ganguly - The Adventure of the Impossible Murders - 4/5
Womanizing Viscount Fairwood calls on Holmes after receiving a threatening letter from "The Left Hand of God", claiming that thirteen other men have received the same letter, and all have died, seemingly of natural causes.
Denis O. Smith - The Watcher in the Woods - 4/5
Amateur alchemist, Cuthbert Lidington, has rented Naxon House, the former home of alchemist Serenus Charling, on the edge of Romney Marsh. He consults Holmes after receiving a strange message and noticing a cloaked figure observing him from the edge of a nearby wood, although his walking companion was unable to see it.
Matthew Booth - The Wargrave Resurrection - 3/5
Henry Collins consults Holmes after seeing the publisher Theodore Wargrave entering a Whitechapel lodging house, three years after he supposedly shot himself in the head.
J.R. Campbell - Relating To One of My Old Cases - 2/5
Two years after his investigation into her husband's death, Holmes is visited by Mrs. Mason, who asks for an explanation of his behaviour on the night of the murder. She has come to him in relation to the death of her late husband's mistress, Clara Norville, wanting him to prove that her son was not behind the fire in which they died.
Bonnie MacBird - The Adventure at the Beau Soleil - 4/5
While staying at the fading Hotel Beau Soleil in Nice, Holmes and Watson are asked to investigate the theft of the Countess of Marne LeCroix's diamonds.
Arthur Hall - The Adventure of the Phantom Coachman - 4/5
Mycroft summons Holmes and Watson to his temporary office in East Cheshire Place and sends them to investigate a sighting of a dead member of a German spy ring.
Bob Byrne - The Adventure of the Arsenic Dumplings - 3/5
Holmes is hired by the parents of Lisa Fanning, a cook accused of poisoning her employer and his family with dumplings laced with arsenic.
Andrew Lane - The Disappearing Anarchist Trick - 4/5
Holmes is suffering from a sprained ankle when he is called to Mycroft's office. He is tasked with preventing a list of British agents, obtained by an anarchist cell, from being smuggled out of the country by a red-haired Irish woman. Holmes and Watson, with the help of Shinwell Johnson, Wiggins, and the now-grown-up Irregulars, follow the woman to the Fortune Theatre, where the stage magician makes her disappear.
Roger Johnson - The Adventure of the Grace Chalice - 4/5
A valuable chalice has been stolen from a safe in the home of Henry Staunton. A set of footprints can be clearly seen leading to and from the house on the newly-seeded lawn. The chief suspect seems to be his cousin, Cresswell, who would have been able to have a copy of the safe key manufactured. While Holmes sets out to find and possibly interview Cresswell, Watson learns from Lestrade that the body of Freeling, newly escaped from prison where he was sent by Holmes, has been discovered in Highgate cemetery.
Hugh Ashton - The Adventure of John Vincent Harden - 4/5
Holmes and Watson witness titular John Vincent Harden being pestered by street urchins during a walk. Holmes suspects possible blackmail, as the kids are hired to taunt Harden over a past indiscretion, and the person behind is in possession of information very few people are aware of, but no demands for money have been made.
David Stuart Davies - Murder at Tregere House - 3/5
Holmes and Watson accompany Andrew Sinclair to Tregere House in Ayrshire where his prospective father-in-law, Alan Cameron, the Laird of Tregere, has been stabbed to death during a dinner party, and his wife found standing over the body, holding a knife, been arrested.
Vincent W. Wright - The Adventure of The Green Lady - 5/5
Holmes is visited by a wealthy American, who has had a valuable painting, La Dame Verte d'Ypres by Tousignant, stolen from a locked, windowless room in his apartment. He wants Holmes to prove that his apartment was broken into, but not to recover the painting, because of legal complications associated with it.
Daniel McGachey - The Adventure of the Fellow Traveller - 5/5
A young lady joins Holmes and Watson in their train compartment on the journey back to London from Yorkshire. She tells them how she has become suspicious of her financial advisor husband's trips to London, and a missing letter from his bank, along with changes in his attitude towards her. Upon following her husband to the East End, she saw him meeting with a woman but was herself followed by a ghastly-looking man.
Nicholas Utechin - The Adventure of the Highgate Financier - 3/5
Holmes is consulted by Jocelyn Derwent, son of a city financier who was found dead in his bath, seemingly of natural causes.
Jeremy Branton Holstein - A Game of Illusion - 4/5
Holmes attends a social gathering at the home of Lord and Lady Hornung, disguised as his brother, to thwart a jewel robbery by someone claiming to be the late A.J. Raffles.
David Marcum - The London Wheel - 5/5
During a visit to the circus on the opposite side of the Thames from Scotland Yard, Holmes, Watson, and Lestrade witness an altercation about the wheel's lease. The owners of the circus, on learning Holmes's identity, tell him of a number of incidents over the past weeks, clearly intended to drive the circus out of business. And when the wheel stops, there's a dead man, the wheel's designer Charters, aboard it.
Marcia Wilson - The Adventure of the Half-Melted Wolf - 5/5
Holmes and Watson encounter Gregson at the Turkish Baths. He tells them of a case where his informant, a flower-seller named Lily Sword, has passed on a tip about the recently stolen Wolf of Britannia, the archaeological find of the century. Both Gregson and Lestrade have been put on the case, but Lestrade has disappeared, and his messenger has been killed.
October 4, 2016
For some reason, I am always a volume behind in reviewing MX Publishing’s anthologies of traditional Sherlockian pastiches, edited by David Marcum. The Kickstarter campaign for Part V: Christmas Adventures was announced last week. We can anticipate the new volume with pleasure, for Part IV was undoubtedly the most consistently excellent of the whole series. My own favorite was Marcia Wilson’s “The Adventure of the Half-Melted Wolf,” which captured perfectly how the personal relationships of Holmes, Watson, and the two best “Yarders”—Gregson and Lestrade—have mellowed like fine wine over the years. Other notable entries came from Hugh Ashton, J.R. Campbell, Jayantika Ganguly, Jeremy Holstein, Craig Janacek, Daniel McGachey, Mark Mower, Denis O. Smith, and Daniel D. Victor. Along the way, we encounter an ill-fated precursor of Watson, escape a couple of “Black Widows,” discover the origins of Maupassant’s famous tale “The Necklace,” meet Moriarty’s daughter (!), and even witness the incredible sight of Sherlock Holmes baking dumplings! In these anthologies (whose sales benefit Doyle’s home, Undershaw, and the Stepping Stones School), MX and David Marcum have set new standards of quality for traditional pastiches.
May 3, 2016
The MX Book of New Sherlock Holmes Stories Part IV: 2016 Annual edited by David Marcum
My thanks go out to Steve and Timi at MX Publishing for my review copy of this latest book in a fantastic series!
The book begins with a poem dedicated to Mrs. Hudson—“A Toast to Mrs. Hudson” by Mantin Levy
“The Tale of the First Adventure” by Derrick Balanger—an unexpected patient tells Dr. Watson of Holmes’ earliest case. Holmes was only twelve when he solved a mystery for his Letters and Literature Instructor, Mr. Zenas Cooper. And Holmes feels that he failed…
“The Adventure of the Turkish Cipher” by Deanna Baran—the uncle of one of Holmes’ fellow undergraduate students is suspected of smuggling opium…
“The Adventure of the Missing Necklace” by Daniel D Victor—an early case of Sherlock Holmes’ concerns a missing diamond necklace. Holmes states that Guy de Maupassant’s “The Diamond Necklace” is a dressed up account of this adventure, which is why Holmes is so negative about Watson’s records of his cases…
“The Case of the Roundel Dagger” by Mark Mower—this story is narrated by Charles Stuart Mickleburgh, who was working with Holmes at the time. This concerns a stabbing murder with a roundel dagger and a secret society thought to have disbanded long ago…
“The Adventure of the Double-Edged Hoard” by Craig Janacek—a Viking barrow is discovered containing a Jarl and four of his men. Two men involved with the treasure are later chopped to death. (Could be based on the tale mentioned in passing by Watson in GOLD except the name Addleton isn’t mentioned.)
“The Adventure of the Impossible Murders” by Jayantika Ganhuly—notorious womanizer Viscount Henry Fairwood comes to 221B when threatened by a letter signed “The Left Hand of God.” People have been dropping dead in droves, seemingly of natural causes. They are being murdered by the Archangel, the Left Hand of God…
“The Watcher in the Woods” by Denis O Smith—a mysterious figure is haunting Cuthbert Lidington. Mr. Lidington is fascinated by alchemy, and has rented the long vacant Naxon House in Apstone, Kent. The home was formerly occupied by Seremus Charling, a noted alchemist in his own right…
“The Wargrove Resurrection” by Matthew Booth—Henry Collins comes to Baker Street with a strange story. He had once done some work for Theodore Wargrove, who later committed suicide. To his surprise, now he has seen the man, apparently alive and well…
“Relating to One of My Old Cases” by JR Campbell—Holmes is approached by Mrs. Mason, a repeat customer. The two had not exactly parted on good terms. Now she needs a case investigated to help clear her son…
“The Adventure of the Beau Soleil” by Bonnie McBird—Holmes and Watson are “guests” at the Hotel Beau Soleil, at the bequest of the hotel detective, Monsieur Dalc. The commodities are rather poor. Dalc does need Holmes’ help when diamonds are stolen from a certain Countess…
“The Adventure of the Phantom Coachman” by Arthur Hall—Rodney Trasker is haunted by a coach driven by a man that Rodney had been forced to kill during a burglary…
“The Adventure of the Arsenic Dumplings” by Bob Byrne—a young woman is accused of attempted murder over arsenic in the dumplings and sauce she served to Robert Shaw and his family…
“The Disappearing Anarchist Act” by Andrew Lane—Holmes is asked by Mycroft to trace an important document that has fallen into the hands of Russian anarchists. They are lead by a lovely red-haired Irish girl, who vanishes before their eyes as part of a magic act…
“The Adventure of the Grace Chalice” by Roger Johnson—this is a Radio Play, and I dislike reading plays. Thankfully it is downloadable as an audio file. Very nice indeed!
“The Adventure of John Vincent Harden” by Hugh Ashton—this case is mentioned in passing by Watson in SOLI. Wherever Mr. Harden goes, he is set upon by a crowd of street Arabs who chant for him to leave his wife and return home to Virginia. But, why are they after this man?
“Murder at Tragere House” by David Stuart Davies—Mr. Andrew Sinclair is engaged to Morag Cameron, daughter of the Laird of Tragere. During a dinner party the Laird is discovered stabbed to death in his study. His wife is standing over him with the murder weapon in hand…
“The Adventure of the Green Lady” by Vincent W Wright—pompous Geoffrey Alexander Huntington of Boston has purchased French artist Tousignant’s La Dame Verte d’Ypres. The painting has a dubious past, and he is told he cannot leave England with it. However, there has been a break-in at his rooms, and he says the painting has been stolen and replaced with a good forgery. He needs Holmes to prove that his home was indeed burglarized…
“The Adventure of the Fellow Traveler” by Daniel McGachey—Holmes and Watson meet Mrs. Catherine Stokeville on the train back to London. She has a case for them. She has been following her husband, whom she suspects of cheating. And there is the matter of the man with the dead face that seems to be stalking her…
“The Adventure of the Highgate Financier” by Nicholas Utechin—Jocelyn Derwent’s father, the senior partner of Derwent, Thorpe, and Chalmers, Bankers, has been found dead in his bath. Inspector Gregson believes that it is heart failure. Jocelyn believes it to be cold blooded murder…
“A Game of Illusion” by Jeremy Holstein—Holmes and Watson are invited to a party at Lord Hornung’s estate, part of his Lordship’s plan to protect his wife’s necklace. The Arnsbury Emerald has been threatened to be stolen by someone signing themselves “Raffles.” Some old enemies resurface, and the twist in this one you won’t see coming!
‘The London Wheel” by David Marcum—Mr. Green and Mr. Bouchard run a circus, currently set up on the Embankment. They have leased a knock-off of a Ferris Wheel from a man named Lester Charter. Now Charter is discovered dead on the ride…
“The Adventure of the Half-Melted Wolf” by Marcia Wilson—a treasure is found in a newly discovered Roman well, a wolf head that has been partially melted. Now the treasure is being sought by a nefarious Knight of the Realm—Sir Reginald Grey. Grey is known to sell blackmail materials to people like Milverton and Langdale Pike.
There is a very clever cipher in this story and a unique police informant.
And here the tales end. The book is super! There isn’t a single tale that I would ding at all. The volume is worth five stars plus!
Quoth the Raven…
My thanks go out to Steve and Timi at MX Publishing for my review copy of this latest book in a fantastic series!
The book begins with a poem dedicated to Mrs. Hudson—“A Toast to Mrs. Hudson” by Mantin Levy
“The Tale of the First Adventure” by Derrick Balanger—an unexpected patient tells Dr. Watson of Holmes’ earliest case. Holmes was only twelve when he solved a mystery for his Letters and Literature Instructor, Mr. Zenas Cooper. And Holmes feels that he failed…
“The Adventure of the Turkish Cipher” by Deanna Baran—the uncle of one of Holmes’ fellow undergraduate students is suspected of smuggling opium…
“The Adventure of the Missing Necklace” by Daniel D Victor—an early case of Sherlock Holmes’ concerns a missing diamond necklace. Holmes states that Guy de Maupassant’s “The Diamond Necklace” is a dressed up account of this adventure, which is why Holmes is so negative about Watson’s records of his cases…
“The Case of the Roundel Dagger” by Mark Mower—this story is narrated by Charles Stuart Mickleburgh, who was working with Holmes at the time. This concerns a stabbing murder with a roundel dagger and a secret society thought to have disbanded long ago…
“The Adventure of the Double-Edged Hoard” by Craig Janacek—a Viking barrow is discovered containing a Jarl and four of his men. Two men involved with the treasure are later chopped to death. (Could be based on the tale mentioned in passing by Watson in GOLD except the name Addleton isn’t mentioned.)
“The Adventure of the Impossible Murders” by Jayantika Ganhuly—notorious womanizer Viscount Henry Fairwood comes to 221B when threatened by a letter signed “The Left Hand of God.” People have been dropping dead in droves, seemingly of natural causes. They are being murdered by the Archangel, the Left Hand of God…
“The Watcher in the Woods” by Denis O Smith—a mysterious figure is haunting Cuthbert Lidington. Mr. Lidington is fascinated by alchemy, and has rented the long vacant Naxon House in Apstone, Kent. The home was formerly occupied by Seremus Charling, a noted alchemist in his own right…
“The Wargrove Resurrection” by Matthew Booth—Henry Collins comes to Baker Street with a strange story. He had once done some work for Theodore Wargrove, who later committed suicide. To his surprise, now he has seen the man, apparently alive and well…
“Relating to One of My Old Cases” by JR Campbell—Holmes is approached by Mrs. Mason, a repeat customer. The two had not exactly parted on good terms. Now she needs a case investigated to help clear her son…
“The Adventure of the Beau Soleil” by Bonnie McBird—Holmes and Watson are “guests” at the Hotel Beau Soleil, at the bequest of the hotel detective, Monsieur Dalc. The commodities are rather poor. Dalc does need Holmes’ help when diamonds are stolen from a certain Countess…
“The Adventure of the Phantom Coachman” by Arthur Hall—Rodney Trasker is haunted by a coach driven by a man that Rodney had been forced to kill during a burglary…
“The Adventure of the Arsenic Dumplings” by Bob Byrne—a young woman is accused of attempted murder over arsenic in the dumplings and sauce she served to Robert Shaw and his family…
“The Disappearing Anarchist Act” by Andrew Lane—Holmes is asked by Mycroft to trace an important document that has fallen into the hands of Russian anarchists. They are lead by a lovely red-haired Irish girl, who vanishes before their eyes as part of a magic act…
“The Adventure of the Grace Chalice” by Roger Johnson—this is a Radio Play, and I dislike reading plays. Thankfully it is downloadable as an audio file. Very nice indeed!
“The Adventure of John Vincent Harden” by Hugh Ashton—this case is mentioned in passing by Watson in SOLI. Wherever Mr. Harden goes, he is set upon by a crowd of street Arabs who chant for him to leave his wife and return home to Virginia. But, why are they after this man?
“Murder at Tragere House” by David Stuart Davies—Mr. Andrew Sinclair is engaged to Morag Cameron, daughter of the Laird of Tragere. During a dinner party the Laird is discovered stabbed to death in his study. His wife is standing over him with the murder weapon in hand…
“The Adventure of the Green Lady” by Vincent W Wright—pompous Geoffrey Alexander Huntington of Boston has purchased French artist Tousignant’s La Dame Verte d’Ypres. The painting has a dubious past, and he is told he cannot leave England with it. However, there has been a break-in at his rooms, and he says the painting has been stolen and replaced with a good forgery. He needs Holmes to prove that his home was indeed burglarized…
“The Adventure of the Fellow Traveler” by Daniel McGachey—Holmes and Watson meet Mrs. Catherine Stokeville on the train back to London. She has a case for them. She has been following her husband, whom she suspects of cheating. And there is the matter of the man with the dead face that seems to be stalking her…
“The Adventure of the Highgate Financier” by Nicholas Utechin—Jocelyn Derwent’s father, the senior partner of Derwent, Thorpe, and Chalmers, Bankers, has been found dead in his bath. Inspector Gregson believes that it is heart failure. Jocelyn believes it to be cold blooded murder…
“A Game of Illusion” by Jeremy Holstein—Holmes and Watson are invited to a party at Lord Hornung’s estate, part of his Lordship’s plan to protect his wife’s necklace. The Arnsbury Emerald has been threatened to be stolen by someone signing themselves “Raffles.” Some old enemies resurface, and the twist in this one you won’t see coming!
‘The London Wheel” by David Marcum—Mr. Green and Mr. Bouchard run a circus, currently set up on the Embankment. They have leased a knock-off of a Ferris Wheel from a man named Lester Charter. Now Charter is discovered dead on the ride…
“The Adventure of the Half-Melted Wolf” by Marcia Wilson—a treasure is found in a newly discovered Roman well, a wolf head that has been partially melted. Now the treasure is being sought by a nefarious Knight of the Realm—Sir Reginald Grey. Grey is known to sell blackmail materials to people like Milverton and Langdale Pike.
There is a very clever cipher in this story and a unique police informant.
And here the tales end. The book is super! There isn’t a single tale that I would ding at all. The volume is worth five stars plus!
Quoth the Raven…
September 10, 2021
A solid one can count on!
If one has an interest in anything Sherlock Holmes then this should be your ultimate choice to follow up the master Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's most excellent writings. There is no going wrong with these accurately and well written treks into the wonderful world of Sherlock Holmes.
If one has an interest in anything Sherlock Holmes then this should be your ultimate choice to follow up the master Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's most excellent writings. There is no going wrong with these accurately and well written treks into the wonderful world of Sherlock Holmes.
November 23, 2017
Another successful collection of Holmes stories.
April 28, 2019
Another fine volume in this great series. Holmes fans should not miss it.
April 7, 2016
This book is the fourth in a series of Sherlockian anthology volumes from MX Publications and the new title addition indicated that the publisher plan to continue this remarkable series. All of the authors have donated their royalties for this publication to the support of Undershaw. It includes twenty-two short stories and novellas as well as a poem.
The poem is a “Toast to Mrs. Watson,” by Arlene Mantin Levy, written as a series of rhymed couplets. “The Tale of the First Adventure” is a short story by Derrick Belanger that tells how Sherlock learned to restrict the details he passes on to clients in his first real case. In “The adventure of the Turkish Cypher,” a short story by Deanna Baran, Holmes uncovers a poisoning, but avoids telling his client the details behind it. “The Adventure of the Missing Necklace,” a short story by Daniel D. Victor, recounts how Holmes acquired his distaste for fictionalized versions of his cases. “The Case of the Rondel Dagger” is a novella by Mark Mower that tells of Holmes’ investigation of murder by minions of an ancient secret society, or so it would seem. In “The Adventure of the Double-edged Hoard,” a novella by Craig Janacek, Holmes is introduced to an ancient and horrible relic of the Viking raiders. “The Adventure of the Impossible Murders” is a short story by Jayantika Ganguly that tells of suspiciously related natural deaths caused by unlikely murderers.
“The Watcher in the Woods” is a novella by Dennis O. Smith that tells of a strange case Holmes accepted involving alchemy and a disappearing watcher of a house of madness. “Relating to One of My Old Cases,” a short story by J. R. Campbell, links two recent murders to one Holmes investigated years before with unanswered questions. “The Adventure at Beau Soleil,” a short story by Bonnie MacBird, relates an incident in Nice when Holmes aids a house detective in return for lodgings for him and Watson. “The Adventure of the Phantom Coachman” is a short story by Arthur Hall that mixes spies, thieves and phantoms all in a single muddle for Holmes to untangle. “The Adventure of the Arsenic Dumplings,” a short story by Bob Byrne, tells of a cook arrested for attempted murder and convicted in public opinion by non-existent evidence. “The Disappearing Anarchist Trick,” a novella by Andrew Lane, pits Holmes and Watson against a magician in a case investigated for Mycroft.
“The Adventure of the Grace Chalice” is a radio script by Roger Johnson that was first aired in 2011. It was developed from his short story published in “The Sherlock Holmes Journal” (WI/1987) and tells of Henry Staunton, as cited in “The Adventure of the Missing Three-Quarter”. “The Adventure of John Vincent Harden,” a short story by Hugh Ashton, most effectively tells of a case cited in “The Adventure of the Solitary Cyclist”. “Murder at Tragere House,” a short story by David Stuart Davies, tells a chilling tale of murder and madness in Scotland. In “The Adventure of the Green Lady,” a short story by Vincent W. Wright, Holmes is hired by an American to confirm the theft/replacement of a newly acquired painting. In “The Adventure of the Fellow Traveller,” a novella by Daniel McGachey, Holmes is drawn into an inspiring mystery of horror, love and hope. In “A Game of Illusion,” a novella by Jeremy Branton Holstein, Holmes is defeated by an unknown adversary in a game he does not know he is playing. “The London Wheel” is a novella by David Marcum that tells of an early Ferris wheel in London and the murder that it inspired. “The Adventure of the Half-Melted Wolf,” a complex novella by Marcia Wilson, tells of relics of Roman Britain that give guides for twentieth Century war technology stolen by a traitor.
This fourth volume continues the tradition set by the first three books in the series. The twenty-three items in this book include twice as many that I rate as excellent as the few I rate only as good. All the rest I rate as very good and that gives the entire volume a rating of “excellent” as compared to any other Anthology.
Reviewed by: Philip K. Jones, April, 2016
The poem is a “Toast to Mrs. Watson,” by Arlene Mantin Levy, written as a series of rhymed couplets. “The Tale of the First Adventure” is a short story by Derrick Belanger that tells how Sherlock learned to restrict the details he passes on to clients in his first real case. In “The adventure of the Turkish Cypher,” a short story by Deanna Baran, Holmes uncovers a poisoning, but avoids telling his client the details behind it. “The Adventure of the Missing Necklace,” a short story by Daniel D. Victor, recounts how Holmes acquired his distaste for fictionalized versions of his cases. “The Case of the Rondel Dagger” is a novella by Mark Mower that tells of Holmes’ investigation of murder by minions of an ancient secret society, or so it would seem. In “The Adventure of the Double-edged Hoard,” a novella by Craig Janacek, Holmes is introduced to an ancient and horrible relic of the Viking raiders. “The Adventure of the Impossible Murders” is a short story by Jayantika Ganguly that tells of suspiciously related natural deaths caused by unlikely murderers.
“The Watcher in the Woods” is a novella by Dennis O. Smith that tells of a strange case Holmes accepted involving alchemy and a disappearing watcher of a house of madness. “Relating to One of My Old Cases,” a short story by J. R. Campbell, links two recent murders to one Holmes investigated years before with unanswered questions. “The Adventure at Beau Soleil,” a short story by Bonnie MacBird, relates an incident in Nice when Holmes aids a house detective in return for lodgings for him and Watson. “The Adventure of the Phantom Coachman” is a short story by Arthur Hall that mixes spies, thieves and phantoms all in a single muddle for Holmes to untangle. “The Adventure of the Arsenic Dumplings,” a short story by Bob Byrne, tells of a cook arrested for attempted murder and convicted in public opinion by non-existent evidence. “The Disappearing Anarchist Trick,” a novella by Andrew Lane, pits Holmes and Watson against a magician in a case investigated for Mycroft.
“The Adventure of the Grace Chalice” is a radio script by Roger Johnson that was first aired in 2011. It was developed from his short story published in “The Sherlock Holmes Journal” (WI/1987) and tells of Henry Staunton, as cited in “The Adventure of the Missing Three-Quarter”. “The Adventure of John Vincent Harden,” a short story by Hugh Ashton, most effectively tells of a case cited in “The Adventure of the Solitary Cyclist”. “Murder at Tragere House,” a short story by David Stuart Davies, tells a chilling tale of murder and madness in Scotland. In “The Adventure of the Green Lady,” a short story by Vincent W. Wright, Holmes is hired by an American to confirm the theft/replacement of a newly acquired painting. In “The Adventure of the Fellow Traveller,” a novella by Daniel McGachey, Holmes is drawn into an inspiring mystery of horror, love and hope. In “A Game of Illusion,” a novella by Jeremy Branton Holstein, Holmes is defeated by an unknown adversary in a game he does not know he is playing. “The London Wheel” is a novella by David Marcum that tells of an early Ferris wheel in London and the murder that it inspired. “The Adventure of the Half-Melted Wolf,” a complex novella by Marcia Wilson, tells of relics of Roman Britain that give guides for twentieth Century war technology stolen by a traitor.
This fourth volume continues the tradition set by the first three books in the series. The twenty-three items in this book include twice as many that I rate as excellent as the few I rate only as good. All the rest I rate as very good and that gives the entire volume a rating of “excellent” as compared to any other Anthology.
Reviewed by: Philip K. Jones, April, 2016
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