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Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Perplexed Politician
When the fiancé of the sister of a Member of Parliament is found dead in mysterious circumstances, the man turns to Sherlock Holmes and John Watson to get an answer to the puzzle. Journeying to the small Wiltshire village of Barrow-upon-Kennet, Holmes and Watson are soon deep into a murder investigation. With few clues and a mounting death toll, Holmes and Watson realize that they are facing something much more sinister than a perplexed politician.When the fiancé of the sister of a Member of Parliament is found dead in mysterious circumstances, the man turns to Sherlock Holmes and John Watson to get an answer to the puzzle. Journeying to the small Wiltshire village of Barrow-upon-Kennet, Holmes and Watson are soon deep into a murder investigation. With few clues and a mounting death toll, Holmes and Watson realize that they are facing something much more sinister than a perplexed politician.
216 pages, Paperback
Published April 16, 2020
4 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
About the author
Margaret Walsh
20 books104 followersDevotee of Sherlock Holmes for over 40 years.
Loves books, art, poetry, theatre, history, London and life.
I am a member of Sisters in Crime Australia.
When not writing I can be found curled up reading with a few snacks.
Loves books, art, poetry, theatre, history, London and life.
I am a member of Sisters in Crime Australia.
When not writing I can be found curled up reading with a few snacks.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 28, 2020
Disclaimer: I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Oh, where to begin! Another delightful case in the hands of the master, Sherlock Holmes. Walsh provides us with a well-built cast of beautifully British characters, all the vicars and rakes and squires any mystery fan could want. Still, each character is an individual, not a stock stereotype. Character-building is important for any writer or story, but especially when these people have so much to do.
With five people dead by the end of the book, and one seriously abused, Barrow-upon-Kennet could be, well, pretty much any quaint English Village in any well-bred English mystery, like, say, Badger’s Drift. Sites of ancient history, pleasant little well-kept buildings, nice people, one crazed killer running loose. What’s not to love?
Once again, Walsh has constructed a fine mystery, with multiple victims, false leads, plenty of connections to lead or mislead, and suitably smarmy suspects. An otherwise peaceful spring day is disrupted by the finding of handsome young attorney Peter Harrington, or what remains of him, under a boulder by an ancient burial barrow, quite dead and, oddly, holding a swan’s feather. The distress of this unfortunate event sends his fiancé, Verity Leadbetter and her brother Algernon Leadbetter, off to London seeking the assistance of the illustrious detective, Sherlock Holmes. Holmes and Watson hasten to be of assistance and leave for Barrow-Upon-Kennet.
There are no further acts of violence as Holmes and Watson get acquainted with the locals and it seems as if Mr. Harrington’s death may be a one-off, never solved for lack of clues. In seemingly unrelated news, Hyacinth Browning, the young daughter of the local vicar, disappears, albeit not for long. Her body is soon found, head battered and with a swan’s feather in her hair. Now the pace begins to pick up!
More victims follow – Celeste Feuer, the quiet mousy companion to Lady Augusta, wife of the local squire, Sir Denby Hardcastle, who dies most unpleasantly in her room; Mr. Tobermoray Flyte, the plump, retired banker with secrets of his own; and finally, Lady Augusta herself, found in her bed, bloodied and dead.
Holmes does, eventually, solve the case and save the last victim from death, if not from major injuries. If you’re paying close attention, you may be able to figure it out with him. I won’t ruin it all by telling who done it, but I will suggest that Featherstone, the impeccable English Butler, is probably innocent…
June 6, 2020
Truly enjoyed this read!! The plot was engaging and the characters believable.
I look forward to the author’s next adventure with her Sherlock & Holmes!!
I look forward to the author’s next adventure with her Sherlock & Holmes!!
December 18, 2020
An excellent Sherlock Holmes story, author really gets into the Holmes and Watson friendship which is the strength of this story.
December 6, 2020
An excellent Sherlock Holmes pastiche! Fellow fans of the beloved franchise would surely find this an intriguing read. More than anything, the author perfectly captured Watson’s characteristic storytelling style and nailed down Holmes’ ingenious deducing prowess.
The case, I must say, seemed more ridiculous than perplexing at first, but as the story progressed, it proved to be more than just intriguing—it was deep, complex, and enigmatic. Every little piece of information pertinent to the case were evidently well-thought-out and well-researched that there were no lapses in the storyline nor inconsistencies in the characters. It was a delight to see how everything came together in the end and justice ultimately prevailed, albeit not always the way we want it to.
Perhaps what I liked best about this novel was the parallelism of how the serene atmosphere of rural Wiltshire whilst shrouded in murder mystery matched the gradually changing tone of solving the case. Holmes took his sweet little time in cracking the first murder but as more deaths turned up, the suspense heightened along with how perturbed the residents of the quaint county became.
The case, I must say, seemed more ridiculous than perplexing at first, but as the story progressed, it proved to be more than just intriguing—it was deep, complex, and enigmatic. Every little piece of information pertinent to the case were evidently well-thought-out and well-researched that there were no lapses in the storyline nor inconsistencies in the characters. It was a delight to see how everything came together in the end and justice ultimately prevailed, albeit not always the way we want it to.
Perhaps what I liked best about this novel was the parallelism of how the serene atmosphere of rural Wiltshire whilst shrouded in murder mystery matched the gradually changing tone of solving the case. Holmes took his sweet little time in cracking the first murder but as more deaths turned up, the suspense heightened along with how perturbed the residents of the quaint county became.
June 20, 2020
Mr. Holmes solves another one. This was a one thrilling page turner. So here, Mr. Holmes and Doctor Watson go to Wiltshire to solve death of the man whom police thinks has died on misadventure but a MP thinks thinks he is murdered. So he sets Mr. Holmes to find murderer. However man is dead for several days now and trail has gone cold with almost none clues to follow. And folks that's when it starts.
Exciting and thrilling, crime after crime and one more ingenious than other Holmes is in race to find murderer before more people are killed. Ending was just awe inspiring. Though there are several hints who might possibly be the murderer Ms. Walsh has done exceptional in not only keeping politician perplexed but us readers as well, till Holmes reveals all the cards of the trick.
#BookwithApurva
Exciting and thrilling, crime after crime and one more ingenious than other Holmes is in race to find murderer before more people are killed. Ending was just awe inspiring. Though there are several hints who might possibly be the murderer Ms. Walsh has done exceptional in not only keeping politician perplexed but us readers as well, till Holmes reveals all the cards of the trick.
#BookwithApurva
December 6, 2020
This was my introduction into the world of Sherlock Holmes and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Being such a classic character, I was slightly apprehensive because quite often I find these stories a struggle to get into. Not the case with this one. The style of writing drew me in straight away, so I felt completely absorbed every step of the way with the investigation and could really see everything unfolding in my mind.
I found the dynamic between Watson and Holmes so much fun to read. I don't know if this is true to their relationship or a more modern upgrade to it, but whatever it was really worked for me. I particularly enjoyed the way they could be quite blunt with their opinions.
This was also my first Margaret Walsh book, but I'm sure it won't be my last.
Being such a classic character, I was slightly apprehensive because quite often I find these stories a struggle to get into. Not the case with this one. The style of writing drew me in straight away, so I felt completely absorbed every step of the way with the investigation and could really see everything unfolding in my mind.
I found the dynamic between Watson and Holmes so much fun to read. I don't know if this is true to their relationship or a more modern upgrade to it, but whatever it was really worked for me. I particularly enjoyed the way they could be quite blunt with their opinions.
This was also my first Margaret Walsh book, but I'm sure it won't be my last.
June 15, 2020
Author Margaret Walsh, does a marvelous job of leading the reader into a fascinating labyrinth in search of a clever, but coldblooded killer. The reader will embark upon a fascinating venture with Dr. Watson and Sherlock Holmes, as the pair eagerly delve into a case ruled an accidental death, but fueled by the suspicion of murder. Thus begins a trail of peculiar murders so perplexing that even Sherlock Holmes, momentarily questions if his genius will be enough to solve this case and catch a murderer who’s victims will require a bit of poetic justice.
June 11, 2020
I'm a big Sherlock fan, Sherlocked if you would! To be honest, this was the first book I'm reading from this author, and it won't be wrong to say that I absolutely loved it!
The portrayal of the characters, the feel of 19th century country life in England, the description of food- everything was perfect. It seems that I was there solving the crime all along!
I'm looking forward to read more from her :)
The portrayal of the characters, the feel of 19th century country life in England, the description of food- everything was perfect. It seems that I was there solving the crime all along!
I'm looking forward to read more from her :)
October 4, 2020
A great tale of Sherlock and Watson in a small village in Wiltshire. Great intrigue from the start, that was only added to throughout the story. Lots of detailed characters, some that I had great sympathy for and some I despised, showing just how well they were written. A fantastic mystery and satisfying end.
August 22, 2020
Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Perplexed Politician
Excellent follow-up to Ms. Walsh's debut novel. Tightly plotted with superb characterizations. The case even baffles Sherlock Holmes & Dr. Watson. A book that uses psychological insight to expose the killer. Highly recommended.
Excellent follow-up to Ms. Walsh's debut novel. Tightly plotted with superb characterizations. The case even baffles Sherlock Holmes & Dr. Watson. A book that uses psychological insight to expose the killer. Highly recommended.
February 27, 2024
Another really great Sherlock Holmes pastiche, this time by an author who I hadn't read before.
I loved how Walsh writes Holmes with a sense of humour. That is precisely how I imagine him. Not as the stuffy Jeremy Brett, but as the dashing, twinkling Basil Rathbone.
This was a great mystery with another good twist in the tail as the finale approached. I really like how it makes great use of the setting, making this story feel distinct.
I'd definitely recommend this to other Sherlockian enthusiasts and I would definitely come back to it in a decade or so.
I loved how Walsh writes Holmes with a sense of humour. That is precisely how I imagine him. Not as the stuffy Jeremy Brett, but as the dashing, twinkling Basil Rathbone.
This was a great mystery with another good twist in the tail as the finale approached. I really like how it makes great use of the setting, making this story feel distinct.
I'd definitely recommend this to other Sherlockian enthusiasts and I would definitely come back to it in a decade or so.
January 4, 2025
When Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson are asked to look into an accidental death they find that people feel put upon to answer questions as the the death count increases.
February 18, 2021
Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Perplexed Politician by Margaret Walsh
I received a copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Another case for the detecting duo, Holmes and Watson, when Algernon Leadbetter contacts them concerning the sudden death of his sister Verity's intended, Peter Harrington. He is convinced that it was murder and who better to set on the case but Sherlock himself!
Arriving in Barrow-Upon-Kennet with its impressive manor belonging to Lord Denby, his reportedly overpowering wife, Lady Augusta and their unusual guests the pair soon realise there is more to this case than originally presumed. As with all of their investigations, events lead from bad to worse but this time has even the worlds most renowned detective been beaten?
Being a huge fan of Holmes and Watson, I was looking forward to reading this book, being the second one that I have read by the author, Margaret Walsh and again it was a riveting read. Full of excitement, mystery and intrigue, I tried to solve the case along with story, following its twists and turns. The history and detail included in the book is also very interesting complete wth the authors note at the end which describes the intensive research on writing this book.
On finishing I am only disappointed it couldn't continue and I'm eager for more!
I received a copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Another case for the detecting duo, Holmes and Watson, when Algernon Leadbetter contacts them concerning the sudden death of his sister Verity's intended, Peter Harrington. He is convinced that it was murder and who better to set on the case but Sherlock himself!
Arriving in Barrow-Upon-Kennet with its impressive manor belonging to Lord Denby, his reportedly overpowering wife, Lady Augusta and their unusual guests the pair soon realise there is more to this case than originally presumed. As with all of their investigations, events lead from bad to worse but this time has even the worlds most renowned detective been beaten?
Being a huge fan of Holmes and Watson, I was looking forward to reading this book, being the second one that I have read by the author, Margaret Walsh and again it was a riveting read. Full of excitement, mystery and intrigue, I tried to solve the case along with story, following its twists and turns. The history and detail included in the book is also very interesting complete wth the authors note at the end which describes the intensive research on writing this book.
On finishing I am only disappointed it couldn't continue and I'm eager for more!
September 20, 2020
I don’t know how long the author debated over her opening line but it was perfect and just the thing to grab the attention.
“I read in the paper this morning that Sir Algernon Leadbetter, as he became, had died in his sleep. I now feel that the time is right to set down on paper the events that began when our paths crossed with Mr. Leadbetter. Events that, even now, so many years later, fill me with horror and sadness.”
From then on, Margaret Walsh manages to bring the fictional Sherlock Holmes world created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle wonderfully to life. I do like how she intersperses fact with the fiction. For example, like the fact that the ‘Wiltshire Constabulary had the singular honour of being the first county wide police force in Britain’ or the bit on John Thurnham’s excavation of the West Kennet site in 1859. While I felt Holmes took a while to figure things out as the bodies kept dropping, ‘The Case of the Perplexed Politician’ was a great read for me!
My thanks to Booktasters and the author for facilitating a complimentary copy in exchange for a fair review.
“I read in the paper this morning that Sir Algernon Leadbetter, as he became, had died in his sleep. I now feel that the time is right to set down on paper the events that began when our paths crossed with Mr. Leadbetter. Events that, even now, so many years later, fill me with horror and sadness.”
From then on, Margaret Walsh manages to bring the fictional Sherlock Holmes world created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle wonderfully to life. I do like how she intersperses fact with the fiction. For example, like the fact that the ‘Wiltshire Constabulary had the singular honour of being the first county wide police force in Britain’ or the bit on John Thurnham’s excavation of the West Kennet site in 1859. While I felt Holmes took a while to figure things out as the bodies kept dropping, ‘The Case of the Perplexed Politician’ was a great read for me!
My thanks to Booktasters and the author for facilitating a complimentary copy in exchange for a fair review.
November 2, 2020
Ms. Walsh is to be complimented on capturing the mood, language and tone of the classic Sherlock Holmes and Doc Watson’s adventuring. All the characters were well written – down to their faults, appetites and personal quirks.
I was deeply immersed in the surroundings and historic references throughout the book. Even a bit of Greek mythology is woven into the story in such a way as to educate the reader and provide fodder for the ponderings of the Great Detective. I almost wished I could have breakfasted with the characters!
Holmes is known for his keen observation skills, subtle powers of reasoning and witty delivery, which fell flat in some areas to me (like with the swan feather clutched in the hands of the victim). This coupled with the slow start, were my only downsides. Although the story started slowly, the excitement and anticipation grew as the bodies kept dropping.
In the end the case was solved, and the adventure ended all too soon.
I was deeply immersed in the surroundings and historic references throughout the book. Even a bit of Greek mythology is woven into the story in such a way as to educate the reader and provide fodder for the ponderings of the Great Detective. I almost wished I could have breakfasted with the characters!
Holmes is known for his keen observation skills, subtle powers of reasoning and witty delivery, which fell flat in some areas to me (like with the swan feather clutched in the hands of the victim). This coupled with the slow start, were my only downsides. Although the story started slowly, the excitement and anticipation grew as the bodies kept dropping.
In the end the case was solved, and the adventure ended all too soon.
May 14, 2020
A Sherlock Holmes story in the sense of a series of complex crime(s) that only Holmes and Watson could be able to uncover the killer(s) and solve the case. This case is set in the original time frame of the Holmes stories and therefore has the limitations of that time, which makes the need for Holmes’ abilities that much more necessary. Clues are left and many case leads are found, bringing us to some answers near the end of the story. The story was difficult to figure out where it would lead, but due to the time period limitations was a little slow to develop. While I do appreciate a time period piece, I also enjoy some variations and possibilities in addition to the original stories.
August 14, 2022
A manor house full of ne'er-do-wells who are being picked off one by one provides a country setting for Holmes and Watson to find a killer. The case is a bit convoluted, but our detectives are well portrayed in character. The setting is charming and the victims (multiple deaths) creepy and won't be missed. I didn't love it quite as much as her first, in part because some of the characters are a little one-dimensional, but a very good Sherlockian mystery. (I wish we'd spent more time with the politician's sister, as she drives a lot of the premise but disappears from most of the book, acting as a plot device more than a person.)
March 3, 2023
In this story, each character is unique and are defined well. The first interesting find was a deceased man with a swan feather in his hand. That can't be too hard to sort out even though the case had gone cold. But however did he get under a boulder, that was the question! Then another body turns up with a swans feather in her hair. Perplexed is a good word for this story as Holmes and Watson find more bodies and so the jigsaw of their connection begins. I always found it amusing, how amidst of all the dead people they always found time to have tea some where. Another good character trait for Holmes and Watson. Interesting story.
October 12, 2020
This particular take on Sherlock Holmes and the subsequent characters are just as enjoyable to read as any other I've read. This particular book takes readers away from London for their next case. The setting is interesting because it sets the tone for the rest of the book. The characters are just as diverse and interesting and it's fascinating to figure out who is responsible. With each backstory, there is a little more intrigue to the whos and the whys and it makes it that much more enjoyable to dive into. I found this particular book entertaining and a good read.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews