Sherlock Holmes and the Rosetta Stone Mystery

The Early Casebook of Sherlock Holmes series #1

by Linda Stratmann

Before Dr. Watson, there was Mr. Stamford . . .

London, 1876

Mr. Stamford meets Sherlock Holmes while studying at St. Bartholomew's Medical College in London. With his intense stare and unorthodox methods of doing things, Holmes has already gained a reputation as an eccentric but brilliant man.

When suspected intruders are sighted at the British Museum, Holmes is called upon to give his opinion of what happened.

But before he can come to any conclusions, something horrifying happens—one of the great treasures of the world, the priceless Rosetta Stone, is stolen from the museum.

The thieves have left a note demanding a ransom. And if it is not fulfilled they threaten to cast the Stone into the ocean so it can never be found again.

With the police on the wrong track, it is down to Holmes to solve the complex case. And when the burglary case turns into a murder investigation, it becomes a race against time before more victims are killed.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Mystery, Historical Fiction, Audiobook, Historical, Crime

237 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 26, 2021

About the author

Linda Stratmann is a British writer of historical true crime, biography and crime fiction.

Reviews

[Maxine · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is 1876 and young Sherlock Holmes is a student at college already with a reputation of being brilliant especially at solving mysteries so when medical student Mr. Stamford's usually level-headed uncle and a director at the British Museum reports seeing a strange unearthly vision at the Museum, Stamford asks Holmes to investigate. But before Holmes can reach any conclusions, the seeming impossible happens - the Rosetta Stone is stolen from the Museum and, worse, one museum worker is found dead, clearly murdered and another unconscious. To save the reputation of the Museum, when the police seem to be unable to make any progress, Holmes is asked to do his own investigation. The game is once more afoot and Holmes is on the case with the aid of Mr Stamford.

Most fans of Sherlock Holmes, and I include myself here, have read his exploits with Dr Watson but now we can read of an early exploit pre-Watson thanks to Linda Stratmann in the latest (and earliest) edition to the Holmes iconography, Holmes and the Rosetta Stone Mystery, the first in two books in The Early Casebook of Sherlock Holmes. Stratmann has a real understanding both of the historical period and Conan Doyle's writing style and it shows. The mystery is compelling, Stamford makes a fine companion to the great detective and the solution was satisfactory. this was a fun read and I recommend it highly to any Sherlock Holmes mysteries or historical fiction mysteries in general.

Thanks to Netgalley and Sapere Books for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looking back from 1924 Mr A. Stamford reflects on his first meeting with Sherlock Holmes back in the Spring of 1876, London at the St Bartholomew’s Medical College. Dr Edgar Martinson, resident keeper at the British Museum, is concerned as he has seen unexplained things at night in the museum. Holmes is asked to investigate with the help of Mr Stamford, but when the Rosetta Stone is stolen and a ransom received Scotland Yard in the shape of Inspector Caldwell and Sergeant Lestrade take over. So they believe.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery, with its cast of likeable and varied characters. A good start to this new series.

[S.S. Saywack · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely splendid Holmesian mystery, worthy of Conan Doyle. The young Holmes, fresh from his unfinished university studies, is anxious to make a name for himself in the world of detection. Presented with the disappearance of the Rosetta stone, he must endeavour to figure out just how such a weighty artefact could just vanish from the British Museum and no one be the wiser to its disappearance. He must negotiate a surprising number of twists and turns to get to the bottom of the mystery. Stamford replaced Dr Watson as his narrator, and together the two delve deeper into the mystery. We are introduced to Inspector Caldwell and hinted that it was he who begins the Scotland Yards detectives mistrust of Holmes. Caldwell’s assistant, however, is a familiar character, one Sergeant Lestrade. All the familiar things about Conan Doyle’s Holmes are here and explored as ways in explaining their origins. If you are a Sherlock Holmes fan, then this book will not disappoint. If you just like detective books, again, you will not be disappointed. The mystery is engrossing, the writing is assured, and the book is a delight. Highly recommended.

[Sofia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent writing.. it was almost like reading the original. Only thing I missed was Dr. Watson. I loved how the author depicted the beginner Holmes, still learning but a genius as usual. Waiting for the second book.

[Chrys Minter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

I've always been a fan of Sherlock Holmes since I was a child. Everything that was ever written I've followed. This was my first read from this author. She did a wonderful job writing this story. I'm looking forward to reading the entire series of the early casebook.

[Sarah-Hope · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm game for pretty much any Holmes variation. I first read Conan Doyle's stories when I was ten. I didn't "get" everything, but I loved them. I've been rereading them regularly ever since. And because the Conan Doyle canon is finite, I welcome other opportunities to spend time with the great detective.

Linda Stratmann's Sherlock Holmes and the Rosetta Stone Mystery provided me with several evenings of very satisfactory reading. Given that Holmes needs no introduction, I'd like to move on to a few observations about this volume in particular—

• I appreciated that Stratmann gave us a different, earlier sidekick for Holmes rather than adding to the many volumes of Watson-narrated Holmes variations. A variation should be a variation—distinct enough from the original to stand on its own merits, with characters or tropes that weren't included in the original.

• The choice of Stramford as narrator is interesting. He "bridges" the Holmes-Watson relationship, having met Holmes before Watson did—in fact, in this novel he's the man who was ultimately responsible for suggesting that Holmes and Watson might share a flat. He's a medical student who credits Watson with having inspired him to move from general practice to surgery.

• I am, however, withholding judgement on that narrator. Stramford is intelligent and likeable enough, but I don't think he's really "blossomed" yet. I want to see what quirks and individual strengths he reveals as this series progresses.

• I think Conan Doyle was wise to put most of his Holmes-creating energies into stories, rather than novels. I am quite fond of the novels, but they can drag a bit. The condensed form of the stories is a better match for the quickness of Holmes' mind.

• That said, Sherlock Holmes and the Rosetta Stone Mystery doesn't feel "padded" in the way some of the weaker novel-length variations by other writers do. The novel has some engaging twists and there are layered mysteries, some more substantial than others, that keep things moving.

• Stratmann also gives readers a preview of the Lestrade-Holmes relationship that is so often featured in Conan Doyle's stories. I appreciate the chance to imagine an early Lestrade.

This is a series worth following for any Holmes aficionado. I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley; the opinions are my own.

[Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

It mattered nothing to him if the mystery was fresh and poignant or was thousands of years old. The mystery was all.

5 Stars.
(I apologise if this is so long but there needs to be more hype for this book)

*Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read this in exchange for my own review*

I'm a fiend for all Sherlock Holmes retellings and reiterations, when I saw this available I immediately made it my first reviewed ARC. It fulfilled all of my Sherlock Holmes needs and currently sits with A Study in Charlotte as my 2 favourite extensions of Sherlock. There are tie-ins with cannon works throughout, I double checked a couple of references and was delighted when I realised how thought-out and prepared Linda Starmann had been. I researched Linda's other works and seeing her background in history and non fiction as well as fiction wasn't surprised too see how well she took on an iconic character. I'm very excited to see this series evolve.

The book sets it's pace immediately and the story opens up quickly and fluidly. The writing itself is very Doyle-like, descriptions and references fitting the narrator and the original books well enough that it is a believable extension of that universe. The mystery fell somewhat to the side to make way for the character's and their relationship coming to light and wrapping up in a way similar to the original novels. This is something I feel in future novels with balance out as their working relationship builds.

Stamford and Sherlock seem a little more equally footed than Sherlock later in life with Watson, I attribute it mostly to the time the book is set, both being students and Sherlock only having solved cases within his friend group. Despite their similar fields and care for Sherlock, Stamford did have differences to John's character, where Watson was brawny and empathetic Stamford was cautious and logical. He immediately takes to Sherlock and rather than place him on a pedestal seeks to learn the same way that he does, practicing deduction skills later throughout the book. Seeing these 2 men together really sets the foundation for Sherlock's future relationship with John.

Sherlock in this story is a little less extraordinary and more youthful, you meet the beginnings of his genius. I loved seeing his quirks without his vices and learn how he came to hold his opinions in later books. I particularly loved seeing how his respect for Stamford comes from his appreciation of a new set of eyes, Sherlock is aware of what he doesn't know and appreciative of people who explain the gaps in his knowledge. I found his respect for Stamford to fit with Canon Sherlock and how readily he accepts John into his life with his adventures, he has had something similar in his past.

He was not, I eventually realised, entirely without emotion, but he always strove to ensure that it was never allowed to cloud his judgement.

It's very reader friendly, there is no gore or romance to worry about so very much open to all readers (middle grade and above). I do recommend past knowledge in Sherlock Holmes's lore, even if you don't read the novels but get a clear grasp of the characters and cases.

[MARGARET WOODWARD · Rating 4 out of 5]

This intriguing mystery is a slow burner, partly because the prologue is used to explain the relationship between Holmes as a twenty two year old chemistry and anatomy student working at Barts and this narrator, A Stamford, also a student but of medicine and the precursor of Conon Doyle’s Dr Watson. Do stick with the book, however, as it becomes fascinating both in its plotting and its historical detail as Holmes uses his fast developing detection skills to delve into the disappearance of the Rosetta Stone. This has been stolen unobserved from the British Museum within a 20 minute gap late one spring afternoon in 1876, no mean feat.

This author has certainly mastered the atmosphere and attitudes which drive Victorian life; the mind sets and motivations around criminal activities become clear in her descriptions of places and small historical events and especially the characters she has brought to life with occasionally painful reality as the drama unfolds. Lestrade appears as an underling to a particularly blinkered and opinionated Inspector, which creates an interesting dynamic between Holmes and Lestrade, especially for readers familiar with Conon Doyle’s tales. No spoilers allowed, but at this early stage in his self selected career Holmes heads up a few blind alleys, entertaining in their own right, but he looks on these blunders as learning experiences, every step and stumble adding to the bank of knowledge that he is building up for future use, and for the moment the errors are tempering his monumental self assurance.

One small quibble is that Stamford claims to be writing this story as an old man in 1924 but the language in which the mystery is written is that of the Victorian age, more appropriate for a contemporary telling – and ideal for the telling of this tale - but it is not quite right coming from someone talking fifty years after the event by which time the English language has changed considerably. A scholar might have retained much of the Victorian cadences but Stamford is a doctor and would have been working all his life among people of all classes on a daily basis and his speech would surely have reflected that.

To compensate, the author has added excellent notes to explain how and where she did her research, including, for those with Internet, links to very informative websites. Overall this book is well worth reading with many twists in the plot and interesting observations on Holmes’s development as a young ambitious maverick who does not quite fit in, but who nevertheless catches people’s attention.

[Madelon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Over time, I have amassed a collection of Sherlock Holmes stories not written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Holmes stories have a calming effect on me during the fraught times in the twenty-first century. The old-world charm of Victorian London, combined with puzzles that stymy the police, carry me off to a different time and place. Sherlock lives on in the imaginations of authors who give him alternate lives that can include loves, wives, and children. Linda Stratmann skillfully takes us back to a time before Baker Street when Holmes is a young man honing his skills in London.

Imagine, if you will, someone other than the inestimable Dr. Watson writing the adventures of Sherlock Holmes. Enter Mr. Stamford. He chronicled, but never published, the cases in which he was involved before Holmes and Watson joined forces.

Mr. Stephens is a medical student, in 1876. Prior to his taking classes at St. Bartholomew's — Bart's — he was employed at that very institution as a surgical dresser. It was Doctor John Watson who suggested that Mr. Stamford become a surgeon. Thus, we have two medical men with a penchant for recounting the exploits of their eccentric friend.

The first case he recollects for us many years after the fact is SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE ROSETTA STONE MYSTERY. Stamford and Holmes are both twenty-two years old and both are studying at Bart's — one studying medicine, the other studying chemistry and lord knows what else. A chance meeting brought them together.

The young Holmes seeks neither cash nor glory; he is too busy amassing knowledge of mundane things that when considered within the confines of a puzzle will bring clarity and ultimately a solution. For example, how does one remove an object of great weight to a place other than its proper one?

We meet the bombastic Inspector Caldwell, all brashness and bluster. He is one to act first and think later if at all. His Sergeant is Lestrade who is receptive of using brain over brawn.

Linda Stratmann has obeyed all the unwritten rules set forth by Conan Doyle in crafting an excellent narrative of Sherlock Holmes before he became a household name in Victorian London. She has also provided us with a Note to the Reader and some Historical notes pertinent to the story. These are both tiny gems that are well placed and deserve attention. You can be sure I will be reading the rest of this series.

[Mr Robin Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are a Sherlock Holmes fan you will not be disappointed with this book by Linda Stratmann.
I first came across this author with her delightful Mini Scarletti mystery series; another recommended read. For her latest mystery tale, Linda has remained in the same Victorian era, but has now turned to a young Sherlock Holmes, some years before he teams up with Dr Watson. Having recently re-read many of Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes’ books, I was delighted to find that Linda has captured the style of Conan Doyle and the character of Sherlock Holmes perfectly. This tale, as the title suggests, revolves around the world-famous Rosetta Stone, which is somehow stolen for ransom from the British Museum and which a squad of detectives from Scotland Yard eventually prove themselves unable to find and apprehend the villains responsible. Holmes, who is currently spending his time conducting mysterious experiments at St Bartholomew’s medical college, and is starting to gain a reputation for solving puzzles, is invited to try his hand at solving the robbery. This, of course, being much to the chagrin of the senior police detective, an Inspector Caldwell, who does not encourage the involvement of amateur sleuths in police matters. Cleverly the author also manages to introduce a young Sergeant Lestrade into the tale (a character of a much higher rank well known to Conon Doyle readers) and also weaves into the tale a Mr John Watson who is studying at St Barts, but is not due to qualify or to meet up with Holmes as yet. Also in St Barts, we come across a Mr Stamford who, as well as assisting the young Holmes and taking on the future Dr Watson role of narrator for this tale, is also identified as being responsible for eventually introducing Homes and Watson. As the reader will imagine, Holmes solves the mystery of the Rosetta Stone theft and returns this priceless relic safely to the museum, after applying his, yet to be famous, powers of deduction and observation. All in all, a very well put together story, which really does bring Sherlock Holmes back to life as a younger man. This book really was a most enjoyable read. Even better, is the news that Linda Stratmann is planning a series of books to be entitled “The Early Casebook of Sherlock Holmes”. I cannot wait to read more of these tales. In the case of the Rosetta Stone Mystery, I am very grateful to Sapere Books for providing me with a copy for review.

[Lori Alden Holuta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Linda Stratmann places Sherlock Holmes in 1876, during his days as a student at St. Bartholomew’s College in London, well before he met Dr. Watson or lived at 221B Baker Street. Fellow student Mr. Stamford is Holme's partner and our narrator for this adventure.

The game is afoot when one of the world's most priceless treasures, the Rosetta Stone, is stolen and held for ransom. It seems impossible that something as heavy and cumbersome as the huge stone could be whisked away so easily, but there's no denying that it's gone. Where could it be and how was it taken?

Sherlock Holmes meticulously pursues his own logic trails, while the police work the case in their own bumbling manner. In spite of this, the interactions between Inspector Lestrade and Holmes are interesting and refreshing. I was amused by this exchange between them. 'I wish we had you on the police force Mr Holmes. Have you ever thought of joining?' 'Never' said Holmes.

The Rosetta Stone's disappearance is explored in the exquisitely detailed manner that readers should expect of a Sherlock Holmes story. I'd wondered if this style would hold up for a full length novel, rather than the original short stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. I'm happy to report that for me, it held up wonderfully. Being freed from short story constraints allows us the time and space to be right there alongside Sherlock for every found clue, a few wild goose chases, and each exciting discovery, no matter how miniscule. There's even time for a picnic.

If, like me, you love the detail work involved in solving a mystery, you should enjoy this outing. The narrative style is the sort of elegant Victorian style I love, and the details held true - nothing felt anachronistic. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.

My thanks to author Linda Stratmann and Sapere Books for allowing me to read a digital advance review copy of this book. This review is my honest and unbiased opinion.

[Debbie Viscosi · Rating 5 out of 5]

His name is synonymous with extraordinary detective work. Sherlock Holmes is a legend, solver of many crimes. In this book, he is at the beginning, honing his skills. Sherlock has started attracting notice for his keen observations. He is asked to give an opinion on a vision that a museum director claimed to have. There is no plausible explanation.

Sherlock brings a colleague, Mr. Stamford, with him as he meets the director. Did the director see something otherworldly? As Holmes begins his questioning, the director and his associate admit that a crime occurred at the museum - the Rosetta Stone has been taken! Can Sherlock Holmes find the stone before the museum has to pay the ransom? How will Sherlock deduce the location of the stone?

Linda Stratmann captures the essence of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's character and various books. Her style evokes that of other Sherlock Holmes books seamlessly. She is descriptive and thorough. As in all Sherlock Holmes books, the events in the case occur in chronological order. No flash backs here! Her devotion to details strikes the right tone. This story leaves the reader interested and engaged until the conclusion.

I enjoyed this book. The beginning is a bit cumbersome while the characters and case are introduced but the pace picks up quickly once the key characters are established. Linda Stratmann takes an inventive look at the early days of the great detective. It is nice to see an author respect the style and tradition of Holmes while placing her mark on the genre.

I recommend this book, it is refreshing to read a mystery that progresses linearly for a change. Fans of mystery will enjoy this book and Sherlock Holmes fans should add this to their must read list.

[Kelvin Gosnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

If, like me, you are a great admirer of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Baker Street consulting detective, you've probably read the entire canon of stories at least four or five times. Desperate for something new, you turn to “Doyle-alike” authors and find some are passable and some are just downright wrong. Vampires? Steam punk? Irretrievably wrong.
Ms Stratmann's work goes well beyond simply “passable”. I think her Holmes is one of the best, possibly the best. She starts her tales in 1876 when the young Holmes is a student at Bart's Hospital. Watson's role as chronicler of events is given to Mr , later Dr, Stamford – a fellow student at Bart's.
Stamford's different style and approach bring a keen edge to events, as does the more impulsive, youthful Holmes. We also meet the ambitious young Sgt Lestrade and I'm sure that later stories will present a young Mycroft and others. She handles the characters really well - intriguing, engaging and perfectly in their time.
Stratmann also has a marvellous, vivid sense of place. Victorian London really come alive. Moreover, it is all startlingly accurate. You can really imagine yourself in the sometime elegant, sometime decaying streets of the Victorian capital.
So, if you do want some more Holmes which is faithful to, and as engaging as, Sir Arthur's creation, read this book. It is simply excellent. I've already read the second in the series (."..the Explorer's Club)" and it is just as good. Now eagerly awaiting the third ("...Ebony Idol").

[Pam Baddeley · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this series opener, a Doctor Stamford, a man in his sixties in the 1920s, writes a memoir of his first meeting with Sherlock Holmes in 1876 when both were studying medicine. Stamford went on to become a doctor - possibly a surgeon, as recommended by Dr John Watson, with whom he had studied for a while. In fact, Stamford explains that it was he who eventually introduced Watson to Holmes when the former was looking for lodgings to share with someone. At the point where Stamford and Holmes meet, Holmes is studying medicine and chemistry as part of his plan to train to become the world's first consulting detective.

Both men are drawn into an investigation at the British Museum, initially at the request of a friend of Stamford's whose uncle has had an unsettling experience there at night, when he saw what appeared to be a ghostly procession in one of the blacked-out galleries: no means of light was permitted at night due to the fear of fire. They soon find themselves involved in trying to solve the theft of the famous Rosetta Stone. An early appearance of Lestrade, as a sergeant serving a blinkered inspector, is of interest during the investigation as Holmes can make no impression on Lestrade's superior.

I found the story a little drawn out in places and guessed the big twist before Holmes. But it was a pleasant read, if not a memorable one. It did, at least, refrain from the violence to Holmes' character inflicted in another reimagined Holmes novel that I read recently. So overall I would rate this at 3 stars.

[Bethany Swafford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Young Mr. Sherlock Holmes has developed a reputation around St Bartholomew’s Medical College in London as being unorthodox in the subjects he pursues. Mr. Mike Stamford is intrigued by Mr. Holmes, but it isn’t until a fellow student approaches them about the mysterious strangers his uncle has seen at the British museum that they are really thrown together. The Rosetta Stone is under threat. Can a young Sherlock Holmes solve the crime when the police are puzzled?

I enjoyed this one a lot! I’ve read stories about Sherlock Holmes as a boy, so I was intrigued by the idea of him as a young man. I also liked that we have Mike Stamford as our “Watson” of the story. It is presented in a way that makes it plausible to fit in with the details left by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

The author does a fantastic job of recreating Holmes as a young man who is still learning. The mystery presented of the Rosetta Stone just vanishing from the museum, was well thought out. If I had to name something that didn’t sit quite right, it is the references to the person of a mathematical disposition who is the shadowy puppet master as it were. It just didn’t feel quite right.

Overall, it is a fantastic story and I would definitely recommend it to fans of Holmes looking for an adventure. I received a free copy through NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own.

[James Mcauliff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Linda Stratmann (author of the Mina Scarletti series) launches us into the early period of adulthood and development of the greatest consulting-detective, Sherlock Holmes. We meet a somewhat humble and less arrogant young adult Holmes in the course of his college years at St. Bartholomew’s Medical College in London, before he encounters his most loyal companion, Dr. John H. Watson.
A friendship emerges with Mr. Stamford, another college student who becomes involved with Holmes’ investigation into the disappearance of one of the greatest historical finds, the Rosetta Stone, from the British Museum in London. The nearly two ton stone is stolen and put up for ransom and a murder occurs in the whole weighty affair.
We are also introduced to Scotland Yard’s Sergeant Lestrade, a more congenial and admiring rival to Holmes investigative techniques.
A thrilling and pleasurable start to an entertaining new series. Complete with captivating characters and filled with many twists on the way to a surprising finale. Highly recommended!
A big thank you to Caoimhe at Sapere Books for a copy of this book for review.

[Mystica · Rating 4 out of 5]

1876 Holmes has already garnered a reputation of being odd, eccentric, not quite following the rules and the bane of London Police Chiefs. They do not like his unorthodoxy, his so called modern methods and his way of doing things just out of the box.

When the priceless Rosetta Stone is found missing from the museum - no break in, no obvious sign of damage it is extremely puzzling to all including the Police. Followed by a ransom note to say that unless paid, the Stone would be cast into the sea - it sends everyone on a wild goose chase to the Docks to see whether the stone is being hid on a ship there. But how did it get there as it was a cumbersome thing to move.

When one employee who was coshed on the head dies during the burglary, and the other suffering from amnesia Holmes considers it an inside job and slowly starts to unravel the pieces of the puzzle.

Quite slow on the detective angle, at times lingering and repetitive, the story picks up rapidly and then moves on with a number of characters involved and different sets of people and places.

Interesting angle on Holmes, Watson and Stamford.

[JJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story set during Sherlock Holmes’ student days, though really that doesn’t make that much difference, involves the ingenious theft of the Rosetta Stone from the British museum. It is ingenious because apparently, the stone is large and exceedingly heavy and the museum, at the time, didn’t hold with any means of artificial light, opening only in hours of daylight. The big question is How on earth day they remove it from its plinth and take it away. This is the first problem that Holmes has to solve never mind who did it.
He is aided by a new friend, Mr Stamford a protege of a certain Dr Watson. We have Inspector Caldwell who wants nothing to do with Holmes and his idea. Luckily for Holmes he has a slightly more amenable sergeant called Lestrade.
The story, for some reason, put me in mind of The Red-Headed League. It moves long at a decent pace and is an easy read.
Linda Stratmann does a good job of making her Holmes believable and close to the original.

[Ann-Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read all of the Sherlock Holmes stories by Conan Doyle I was intrigued to find out how this book would measure up to those stories. I was delighted to find out that they measure up very well indeed. The depiction of Holmes is pitch perfect – his methods, his mannerisms, his manner of speech - all match up to the older Holmes that we know and love. I also particularly enjoyed the mention of Dr Watson and the introduction to Sergeant Lestrade.

This story revolves around the theft of the Rosetta Stone from the British Museum. The police have their ideas on how the theft was carried out and their suspects. Holmes, of course, has his own views on the matter and carries out his own investigations with the aid of his assistant, Mr. Stamford. A very enjoyable book, highly recommended.

Thanks to Sapere Books for a copy to review.

[John Bradford · Rating 3 out of 5]

What is interesting about this series is the author's choice to write a series of stories about Sherlock Holmes while he is young and in college. We see Holmes making mistakes and since he is largely unknown, he has no clout among local law enforcement and Scotland Yard who disrespect him throughout much of the book. Told from the POV of a fellow student, Mr. Stamford who becomes his friend (as friendly as Sherlock Holmes will be), Stamford will ultimately introduce Holmes to Watson (later in the series) but carries the mantle and chronicles these early attempts by Holmes to crack the latest case bedeviling law enforcement. In this first entry, the famous Rosetta Stone is stolen from the British Museum and murder ensues. While much of the mystery is easy to figure out, this is a good start to a promising series. I look forward to the future books.

[Heidi]

There are plenty of variations on the Holmes story, but very few of them actually manage to capture the particular tone the original stories had. This variation, however, does a splendid job of it. I had the same feeling reading this story as I did when I read the original stories for the first time.

I appreciate that the author gave Holmes a new companion instead of Watson. The earlier, different perspective on Holmes's work was fascinating, and I liked that Stamford is the one to suggest Holmes and Watson should live together. The relationship between Holmes and Lestrade gets a little preview here as well, just enough to keep you wanting more of them in further instalments.

(I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)

[Rose Weiss · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a quick and easy read that I was able to complete in one sitting.
This author begins the story of Sherlock Holmes before his official work with Dr Watson
Here Holmes is a younger man still at university snd he works with Stamford another young student studying the medical field.
This was well written in the style of the original Doyle series and it feels like you are reading one of the many stories in that series.
The story is full of clues to the outcome of the mystery with no need for violence or special effects to tell an enjoyable mystery.
An enjoyable and fun read for an afternoon delight.
Would highly recommend.

[Bob Hurley · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a Sherlock Holmes Fan I was intrigued to read a Holmes tale not written by Conan Doyle. Have to say this did not disappoint. This was pre Holmes residing at 221b and pre Dr Watson. However it fitted like Holmes's Pipe and slippers. Holmes, at this time a young student is asked to investigate a theft from the British Museum. In his ever thorough but extraordinary manner Holmes quietly goes about uncovering where the missing item is and who took it. Competently assisted , by the Narrator of the story, Stamford he goes about the task with his due diligence and offbeat manner. Very well written and very Conan Doyle like. I enjoyed it.

[John Bainbridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Usually disappointed with Sherlock Holmes continuation novels, I only tried this as I’m a fan of the author’s other books. I’m so glad I took a chance as this is an absolute treat. I loved reading about the young Holmes, instantly recognisable with all the traits we love, yet still perfecting his craft. Linda Stratmann includes some lovely touches of Doyle-style humour. Stamford, the narrator, is every bit as engaging as Dr. Watson, adding much to the story. The world of Holmes and Victorian London springs off the page, full of authentic atmosphere. It was easy to forget I wasn’t reading Conan Doyle – and there can be no greater compliment than that.

[Vanessa Wild · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first in the Early Casebook of Sherlock Holmes series featuring Mr Stamford, a medical student, as Holmes’ sidekick. The Rosetta Stone has been stolen from the British Museum but how and by whom?

This is a cosy, atmospherically written and entertaining mystery. There are some well drawn characters, including Holmes, whose personality is spot on - the author has really hit the nail on the head as Holmes seems very true to the original. Mr Stamford makes an interesting and likeable assistant and I’m looking forward to getting to know him more in future books. The plot is an intriguing one and flows along enjoyably. A good start to a new (to me) series.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly always a bit suspicious of "spinoffs" from classic literature. This one wasn't too bad as far as it goes, and maybe shows a bit that Sherlock wasn't "born" a good detective, that he did have to learn and figure things out but given his brilliance and unerring deductions in the actual series, this was maybe a bit too "flawed" and uncertain on his part. I can also understand the aversion to/annoyance with the all-knowng Holmes and dense Dr. Watson, so I get the desire to debunk that a bit, but I do think that perhaps Sherlock's "sidekick" in this one is given a bit too much credit, again compared to the original series. But, it was an adventurous and interesting read.

[Bibliophileverse · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book, Sherlock Holmes and The Rosetta Stone Mystery by Linda Stratmann, certainly brings back the memories of tell- tales of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle. The plot hooked me right from the beginning. And, the climax was totally unexpected. The story starts from a horror note, but, eventually jumps on to a marvelous tale of adventure and mystery.

I will definitely give the book 5 stars. Thanks to Netgalley and Sapere Books for providing me an opportunity to read and review the book.

Read more on bibliophileverse.blogspot.com

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank to Sapere Books for the copy in exchange for a review.

I enjoyed this take on Sherlock Holmes told from the perspective of a new charcters - a sidekick who predates John Watson. The time period of this story is while Sherlock Holmes is still in university and one of his early cases. It has the usual twist and turns and only things that Sherlock can figure out. The mystery was a fun one and kept you guessing until close to the end.

I enjoyed the character of Mr. Stamford and his interactions with Sherlock.

Fun book for fans of Sherlock Holmes mysteries.

[Christopher Cannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

SUPERB fresh yet authentic Sherlock Holmes book!
This tells a story of a case when Sherlock was at university studying, and he solves a local mystery. It has a very authentic voice in the narrative, yet is very fresh with the young Sherlock on the car. The new ‘Watson’ figure, Stamford, is just as trustworthy and calm as the real Watson. I really enjoyed this and am thrilled that there are 11 books in the active series! I listened to the audiobook that is also superb- great narration. I only see 2 of the series are in audiobook (so far) and hope for more!

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Sherlock Holmes books! This one shows us an early in his career Holmes without Watson. I must say I missed Watson in this story. I enjoyed the story but felt like it rambled a bit. I found myself getting distracted from the story. That’s probably just me.
Thanks to Sapere for the early copy