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Sherlock Holmes & the Singular Affair
Before Baker Street, there was Montague.
Before partnership with a former army doctor recently returned from Afghanistan, Sherlock Holmes had but the quiet company of his own great intellect. Solitary he might be but, living as he did for the thrill of the chase, it was enough.
For a little while, at the least, it was enough.
That is, until a client arrives at his door with a desperate plea and an invitation into a world of societal scandal and stage door dandies. Thrust deep in an all-consuming role and charged with the safe-keeping of another, Holmes must own to his limits or risk danger to others besides himself in this the case of the aluminium crutch.
Before partnership with a former army doctor recently returned from Afghanistan, Sherlock Holmes had but the quiet company of his own great intellect. Solitary he might be but, living as he did for the thrill of the chase, it was enough.
For a little while, at the least, it was enough.
That is, until a client arrives at his door with a desperate plea and an invitation into a world of societal scandal and stage door dandies. Thrust deep in an all-consuming role and charged with the safe-keeping of another, Holmes must own to his limits or risk danger to others besides himself in this the case of the aluminium crutch.
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Published December 7, 2021
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About the author
M.K. Wiseman
12 books240 followersM. K. Wiseman has degrees in Interarts & Technology and Library & Information Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her office, therefore, is a curious mix of storyboards and reference materials. Both help immensely in the writing of historical novels. She currently resides in Wisconsin but dreams often of her childhood home in New Mexico.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
December 1, 2021
While Watson goes through Sherlock’s papers, he finds an account written by Holmes of one of his early cases. In it, he recounts a situation brought to him by a young woman. She contends that the young man she grew up with and hopes to marry has been replaced by a stranger. A stranger who greatly resembles her friend, but is not not the man she knows.
When Sherlock investigates, he meets the man’s rich uncle who warns Sherlock off, and spends time with the imposter, finding the pretender to be a likeable, sociable person. Sherlock chases clues from the uncle’s estate to Newgate prison, eventually discovering the truth, of course.
M.K. Wiseman has captured the feel of a Sherlock story, and includes fun things like disguises, fancy canes, a fight in the street, a missing person, and Lestrade, to write an entertaining story in Holmes early years as a consulting detective. Early years, but successful enough to have doors open when Holmes arrived unannounced at people’s doorsteps.
The pacing was a little slow, but not egregiously so. I liked this early Holmes, given to amazing deductions, but lacking a partner to back him up in dangerous situations. This Holmes is still quite capable, working alone, and I think Wiseman’s story works well as a portrait of the detective as an energetic, young man.
Thank you to Edelweiss and to mmm for this ARC in exchange for my review.
When Sherlock investigates, he meets the man’s rich uncle who warns Sherlock off, and spends time with the imposter, finding the pretender to be a likeable, sociable person. Sherlock chases clues from the uncle’s estate to Newgate prison, eventually discovering the truth, of course.
M.K. Wiseman has captured the feel of a Sherlock story, and includes fun things like disguises, fancy canes, a fight in the street, a missing person, and Lestrade, to write an entertaining story in Holmes early years as a consulting detective. Early years, but successful enough to have doors open when Holmes arrived unannounced at people’s doorsteps.
The pacing was a little slow, but not egregiously so. I liked this early Holmes, given to amazing deductions, but lacking a partner to back him up in dangerous situations. This Holmes is still quite capable, working alone, and I think Wiseman’s story works well as a portrait of the detective as an energetic, young man.
Thank you to Edelweiss and to mmm for this ARC in exchange for my review.
December 7, 2021
Effectively a prequel (and a homage) to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s original stories, the Sherlock Holmes of the author’s imagining has all the observational and deductive skills we have come to expect. This is demonstrated when he identifies a character as a violin player purely from a mark on his right index finger. Okay, he’s a bit of a show-off. However he also has a cabbie’s in-depth knowledge of London and demonstrates a remarkable facility for disguise.
Fans of Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes stories will have fun spotting the occasional allusions to the original series, including to those ‘untold stories’ often mentioned in passing at the beginning of cases. The aluminium crutch that features in this book is a case in point. Clearly the author has an encyclopeadic of the Sherlock Holmes stories as there are references to both well-known characters from the original, such as Inspector Lestrade, and to less well-known ones, such as Langdale Pike. I’m sure there were other allusions I missed but my favourite was the name of the alter ego Sherlock Holmes adopts in order to pursue his investigation – Ormond Secker. I’ll pause while you go and search online for that… Are you back? Clever, isn’t it?
Even if you’re not familiar with the original stories, Sherlock Holmes & the Singular Affair is an entertaining historical crime mystery which has moments of melodrama and moments when you might be justified in wondering just how on earth Holmes is going to make sense of everything. Since most of us lack the impressive deductive abilities of Sherlock Holmes, I suggest you just sit back and enjoy the ride.
Fans of Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes stories will have fun spotting the occasional allusions to the original series, including to those ‘untold stories’ often mentioned in passing at the beginning of cases. The aluminium crutch that features in this book is a case in point. Clearly the author has an encyclopeadic of the Sherlock Holmes stories as there are references to both well-known characters from the original, such as Inspector Lestrade, and to less well-known ones, such as Langdale Pike. I’m sure there were other allusions I missed but my favourite was the name of the alter ego Sherlock Holmes adopts in order to pursue his investigation – Ormond Secker. I’ll pause while you go and search online for that… Are you back? Clever, isn’t it?
Even if you’re not familiar with the original stories, Sherlock Holmes & the Singular Affair is an entertaining historical crime mystery which has moments of melodrama and moments when you might be justified in wondering just how on earth Holmes is going to make sense of everything. Since most of us lack the impressive deductive abilities of Sherlock Holmes, I suggest you just sit back and enjoy the ride.
September 20, 2021
M K Wiseman has done a commendable job in Sherlock Holmes and The Singular Affair. Although, I cannot compare the book with that of Arthur Conan Doyle. The book still lacks that thrilling aura which you get while reading Sherlock Holmes. The plot is good and the author has perfectly described Sherlock in his early days. I also liked the cover which depicts the plot. The book has adventure, action and mystery. I would give the book 4 stars. Thanks to Edelweiss for the DRC.
Read full review on bibliophileverse.blogspot.com
Read full review on bibliophileverse.blogspot.com
December 8, 2022
*I received a free copy of this book with thanks to the author and Rachel Gilbey at Rachel’s Random Resources blog tours. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
In this book, M. K. Wiseman has created a prequel to Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes stories, featuring the great detective in his twenties, pre-Watson.
Those familiar with the originals will spot multiple nods to the source materials in this homage, including a brief cameo from Lestrade and mention of Mycroft, plus the recognisable and familiar tropes of his abilities with street-fighting and disguise, as well as his more cerebral talents.
In fact, the style, plot and characters blend exceptionally well into the established canon – perhaps due to the author’s obvious familiarity with and respect for the subject – and I found it easy to forget that I wasn’t reading a previously undiscovered original tale. And yet the story also felt fresh, as it was narrated by Sherlock directly rather than via Watson’s point of view, and depicted his younger self, who felt authentic but not identical.
There is plenty of action in the plot, as a case of confused identity turns into violence, criminal gangs, gold claims and a string of brutal murders. I really enjoyed the novelty of seeing it all direct from Holmes’s viewpoint and getting to see some of his thought processes and felt the author found a nice balance between that aspect and keeping enough back from the reader to retain the mystery for the reveal.
As a keen fan of the classical mystery genre, and of the Sherlock stories in particular, I thoroughly enjoyed this new outing and would definitely read more from this series and author.
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
In this book, M. K. Wiseman has created a prequel to Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes stories, featuring the great detective in his twenties, pre-Watson.
Those familiar with the originals will spot multiple nods to the source materials in this homage, including a brief cameo from Lestrade and mention of Mycroft, plus the recognisable and familiar tropes of his abilities with street-fighting and disguise, as well as his more cerebral talents.
In fact, the style, plot and characters blend exceptionally well into the established canon – perhaps due to the author’s obvious familiarity with and respect for the subject – and I found it easy to forget that I wasn’t reading a previously undiscovered original tale. And yet the story also felt fresh, as it was narrated by Sherlock directly rather than via Watson’s point of view, and depicted his younger self, who felt authentic but not identical.
There is plenty of action in the plot, as a case of confused identity turns into violence, criminal gangs, gold claims and a string of brutal murders. I really enjoyed the novelty of seeing it all direct from Holmes’s viewpoint and getting to see some of his thought processes and felt the author found a nice balance between that aspect and keeping enough back from the reader to retain the mystery for the reveal.
As a keen fan of the classical mystery genre, and of the Sherlock stories in particular, I thoroughly enjoyed this new outing and would definitely read more from this series and author.
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
February 9, 2024
I really enjoyed this "previously unknown" story of Sherlock Holmes & the Singular Affair. I thought the author did a really good job of following the flow of the original series by Arthur Conan Doyle. That is a great achievement in itself. I also thought the characters were well developed and loved following along with the mystery with Sherlock. I want to thank the author, the publisher, and Edelweiss for giving me an e-copy of this book, in return for an honest review.
December 7, 2021
This novel is set in Sherlock Holmes' early years. The story begins with Watson looking through Sherlock's old papers after his death. He finds notes from one of his friends early cases, from before they knew one another. Miss Clarke had asked for Sherlock's help in finding Tobias-Henry, the two had been childhood friends, who later corresponded and intended to have a future together. However, she now has reason to believe he has been replaced by a stranger! Everyone tells her that this Tobias-Henry is the same man, but she is adamant that it is not him. Having known him for so long, she knows his real speech and mannerisms, besides, the man she knows has a minute scar below his right eye. What ensues on Sherlock's quest to find out the truth is secrets, danger, and adventure at every turn.
The characters are well written and the plot was exciting. M.K. Wiseman managed to get the tone right and capture the feel of a Sherlock Holmes novel very well. I found the start a little slow, but once the story got going it picked up pace and captured my attention. I enjoyed the way the author managed to evoke feelings of nostalgia from when I was a child watching and reading Sherlock Holmes inspired TV shows and books. It was an enjoyable story, and is a great choice if you like your history with a slice of mystery!
Thank you to Rachel @rararesources and M.K. Wiseman for sending me a copy of the book to review.
The characters are well written and the plot was exciting. M.K. Wiseman managed to get the tone right and capture the feel of a Sherlock Holmes novel very well. I found the start a little slow, but once the story got going it picked up pace and captured my attention. I enjoyed the way the author managed to evoke feelings of nostalgia from when I was a child watching and reading Sherlock Holmes inspired TV shows and books. It was an enjoyable story, and is a great choice if you like your history with a slice of mystery!
Thank you to Rachel @rararesources and M.K. Wiseman for sending me a copy of the book to review.
December 7, 2021
As a fan of Sherlock Holmes novels I knew I had to give this one a read!
This was a brilliantly written book, it has a lot of what you'd expect from a Sherlock book , with hints of things that link up with the original books by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The book has the same fast pace and thrilling moments that you'd expect from a historical crime fiction type book. We probably all wish we had Sherlocks mind, the way it works and how it easily picks things apart in a matter of seconds .
The storyline is one that has a lot to keep you reading and has intrigue in the case. If you are looking for a murder mystery type book then if say give this one a try.
This was a brilliantly written book, it has a lot of what you'd expect from a Sherlock book , with hints of things that link up with the original books by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The book has the same fast pace and thrilling moments that you'd expect from a historical crime fiction type book. We probably all wish we had Sherlocks mind, the way it works and how it easily picks things apart in a matter of seconds .
The storyline is one that has a lot to keep you reading and has intrigue in the case. If you are looking for a murder mystery type book then if say give this one a try.
March 2, 2022
In a time previous to 221B Baker Street, and therefore, previous to Watson, Holmes is consulted in a strange case of an impostor... and strangely, we don't know which of the two men involved is the impostor.
The author has created a great mystery, told in such a way that fits perfectly into the universe created by Conan Doyle. We even got Lestrade! I really enjoyed it and will be checking more books by this author :)
Bernard Faricy's narration was very good.
The author has created a great mystery, told in such a way that fits perfectly into the universe created by Conan Doyle. We even got Lestrade! I really enjoyed it and will be checking more books by this author :)
Bernard Faricy's narration was very good.
August 1, 2023
A Holmes story from before he met John Watson. It stays very true to cannon. Nice twists & turns in a false heir story.
August 23, 2022
1870s. Twenty-six year old Sherlock Holmes is approached by Miss Eudora Clark. She is convinced that the nephew of Sir Edgar Price, Tobias-Henry Price, is not the real one. She wishes for him to find the man she is in love with. Holmes investigates.
An entertaining mystery
An entertaining mystery
December 17, 2021
Originally published at Reading Reality
After last week’s marvelous book, I was looking for more Sherlock Holmes – as is often the case. So here we are with this little gem.
Many, it feels like most, Sherlock Holmes stories purport to be written by another, usually Dr. John H. Watson, and published by a third or fourth party. By presenting the story as being another person’s recollections and/or impressions of the Great Detective, while the reader is left thinking that they know what Holmes was “like”, what they really know is what the writer/observer “thought” Holmes was like.
As a writing device, it puts Holmes at one or more removes, as the writer imbues the character with his or her own slant on what Holmes thought and did, and then the reader slants that slant. Which fits fairly well with Holmes’ perception or presentation of himself as a thinking machine with few human emotions.
It’s also part of what makes the saying that “every generation has its Sherlock” so true, in that a 21st century author has the opportunity to fit Holmes into the writer’s time and place – as Conan Doyle himself did – or the reader’s time and place or any other in between depending on who is used as Holmes’ biographer/narrator.
This particular entry in the not-quite-canon of Holmes pastiches takes an entirely different tack. The Singular Affair that Holmes must deal with in this adventure occurred before he ever met Watson. Holmes is young – only 26 – and living alone on Montague Street in a flat that is in no way large enough to contain his experiments, his office, and himself.
In other words, his housekeeping is atrocious, there is no Mrs. Hudson in sight, and the tools of his trade have outgrown any and all possible housing for them in the space available. Or, in his present circumstances, affordable.
It allows us to see that Holmes already needs Watson, even if he doesn’t believe he will ever find someone who will be able to tolerate his work, his mess, his single-mindedness or himself with any degree of equanimity.
So Holmes is at the beginning of his career, just far enough along that his name opens many doors – and closes a few others. He has no one to serve as his amanuensis, so he tell the story himself.
But it is removed, as this story is in a manuscript that Dr. John H. Watson discovers amongst Holmes’ papers in the wake of the Great Detective’s death. It’s a story that Holmes tells, but one that he tells of his early career written at the end of his long and celebrated one.
And what a fascinating tale it is.
Escape Rating B: On the one hand, the story does its best to read as the kind of adventure that Watson so successfully wrote. It is chock full of desperate clients, misdirection, multiple identities and shady underworld connections as any Holmes’ fan might wish.
At the same time, it also includes a bit more feeling and not-quite-purple prose than one’s interpretation of Holmes would lead one to expect. The sort of prose and the sort of internal feelings that were part of Watson’s narration but aren’t as expected coming from Holmes’ own pen based on the interpretation of the man that we are familiar with from the pen of Watson.
(The author’s previous foray into Holmes pastiches, Sherlock Holmes & the Ripper of Whitechapel, also foregoes the use of Watson as chronicler, but for an entirely different reason. if this author continues her chronicles of Holmes’ adventures we’ll see if this trend continues in any form. I hope we do.)
On yet another hand, the story is of Holmes’ own early days, when he was both a bit full of the false sense of immortality that we all are capable of at that age, while still more than occasionally being hit upside the head – sometimes literally – by the things he does not yet know or understand.
So the case, as his cases often do, starts out simple to the point of not seeming to be worth his time, only to end up nearly getting Holmes and the man he originally thought was the villain, killed.
It begins with a young woman who is certain that her childhood friend and correspondent has been abducted and that someone else has taken his place – even though everyone else tells her that she’s wrong. She’s not, of course, or Holmes wouldn’t have a case to follow.
But in the best Holmesian traditional mistaken identities and misdirection, she is also wrong. A conundrum that leads Holmes on a very wild goose chase indeed.
The game is afoot! Chasing after Sherlock Holmes as he chases after that game is as much fun as ever. I hope that we see more such tales from this author in the future.
After last week’s marvelous book, I was looking for more Sherlock Holmes – as is often the case. So here we are with this little gem.
Many, it feels like most, Sherlock Holmes stories purport to be written by another, usually Dr. John H. Watson, and published by a third or fourth party. By presenting the story as being another person’s recollections and/or impressions of the Great Detective, while the reader is left thinking that they know what Holmes was “like”, what they really know is what the writer/observer “thought” Holmes was like.
As a writing device, it puts Holmes at one or more removes, as the writer imbues the character with his or her own slant on what Holmes thought and did, and then the reader slants that slant. Which fits fairly well with Holmes’ perception or presentation of himself as a thinking machine with few human emotions.
It’s also part of what makes the saying that “every generation has its Sherlock” so true, in that a 21st century author has the opportunity to fit Holmes into the writer’s time and place – as Conan Doyle himself did – or the reader’s time and place or any other in between depending on who is used as Holmes’ biographer/narrator.
This particular entry in the not-quite-canon of Holmes pastiches takes an entirely different tack. The Singular Affair that Holmes must deal with in this adventure occurred before he ever met Watson. Holmes is young – only 26 – and living alone on Montague Street in a flat that is in no way large enough to contain his experiments, his office, and himself.
In other words, his housekeeping is atrocious, there is no Mrs. Hudson in sight, and the tools of his trade have outgrown any and all possible housing for them in the space available. Or, in his present circumstances, affordable.
It allows us to see that Holmes already needs Watson, even if he doesn’t believe he will ever find someone who will be able to tolerate his work, his mess, his single-mindedness or himself with any degree of equanimity.
So Holmes is at the beginning of his career, just far enough along that his name opens many doors – and closes a few others. He has no one to serve as his amanuensis, so he tell the story himself.
But it is removed, as this story is in a manuscript that Dr. John H. Watson discovers amongst Holmes’ papers in the wake of the Great Detective’s death. It’s a story that Holmes tells, but one that he tells of his early career written at the end of his long and celebrated one.
And what a fascinating tale it is.
Escape Rating B: On the one hand, the story does its best to read as the kind of adventure that Watson so successfully wrote. It is chock full of desperate clients, misdirection, multiple identities and shady underworld connections as any Holmes’ fan might wish.
At the same time, it also includes a bit more feeling and not-quite-purple prose than one’s interpretation of Holmes would lead one to expect. The sort of prose and the sort of internal feelings that were part of Watson’s narration but aren’t as expected coming from Holmes’ own pen based on the interpretation of the man that we are familiar with from the pen of Watson.
(The author’s previous foray into Holmes pastiches, Sherlock Holmes & the Ripper of Whitechapel, also foregoes the use of Watson as chronicler, but for an entirely different reason. if this author continues her chronicles of Holmes’ adventures we’ll see if this trend continues in any form. I hope we do.)
On yet another hand, the story is of Holmes’ own early days, when he was both a bit full of the false sense of immortality that we all are capable of at that age, while still more than occasionally being hit upside the head – sometimes literally – by the things he does not yet know or understand.
So the case, as his cases often do, starts out simple to the point of not seeming to be worth his time, only to end up nearly getting Holmes and the man he originally thought was the villain, killed.
It begins with a young woman who is certain that her childhood friend and correspondent has been abducted and that someone else has taken his place – even though everyone else tells her that she’s wrong. She’s not, of course, or Holmes wouldn’t have a case to follow.
But in the best Holmesian traditional mistaken identities and misdirection, she is also wrong. A conundrum that leads Holmes on a very wild goose chase indeed.
The game is afoot! Chasing after Sherlock Holmes as he chases after that game is as much fun as ever. I hope that we see more such tales from this author in the future.
December 8, 2021
“I can only hope that I may finish in time. If you are reading this letter, then you will already know what time I anticipate. Thus, I direct your attentions to the Singular Affair of the Aluminium Crutch and remain, my dear fellow, Very sincerely yours, Sherlock Holmes.”
The story:
Before he meets Dr Watson, Sherlock Holmes had already established himself as a private consulting detective of note, well known around London for his extraordinary powers of deduction. Looking back over his career from many years’ distance, Holmes himself narrates the singular affair of the aluminium crutch…
When Miss Eudora Clarke comes to him for help, her story at first appears to be a simple missing persons case, involving Tobias-Henry Price – her fiancé and nephew to the wealthy Sir Edgar. But she piques Holmes’ interest when it emerges that not only is the man missing, but there appears to be an impostor claiming his identity; and more confusing still, only Miss Clarke seems to have realised the substitution. Holmes agrees to take the case, but just as things seem complicated enough, a terrible group of murders sees him dashing to the scene at Tobias-Henry’s country home. With a tale stretching from London’s high society to the gold rush of New Mexico, will Holmes be able to solve the case without the help of his faithful Watson?
My thoughts:
At one time I was dead-set against reading books about established characters by new authors – for some reason I wasn’t keen on this, particularly involving characters I was especially fond of. But happily, I got over myself (!), and I’m glad I did, as it’s allowed me to enjoy some great books by the likes of Anthony Horowitz, Sophie Hannah, and now MK Wiseman.
Fans of Sherlock Holmes are probably aware that the original stories are peppered with references to other cases, never elaborated upon by Conan Doyle. In fact, particularly keen fans have documented these, and reckon there to be more than a hundred such mentions. And some authors have also used these as inspiration for their own works, famously including Conan Doyle’s own son Adrian, and his official biographer and acclaimed mystery writer John Dickson Carr, in their work “The Exploits of Sherlock Holmes”. So it was great to learn that the title of this book relates to the “singular affair of the aluminium crutch”, as mentioned in the tale, “The Musgrave Ritual”.
MK Wiseman herself must be a great fan of the Holmes stories, as I found myself completely immersed in this new tale of his exploits. Without Watson to act as his biographer, Holmes narrates the story himself, giving us some great insights into his character and deductions along the way. The mystery itself is very well done, and kept me guessing to the end over who knew what, who was telling the truth, and what on earth was going on! I’d highly recommend this book to all Sherlock fans – you won’t be disappointed!
The story:
Before he meets Dr Watson, Sherlock Holmes had already established himself as a private consulting detective of note, well known around London for his extraordinary powers of deduction. Looking back over his career from many years’ distance, Holmes himself narrates the singular affair of the aluminium crutch…
When Miss Eudora Clarke comes to him for help, her story at first appears to be a simple missing persons case, involving Tobias-Henry Price – her fiancé and nephew to the wealthy Sir Edgar. But she piques Holmes’ interest when it emerges that not only is the man missing, but there appears to be an impostor claiming his identity; and more confusing still, only Miss Clarke seems to have realised the substitution. Holmes agrees to take the case, but just as things seem complicated enough, a terrible group of murders sees him dashing to the scene at Tobias-Henry’s country home. With a tale stretching from London’s high society to the gold rush of New Mexico, will Holmes be able to solve the case without the help of his faithful Watson?
My thoughts:
At one time I was dead-set against reading books about established characters by new authors – for some reason I wasn’t keen on this, particularly involving characters I was especially fond of. But happily, I got over myself (!), and I’m glad I did, as it’s allowed me to enjoy some great books by the likes of Anthony Horowitz, Sophie Hannah, and now MK Wiseman.
Fans of Sherlock Holmes are probably aware that the original stories are peppered with references to other cases, never elaborated upon by Conan Doyle. In fact, particularly keen fans have documented these, and reckon there to be more than a hundred such mentions. And some authors have also used these as inspiration for their own works, famously including Conan Doyle’s own son Adrian, and his official biographer and acclaimed mystery writer John Dickson Carr, in their work “The Exploits of Sherlock Holmes”. So it was great to learn that the title of this book relates to the “singular affair of the aluminium crutch”, as mentioned in the tale, “The Musgrave Ritual”.
MK Wiseman herself must be a great fan of the Holmes stories, as I found myself completely immersed in this new tale of his exploits. Without Watson to act as his biographer, Holmes narrates the story himself, giving us some great insights into his character and deductions along the way. The mystery itself is very well done, and kept me guessing to the end over who knew what, who was telling the truth, and what on earth was going on! I’d highly recommend this book to all Sherlock fans – you won’t be disappointed!
December 3, 2022
I do love a Sherlock Holmes mystery, and this is a very good one. It wasn't that long ago that I read some of the original stories, and so I can say that the set-up is very traditional Holmes, even if we don't have Watson in this story. This Holmes sounds like Holmes and acts like Holmes, and the story is particularly twisty and all the more enjoyable for that. (I am also an avid fan of the 221B Baker Street board game, although I do struggle to find others who love it as much as I do).
Holmes is asked to investigate the identity of a man who only one woman is convinced is not who he says he is. She has proof, she says. She grew up with the 'real' man, and this man, wearing his name and even beloved of the missing man's uncle, is not who he claims to be. This sounds like it should be easy to solve - unmask the culprit and ta-da. But that is not at all the case. Holmes is forced to adopt an alias to live a double life for a while in his attempt to get to the bottom of the case, which becomes somewhat grisly throughout the investigation.
Sometimes I was a little confused, but I think that was intentional. There were times I was a little unsure about what Holmes was up to, but I also believe that was intentional as well. I did feel thoroughly swept up in Holmes' world, with its slightly murky sidelines, as well as its traditional 'day at the races,' and the conclusion to the story was very satisfying.
A really well-done Holmes mystery. MK Wiseman knows her stuff, which is very, very true to the original, even in its brevity. I really recommend this tale if you love a good Holmes mystery.
Holmes is asked to investigate the identity of a man who only one woman is convinced is not who he says he is. She has proof, she says. She grew up with the 'real' man, and this man, wearing his name and even beloved of the missing man's uncle, is not who he claims to be. This sounds like it should be easy to solve - unmask the culprit and ta-da. But that is not at all the case. Holmes is forced to adopt an alias to live a double life for a while in his attempt to get to the bottom of the case, which becomes somewhat grisly throughout the investigation.
Sometimes I was a little confused, but I think that was intentional. There were times I was a little unsure about what Holmes was up to, but I also believe that was intentional as well. I did feel thoroughly swept up in Holmes' world, with its slightly murky sidelines, as well as its traditional 'day at the races,' and the conclusion to the story was very satisfying.
A really well-done Holmes mystery. MK Wiseman knows her stuff, which is very, very true to the original, even in its brevity. I really recommend this tale if you love a good Holmes mystery.
September 23, 2021
With Sherlock Holmes recently deceased, Dr. John H. Watson has received a package left to him by his old friend. In that package he finds a story--Holmes' own account of an adventure he had before he ever met Watson. It involves high society, stage-door dandies, and a young woman wanting to know where the young man courting her has disappeared to.
Miss Eudora Frances Clarke grew up as neighbors and close friends with Mr. Tobias-Henry Price, until when they were twelve years old, his father died, and his uncle, whose heir he now was, took him away to his home. There was little contact, and then Tobias-Henry was sent abroad to oversee some business of his uncle's. Then he returned, proposed marriage, hinted at problems related to his business activities, and disappeared.
Except, as everyone assures her, Mr. Tobias-Henry Price is not missing. He's living the life of a cultivated gentleman in the London society which, due to being of far less prosperous family, Eudora has never been a part of. She contrives to encounter him leaving his club, and--the man is handsome, charming, altogether likeable, but he is not her Tobias-Henry. This man is a stranger. Everyone, including his Uncle, assures her she is wrong. But her Tobias-henry had a scar acquired in their childhood, which this man does not have.
What follows is a confusing adventure, with contradictory evidence everywhere. Who is the man Eudora is quite sure is an imposter, though the uncle and others insist he is not? Who is the man she is certain is the real Tobias-Henry, and why has he disappeared?
What Holmes learns, very quickly, is that at least one of the two men has very dangerous enemies, and that Eudoria's Tobias-Henry is involved with a criminal gang in London.
As Holmes pieces the clues together, and someone kills both the uncle and his servants, and the servants at the home of the cousin Eudora has been staying with, it becomes clear that everyone--Eudora, "her" Tobias-Henry, the generally-recognized Tobias-Henry, and the now-dead uncle, all have secrets.
This novella feels very much like the "real" Sherlock Holmes, telling his own story since he has not yet met Watson--and learning along the in this adventure that maybe it would not be a bad thing to have a few more people noticing when he's coming and going. Very enjoyable and satisfying. Recommended.
I received a free electronic galley of this book from the publisher via Rachel's Random Resources, and am reviewing it voluntarily.
Miss Eudora Frances Clarke grew up as neighbors and close friends with Mr. Tobias-Henry Price, until when they were twelve years old, his father died, and his uncle, whose heir he now was, took him away to his home. There was little contact, and then Tobias-Henry was sent abroad to oversee some business of his uncle's. Then he returned, proposed marriage, hinted at problems related to his business activities, and disappeared.
Except, as everyone assures her, Mr. Tobias-Henry Price is not missing. He's living the life of a cultivated gentleman in the London society which, due to being of far less prosperous family, Eudora has never been a part of. She contrives to encounter him leaving his club, and--the man is handsome, charming, altogether likeable, but he is not her Tobias-Henry. This man is a stranger. Everyone, including his Uncle, assures her she is wrong. But her Tobias-henry had a scar acquired in their childhood, which this man does not have.
What follows is a confusing adventure, with contradictory evidence everywhere. Who is the man Eudora is quite sure is an imposter, though the uncle and others insist he is not? Who is the man she is certain is the real Tobias-Henry, and why has he disappeared?
What Holmes learns, very quickly, is that at least one of the two men has very dangerous enemies, and that Eudoria's Tobias-Henry is involved with a criminal gang in London.
As Holmes pieces the clues together, and someone kills both the uncle and his servants, and the servants at the home of the cousin Eudora has been staying with, it becomes clear that everyone--Eudora, "her" Tobias-Henry, the generally-recognized Tobias-Henry, and the now-dead uncle, all have secrets.
This novella feels very much like the "real" Sherlock Holmes, telling his own story since he has not yet met Watson--and learning along the in this adventure that maybe it would not be a bad thing to have a few more people noticing when he's coming and going. Very enjoyable and satisfying. Recommended.
I received a free electronic galley of this book from the publisher via Rachel's Random Resources, and am reviewing it voluntarily.
December 7, 2022
Sherlock shares a case of a missing person who is not missing.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is the second Sherlock Holmes book by M.K. Wiseman, but I felt at no disadvantage for not having read The Ripper of Whitechapel first.
This starts with a letter from Sherlock Holmes, recounting a case from before he teamed up with Watson.
He is employed by a Miss Clarke to find her missing beau - who, by everyone's account except Miss Clarke, is dazzling the London ton, and not missing at all.
Miss Clarke insists that he is an imposter, and Sherlock must uncover the truth.
While not exactly a simple missing persons case, it turns out to be much more dangerous than Sherlock predicted, for everyone involved.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story.
In nature, I thought it was in keeping with the original Sherlock Holmes books; but gave us a completely new plot.
I don't want to say anything, because every detail could be a spoiler!
Throughout the investigation, the story builds its cast of characters, suspicion falling on all of them.
I liked how Sherlock shared only so much of what his conclusions were - I wasn't completely in the dark, but it kept me guessing until the very end!
Overall, I enjoyed this immensely, and I look forward to reading more of Wiseman's work!
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is the second Sherlock Holmes book by M.K. Wiseman, but I felt at no disadvantage for not having read The Ripper of Whitechapel first.
This starts with a letter from Sherlock Holmes, recounting a case from before he teamed up with Watson.
He is employed by a Miss Clarke to find her missing beau - who, by everyone's account except Miss Clarke, is dazzling the London ton, and not missing at all.
Miss Clarke insists that he is an imposter, and Sherlock must uncover the truth.
While not exactly a simple missing persons case, it turns out to be much more dangerous than Sherlock predicted, for everyone involved.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story.
In nature, I thought it was in keeping with the original Sherlock Holmes books; but gave us a completely new plot.
I don't want to say anything, because every detail could be a spoiler!
Throughout the investigation, the story builds its cast of characters, suspicion falling on all of them.
I liked how Sherlock shared only so much of what his conclusions were - I wasn't completely in the dark, but it kept me guessing until the very end!
Overall, I enjoyed this immensely, and I look forward to reading more of Wiseman's work!
December 4, 2022
4 Stars from me
I have long adored the beautiful flow and prose of Sherlock Holmes stories, their very cadence puts me in mind of winter evenings and the sounds of horse drawn carriages in the crisp night air.
As such I was delighted for the opportunity to take part in the book blitz for Sherlock Holmes and the Singular Affair.
In the style of a memoir cum prequel if you will, the story has a deliberate and unhurried air to it much in keeping with the traditional Sherlock stories.
I enjoyed the nods to the original stories and the little mysterious, show off moments, deductions and of course Ormond Secker.
Overall M K Wiseman has created and thoughtful and enjoyable tale in the style of classic Holmes and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I have long adored the beautiful flow and prose of Sherlock Holmes stories, their very cadence puts me in mind of winter evenings and the sounds of horse drawn carriages in the crisp night air.
As such I was delighted for the opportunity to take part in the book blitz for Sherlock Holmes and the Singular Affair.
In the style of a memoir cum prequel if you will, the story has a deliberate and unhurried air to it much in keeping with the traditional Sherlock stories.
I enjoyed the nods to the original stories and the little mysterious, show off moments, deductions and of course Ormond Secker.
Overall M K Wiseman has created and thoughtful and enjoyable tale in the style of classic Holmes and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
December 7, 2021
I chose to read this book after receiving a free e-copy. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.
This book occurs before Sherlock Holmes meets Watson, so he is on his own for this mystery. It starts out a bit odd: Miss Clarke asks him to find her “real” friend, Mr. Tobias-Henry Price, and not the imposter who is posing as him.
The case is complicated and a little confusing, but Holmes has it figured out pretty quickly. Unfortunately, not quickly enough that he can prevent several murders. Will he and those he’s supposed to keep safe survive the murderers?
If you like a good old-fashioned mystery, you’ll like this book.
This book occurs before Sherlock Holmes meets Watson, so he is on his own for this mystery. It starts out a bit odd: Miss Clarke asks him to find her “real” friend, Mr. Tobias-Henry Price, and not the imposter who is posing as him.
The case is complicated and a little confusing, but Holmes has it figured out pretty quickly. Unfortunately, not quickly enough that he can prevent several murders. Will he and those he’s supposed to keep safe survive the murderers?
If you like a good old-fashioned mystery, you’ll like this book.
December 9, 2021
This is not my first read from M.K. Wiseman and it won’t be my last. I love her writing style. You don’t need to be familiar with the original Sherlock stories to appreciate what this author has done. This is a great historical crime novel.
The characters are excellent. They really make this story worth reading because of how well rounded they are. I really appreciate deep, developed characters that drive the story.
Sherlock Holmes & the Singular Affair is an excellent read that I really enjoyed. Looking forward to more from this author. Don’t miss out.
Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources for the free review copy. All opinions are my own and unbiased.
The characters are excellent. They really make this story worth reading because of how well rounded they are. I really appreciate deep, developed characters that drive the story.
Sherlock Holmes & the Singular Affair is an excellent read that I really enjoyed. Looking forward to more from this author. Don’t miss out.
Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources for the free review copy. All opinions are my own and unbiased.
October 26, 2022
Fun Sherlock Holmes "Who done it"
Parents- PG appropriate for middle school and up
Language- none but lots of big/fancy Sherlock language that is better for bit better reader
Violence- normal to genre, nothing too graphic
Sexual Content- none
Very much in the style of the original Sherlock series. It has plenty of twists, tests and loads of interesting investigating. The story keeps a good pace and keeps the reader engaged.
Narrator- Nice voice, proper accent for genre and ok differentiations but a tad slow, I found normal speed 1.35x but preferred listening at 1.5x speed.
—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Parents- PG appropriate for middle school and up
Language- none but lots of big/fancy Sherlock language that is better for bit better reader
Violence- normal to genre, nothing too graphic
Sexual Content- none
Very much in the style of the original Sherlock series. It has plenty of twists, tests and loads of interesting investigating. The story keeps a good pace and keeps the reader engaged.
Narrator- Nice voice, proper accent for genre and ok differentiations but a tad slow, I found normal speed 1.35x but preferred listening at 1.5x speed.
—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
December 8, 2021
This is a prequel to the Sherlock Holmes stories that we all know, before he has his escapades documented by Dr John Watson.
Writing a case using such a well known character can be a tough ask but the author obviously is extremely knowledgeable on the subject. There are a lot of subtle references to throughout this case.
This test of his deducing skills sees him looking for a missing man eve though everyone is convinced he isn’t! However one person is sure an imposter has taken the place of her friend.
A thoroughly enjoyable read that is a credit to Holmes stories.
Writing a case using such a well known character can be a tough ask but the author obviously is extremely knowledgeable on the subject. There are a lot of subtle references to throughout this case.
This test of his deducing skills sees him looking for a missing man eve though everyone is convinced he isn’t! However one person is sure an imposter has taken the place of her friend.
A thoroughly enjoyable read that is a credit to Holmes stories.
February 15, 2022
Average but worth a read
I read the authors first SH book which had an unsatisfactory but pre-ordered this one.
It's a quick read at 147 pages. The vernacular is much better and in keeping. Having no Watson was weird but Holmes narrating his own story was cool.
I feel this version is more like Robert Downey Juniors Holmes than Conan's Holmes. As I pictures the scenes I saw RDJ not another Holmes or even my own version.
This book will not change your life but will entertain you for a couple of hours....
I read the authors first SH book which had an unsatisfactory but pre-ordered this one.
It's a quick read at 147 pages. The vernacular is much better and in keeping. Having no Watson was weird but Holmes narrating his own story was cool.
I feel this version is more like Robert Downey Juniors Holmes than Conan's Holmes. As I pictures the scenes I saw RDJ not another Holmes or even my own version.
This book will not change your life but will entertain you for a couple of hours....
October 28, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. This is my first M.K. Wiseman and first Sherlock Holmes book. This was a fast and easy book to get through. I liked the writing style of the author. It did feel like I was in that time period. I enjoyed the story itself. I recommend this book if you’re looking for a quick detective book.
July 22, 2022
Time to relax !
After listening to an intense thirty hours series it’s always nice to take a break and listen to a short, easy to understand and enjoyable audiobook like Sherlock Holmes.
I thank the author M. K. Wiseman for writing this book.
And I thank Bernard Faricy for narrating.
Oded Ostfeld.
After listening to an intense thirty hours series it’s always nice to take a break and listen to a short, easy to understand and enjoyable audiobook like Sherlock Holmes.
I thank the author M. K. Wiseman for writing this book.
And I thank Bernard Faricy for narrating.
Oded Ostfeld.
August 18, 2022
Got the victorian age perfectly from speech too the setting and the characters were superb. Having Sherlock Holmes as the Narrator was a brilliant touch and added so much attention to detail. Absolutely loved this book unlike other American authors Miss Wisman does not put Americanism into her writing.
September 30, 2022
Twisty
I really enjoyed this story! I thought i had it figured out, and I didn't, which always makes me happy. I thought the whole story was true to the period and I hope M.K. Wiseman has written more. I think the world needs more good Holmes stories. The narration by Bernard Faricy was good, too. Even though Watson wasn't there, Mr. Faricy's narration made it seem like he was. Thanks!
I really enjoyed this story! I thought i had it figured out, and I didn't, which always makes me happy. I thought the whole story was true to the period and I hope M.K. Wiseman has written more. I think the world needs more good Holmes stories. The narration by Bernard Faricy was good, too. Even though Watson wasn't there, Mr. Faricy's narration made it seem like he was. Thanks!
October 4, 2022
The familiar Holmes
….is created by the author, who obviously has done her research. The story is very much in the vein of Conan Doyle, the pacing correct and the characters authentic. Hopefully she will continue.
….is created by the author, who obviously has done her research. The story is very much in the vein of Conan Doyle, the pacing correct and the characters authentic. Hopefully she will continue.
October 18, 2021
This feels very authentic to Sherlock originals and its clear the author is a fan. Did miss the double act but otherwise an intriguing book and great storytelling.
December 5, 2021
Sherlock Holmes and The Singular Affair is an entertaining tale of intrigue and subterfuge. My first M.K.Wiseman book and one that is fast paced and easy to read.
December 9, 2021
Fantastic
I loved the language so reminiscent of all the other Holmes mysteries. The convoluted twists and turns also a joy.
I loved the language so reminiscent of all the other Holmes mysteries. The convoluted twists and turns also a joy.
May 28, 2022
Go Bucky.
Excellent Holmes style. Cool to see how it may have been before Watson. Grew up in Janesville. Many trips to Mad-Town. Keep the stories coming.
Excellent Holmes style. Cool to see how it may have been before Watson. Grew up in Janesville. Many trips to Mad-Town. Keep the stories coming.
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