From the author of The Darkened Village and The Medium of Death comes four mysteries featuring London’s first consulting detective, Sherlock Holmes, and his faithful biographer, Dr. John H. Watson.
While investigating the wrongful incarceration of a young man for murder, Holmes uncovers a tangled web of deception—and makes one misstep with tragic consequences.
Long the chronicler and companion of Sherlock Holmes, Dr. John H. Watson has frequently helped his friend investigate mysterious circumstances on behalf of those people beset by them, but now he must apply to Sherlock Holmes himself to unravel a baffling incident of his own.
In another case, Holmes is engaged by Inspector Lestrade of Scotland Yard to uncover a killer who committed a brazen act of murder before hundreds of witnesses, not one of whom can identify him.
And, lastly, Holmes is hired on Boxing Day by eight-year-old Christopher Baker to find his sister’s doll, which was stolen from under their tree before his family could unwrap their presents on Christmas morning. But is there more to this inexplicable and seemingly simple incident than is immediately apparent?
A mistake, two incidents, and a murder combine to provide four satisfying entries in detection that are sure to entertain and surprise those who follow the exploits of Sherlock Holmes and John H. Watson—and even those who don’t.
I live close to Harrisburg, PA and have been married since 1990 to a wonderful woman who puts up with me disappearing into my study more often than she would like. I have four children, one of whom is still at home, two very cute granddaughters, a happy grandson, and an infant grandson.
I am a graduate of Red Land High school in Lewisberry, PA; attended DIckinson College in Carlisle, PA for two years; and finished my degree by graduating summa cum laude from Shippensburg University, also in PA, with a BA in English. Shippensburg provided a good education at a reasonable price. For years before my marriage, I performed on stage in area community theaters, directed and music directed stage and musical shows, and otherwise kept myself occupied until, on a blind date, I met my wife. Unlike previous dates where either I or the lady I was a dating knew from the first we weren't a match, I was nearly certain this the woman for me. (She was less certain.) I am very, very glad I waited for the right woman. Who else would tolerate me?
I have held many jobs over the years. I've dug ditches, stocked grocery shelves, tutored for room and board, cleaned restrooms, mopped floors, taught cartooning, worked in a bank, asked if you'd like fries with that (and cooked the fries to boot), ordered carpet for cars, and worked commission sales at Sears. I recently retired with over 37 years from the Federal workforce. I consumed your tax dollars in a Computer Design and Supply Agency for the Department of Defense, saving you money that was shamelessly wasted somewhere else. One of my books ("Close Enough for Government Work") relates anecdotes from those years and includes my cartoons! Coworkers came from all over to see those cartoons, and you can do that now just by purchasing the book.
Now retired, I still keep busy. I conduct the Home School Orchestra in our area. I have volunteered as conductor for over 25 years, and I'm told they'll keep me - if for no other reason than I'm willing to do the work gratis. My music for full orchestra and for piano can be purchased at ScoreExchange.
I have been writing stories for decades in different genres. I've added spice to my writing life by switching from comedy ("Molded by Humor"), science fiction ("Armstrong City," "Speaking"), mystery (see the next paragraph), fantasy ("The Quest for the RavenDisc"), and horror ("Brushes with the Supernatural" and "If You Don't Watch Out") as the muse strikes me. I try to keep my stories mature, but not so mature your children couldn't read them. The exception would be "Collisions", which depicts some adult situations. While not graphic by today's standards, adults should use discretion in allowing their children to read it. The sequel to "Collisions," "Until He Meets an Agony," came out in 2025. A third and final book in the trilogy "The End of Agony," is due out in 2027. It may come out sooner if I make enough money in 2026 to pay for editing more books!
My big sellers are my Sherlock Holmes books, "The Darkened Village", "The Leveson-Gower Theft", and "The Medium of Death", the novelette, "The MelRoy Theatre Ghost," and the collections "A Mistake, Two Incidents, and a Murder," "A Disappearance and a Temptation," "The Vodou Murder," and "The Incidents of Sherlock Holmes." Hot on Sherlock Holmes' heels for sales is "Charlie Chan's Luxury Cruise," a tribute to both the books by Earl Derr Biggers and the old black and white movies. The sequel, "Charlie Chan in San Francisco," was recently released.
My favorite book is "Marishka," a fictionalized account of the stories told by my maternal grandmother, who escaped the Armenian persecution as a child. Much of the story -- in fact the most unbelievable parts -- is true, and an afterward separates the fact from the fiction.
I also write non-fiction. I have been a Christian for over 50 years, and I decided to write a book on theology for the layman, "Solid Ground." W
1 the fatal mistake of Sherlock Holmes 3.5 stars A good tale of an innocent man framed and the repercussions of a conversation
2 The incident of dual intrusions 2.5 stars a prequel short story based on the adventure of the final problem
3 The Murder of Julius Ceasar 2.5 stars another passable story
4 the incident of the stolen Christmas present 3.5 a Charles Dickensesque Christmas style mystery very very well told about a little girl's missing Christmas gift
This a a case that surprised me, as S Holmes went to the most innocent family member and that caused more death and confusion in his family. S Holmes learned that he should not present anyone with the solution to a problem without having all the possibilities examined. Hence he did nto explain his solution to who done it until he was quite sure of the facts and had people ready to take actyion if the situation demanded it.
As far as Sherlock Holmes stories go, Barry Clay is one of my favorites. This work features four adventures: a novella, and three minor adventures. I especially enjoyed the Christmas mystery. All are nicely told, in Watson's view of course, and the mysteries are easier reading.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Quite entertaIning to read this. Look forward to reading more by the author, especially if it concerns Holmes and Watson.