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A Mistake, Two Incidents, and a Murder: Four Sherlock Holmes Adventures
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.
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.
- GenresMystery
184 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 18, 2021
28 people are currently reading
10 people want to read
About the author
Barry Clay
73 books4 followersI 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, two of whom are still at home, and one very cute granddaughter.
I am a graduate of Red Land High school in Lewisberry, PA, and a summa cum laude graduate of 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 positive my wife was 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 had 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. Currently, I am a 32 year veteran of the Federal employee workforce. I consume your tax dollars in a Computer Design Agency for the Department of Defense. Believe it or not, I and my employees save you money, which will no doubt be shamelessly spent somewhere else in the government.
In addition to my job, I also conduct the Home School Orchestra in our area. The previous conductor was the Chair of the Music Department in Shippensburg University, but he left to maintain his paying job. I have volunteered as conductor for 20 years or more, and I'm told they'll keep me - if for no other reason than I'm willing to do the work for nothing.
I have been writing stories for decades in different genres. I've added spice to my writing life by switching from comedy, science fiction, mystery, and horror 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.
My big seller is book number nine: "The Darkened Village", a Sherlock Holmes adventure.
I've got quite a backlog of books, novellas, and novelettes, some of which have won local awards. And I've got more in my head, waiting to be put down on electronic paper. If you like my work, I promise there will be more of it in the future unless I unexpetedly "shuffle off my mortal coil". Of course, because I can't afford to give up my day job, it might take a while.
I also write non-fiction. I have been a Christian for almost 50 years, and I decided to write a book on theology for the layman, "Solid Ground." While written primarily for believers (to provide the grounding in the faith I missed because I was not raised in a Christian home), it also should provide easy access to the unbeliever who wants to know more about how the every day Christian he may meet approaches his or her faith. You can buy the complete tome, or you can by individual chapters as eBooks and some as printed books.
In addition to the books and stories you will see on Amazon, I've written four musicals (two of which were performed locally to good reviews), three piano sonatas, one etude, ten works for Christian choirs and ensembles, over 40 works for young orchestra, and even have a passel of cartoons I drew when I was a working level employee.
In my spare time, I play piano, am a chain reader, volunteer in church, clean the kitchen, and write a blog on topics that range from culture, books, religion, politics, and griping about the difficulty of installing car seats.
Some nights, I sleep, too.
I am a graduate of Red Land High school in Lewisberry, PA, and a summa cum laude graduate of 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 positive my wife was 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 had 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. Currently, I am a 32 year veteran of the Federal employee workforce. I consume your tax dollars in a Computer Design Agency for the Department of Defense. Believe it or not, I and my employees save you money, which will no doubt be shamelessly spent somewhere else in the government.
In addition to my job, I also conduct the Home School Orchestra in our area. The previous conductor was the Chair of the Music Department in Shippensburg University, but he left to maintain his paying job. I have volunteered as conductor for 20 years or more, and I'm told they'll keep me - if for no other reason than I'm willing to do the work for nothing.
I have been writing stories for decades in different genres. I've added spice to my writing life by switching from comedy, science fiction, mystery, and horror 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.
My big seller is book number nine: "The Darkened Village", a Sherlock Holmes adventure.
I've got quite a backlog of books, novellas, and novelettes, some of which have won local awards. And I've got more in my head, waiting to be put down on electronic paper. If you like my work, I promise there will be more of it in the future unless I unexpetedly "shuffle off my mortal coil". Of course, because I can't afford to give up my day job, it might take a while.
I also write non-fiction. I have been a Christian for almost 50 years, and I decided to write a book on theology for the layman, "Solid Ground." While written primarily for believers (to provide the grounding in the faith I missed because I was not raised in a Christian home), it also should provide easy access to the unbeliever who wants to know more about how the every day Christian he may meet approaches his or her faith. You can buy the complete tome, or you can by individual chapters as eBooks and some as printed books.
In addition to the books and stories you will see on Amazon, I've written four musicals (two of which were performed locally to good reviews), three piano sonatas, one etude, ten works for Christian choirs and ensembles, over 40 works for young orchestra, and even have a passel of cartoons I drew when I was a working level employee.
In my spare time, I play piano, am a chain reader, volunteer in church, clean the kitchen, and write a blog on topics that range from culture, books, religion, politics, and griping about the difficulty of installing car seats.
Some nights, I sleep, too.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
July 29, 2022
4 stories
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
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
July 31, 2022
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.
January 11, 2022
Loved 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.
Christa
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.
Christa
November 4, 2024
Entertaining Holmes listening 🎶🔰
This kindle e-book novel is from my Kindle Unlimited account
A number of short Sherlock Holmes adventures, each different with interesting characters lots of action and misdirection leading to each conclusion.
I would recommend this novel and author to fans of Sherlock Holmes and readers of British 🏰👑 mystery novels 👍🔰. 2024 😤👑😮
This kindle e-book novel is from my Kindle Unlimited account
A number of short Sherlock Holmes adventures, each different with interesting characters lots of action and misdirection leading to each conclusion.
I would recommend this novel and author to fans of Sherlock Holmes and readers of British 🏰👑 mystery novels 👍🔰. 2024 😤👑😮
May 22, 2022
Quite entertaining 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.
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.
June 6, 2022
Typical Holmes
Nice 👍 stories to add to Holmes. yff gr yu fr t Holmes,getjijjjjtd ya to nhf yuh feu hfr se hr
Nice 👍 stories to add to Holmes. yff gr yu fr t Holmes,getjijjjjtd ya to nhf yuh feu hfr se hr
September 25, 2022
An excellent collection of Holmes short stories
This is a well written collection of four cases of Sherlock Holmes. It was fun to read and I will look for others by the author.
This is a well written collection of four cases of Sherlock Holmes. It was fun to read and I will look for others by the author.
November 17, 2022
Exceptional collection of stories--all exquisitely crafted with the perfect voice. The preeminent successor to A. Conon Doyle. What a pleasure!
March 2, 2023
entertaining and kind hearted
It’s nice to read a well-crafted tale consistent with canon yet also kind hearted
Characters are close to canon and a pleasure to read
It’s nice to read a well-crafted tale consistent with canon yet also kind hearted
Characters are close to canon and a pleasure to read
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews