The Further Adventures of Sherlock Holmes - Deathly Relics

by Sam Siciliano

An atmospheric, intricately plotted new mystery in which Sherlock Holmes and Henry Vernier race to catch a villainous murderer at large in the Vatican and Rome.

Sherlock Holmes and Henry Vernier are visiting Rome on a diplomatic mission when the Pope asks the world’s greatest detective to help find a stolen the forefinger of “doubting” Saint Thomas. But when the relic is quickly and mysteriously returned, and all seems to be easily resolved, the forefinger is stolen again in a brutal attack.

Holmes and Vernier must follow the trail of a sacrilegious murderer through the streets of Rome and the halls of the Vatican, uncovering dark ties between members of the church and an Italian crime family.

Genres: Mystery

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 24, 2023

Reviews

[Stephen Robert Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a trip to Rome including all the beautiful art and Italian food. You can almost taste the food Holmes eats. But this is also about the vows of a Roman Catholic priest and forbidden love. It's about the Mafia and murder of terrible form.
This Sam's best Holmes books it is Roman Catholic satirical look at Relics in religious history and Holmes view point used to show silly ideas about them.

[Les Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the best non Conan Doyle Sherlock Holmes books I have read. Well worth a read. Nearly gave it 5.

[WhatShouldIRead]

Read about 100 pages. Too much religious stuff for my taste. Characters chit-chatting quite a bit which didn't seem to move the story forward. Will pass on this one.

[David Knapp · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of the Sherlock Holmes pastiches written by Sam Siciliano. I've read all of his Titan Publishing works featuring Sherlock's cousin Dr. Henry Vernier as his Boswell - rather than John Watson. Therefore, I was excited to read this latest entry.

In general, I really enjoyed this work. But like his previous book in the series ("The Venerable Tiger"), I thought it suffered from a minor, but annoying, weakness.

Specifically, unlike many of his earlier works featuring Holmes and Vernier, this one seemed too obvious to me in terms of the overall plot, plot twists, and villain(s). I never discuss plots in any depth to avoid spoilers, but I will say that the villain self-identified themselves to Holmes and Vernier well before the climax. And that took away a lot of the fun of reading a Holmes mystery.

On the plus side, Siciliano was once again a master of mimicking Arthur Conan Doyle's voice. When I read his pastiches, I absolutely hear Sherlock's voice in the dialogue. And that's a rare occurrence in the pastiches written by other modern writers.

In the end, I think four stars is a solid rating for this novel. I really liked it...I just didn't love it.

[Mike Nettleton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A refreshing take on a legendary detective

Along with a vivid tour of holy Rome, a lot of time is spent in cozy trattorias eating rich and delicious Italian food. I gained 5 lbs just reading it. I enjoyed the story with it's intricate plotting, nefarious villian and a Sherlock Holmes who seems more human and accesible. I also found intriguing the exploration of the superficiality of some religious practices as opposed to its need to satisfy human bonds.

[Claire Q · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in pretty much one sitting -- interesting 'villain' and loved the Roman setting. Ironically, I had just read a non-fiction book about the Camorra, which may have sparked my interest in this as well. Generally, even though they don't include Dr. Watson, I enjoy all of Sam Siciliano's Sherlock books.

[Margaret Haigh · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok but a poor imitation of the traditional Sherlock

[Calvin Daniels · Rating 3 out of 5]

3+


A bit repetitious and Vernier is pale partner compared to Watson, but it was OK

[Carolyn Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice job capturing Holmes and great descriptions of Rome. Plot sometimes slowed by elaborate dinners and discussions of love and religion.