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The Further Adventures of Sherlock Holmes #32
The Further Adventures of Sherlock Holmes - Deathly Relics
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.
While Sherlock Holmes and his cousin, Henry Vernier, are in Rome on a diplomatic mission involving the Vatican, the Pope asks the world's greatest detective to help find a stolen the missing forefinger of "doubting" Saint Thomas.
When the relic is quickly and mysteriously returned, all seems to be resolved. But events are turned upside down when the relic disappears again.
With fresh blood spilled, Holmes and Vernier must follow the trail of a sacrilegious murderer through the streest of Rome, the halls of the Vatican, and beyond.
While Sherlock Holmes and his cousin, Henry Vernier, are in Rome on a diplomatic mission involving the Vatican, the Pope asks the world's greatest detective to help find a stolen the missing forefinger of "doubting" Saint Thomas.
When the relic is quickly and mysteriously returned, all seems to be resolved. But events are turned upside down when the relic disappears again.
With fresh blood spilled, Holmes and Vernier must follow the trail of a sacrilegious murderer through the streest of Rome, the halls of the Vatican, and beyond.
- GenresMystery
279 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 24, 2023
13 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
January 30, 2023
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.
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.
January 18, 2025
One of the best non Conan Doyle Sherlock Holmes books I have read. Well worth a read. Nearly gave it 5.
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October 18, 2025Read 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.
February 1, 2023
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.
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.
April 6, 2025
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.
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.
January 27, 2023
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.
June 14, 2023
Ok but a poor imitation of the traditional Sherlock
November 20, 2024
3+
A bit repetitious and Vernier is pale partner compared to Watson, but it was OK
A bit repetitious and Vernier is pale partner compared to Watson, but it was OK
April 5, 2025
Nice job capturing Holmes and great descriptions of Rome. Plot sometimes slowed by elaborate dinners and discussions of love and religion.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews