The Case of the Disappearing Beaune: A Sherlock Holmes Christmas Story

by J. Lawrence Matthews

Beaune [bōn] a red Burgundy wine from the Côte de Beaune region of France. Christmas morning 1902, London, England. A bottle of fine French wine from the Côte de Beaune region of France, intended as a gift from Mr. Sherlock Holmes to his old friend Dr. Watson, is found to have been drained of its aromatic spirits during the night and filled with sand. But not just any sand…. Thus begins this short, sweet holiday mystery from the author of  One Must Tell the Abraham Lincoln and the Final Education of Sherlock Holmes  (East Dean Press, 2021). “The prose beautifully evokes Edwardian London at Christmastime…The pacing is swift but even, with a twist at the end that’s sure to please genre fans. Most importantly, the author depicts the two main players authentically, showcasing Holmes’ quirks and Watson’s steadfast loyalty…A treat for Holmes enthusiasts looking for a brisk and satisfying holiday read.” — Kirkus Reviews "As he did in his debut novel, One Must Tell the Bees, Matthews again delightfully twists our Sherlockian expectations with his engaging Christmas mystery, while staying true to the Canon throughout. This traditional Sherlock Holmes story is sure to become a perennial must-read for the holidays." —Ray Riethmeier, BSI, editor of  Sherlock Stranger Than Truth and Sherlock Stranger Than Fiction Praise for  One Must Tell the Abraham Lincoln and the Final Education of Sherlock Holmes  (East Dean Press, 2021) “Beautifully Written and Immediately Engaging”  — The Sherlock Holmes Society of London Summer Journal , 2022 “Brilliantly Executed.”  — The Coffee Pot Book Club

92 pages, Paperback

Published September 1, 2022

About the author

J. Lawrence Matthews has contributed fiction to the New York Times and NPR and is the author of three non-fiction books as Jeff Matthews. “One Must Tell the Bees” is his first novel. Written at a time when American history is being scrutinized and recast in the light of 21st Century mores, this fast-paced account of Sherlock Holmes’s visit to America during the final year of the Civil War illuminates the profound impact of Abraham Lincoln and his Emancipation Proclamation on slavery, the war and America itself. Matthews is now researching the sequel, which takes place a bit further afield—in Florence, Mecca and Tibet—but readers may contact him at jlawrencematthews@gmail.com. Those interested in the history behind “One Must Tell the Bees” will find it at jlawrencematthews.com.

Reviews

[Outlander · Rating 1 out of 5]

A 5 minute waste of time, not to be taken seriously but just a wee bit of Xmas fluff.