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The Last Sherlock Holmes Story
For fifty years after Dr Watson's death, a packet of papers, written by the doctor himself, lay hidden in a locked box. The papers contained an extraordinary report of the case of Jack the Ripper and the horrible murders in the East End of London in 1888. The detective, of course, was the great Sherlock Holmes - but why was the report kept hidden for so long? This is the story that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle never wrote. It is a strange and frightening tale . . .
72 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1978
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 195 reviews
April 13, 2012
Oh my god. Literally. Just don't read this book. That's all I can say. Promise me? PROMISE? Don't do it. It'll ruin you for at least a whole day with rage and an intense feeling that you just wasted two hours of your life that you can't get back. But you know, if you want someone to take Holmes and mostly destroy him as a character then yeah, go for it. This is JUST the book for you. Otherwise, STAY AWAY.
December 17, 2008
Looking through the other reviews, I can see that either you love this book or you hate it. I'm in the first group. First, Dibdin shows you that he can capture the flavor of the old Arthur Conan Doyle stories perfectly; then, not content with merely imitating, he adds some disturbing new elements to the legend. In the afterword, he asks you to forgive him. It's heresy, he freely admits, but the heresy of the true believer. An eloquent and accurate summary!
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August 21, 2020I'm not rating this, because I couldn't finish it this time. I first read this book when I was a young Sherlock Holmes fan, and was shocked and repulsed by the ending. A more astute reader now, I can pick up the clues more easily. I guess this was the beginning of the now long, but not proud tradition of making Holmes a horrible person. I write Holmesian fiction, so I guess I can't say that anything isn't fair game, but this seems to betray the complexity of the character of the original stories to such a degree I can't help wonder what's the point of it all.
January 14, 2016
Re-read this more than 35 years after it was first published. Probably the best Sherlock Holmes pastiche ever written. This was Michael Dibdin's 1st novel and it is a terrific tale, as Holmes and Watson try to hunt down Jack The Ripper. But there is a twist in this tale which is incredible. A must read for any fan of detective fiction.
February 7, 2008
I found this book truly disturbing.
March 23, 2020
Es un libro raro. Me gusta mucho cómo está escrito pero no me gusta el rumbo que tomó el personaje de Sherlock Holmes. El final no me gustó para nada. Entretenido pero a la vez indignante.
April 27, 2015
"The Last Sherlock Holmes Story"is written by MIchael Dibdin. When I finished read this book, I can't believe the story of this book is a real story. It was very amazing and fantastic.
Then, I didn't like this story of this book, when I first read this book, I thought this book like a Detective Conan,
but it wasn't there not many mystery quiz.
I like the part that Holmes and Mr. Waston show their friendship.
Then, I didn't like this story of this book, when I first read this book, I thought this book like a Detective Conan,
but it wasn't there not many mystery quiz.
I like the part that Holmes and Mr. Waston show their friendship.
August 26, 2013
If you're a Sherlock Holmes fan, I don't think this is a book for you. This is supposed to be a Holmes story written by Dr. Watson and held back for 50 years as provided in his will. Perhaps it is a good reading novel, though you pretty much know what is going to happen part way through, but I didn't care for its portrayal of Holmes. The Holmes in this story is not "my" Holmes.
February 8, 2019
I really enjoyed. How breathtaking the three last pages were.
July 24, 2011
When I first began reading this I thought it was a good read which stayed true to the previous works of ACD but also gave some inventive explanations and changes to give a different perspective on the infamous Sherlock Holmes. However, the twist is revealed half way through the book and, although abandoned by Watson as ridiculous at points, still does not lead to a surprise ending and appears to be very much an anti-climax after a trundling narrative in parts. Although it is still worth a read, in my opinion it loses its way and tries too hard to provide some kind of amateur psychology on the complex, well loved character of Holmes.
April 20, 2014
An abomination of a Sherlock Holmes novel for the purists. On its own merits a weak story. Unsealed Watson papers cover Holmes' seeking to solve the Ripper murders. If this sounds lazy it's because it is.
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January 11, 2025Sebagai penggemar kisah Sherlock Holmes—novel senipis 72 muka surat dan dibaca dalam tempoh kurang daripada satu jam ini, membuatkan saya terkulat-kulat, seperti manusia yang dungu, apabila selesai menamatkannya.
Buat kali pertama... buat pertama kali... saya tidak tahu untuk menilai kualiti dan mutu penceritaan sesebuah buku. Ini buku pertama di Goodreads yang saya tidak akan beri penilaian. Terlalu... terlalu... saya terlalu terkejut...
Buat kali pertama... buat pertama kali... saya tidak tahu untuk menilai kualiti dan mutu penceritaan sesebuah buku. Ini buku pertama di Goodreads yang saya tidak akan beri penilaian. Terlalu... terlalu... saya terlalu terkejut...
July 8, 2010
Although written in a style that reflects the original writings, I have to say, just didn't like this book because of the terrible way it made Sherlock Holmes appear.
It was a twist that was obvious early in the book and it was sad that the author had to take Holmes and make him the killer.
What is wrong with having heroes that are good? Why does it seem that if there is a twist, the good guy has to turn out to the be the evil one? With the way things are in the world, it would be nice to keep our "super heroes" and icons in a positive light to show that it's ok to be good and to do the right thing.
It was a twist that was obvious early in the book and it was sad that the author had to take Holmes and make him the killer.
What is wrong with having heroes that are good? Why does it seem that if there is a twist, the good guy has to turn out to the be the evil one? With the way things are in the world, it would be nice to keep our "super heroes" and icons in a positive light to show that it's ok to be good and to do the right thing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 23, 2011
An extremely clever take on the whole Holmes v/s Ripper concept, with a twist-ending that will take your breath away! I know, it reads like those blurbs that we get to read on paperbacks ('The cover will show you somebody shot/the back will tell you what is the plot'!), but that is the most succint description of this book that I can produce without producing spoilers en masse! Read it, curse Michael Dibdin to the core (the guy is dead, so really can't effect any harm), and then keep thinking: what if.... Recommended reading for stormy & foggy nights, when you are waiting for your family to return home, and the road is getting more & more deserted!
February 2, 2022
I've read the book as a practicing to improve my English.. The language of the book was easy but the story is not really good.. I'm a Sherlock holmes fan and l prefer to keep him in my mind as a good person
January 14, 2024
"Having braved such a monster, and seen it dead and buried, it is hard to admit that the ground above its grave is cracked and heaving."
Maurice Dibdin begins his story in typical Doylist style before having Doctor Watson exasperatedly declare that he's no writer and that you'll just have to deal with his unvarnished soldier's report. The premise is set up that all of the Holmes stories we have previously read were by Arthur Conan Doyle, adapting Watson's case notes and that this, for the first time, is a Sherlock Holmes story told by the actual Doctor Watson. I presume this was done as a screen to deflect criticisms that Dibdin failed to capture the style of the original stories but, in my opinion, he needn't have bothered. This is excellent Doyle pastiche, possible the best I can recall reading and I frequently found myself forgetting that I was reading a novel published five years before my birth and not in the Victorian era. I'm sure a scholar of Victorian literature or history might find inaccuracies or anachronisms but, to me at least, it felt just like the real thing and I devoured it over two days.
The central premise (if you know, you know) is of course going to rub plenty of people up the wrong way. I was spoiled going in but, to be honest, I think I would have guessed what was going on from the introduction. A box is found containing Watson's previously hidden notes on Holmes' investigation into the Whitechapel murders, and the revelations within are so shocking that people are willing to attempt arson to suppress the truth. There's really very few possibilities as to what the shocking revelation will turn out to be (you've probably already guessed). But that's not the point. Like Oedipus, we know the terrible revelation that's waiting. It's watching the oblivious main character slowly putting the blood-stained pieces together that's so riveting.
If you love Holmes but are willing to accept that this is simply an alternate take, no more "real" than Injustice Superman or the Batman Who Laughs, then I can highly recommend this twisted reflection.
Maurice Dibdin begins his story in typical Doylist style before having Doctor Watson exasperatedly declare that he's no writer and that you'll just have to deal with his unvarnished soldier's report. The premise is set up that all of the Holmes stories we have previously read were by Arthur Conan Doyle, adapting Watson's case notes and that this, for the first time, is a Sherlock Holmes story told by the actual Doctor Watson. I presume this was done as a screen to deflect criticisms that Dibdin failed to capture the style of the original stories but, in my opinion, he needn't have bothered. This is excellent Doyle pastiche, possible the best I can recall reading and I frequently found myself forgetting that I was reading a novel published five years before my birth and not in the Victorian era. I'm sure a scholar of Victorian literature or history might find inaccuracies or anachronisms but, to me at least, it felt just like the real thing and I devoured it over two days.
The central premise (if you know, you know) is of course going to rub plenty of people up the wrong way. I was spoiled going in but, to be honest, I think I would have guessed what was going on from the introduction. A box is found containing Watson's previously hidden notes on Holmes' investigation into the Whitechapel murders, and the revelations within are so shocking that people are willing to attempt arson to suppress the truth. There's really very few possibilities as to what the shocking revelation will turn out to be (you've probably already guessed). But that's not the point. Like Oedipus, we know the terrible revelation that's waiting. It's watching the oblivious main character slowly putting the blood-stained pieces together that's so riveting.
If you love Holmes but are willing to accept that this is simply an alternate take, no more "real" than Injustice Superman or the Batman Who Laughs, then I can highly recommend this twisted reflection.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2020
Holmes fans better stay away. This book is a waste of time. Not only is the language a very poor and boring ripoff but the characterisation totally fails. Holmes comes across as an arrogant monster with only a fraction of the intellect he's known for and Watson as a duffer who couldn't see past his nose. I could write a more scathing review but that would include too many spoilers.
October 17, 2016
ممتازة مرة، ومنها قررت أقرأ الروايات الكاملة لشارلك هولمز ..
شارلك هولمز يعتبر أشهر محقق خيالي..
فيه هذه القصة - المختصرة طبعاً للمبتدئين - توفي شارلك
وتعتبر هذه القصة صدمة للقراء ولم يتقبلوا الأمر بسهولة..
بعد عدة سنوات عاد المؤلف لقصص شارلك وكتب رواية أحيى فيها شارك مرة أخرى،، وسميت القترة بين وفاة شارلك وحياته بـ (التوقف الكبير)
شارلك هولمز يعتبر أشهر محقق خيالي..
فيه هذه القصة - المختصرة طبعاً للمبتدئين - توفي شارلك
وتعتبر هذه القصة صدمة للقراء ولم يتقبلوا الأمر بسهولة..
بعد عدة سنوات عاد المؤلف لقصص شارلك وكتب رواية أحيى فيها شارك مرة أخرى،، وسميت القترة بين وفاة شارلك وحياته بـ (التوقف الكبير)
August 3, 2019
I would give it negative stars if possible. I can’t believe someone published this trash.
June 20, 2013
This had the makings of a very interesting take on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's beloved characters, yet I was incredibly unimpressed. I am, admittedly, a diehard Holmes fan, and I cannot deny that I found it a bit painful imagining this iconic hero as a villain. While the experience was painful, the conclusion was certainly not inconceivable. I actually liked Dibdin's interpretation of Holmes. He draws upon concrete details straight from A.C.D. Any fan would have to agree that Holmes is, without a doubt, an unstable personality, and he ties loose ends together nicely. However, the foreword ruined what could have been an interesting and shocking twist. Sadly, I found it to be incredibly predictable. I wish I had skipped the foreword entirely. Also, it would be nice if the publishers would refrain from using words like "twist", "controversial", and "shocking" on the cover. These key words are likely there to draw in readers, but they also plant a seed into the reader's brain to expect the unexpected. The result: plot ruined. What could be more "shocking" or "controversial" than Holmes himself being "Jack the Ripper"?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 16, 2015
This book was bold. Let me say that now.
What originally starts out as a "reality melds with fiction" type of story leads up to a conclusion so startling and unexpected... yet it's the only conclusion that makes sense.
Initially this book was a 3/5 for me because it played at first as another contemporary take on Holmes vs Moriarty. And while Moriarty is a character of interest, he's not as important as many contemporaries make him out to be. He's Holmes' "evil equal" but he was ultimately in two Doyle tales, one of those only a brief mentioning and the other we never actually get to SEE the man. But this book has claims bigger than that. Beginning with part 4 onward the book plays so much more than just a simple cat-and-mouse with Moriarty and Holmes. No, the character of Jack the Ripper is much more sinister than all that.
Bottom line is: This book goes in an unexpected direction. And I really can see why some Doyle fans would be disappointed with that. But as far as my own opinions go, I'm of the thought that just because a character is beloved doesn't mean they're untouchable. That's all I'm going to say.
I urge you to read the book yourself.
What originally starts out as a "reality melds with fiction" type of story leads up to a conclusion so startling and unexpected... yet it's the only conclusion that makes sense.
Initially this book was a 3/5 for me because it played at first as another contemporary take on Holmes vs Moriarty. And while Moriarty is a character of interest, he's not as important as many contemporaries make him out to be. He's Holmes' "evil equal" but he was ultimately in two Doyle tales, one of those only a brief mentioning and the other we never actually get to SEE the man. But this book has claims bigger than that. Beginning with part 4 onward the book plays so much more than just a simple cat-and-mouse with Moriarty and Holmes. No, the character of Jack the Ripper is much more sinister than all that.
Bottom line is: This book goes in an unexpected direction. And I really can see why some Doyle fans would be disappointed with that. But as far as my own opinions go, I'm of the thought that just because a character is beloved doesn't mean they're untouchable. That's all I'm going to say.
I urge you to read the book yourself.
October 28, 2014
The Last Sherlock Holmes Story is a story about Sherlock Holmes and his friend Dr Watson. A packet of paper, written by the doctor lay hidden in a locked box. It is about the case of Jack the Ripper, the murders in the East End of London, and the detective Sherlock Holmes. Why was the report kept hidden for so long?
I don't like this book because I like Sherlock Holmes, and this book has a twist ending which most people especially for Sherlock Holmes fan will be disappointed but when I look at the story line and keep reading, I actually like the style of the story and this book, but still I think the only problem of this book for me is, the main character of this book is Sherlock Holmes.
I don't like this book because I like Sherlock Holmes, and this book has a twist ending which most people especially for Sherlock Holmes fan will be disappointed but when I look at the story line and keep reading, I actually like the style of the story and this book, but still I think the only problem of this book for me is, the main character of this book is Sherlock Holmes.
December 10, 2016
I do enjoy my Holmes stories, and I've read a few with some strange dieas, but nothing quite like this. Although as a Pastiche, the writing is an acceptable approximation of Doyle, the characterisation is so far outside what makes Holmes unique is removed from the character.
Of all the Holmes I've read, this is my least favourite.
Of all the Holmes I've read, this is my least favourite.
January 24, 2014
Who the hell did this author think he was?
*spoiler*
He starts by turning the late Sir Arthur Conan Doyle into a fictional character whom Watson has allowed to borrow his notes in order to write a book on Holmes. Holmes reads and insults a study in scarlet claiming that the Mormon stuff was all made up.
Holmes then turns out to be Jack the freakin Ripper! The author even takes the time to insist that The last stand was a fake ending!
An absolute insult to the original books.
DO NOT READ!!!!!
*spoiler*
He starts by turning the late Sir Arthur Conan Doyle into a fictional character whom Watson has allowed to borrow his notes in order to write a book on Holmes. Holmes reads and insults a study in scarlet claiming that the Mormon stuff was all made up.
Holmes then turns out to be Jack the freakin Ripper! The author even takes the time to insist that The last stand was a fake ending!
An absolute insult to the original books.
DO NOT READ!!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2017
It wasn't the gory details that disturbed me, that sort of thing goes along with the territory of the Ripper. It was the authors lack of respect for the real people involved.
It seemed to me, that he forgot he was not writing total fiction.
I borrowed it from the library, I have it for 3 weeks, I honestly don't suppose I will finish it. Once he began referring to the people {women} of White Chapel as something other than human, I just tossed it back on my pile and went ahead to what else I checked out.
They were real people in a bad situation.
It seemed to me, that he forgot he was not writing total fiction.
I borrowed it from the library, I have it for 3 weeks, I honestly don't suppose I will finish it. Once he began referring to the people {women} of White Chapel as something other than human, I just tossed it back on my pile and went ahead to what else I checked out.
They were real people in a bad situation.
March 26, 2013
OK, so this was a second-time read, but despite knowing the ending I enjoyed the clever way Dibdin dovetails Holmes and Watson into the grisly events in Whitechapel in 1888 – an over-used fictional conceit these days, but pretty original when the story was published in ‘78. A compelling and authentic voice that stops short of lampooning Conan Doyle’s bumbling Doctor or his enigmatic ‘consulting detective’.
October 29, 2016
Hmmm it seems people either love or hate this book but I'm somewhat torn. I hated the writing style and the gore (I don't need to read about foetuses in jars thank you very much) but I loved the plot and conclusion. To watch our beloved Sherlock become quite insane was actually a very enthralling prospect. And I have to admit that from what I have heard this one ties in very nicely with the BBC series.
October 15, 2012
If you can’t conceive our favorite hero portrayed as a hopeless drug addict turned into a madman with a split personality disorder, stay away from this book. But if you can stomach a different –but very logical- take of Sherlock Holmes, you will be treated to a very intelligent, well written story with a devastatingly gritty end.
November 10, 2015
I like the the Holmes series, but I didn't read the last story before. I like a mystery story so I read this book really fast, but who doesn't like these kind of books might feel boring. I was little shocked because the main character Holmes died... But, the last Holmes story. It's awesome!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2010
This was horrifying.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 195 reviews