Steve Emecz's Blog: Musings of a Sherlockian Publisher, page 3
February 20, 2017
Review of Sherlock Holmes and The Nine-Dragon Sigil
“Firstly, I’m not a raving fan of Sherlock Holmes, though I’m certainly an admirer of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. I read several Sherlock books in my younger years enjoying their adventure and appreciated their cleverly weaved plots, even if it was other works of Doyle that really grabbed me. Professor Challenger, who first appeared in ‘The Lost World’ has always been my favourite character. So a relatively weak amateur fan of the original books though I am, I couldn’t but enjoy how genuine this read felt. I could have easily been fooled into thinking that this was the writing of the great man himself. Further, even the plot was worthy of the Sherlock Holmes stamp.
This book is not only brilliantly written, it is exceedingly well researched. I enjoyed the detail in the history every bit as much as the story itself. The historical fiction is as clever as the stylistically accurate incorporation of by far the two most famous characters of Doyle’s huge imagination—two characters as famous as any in literary fiction.
I very much enjoyed the ‘glossary’ at the end of the book, which gave depth to so much of the period detail. This additional information doesn’t add to, or subtract from, the story itself, but certainly gives those such as I, ignorant of Chinese history, a much needed and speedy education. All the material is self-explanatory enough in the run of the story, however, the additional information rounds off this reading experience quite delightfully.
I recommend this book to fans of Sherlock Holmes, lovers of historical fiction and to all those that like a wide variety of well-written fiction. I will be looking to read further books from Tim Symonds’ pen.”
Reviewed by Mr. Richard Lw Bunning
Sherlock Holmes and The Nine-Dragon Sigil is available from all good bookstores including The Strand Magazine, Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Waterstones UK and for free shipping worldwide Book Depository. In ebook format it is in Kindle, Kobo, Nook and Apple iBooks (iPad/iPhone).
This book is not only brilliantly written, it is exceedingly well researched. I enjoyed the detail in the history every bit as much as the story itself. The historical fiction is as clever as the stylistically accurate incorporation of by far the two most famous characters of Doyle’s huge imagination—two characters as famous as any in literary fiction.
I very much enjoyed the ‘glossary’ at the end of the book, which gave depth to so much of the period detail. This additional information doesn’t add to, or subtract from, the story itself, but certainly gives those such as I, ignorant of Chinese history, a much needed and speedy education. All the material is self-explanatory enough in the run of the story, however, the additional information rounds off this reading experience quite delightfully.
I recommend this book to fans of Sherlock Holmes, lovers of historical fiction and to all those that like a wide variety of well-written fiction. I will be looking to read further books from Tim Symonds’ pen.”
Reviewed by Mr. Richard Lw Bunning
Sherlock Holmes and The Nine-Dragon Sigil is available from all good bookstores including The Strand Magazine, Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Waterstones UK and for free shipping worldwide Book Depository. In ebook format it is in Kindle, Kobo, Nook and Apple iBooks (iPad/iPhone).
January 20, 2017
Review of The Detective The Woman and The Silent Hive
“This is the third book in this series by Amy Thomas and is proof that great writers can reach new heights as they progress with a series! The two previous books were superb and this one is equally special!
…As usual the author plays Holmes and Irene off each other with the skill of an archer splitting an arrow with another arrow! Doctor Watson, Lestrade, Mrs. Hudson and Mrs. Turner add their moments in this truly fascinating novel. I only hope that Amy Thomas continues this series. It is top of the line!
I gladly give this book five stars, plus!”
Reviewed by Raven’s Reviews
The Detective The Woman and The Silent Hive is available from all good bookstores including The Strand Magazine, Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Waterstones UK, and for free shipping worldwide Book Depository . In ebook format it is in Amazon Kindle, Kobo, Nook and Apple iBooks (iPad/iPhone).
…As usual the author plays Holmes and Irene off each other with the skill of an archer splitting an arrow with another arrow! Doctor Watson, Lestrade, Mrs. Hudson and Mrs. Turner add their moments in this truly fascinating novel. I only hope that Amy Thomas continues this series. It is top of the line!
I gladly give this book five stars, plus!”
Reviewed by Raven’s Reviews
The Detective The Woman and The Silent Hive is available from all good bookstores including The Strand Magazine, Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Waterstones UK, and for free shipping worldwide Book Depository . In ebook format it is in Amazon Kindle, Kobo, Nook and Apple iBooks (iPad/iPhone).
January 16, 2017
New review of Sherlock Holmes and The Nine-Dragon Sigil
“Tim Symonds SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE NINE-DRAGON SIGIL could rival Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. As a lover of period pieces, especially those with a mystery, the idea of reading a Sherlock Holmes story was an easy decision.
For me, the story itself wasn’t just entertaining. It was visually satisfying with its richness of detail and descriptions. While Edwardian England is of interest to me, early twentieth century China tickled the senses with its sea of color, movement, sounds, tastes and smells.
Purveyors of a good bit of detective work have nothing on Symonds. I loved everything about this story from the pacing; the opening with Watson reminded me of so many other Sherlock Holmes stories that it was easy to fall under its spell…to the utterly fascinating descriptions of China, I was instantly taken in and quick to read.
Whether you are a lover of detective stories, period pieces, or a combination thereof, it simply isn’t possible to go wrong choosing this Sherlock Holmes story. And I certainly hope that you’ll be as tickled with it as I was.”
Reviewed by Leslie Obrien
Sherlock Holmes and The Nine-Dragon Sigil is available from all good bookstores including The Strand Magazine, Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Waterstones UK and for free shipping worldwide Book Depository. In ebook format it is in Kindle, Kobo, Nook and Apple iBooks (iPad/iPhone).
For me, the story itself wasn’t just entertaining. It was visually satisfying with its richness of detail and descriptions. While Edwardian England is of interest to me, early twentieth century China tickled the senses with its sea of color, movement, sounds, tastes and smells.
Purveyors of a good bit of detective work have nothing on Symonds. I loved everything about this story from the pacing; the opening with Watson reminded me of so many other Sherlock Holmes stories that it was easy to fall under its spell…to the utterly fascinating descriptions of China, I was instantly taken in and quick to read.
Whether you are a lover of detective stories, period pieces, or a combination thereof, it simply isn’t possible to go wrong choosing this Sherlock Holmes story. And I certainly hope that you’ll be as tickled with it as I was.”
Reviewed by Leslie Obrien
Sherlock Holmes and The Nine-Dragon Sigil is available from all good bookstores including The Strand Magazine, Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Waterstones UK and for free shipping worldwide Book Depository. In ebook format it is in Kindle, Kobo, Nook and Apple iBooks (iPad/iPhone).
January 14, 2017
Review of Test of the Professionals I
“In October 2008, after reading the works of Marcia Wilson on a fan fiction website, I was moved to write a fan letter. I’ve been reading and collecting thousands of Sherlock Holmes stories since the mid-1970’s, and I had never read anything like what she was writing. They were stories of the Scotland Yarders, the ones that we knew from the Holmes stories. Lestrade, Gregson, Bradstreet, Hopkins, Jones, Youghal, and others. They weren’t clichéd bumblers that so often appear in pastiches, but rather knowledgeable officers who were serious about their very difficult jobs. They didn’t resent Holmes, although they did realize that his responsibilities were upon different lines. They were the professionals, and he was the gifted amateur. And that wasn’t a problem, because they respected each other, and even had a sort of friendship.
More importantly, Watson – as presented in these stories – was not a Nigel Bruce-like “Uncle John” bumbler or figure for comedy. Rather, he is a gifted and intelligent doctor and former military officer who has earned the regard of all the Yarders. The Watson shown here is a very deep individual who hides his own light under a bushel but never fails to be a hero as well.
The main figure of these tales is Inspector G. Lestrade. Wilson chose the name “Geoffrey” for him, not because she liked that name, but because she didn’t, thereby causing her to work harder to understand him and present him favorably. And once these stories are encountered, the reader will like him too, and never see him the same way again.
In these stories, the lives and backstories of the men of Scotland Yard are revealed, presented in a very authentic manner that shows Wilson’s amazing knowledge of the period. She never tosses in facts in an awkward manner to remind you that these stories are taking place in the late 19th century. Rather, the characters simply accept these facts in passing as part of the world around them, giving great credence to the stories’ authenticity.
Over the course of a number of years, Wilson constructed a vast web of interrelated stories and adventures, all mounted on the solid framework of the Canon. In my first fan letter to her, I begged her to publish them for the wider world, and I’m so happy that she’s doing so. There was You Buy Bones, telling of Lestrade’s first meeting with Watson, who will become a close friend, and Watson’s service to the Yard that earns their admiration forever after. Next chronologically is this book, which tells how Lestrade meets Clea Cheatham, as well as becoming reacquainted with an old enemy, Jethro Quimper, who is now working for a certain Professor.
For those of us in the know, the anticipation is almost unbearable, waiting for the next volumes to appear. I know what happens next from reading and archiving all of those old fan fiction stories – much that we didn’t previously know is going to happen to Lestrade, Watson, Holmes, and the rest as we progress through the 1880’s and so into the 1890’s, and the years before, during, and after The Great Hiatus. But Wilson didn’t stop there – she’s chronicled adventures through World War I and beyond. She still has places to fill in details, and I can’t wait to see what happens next – and for other readers to find it out as well.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll conclude by saying it again: Marcia Wilson has found Scotland Yard’s Tin Dispatch Box!”
Reviewed by David Marcum
Test of the Professionals I is available from all good bookstores including The Strand Magazine, Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Waterstones UK and for free shipping worldwide Book Depository. In ebook format it is in Kindle and Kobo.
More importantly, Watson – as presented in these stories – was not a Nigel Bruce-like “Uncle John” bumbler or figure for comedy. Rather, he is a gifted and intelligent doctor and former military officer who has earned the regard of all the Yarders. The Watson shown here is a very deep individual who hides his own light under a bushel but never fails to be a hero as well.
The main figure of these tales is Inspector G. Lestrade. Wilson chose the name “Geoffrey” for him, not because she liked that name, but because she didn’t, thereby causing her to work harder to understand him and present him favorably. And once these stories are encountered, the reader will like him too, and never see him the same way again.
In these stories, the lives and backstories of the men of Scotland Yard are revealed, presented in a very authentic manner that shows Wilson’s amazing knowledge of the period. She never tosses in facts in an awkward manner to remind you that these stories are taking place in the late 19th century. Rather, the characters simply accept these facts in passing as part of the world around them, giving great credence to the stories’ authenticity.
Over the course of a number of years, Wilson constructed a vast web of interrelated stories and adventures, all mounted on the solid framework of the Canon. In my first fan letter to her, I begged her to publish them for the wider world, and I’m so happy that she’s doing so. There was You Buy Bones, telling of Lestrade’s first meeting with Watson, who will become a close friend, and Watson’s service to the Yard that earns their admiration forever after. Next chronologically is this book, which tells how Lestrade meets Clea Cheatham, as well as becoming reacquainted with an old enemy, Jethro Quimper, who is now working for a certain Professor.
For those of us in the know, the anticipation is almost unbearable, waiting for the next volumes to appear. I know what happens next from reading and archiving all of those old fan fiction stories – much that we didn’t previously know is going to happen to Lestrade, Watson, Holmes, and the rest as we progress through the 1880’s and so into the 1890’s, and the years before, during, and after The Great Hiatus. But Wilson didn’t stop there – she’s chronicled adventures through World War I and beyond. She still has places to fill in details, and I can’t wait to see what happens next – and for other readers to find it out as well.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll conclude by saying it again: Marcia Wilson has found Scotland Yard’s Tin Dispatch Box!”
Reviewed by David Marcum
Test of the Professionals I is available from all good bookstores including The Strand Magazine, Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Waterstones UK and for free shipping worldwide Book Depository. In ebook format it is in Kindle and Kobo.
January 2, 2017
Review of Irregular Lives
Review of Irregular Lives - The Real Thing
“Kim Krisco’s Irregular Lives is really two books in one. The first half is reminiscent of Ray Bradbury’s The Illustrated Man, in that Sherlock Holmes’s reminiscences in post-War 1919 London frame tales about the Baker Street Irregulars, that band of youths that he employed when from before he moved to Baker Street in 1881, until long past his retirement in 1903.
Holmes’s opportunity to have these memories occurs when he is mysteriously invited to an exhibition of photographs, taken years before, of various unfortunates from London’s East End. As he makes his way around the room, he begins to recognize images of the Irregulars, and each photo that he encounters leads to a memory of a past case. Each of these are well told, having different tones depending upon which Irregular is being recalled.
When Holmes and Watson learn the identity of the mysterious photographer, the events that make up the second half of the book tumble upon us, leading to a very satisfying conclusion.
This book purports to tell how Holmes met and recruited the Irregulars. There are a few chronological issues from a Sherlockian standpoint, but the writing is excellent. This book isn’t told in first-person, like many Holmes adventures. The third-person narrative serves it well, showing what Holmes is thinking, and the actions and viewpoints of numerous characters.
There have been a great number of Holmes stories that tell how became acquainted with Wiggins and the other Irregulars. It has long been my contention, (as explained in my own story “The Gower Street Murder” in Sherlock Holmes – Tangled Skeins) that there were a great number of Wiggins-es through the years, all related, and all with their own groups friends who made up sub-groups of Irregulars. This tale doesn’t disagree with any of that. It tells the important events in one of the bands of the Irregulars, adding a very important threat into The Great Holmes Tapestry.
It was especially interesting to me to see that Chapter 6 of this book consisted of a reworked version of “Blood Brothers”, Krisco’s contribution to The MX Book of New Sherlock Holmes Stories – Part III: 1896-1929. Curiously, in the original MX anthology version, the narrative occurs in 1913, and for this book it has been shifted to 1889. As a committed Sherlockian Chronologicist, I’ll have to work that out, but the facts of the case themselves are first-rate, as is the rest of the book.
This is the kind of Holmes book that is the real thing, and well worth reading. I look forward to the next one.”
Reviewed by David Marcum
Irregular Lives is available from all good bookstores including The Strand Magazine, Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Waterstones UK and for free shipping worldwide Book Depository. In ebook format it is in Kindle, Kobo and Apple iBooks (iPad/iPhone).
“Kim Krisco’s Irregular Lives is really two books in one. The first half is reminiscent of Ray Bradbury’s The Illustrated Man, in that Sherlock Holmes’s reminiscences in post-War 1919 London frame tales about the Baker Street Irregulars, that band of youths that he employed when from before he moved to Baker Street in 1881, until long past his retirement in 1903.
Holmes’s opportunity to have these memories occurs when he is mysteriously invited to an exhibition of photographs, taken years before, of various unfortunates from London’s East End. As he makes his way around the room, he begins to recognize images of the Irregulars, and each photo that he encounters leads to a memory of a past case. Each of these are well told, having different tones depending upon which Irregular is being recalled.
When Holmes and Watson learn the identity of the mysterious photographer, the events that make up the second half of the book tumble upon us, leading to a very satisfying conclusion.
This book purports to tell how Holmes met and recruited the Irregulars. There are a few chronological issues from a Sherlockian standpoint, but the writing is excellent. This book isn’t told in first-person, like many Holmes adventures. The third-person narrative serves it well, showing what Holmes is thinking, and the actions and viewpoints of numerous characters.
There have been a great number of Holmes stories that tell how became acquainted with Wiggins and the other Irregulars. It has long been my contention, (as explained in my own story “The Gower Street Murder” in Sherlock Holmes – Tangled Skeins) that there were a great number of Wiggins-es through the years, all related, and all with their own groups friends who made up sub-groups of Irregulars. This tale doesn’t disagree with any of that. It tells the important events in one of the bands of the Irregulars, adding a very important threat into The Great Holmes Tapestry.
It was especially interesting to me to see that Chapter 6 of this book consisted of a reworked version of “Blood Brothers”, Krisco’s contribution to The MX Book of New Sherlock Holmes Stories – Part III: 1896-1929. Curiously, in the original MX anthology version, the narrative occurs in 1913, and for this book it has been shifted to 1889. As a committed Sherlockian Chronologicist, I’ll have to work that out, but the facts of the case themselves are first-rate, as is the rest of the book.
This is the kind of Holmes book that is the real thing, and well worth reading. I look forward to the next one.”
Reviewed by David Marcum
Irregular Lives is available from all good bookstores including The Strand Magazine, Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Waterstones UK and for free shipping worldwide Book Depository. In ebook format it is in Kindle, Kobo and Apple iBooks (iPad/iPhone).
December 30, 2016
Review of Sherlock Holmes and A Hole in The Devil’s Tail
“Another tale about the True Holmes!
I believe that this is Mr. Messick’s first Holmes adventure, and it starts in the right direction by telling us more about the true Holmes, and just keeps going. Set in the 1890’s, Holmes is faced by two mysteries, a locked room puzzle related to the mysterious murder of a solicitor, and a series of connected murders linked by their ferocity, along with Tarot cards found on the victim’s bodies.
This convoluted tale moves back and forth between the two cases, and Holmes finds himself threatened by the Tarot killer, who promises that, if Holmes does not cease his investigations, retribution will be swift – not on the detective, but rather those that he cares about.
One of the things that I enjoyed most was the investigation of the locked room puzzle, and how it relates to the Hole in the Devil’s Tail, as mentioned in the book’s title. It isn’t what you would expect. And I always enjoy when something is thrown in that teaches me something at no extra charge – in this case, how cracks were repaired in marble statues in ancient times. The way that this bit of information is relevant is a treat, as is the way that Holmes reveals it.
I’ll be looking forward to Mr. Messick’s next offering from Watson’s Tin Dispatch Box.”
Reviewed by David Marcum
Sherlock Holmes and A Hole In The Devil’s Tail is available from all good bookstores including The Strand Magazine, Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Waterstones UK and for free shipping worldwide Book Depository. In ebook format it is in Kindle, Kobo, Nook and Apple iBooks (iPad/iPhone). Also available on Audible.
I believe that this is Mr. Messick’s first Holmes adventure, and it starts in the right direction by telling us more about the true Holmes, and just keeps going. Set in the 1890’s, Holmes is faced by two mysteries, a locked room puzzle related to the mysterious murder of a solicitor, and a series of connected murders linked by their ferocity, along with Tarot cards found on the victim’s bodies.
This convoluted tale moves back and forth between the two cases, and Holmes finds himself threatened by the Tarot killer, who promises that, if Holmes does not cease his investigations, retribution will be swift – not on the detective, but rather those that he cares about.
One of the things that I enjoyed most was the investigation of the locked room puzzle, and how it relates to the Hole in the Devil’s Tail, as mentioned in the book’s title. It isn’t what you would expect. And I always enjoy when something is thrown in that teaches me something at no extra charge – in this case, how cracks were repaired in marble statues in ancient times. The way that this bit of information is relevant is a treat, as is the way that Holmes reveals it.
I’ll be looking forward to Mr. Messick’s next offering from Watson’s Tin Dispatch Box.”
Reviewed by David Marcum
Sherlock Holmes and A Hole In The Devil’s Tail is available from all good bookstores including The Strand Magazine, Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Waterstones UK and for free shipping worldwide Book Depository. In ebook format it is in Kindle, Kobo, Nook and Apple iBooks (iPad/iPhone). Also available on Audible.
December 19, 2016
Review of The Riddle of Foxwood Grange - Another tour-de-force!
“I’ve been collecting pastiches for a long time – 41 years now – and I always want more. Give me traditional stories – none of this Alternate Universe stuff. Set it in the correct time period. Holmes should be a hero, not a broken mess or a murderer, and Watson shouldn’t be an idiot or a caretaker or someone just there to give a comical double-take.
From the first time that I discovered Denis Smith’s stories, in the form of individually published chapbooks in the 1990’s, I knew that he was the real deal. This was someone that had found one of Watson’s Tin Dispatch Boxes – and surely Watson hid a bunch of them all over the place! – and Mr. Smith was presenting the stories for publication the way Watson intended, without grafting on his own agendas, turning Holmes in to some objectionable sociopath, or a slob, or an addict. This was Holmes the way he was in the original Canon, and the way he should be now.
I collected Mr. Smith’s other Holmes narratives as they appeared over the years – in collections from Calabash Press and in Sherlock Magazine and The Strand, and later a couple of really fine omnibus editions. And now he brings us the first book-length adventure that he’s edited from Watson’s notes, once again living up to his own very high standards.
This story starts in fine form – a client visits Baker Street and tells his strange tale. Things progress to Foxwood Grange, where strange things have been occurring. We – through Watson’s eyes – meet the neighbors and get to walk the countryside, getting to know our surroundings. In addition to the immediate crimes, we are shown an ancient puzzle. Suddenly events tumble toward the fascinating conclusion, and we realize that, in a masterful performance, we had the clues right there in front of us all along, but it took Sherlock Holmes to figure it out.
Once again Mr. Smith presents a tour de force, and I cannot wait to read his next effort.”
Reviewed by David Marcum
The Riddle of Foxwood Grange is available from all good bookstores including Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Waterstones UK and for free shipping worldwide Book Depository.
From the first time that I discovered Denis Smith’s stories, in the form of individually published chapbooks in the 1990’s, I knew that he was the real deal. This was someone that had found one of Watson’s Tin Dispatch Boxes – and surely Watson hid a bunch of them all over the place! – and Mr. Smith was presenting the stories for publication the way Watson intended, without grafting on his own agendas, turning Holmes in to some objectionable sociopath, or a slob, or an addict. This was Holmes the way he was in the original Canon, and the way he should be now.
I collected Mr. Smith’s other Holmes narratives as they appeared over the years – in collections from Calabash Press and in Sherlock Magazine and The Strand, and later a couple of really fine omnibus editions. And now he brings us the first book-length adventure that he’s edited from Watson’s notes, once again living up to his own very high standards.
This story starts in fine form – a client visits Baker Street and tells his strange tale. Things progress to Foxwood Grange, where strange things have been occurring. We – through Watson’s eyes – meet the neighbors and get to walk the countryside, getting to know our surroundings. In addition to the immediate crimes, we are shown an ancient puzzle. Suddenly events tumble toward the fascinating conclusion, and we realize that, in a masterful performance, we had the clues right there in front of us all along, but it took Sherlock Holmes to figure it out.
Once again Mr. Smith presents a tour de force, and I cannot wait to read his next effort.”
Reviewed by David Marcum
The Riddle of Foxwood Grange is available from all good bookstores including Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Waterstones UK and for free shipping worldwide Book Depository.
December 16, 2016
Review of Sherlock Holmes and The Nine-Dragon Sigil
“Sherlock Holmes & The Nine-Dragon Sigil is an exceptionally well-written book.
Writing about the two MOST loved characters of all time – Sherlock Holmes and Watson – is in itself a humongous task, and pulling it off successfully is not only nearly impossible but also unreal.
But Author Tim Symonds successfully took these two legendary characters and completely owned them in his epic new release Sherlock Holmes And The Nine-Dragon Sigil.
I haven’t read the previous parts in this series, but I am certainly looking forward to reading them as soon as I can get my hands on them because I really enjoyed and loved reading this book.
Author Tim Symonds’ writing is exceptional. It flows in tune with the settings and the era the story is set in and reminds the reader of the beautifully poetic and enchanting rhythm that the classic authors had.
I was completely spellbound by the captivating storytelling and the flow of the sentences in old English.
The plot is ingenious and the pacing is moderate, but it picks up wherever the need arises, keeping it thoroughly engaging for the reader.
I absolutely enjoyed the narration, no doubt, but I enjoyed the plot even more. Staying true to the most famous traits of the most amazing and observant detectives on the planet, the author created a fabulous plot, which kept me guessing at each and every turn.
And needless to say, the end completely baffled me and left me sitting there, holding the Kindle in my hands, smiling at the author’s cleverness. It was a true jaw-dropping ending! And it was mostly because the author handled foreshadowing really well.
The characters were done complete justice and I really enjoyed how the author’s classy sense of humor came out through the characters.
And a bonus for me was that being an Asian myself, I enjoyed the author’s fascinating details and descriptions of China to no end.
I loved this book and would recommend it to all the Sherlock Holmes fans, mystery lovers and anyone with a craving for a well-written piece of English literature.”
Reviewed by The Reading Bud
Sherlock Holmes and The Nine-Dragon Sigil is available from all good bookstores including The Strand Magazine, Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Waterstones UK and for free shipping worldwide Book Depository. In ebook format it is in Kindle, Kobo, Nook and Apple iBooks (iPad/iPhone).
Writing about the two MOST loved characters of all time – Sherlock Holmes and Watson – is in itself a humongous task, and pulling it off successfully is not only nearly impossible but also unreal.
But Author Tim Symonds successfully took these two legendary characters and completely owned them in his epic new release Sherlock Holmes And The Nine-Dragon Sigil.
I haven’t read the previous parts in this series, but I am certainly looking forward to reading them as soon as I can get my hands on them because I really enjoyed and loved reading this book.
Author Tim Symonds’ writing is exceptional. It flows in tune with the settings and the era the story is set in and reminds the reader of the beautifully poetic and enchanting rhythm that the classic authors had.
I was completely spellbound by the captivating storytelling and the flow of the sentences in old English.
The plot is ingenious and the pacing is moderate, but it picks up wherever the need arises, keeping it thoroughly engaging for the reader.
I absolutely enjoyed the narration, no doubt, but I enjoyed the plot even more. Staying true to the most famous traits of the most amazing and observant detectives on the planet, the author created a fabulous plot, which kept me guessing at each and every turn.
And needless to say, the end completely baffled me and left me sitting there, holding the Kindle in my hands, smiling at the author’s cleverness. It was a true jaw-dropping ending! And it was mostly because the author handled foreshadowing really well.
The characters were done complete justice and I really enjoyed how the author’s classy sense of humor came out through the characters.
And a bonus for me was that being an Asian myself, I enjoyed the author’s fascinating details and descriptions of China to no end.
I loved this book and would recommend it to all the Sherlock Holmes fans, mystery lovers and anyone with a craving for a well-written piece of English literature.”
Reviewed by The Reading Bud
Sherlock Holmes and The Nine-Dragon Sigil is available from all good bookstores including The Strand Magazine, Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Waterstones UK and for free shipping worldwide Book Depository. In ebook format it is in Kindle, Kobo, Nook and Apple iBooks (iPad/iPhone).
December 14, 2016
Review of The Detective The Woman and The Winking Tree
“This book is a welcome addition to Sherlock Holmes lore. I fell in love with Amy Thomas’ version of Holmes in the previous book, and this one may be even better!
The mystery winds through several different threads that seem unconnected. They are woven with care, making the final reveal a satisfying end to an excellent read! I sincerely hope that Amy Thomas adds many new volumes to a first rate series!
I give the book five stars…”
Reviewed by Raven’s Reviews
The Detective the Woman and the Winking Tree is available from all good bookstores including in the USA The Strand Magazine, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, in the UK Amazon,Waterstones, and for everywhere else Book Depository who offer free worldwide delivery. In ebook format there is Kindle, iPad, Kobo and Nook.
The mystery winds through several different threads that seem unconnected. They are woven with care, making the final reveal a satisfying end to an excellent read! I sincerely hope that Amy Thomas adds many new volumes to a first rate series!
I give the book five stars…”
Reviewed by Raven’s Reviews
The Detective the Woman and the Winking Tree is available from all good bookstores including in the USA The Strand Magazine, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, in the UK Amazon,Waterstones, and for everywhere else Book Depository who offer free worldwide delivery. In ebook format there is Kindle, iPad, Kobo and Nook.
December 10, 2016
Review of The Mystery of the Scarlet Homes of Sherlock
“If you stumbled upon the lost diaries of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, what would you do with them? Sanibel author, Dr. John Raffensperger, a collector of Sherlockiana, came up with an idea. He imagined placing a bid at Sotheby’s to win an old footlocker from the estate of Doyle. Following through with this fictional idea, he discovered three leather bound hand-written journals which he turned over to Professor Richard Krevolin. In truth, Krevolin, a screenwriter, playwriter and novelist, read an article written by Raffensperger, published in the Journal of Pediatric Surgery, titled, “Was the Real Sherlock Holmes a Pediatric Surgeon?” Krevolin suggested they combine talents and pen a novel based on Dr. Joseph Bell and Arthur Conan Doyle, who was his clerk. This book is the result of their efforts.
The book chronicles Doyle’s clerkship with Bell, a renowned surgeon who was the model for Doyle’s great detective, Sherlock Holmes. At the time, Doyle was a 19 year old medical student at the University of Edinburgh Medical School. Along the way, they encounter Robert Louis Stevenson, Allen Pinkerton and Rev Henry Ward Beecher, whose sister authored Uncle Toms Cabin. There are several other interesting characters.
Do the names Captain Hook, Jesse James and Dr. Jekyl ring a bell? Their journey begins September 25, 1878 and continues through December 10, 1878. During that short period of time the pair travel to America where they are involved in solving a string of grisly and mysterious murders.
Bell has uncanny powers of observation as to medical ailments, backgrounds of patients and solving the murders. Doyle learns a great deal from him. During the 1800’s medical students had a hard time finding cadavers upon which to work to learn more about the human body. Although it was illegal, gravediggers often helped out by providing bodies.
Once Bell discovers the string of homicides, he places everyone in great danger. As he often said, ‘the game was afoot.’ Pinkerton, of the famous detective agency, is enlisted to help out. As Doyle writes in his journal, he questions his decision. “What have I gotten myself into? When Bell asked me to accompany him I should have flatly refused. Aye, my family is poor, but back in Scotland I was safe and happy and my stomach was always full. And no one was trying to kill me. Maybe I am not cut out for a life of adventure, after all.
During their murder investigation they come across a startling fact. The thyroid gland has been removed from each body. As they solve the mystery they are thrown into a conspiracy involving an assassination of the president. The book is filled with murder, literary history and humanity. If you are a Sherlock Homes fan, The Mystery of the Scarlet Homes of Sherlock is a must read. It is available online through MX Publishing or Amazon.”
Reviewed by Di Saggau, Island Sun, December 2, 2016
The Mystery of The Scarlet Homes Of Sherlock is available from all good bookstores including The Strand Magazine, Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Waterstones UK and for free shipping worldwide Book Depository. In ebook format it is in Kindle, Kobo, Nook and Apple iBooks (iPad/iPhone).
The book chronicles Doyle’s clerkship with Bell, a renowned surgeon who was the model for Doyle’s great detective, Sherlock Holmes. At the time, Doyle was a 19 year old medical student at the University of Edinburgh Medical School. Along the way, they encounter Robert Louis Stevenson, Allen Pinkerton and Rev Henry Ward Beecher, whose sister authored Uncle Toms Cabin. There are several other interesting characters.
Do the names Captain Hook, Jesse James and Dr. Jekyl ring a bell? Their journey begins September 25, 1878 and continues through December 10, 1878. During that short period of time the pair travel to America where they are involved in solving a string of grisly and mysterious murders.
Bell has uncanny powers of observation as to medical ailments, backgrounds of patients and solving the murders. Doyle learns a great deal from him. During the 1800’s medical students had a hard time finding cadavers upon which to work to learn more about the human body. Although it was illegal, gravediggers often helped out by providing bodies.
Once Bell discovers the string of homicides, he places everyone in great danger. As he often said, ‘the game was afoot.’ Pinkerton, of the famous detective agency, is enlisted to help out. As Doyle writes in his journal, he questions his decision. “What have I gotten myself into? When Bell asked me to accompany him I should have flatly refused. Aye, my family is poor, but back in Scotland I was safe and happy and my stomach was always full. And no one was trying to kill me. Maybe I am not cut out for a life of adventure, after all.
During their murder investigation they come across a startling fact. The thyroid gland has been removed from each body. As they solve the mystery they are thrown into a conspiracy involving an assassination of the president. The book is filled with murder, literary history and humanity. If you are a Sherlock Homes fan, The Mystery of the Scarlet Homes of Sherlock is a must read. It is available online through MX Publishing or Amazon.”
Reviewed by Di Saggau, Island Sun, December 2, 2016
The Mystery of The Scarlet Homes Of Sherlock is available from all good bookstores including The Strand Magazine, Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Waterstones UK and for free shipping worldwide Book Depository. In ebook format it is in Kindle, Kobo, Nook and Apple iBooks (iPad/iPhone).
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