Steve Emecz's Blog: Musings of a Sherlockian Publisher, page 8
July 30, 2014
Cassie Parkes reviews the first 3 Lego Sherlock Holmes books by P James Macaluso
“If there’s one thing I love besides Sherlock Holmes, it’s Lego. I have a shelf full of Lego figures (I have lots of character ones-Marvel, Lord of the Rings etc) and I loved The Lego Movie beyond comprehension. So when I saw that P James Macaluso Jr had created illustrated versions of Conan Doyle’s work using Lego figures, I was giddy beyond belief!
I looked at three of Macaluso’s Holmes books: A Case of Identity, The Red-Headed League and A Scandal in Bohemia. (Others are available but they’re currently in pre order-check the links at the bottom of the review to order!) The books use Conan Doyle’s original text, but are illustrated with charming Lego images (like the one above) which are Lego reproductions of Paget’s work in the original stories. Each illustration is both adorable and clever as, when compared to Paget’s originals, they are actually remarkably similar!
The books themselves are fairly thin and glossy, they are easy to read and I was eager to turn the page and see each new illustration recreated in Lego! One thing I did think about was how they would be fairly accessible to children in this format, though the vocabulary of Conan Doyle’s work might be a little tricky for some younger children.
Overall, these books are a fun, lighthearted take on Conan Doyle’s work, and I for one am very jealous both of the fact that I didn’t think of it first, and of Macaluso’s extensive Lego collection. I would definitely recommend these to both Holmesians and Lego fans alike, they’re the kind of thing which I know will make me smile over and over again.
To order (or pre-order) any of the Lego Holmes books, visit MX Publishing here: http://www.mxpublishing.co.uk/brand/P.+James+Macaluso+Jr
Thanks for reading!”
A Scandal in Bohemia – Lego – The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes is available from all good bookstores including Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Waterstones UK, and for free shipping worldwide Book Depository. In ebook format it is in Kobo, Nook and Apple iBooks(iPad/iPhone).
The Red-Headed League – Lego – The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes is available from all good bookstores including Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Hive UK, Waterstones UK, and for free shipping worldwide Book Depository. In ebook format it is in Apple iBooks(iPad/iPhone).
A Case of Identity – Lego – The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes is available for pre order from all good bookstores including Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Waterstones UK, and for free shipping worldwide Book Depository. In ebook format it is in Kobo, Nook and Apple iBooks(iPad/iPhone).
I looked at three of Macaluso’s Holmes books: A Case of Identity, The Red-Headed League and A Scandal in Bohemia. (Others are available but they’re currently in pre order-check the links at the bottom of the review to order!) The books use Conan Doyle’s original text, but are illustrated with charming Lego images (like the one above) which are Lego reproductions of Paget’s work in the original stories. Each illustration is both adorable and clever as, when compared to Paget’s originals, they are actually remarkably similar!
The books themselves are fairly thin and glossy, they are easy to read and I was eager to turn the page and see each new illustration recreated in Lego! One thing I did think about was how they would be fairly accessible to children in this format, though the vocabulary of Conan Doyle’s work might be a little tricky for some younger children.
Overall, these books are a fun, lighthearted take on Conan Doyle’s work, and I for one am very jealous both of the fact that I didn’t think of it first, and of Macaluso’s extensive Lego collection. I would definitely recommend these to both Holmesians and Lego fans alike, they’re the kind of thing which I know will make me smile over and over again.
To order (or pre-order) any of the Lego Holmes books, visit MX Publishing here: http://www.mxpublishing.co.uk/brand/P.+James+Macaluso+Jr
Thanks for reading!”
A Scandal in Bohemia – Lego – The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes is available from all good bookstores including Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Waterstones UK, and for free shipping worldwide Book Depository. In ebook format it is in Kobo, Nook and Apple iBooks(iPad/iPhone).
The Red-Headed League – Lego – The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes is available from all good bookstores including Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Hive UK, Waterstones UK, and for free shipping worldwide Book Depository. In ebook format it is in Apple iBooks(iPad/iPhone).
A Case of Identity – Lego – The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes is available for pre order from all good bookstores including Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Waterstones UK, and for free shipping worldwide Book Depository. In ebook format it is in Kobo, Nook and Apple iBooks(iPad/iPhone).
July 24, 2014
Review of A Scandal In Bohemia – A Sherlock Holmes Graphic Novel from the Sherlock Holmes Society of India
"Advance Review: A Scandal in Bohemia by Petr Kopl
Strange, eh? The book isn’t even out yet. But I am one of the privileged few to see it (thank you, Steve Emecz and Petr Kopl), and I couldn’t be happier. The funding of this comic book on Kickstarter has gathered well over thrice the amount aimed at. There’s still time left, so it will probably cross four times the required amount. If you haven’t booked your copy yet - do so right away here; I have a feeling all places stocking it would put up “sold out” boards within days of its release, and Steve will have to run to the press again to get the reprints out.
Anyhow - back to the matter at hand - the review. I have been wondering for a week now - what can I possibly say about this graphic novel that would do justice to the brilliance of its artwork, the cleverness of its adaptation and the sheer genius of the man behind it? The conclusion - anything I say will be inadequate. Anything anyone ever says will be inadequate - for there are no words in in the languages I know to measure or capture the “superlative” quotient of this book. I could start rattling off in alphabetical order - astounding, bedazzling, charming, delightful, elegant, fantastic, glamorous, humorous, impeccable, jolly, kaleidoscopic, lovely, magnificent, neat, outstanding, perspicacious, quick-witted, radiant, sophisticated, thoughtful, unique, vivid, witty, xtra-ordinary (well, I can’t think of another with x), youthful and zany. No, it’s not enough. It’s not even close. You cannot measure the immeasurable. You can only revel in its glory.
Surprisingly true to the canon (yes, true enough to satisfy even the most rigid of purists), the adaptation captures the spirit of every character so well, you would be drawn into the plot, whether you want to or not. Even if you know the canon by heart, you are in for a surprise - Petr seamlessly weaves two tales into this one (A Scandal in Bohemia and The Adventure of the Speckled Band) - with interesting results. Ingeniously placed cameos by well-known (and well-loved) literary characters as well as original Petr Kopl characters are a delight. Sherlock Holmes is a deadly combination of genius, sassy and adorable, Dr Watson is at his most virtuous and Irene Adler is drop-dead gorgeous (and smart).
I don’t speak Czech, so I honestly can’t say if anything has been lost in translation. From what I can see, the translators have done an amazing job - the dialogues are witty and amusing, and remarkably true to the canon. When I read the Czech version months ago, it was thanks to Google Translate - a bit tedious, but all right to get the gist - obviously, I missed the clever quips that the English version has now captured. I am very, very impressed. In any case, offers of translations in other languages have started flowing in (and this, before the book is out - can you imagine what it’s going to be like when it is actually out?) - so if you speak neither Czech nor English, do not fret. Go ahead and take a look…and then ask Steve if your language is on his list yet.
You can’t afford to miss this. Still need more reason? Here are a few:
To the Sherlockians out there, I say - this is the most gorgeous and intelligent adaptation of “A Scandal in Bohemia” I have ever seen. If Sir Arthur could see it, he would be overwhelmed. This is a must-have for the collection of every Sherlockian in the world.
To the comic-lovers out there, I say - the artwork is immaculate. Rarely would come across such a talented artist. Every panel, every stroke is perfect. You will not be able to take your eyes off, I can guarantee.
To those fond of English literature, I say - the quirky and delightfully twisted literary references will leave you breathless. The more you read, the more you shall spot, and the cleverer you shall feel.
To the brainiacs, puzzle-lovers and armchair-detectives out there, I say - think yourself smart? Think again…unless you have been able to pick up every single clue Petr has surreptitiously hidden away in plain sight.
In the end, at the risk of sounding like a teenage-boy-band, I’ll say no matter who you are, what you do or where you’re from, “A Scandal in Bohemia” will leave you stunned, impressed and hungering for the next book. I am rubbing my hands in anticipation…are you?
And last, but not the least, I have to thank Ales Kolodrubec, the President of Česká společnost Sherlocka Holmese (the Czech Sherlock Holmes Society), for giving me the opportunity to take a look at Petr’s work. Ales, you are a true Sherlockian!”
Strange, eh? The book isn’t even out yet. But I am one of the privileged few to see it (thank you, Steve Emecz and Petr Kopl), and I couldn’t be happier. The funding of this comic book on Kickstarter has gathered well over thrice the amount aimed at. There’s still time left, so it will probably cross four times the required amount. If you haven’t booked your copy yet - do so right away here; I have a feeling all places stocking it would put up “sold out” boards within days of its release, and Steve will have to run to the press again to get the reprints out.
Anyhow - back to the matter at hand - the review. I have been wondering for a week now - what can I possibly say about this graphic novel that would do justice to the brilliance of its artwork, the cleverness of its adaptation and the sheer genius of the man behind it? The conclusion - anything I say will be inadequate. Anything anyone ever says will be inadequate - for there are no words in in the languages I know to measure or capture the “superlative” quotient of this book. I could start rattling off in alphabetical order - astounding, bedazzling, charming, delightful, elegant, fantastic, glamorous, humorous, impeccable, jolly, kaleidoscopic, lovely, magnificent, neat, outstanding, perspicacious, quick-witted, radiant, sophisticated, thoughtful, unique, vivid, witty, xtra-ordinary (well, I can’t think of another with x), youthful and zany. No, it’s not enough. It’s not even close. You cannot measure the immeasurable. You can only revel in its glory.
Surprisingly true to the canon (yes, true enough to satisfy even the most rigid of purists), the adaptation captures the spirit of every character so well, you would be drawn into the plot, whether you want to or not. Even if you know the canon by heart, you are in for a surprise - Petr seamlessly weaves two tales into this one (A Scandal in Bohemia and The Adventure of the Speckled Band) - with interesting results. Ingeniously placed cameos by well-known (and well-loved) literary characters as well as original Petr Kopl characters are a delight. Sherlock Holmes is a deadly combination of genius, sassy and adorable, Dr Watson is at his most virtuous and Irene Adler is drop-dead gorgeous (and smart).
I don’t speak Czech, so I honestly can’t say if anything has been lost in translation. From what I can see, the translators have done an amazing job - the dialogues are witty and amusing, and remarkably true to the canon. When I read the Czech version months ago, it was thanks to Google Translate - a bit tedious, but all right to get the gist - obviously, I missed the clever quips that the English version has now captured. I am very, very impressed. In any case, offers of translations in other languages have started flowing in (and this, before the book is out - can you imagine what it’s going to be like when it is actually out?) - so if you speak neither Czech nor English, do not fret. Go ahead and take a look…and then ask Steve if your language is on his list yet.
You can’t afford to miss this. Still need more reason? Here are a few:
To the Sherlockians out there, I say - this is the most gorgeous and intelligent adaptation of “A Scandal in Bohemia” I have ever seen. If Sir Arthur could see it, he would be overwhelmed. This is a must-have for the collection of every Sherlockian in the world.
To the comic-lovers out there, I say - the artwork is immaculate. Rarely would come across such a talented artist. Every panel, every stroke is perfect. You will not be able to take your eyes off, I can guarantee.
To those fond of English literature, I say - the quirky and delightfully twisted literary references will leave you breathless. The more you read, the more you shall spot, and the cleverer you shall feel.
To the brainiacs, puzzle-lovers and armchair-detectives out there, I say - think yourself smart? Think again…unless you have been able to pick up every single clue Petr has surreptitiously hidden away in plain sight.
In the end, at the risk of sounding like a teenage-boy-band, I’ll say no matter who you are, what you do or where you’re from, “A Scandal in Bohemia” will leave you stunned, impressed and hungering for the next book. I am rubbing my hands in anticipation…are you?
And last, but not the least, I have to thank Ales Kolodrubec, the President of Česká společnost Sherlocka Holmese (the Czech Sherlock Holmes Society), for giving me the opportunity to take a look at Petr’s work. Ales, you are a true Sherlockian!”
July 11, 2014
Peter E. Blau reviews A Chronology of the Life of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
"May 14 #7 Brian W. Pugh continues to revise his A CHRONOLOGY OF THE LIFE OF SIR ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE (Mar 13 #6); the third edition (London: MX Publishing, 2014; 303 pp.) delightful and valuable as a resource for information about the life and work of Conan Doyle. The chronology starts in 1755 (the birth of James Doyle) and ends in 1998 (the memorial service for Dame Jean), and there are splendid photographs (old and new), a list of statues and plaques around the world, a new section detailing his Arctic voyage in 1880, careful citations of sources, and much more."
A Chronology of the life of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle – Revised 2014 Edition is available from all good bookstores including Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Waterstones UK, and for free shipping worldwide Book Depository .
A Chronology of the life of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle – Revised 2014 Edition is available from all good bookstores including Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Waterstones UK, and for free shipping worldwide Book Depository .
July 3, 2014
New review of Sherlock Holmes and the Mystery of Einstein’s Daughter
"Absolutely charming old world style.
This book reaches back to the classical Sherlock Holmes story telling but without the unconnectable instances and characters that sometimes enter the pages of the old ones. I feel that this author has successfully taken the much loved story of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson and made it enjoyable for new generations.
Being based on fact, this mystery will be a delight for historical fiction fans as well as those that enjoy historical and mystery genres. I don’t normally find this genre to my taste, but enjoyed this story a lot and appreciated the author’s respect for his readers.
Sherlock Holmes is a much loved character and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is believed to be in a list of literary greats;I feel that Mr. Symonds has done a marvelous job of staying true to Sir Doyle and the characters that so many people enjoy.”
Reviewed by Shamira
Sherlock Holmes and The Mystery of Einstein’s Daughter is available from all good bookstores including 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).
This book reaches back to the classical Sherlock Holmes story telling but without the unconnectable instances and characters that sometimes enter the pages of the old ones. I feel that this author has successfully taken the much loved story of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson and made it enjoyable for new generations.
Being based on fact, this mystery will be a delight for historical fiction fans as well as those that enjoy historical and mystery genres. I don’t normally find this genre to my taste, but enjoyed this story a lot and appreciated the author’s respect for his readers.
Sherlock Holmes is a much loved character and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is believed to be in a list of literary greats;I feel that Mr. Symonds has done a marvelous job of staying true to Sir Doyle and the characters that so many people enjoy.”
Reviewed by Shamira
Sherlock Holmes and The Mystery of Einstein’s Daughter is available from all good bookstores including 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).
June 8, 2014
The Amateur Executioner – Sherlock Holmes and Enoch Hale – the first adventure now in audio book
The Amateur Executioner - Sherlock Holmes and Enoch Hale - the first adventure now in audio book from - Amazon USA and Amazon UK.
"I don’t give a 5-star review lightly, but this book deserves one for its sheer ability to delight me with its masterful storytelling.
The new collaborative novel by two seasoned Sherlock Holmes novelists is a rare type of book for me to review, since it does not directly star Sherlock Holmes. Instead, the world’s greatest detective has a prominent supporting role in an entertaining 1920s mystery that also includes TS Eliot, WB Yeats, and several other historical characters.
The Amateur Executioner is the kind of book that can be enjoyed on several levels. Those who want an exciting, fast-moving, and action-filled mystery will appreciate its pace and wit, while those who are more interested in the Sherlock Holmes element will also find many subtle and clever references to the Doyle canon. Unexpectedly, there’s also a lot to love for those who appreciate classic literature and the writers of the early 20th century.
Having read other work by both Andriacco and McMullen, I wouldn’t necessarily have expected the two to collaborate. I hesitate to label them too strictly, but Andriacco’s style generally reads, to my ear, like Dashiell Hammett-style detective narrative, while McMullen is more traditionally Victorian and imitative of Doyle in his pastiches. I was pleasantly surprised by how well the two coalesced throughout the book. I don’t know what the division of writing was, but the voice of the American protagonist, Enoch Hale, strikes me as predominately Andriacco’s, while the historical atmosphere and several of the other voices seem to belong more to McMullen.
Above all, the novel is enjoyable. It’s a quick read that can be digested in a few sittings, and the ending leaves the reader hoping for more. Andriacco and McMullen have done a masterful job of blending history, fiction, and Sherlock Holmes in a way that entices and delights. I suppose the question is, does Holmes belong to the fiction or to the history? The authors of The Amateur Executioner will make you believe he’s absolutely real”
Amy Thomas, The Baker Street Babes
June 5, 2014
Peter E. Blau reviews A Chronology of the Life of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, 2014 Edition
"Brian W. Pugh continues to revise his A CHRONOLOGY OF THE LIFE OF SIR ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE (Mar 13 #6); the third edition (London: MX Publishing, 2014; 303 pp.) delightful and valuable as a resource for information about the life and work of Conan Doyle. The chronology starts in 1755 (the birth of James Doyle) and ends in 1998 (the memorial service for Dame Jean), and there are splendid photographs (old and new), a list of statues and plaques around the world, a new section detailing his Arctic voyage in 1 880, careful citations of sources, and much more."
A Chronology of the life of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle – Revised 2014 Edition is available from all good bookstores including Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Waterstones UK, and for free shipping worldwide Book Depository .
A Chronology of the life of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle – Revised 2014 Edition is available from all good bookstores including Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Waterstones UK, and for free shipping worldwide Book Depository .
June 3, 2014
Review of The Conan Doyle Notes The Secret of Jack the Ripper
"Diane Gilbert Madsen has given readers another winner in the DD McGill Literati Mystery Series. The Conan Doyle Notes: The Secret of Jack the Ripper is a marvelous tale of DD McGill who is an investigator for insurance fraud and her bookseller friend, Tom Joyce, who is asked to assess the value of the literary estate of a wealthy Chicago estate owner. McGill immediately alienates herself from those associated with the estate and Tom experiences a nasty fall down a flight of stairs. Even though the police believe the fall to be an accident, McGill is convinced it was an attempted murder. In a move to gather evidence illegally, McGill is discovered and arrested. Her antics don’t end there as Tom convinces her to become even more involved in the estate owner’s diary, which has now mysteriously disappeared.
McGill’s personality is so lovable that any reader will immediately forgive her illegal activities in the name of justice. And Tom’s persistence in pursuing clues that might lead to the identity of Jack the Ripper is nothing short of pathological but in a charming way! The secret to the mystery just might lie in long-lost notes taken by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Neither McGill nor Tom will rest until things are set straight. The Conan Doyle Notes: The Secret of Jack the Ripper is a great mystery read by itself but Madsen’s characterizations make the reader bound and determined to make this a one-sitting reading experience. This one has it all: a stalker, attempted murder, murder and a fire that threatens to undermine the two sleuths’ abilities to solve their own mystery.”
Reviewed by Karen Pirnot for Readers’ Favorite
The Conan Doyle Notes: The Secret of Jack the Ripper paperback edition is available for pre order from all good bookstores including Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Waterstones UK, and for free shipping worldwide Book Depository .
The Conan Doyle Notes: The Secret of Jack the Ripper hardback edition is available for pre order from all good bookstores including Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Waterstones UK, and for free shipping worldwide Book Depository.
McGill’s personality is so lovable that any reader will immediately forgive her illegal activities in the name of justice. And Tom’s persistence in pursuing clues that might lead to the identity of Jack the Ripper is nothing short of pathological but in a charming way! The secret to the mystery just might lie in long-lost notes taken by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Neither McGill nor Tom will rest until things are set straight. The Conan Doyle Notes: The Secret of Jack the Ripper is a great mystery read by itself but Madsen’s characterizations make the reader bound and determined to make this a one-sitting reading experience. This one has it all: a stalker, attempted murder, murder and a fire that threatens to undermine the two sleuths’ abilities to solve their own mystery.”
Reviewed by Karen Pirnot for Readers’ Favorite
The Conan Doyle Notes: The Secret of Jack the Ripper paperback edition is available for pre order from all good bookstores including Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Waterstones UK, and for free shipping worldwide Book Depository .
The Conan Doyle Notes: The Secret of Jack the Ripper hardback edition is available for pre order from all good bookstores including Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Waterstones UK, and for free shipping worldwide Book Depository.
June 2, 2014
Review of The Cotswolds Werewolf and other Stories of Sherlock Holmes
“The Cotswolds Werewolf and Other Stories is yet another in a long line of pastiches which finds the world’s greatest detective investigating what seem to be supernatural goings-on. While the concept may not be the most original, I freely admit that I enjoy it. Reading any pastiche which finds Sherlock Holmes in an atmospheric setting, investigating an unusual crime makes for a fun experience. The question is, does this collection of short stories live up to the high standard of its predecessors?
The main attraction of this collection is the eponymous story, “The Adventure of the Cotswolds Werewolf.” It finds Holmes suffering from a bout of ennui, and in hopes of curing his friend’s boredom, Dr. Watson suggests a trip to the countryside. Once they arrive in the small hamlet of Cotswolds, the two become aware of a mysterious creature which has been killing farmer’s sheep. The locals blame a werewolf for the killings, and their hysteria is heightened when a sheep-herder is found murdered.
“The Cotswolds Werewolf” excellently portrays the atmosphere which makes horror-tinged pastiches work so well. The isolated village is the perfect setting, and as the story moves forward, we become aware of the town’s dark history including witch trials and curses. In a neat touch, the characters of the village are nicely developed, most notably the vicar and his wife who become instrumental in solving the mystery. It adds to the air of the close-knit community which the story strives to portray. In terms of plot, “The Cotswolds Werewolf” moves along a nice pace, though Sherlock Holmes doesn’t become involved in the investigation until the story’s third chapter. Nevertheless, these portions of the detective doing what he does best do not seem rushed.
The collection’s other short stories are also nice, capturing the spirit of Doyle’s originals. First in “The Adventure of the Velvet Lampshade” a woman visits Sherlock Holmes after her maid goes missing. I would say that aside from the title story, this is the strongest story of the set with some fine detective work on Holmes’ part and a very nice twist ending which I did not see coming.
Next is “The Adventure of the Missing Mud-Lark” which sees Holmes involved in another missing-person case when a young boy disappears in one of London’s seediest districts. This story too featured some nice detective work on Holmes’ part, though the twist ending implemented is certainly not as strong as the one in the previous story. This story also features a flashback sequence, which in my mind, goes on a bit too long and makes the middle section of this otherwise short story feel overly long.
The final two stories are the shortest of the collection. The first, “The Adventure of the Forking Paths” finds Holmes and Watson contacted by a botanist after an extremely rare Japanese orchid goes missing. It is a nice little story, but truly nothing to write home about. Lastly, “The Adventure of the One-Armed Pugilist” sees a man come to Holmes after he is brutally attacked in the street. This adventure, though less than ten pages, turned out to use yet another ingenious twist ending, and some fine deductive work from Holmes.
In all, I was very pleased by The Cotswolds Werewolf and Other Stories. Featuring a fine eponymous story and four well-written other stories, the short story collection was a fine selection of Sherlockian offerings and I hope to read more from author Peter K. Anderson in the future. I therefore award this collection 4 out of 5 stars.”
Reviewed by Nick Cardillo
The Cotswolds Werewolf and other Stories of Sherlock Holmes is available from all good bookstores including 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).
The main attraction of this collection is the eponymous story, “The Adventure of the Cotswolds Werewolf.” It finds Holmes suffering from a bout of ennui, and in hopes of curing his friend’s boredom, Dr. Watson suggests a trip to the countryside. Once they arrive in the small hamlet of Cotswolds, the two become aware of a mysterious creature which has been killing farmer’s sheep. The locals blame a werewolf for the killings, and their hysteria is heightened when a sheep-herder is found murdered.
“The Cotswolds Werewolf” excellently portrays the atmosphere which makes horror-tinged pastiches work so well. The isolated village is the perfect setting, and as the story moves forward, we become aware of the town’s dark history including witch trials and curses. In a neat touch, the characters of the village are nicely developed, most notably the vicar and his wife who become instrumental in solving the mystery. It adds to the air of the close-knit community which the story strives to portray. In terms of plot, “The Cotswolds Werewolf” moves along a nice pace, though Sherlock Holmes doesn’t become involved in the investigation until the story’s third chapter. Nevertheless, these portions of the detective doing what he does best do not seem rushed.
The collection’s other short stories are also nice, capturing the spirit of Doyle’s originals. First in “The Adventure of the Velvet Lampshade” a woman visits Sherlock Holmes after her maid goes missing. I would say that aside from the title story, this is the strongest story of the set with some fine detective work on Holmes’ part and a very nice twist ending which I did not see coming.
Next is “The Adventure of the Missing Mud-Lark” which sees Holmes involved in another missing-person case when a young boy disappears in one of London’s seediest districts. This story too featured some nice detective work on Holmes’ part, though the twist ending implemented is certainly not as strong as the one in the previous story. This story also features a flashback sequence, which in my mind, goes on a bit too long and makes the middle section of this otherwise short story feel overly long.
The final two stories are the shortest of the collection. The first, “The Adventure of the Forking Paths” finds Holmes and Watson contacted by a botanist after an extremely rare Japanese orchid goes missing. It is a nice little story, but truly nothing to write home about. Lastly, “The Adventure of the One-Armed Pugilist” sees a man come to Holmes after he is brutally attacked in the street. This adventure, though less than ten pages, turned out to use yet another ingenious twist ending, and some fine deductive work from Holmes.
In all, I was very pleased by The Cotswolds Werewolf and Other Stories. Featuring a fine eponymous story and four well-written other stories, the short story collection was a fine selection of Sherlockian offerings and I hope to read more from author Peter K. Anderson in the future. I therefore award this collection 4 out of 5 stars.”
Reviewed by Nick Cardillo
The Cotswolds Werewolf and other Stories of Sherlock Holmes is available from all good bookstores including 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).
May 24, 2014
The Team Formula was given a Finalist Award at the Indie Excellence Awards in May 2014.
The Team Formula was given a Finalist Award at the Indie Excellence Awards in May 2014.
The Indie Excellence Awards each year recognises books that are either self-published or as we are, published by smaller, independent publishers. Our Finalist Award was for the Business General category.
The California-based Indie Excellence Awards consider books in English from all around the world. ‘The competition is judged by independent experts from all aspects of the indie book industry, including publishers, writers, editors, book cover designers and professional copywriters. They select award winners and finalists based on overall excellence of presentation in addition to the writing.’ (from http://www.indieexcellence.com/about-...).
The Team Formula is available from all good bookstores including in the USA Barnes and Noble and Amazon , in the UK Amazon and Waterstones . For other countries Book Depository offer free delivery worldwide. The book is also available in ebook format including Kindle , Kobo , Nook and iPad .
The Indie Excellence Awards each year recognises books that are either self-published or as we are, published by smaller, independent publishers. Our Finalist Award was for the Business General category.
The California-based Indie Excellence Awards consider books in English from all around the world. ‘The competition is judged by independent experts from all aspects of the indie book industry, including publishers, writers, editors, book cover designers and professional copywriters. They select award winners and finalists based on overall excellence of presentation in addition to the writing.’ (from http://www.indieexcellence.com/about-...).
The Team Formula is available from all good bookstores including in the USA Barnes and Noble and Amazon , in the UK Amazon and Waterstones . For other countries Book Depository offer free delivery worldwide. The book is also available in ebook format including Kindle , Kobo , Nook and iPad .
May 16, 2014
Lego Sherlock Holmes book launch
The Red-Headed League - Lego - The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, the 2nd in the Lego Sherlock Holmes series is out this week!
The Red-Headed League – Lego – The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes is available from all good bookstores including Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Hive UK, Waterstones UK, and for free shipping worldwide Book Depository.
The Red-Headed League – Lego – The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes is available from all good bookstores including Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Hive UK, Waterstones UK, and for free shipping worldwide Book Depository.
Musings of a Sherlockian Publisher
Sherlock Holmes publishing is my passion, and I am very lucky to work with over 50 of the world's best Holmes writers. We also organise The Great Sherlock Holmes Debates and are ardent supporters of S
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