The Last Sherlock Holmes Story

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by Michael Dibdin

Edition: paperback, 1996

Synopsis: In 1888 Sherlock Holmes is languishing for a criminal case worthy of his powers, then one materializes, heralded by the spatter of gore and the shriek of headlines. For in vice-ridden Whitechapel, three female paupers of dubious morals have been murdered, their bodies hideously defiled. And in taunting letters their killer announces his intention to strike again—and signs his name “Jack the Ripper.”

As conceived by the award-winning mystery writer Michael Dibdin, The Last Sherlock Holmes Story is a brilliantly inventive updating of the Holmes legend. Pitting master detective against archfiend, steely rationalism against satanic depravity, Dibdin gives us a Holmes who is more complex, more human, and ultimately more fascinating than the one imagined by Arthur Conan Doyle. Here is a riveting combination of history and fiction that confirms Dibdin’s reputation as one of the most imaginative and atmospheric crime writers now at work.

In this pastiche, Watson follows his friend into the investigation that surrounded Jack the Ripper. With lives at stake and things not as they seem, Watson must make a difficult decision.

There seem to be two groups of readers: those who thought it brilliant and those who hate it. I come somewhere in the middle, to be honest. The tone of the story is very much the Watson I’ve come to know from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s stories. Logically, everything falls into place. It is EASY to see the conclusion that is reached.

On the other hand, as much as I could understand the ending, it broke my heart. This was not the Holmes I know and love.

For a Holmes fan with an open mind, this is a definite read.