Murder in the Vatican: The Church Mysteries of Sherlock Holmes

by Ann Margaret Lewis

What can be more frustrating for a Sherlock Holmes fan than a mystery left untold? At last, three exciting tales only hinted at in the Holmes canon come alive in Ann Margaret Lewis' Murder in the Vatican: The Church Mysteries of Sherlock Holmes. Follow the great detective as he investigates three baffling cases at the "express desire of his Holiness, the Pope." Stories include "The Death of Cardinal Tosca," "The Vatican Cameos," and "The Second Coptic Patriarch." You'll encounter baffling crimes, rich, historical settings, and a fateful encounter with Father Brown! These thrilling tales of murder and intrigue vividly bring to life three of Watson's "untold tales!" Illustrated. I was exceedingly preoccupied by that little affair of the Vatican cameos, and in my anxiety to oblige the Pope I lost touch with several interesting English cases. -Sherlock Holmes, The Hound of the Baskervilles "Ann Lewis has ingeniously woven tales of mystery... Holmes and Watson are there, just as Doyle created them; it is fascinating to see the famous duo in the corridors of the papal apartments, matching wits with Leo XIII himself." -Elena Maria Vidal, Author, Trianon: A Novel of Royal France "From page one I was instantly immersed... Really quite an accomplishment. " -Jeff Miller, The Curt Jester  

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Short Stories, Catholic, Historical Fiction, Detective, Victorian

152 pages, Paperback

First published August 16, 2010

About the author

Ann Margaret Lewis began her writing career writing tie-in children’s books and short stories for DC Comics. She then published two editions of Star Wars: The New Essential Guide to Alien Species for DelRey/Random House. Moving from licensed publishing, Ann began writing science fiction/fantasy, historical fiction, and Sherlock Holmes mysteries. Her first book, Murder in the Vatican: The Church Mysteries of Sherlock Holmes was the Independent Book Publisher’s Award Winner for 2010 and a finalist for the Catholic Arts and Letters Award. She followed that with another Sherlock Holmes novel entitled The Watson Chronicles: A Sherlock Holmes Novel in Stories.

Her latest book, Warrior of the Kizan, is a space opera. And her work has appeared in the anthologies To Be Men (2019) and Luna (release 2020).

Reviews

[Leslea Wahl · Rating 5 out of 5]

For those who enjoy Sherlock Holmes mysteries – this collection of three short stories is for you! I’ve always been a huge fan of mysteries, so this book was great fun to read. I thoroughly enjoyed following Holmes and Watson as they worked several cases alongside the inquisitive Pope Leo. The mystery kept me guessing and the historical details brought the story to life.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are fan of Sherlock Holmes and even if you aren't, you will become instantly and totally immersed in these titillating tales of mystery and suspense. In Murder in the Vatican, Ann Lewis skillfully weaves three exciting tales of murder and intrigue – two from the viewpoint of Dr. Watson and one from the perspective of Pope Leo XIII. Stories include "The Death of Cardinal Tosca," "The Vatican Cameos," and "The Second Coptic Patriarch."

What fascinated me about these stories is the fact that they seemed so authentic – in terms of dialogue, setting, and character --that I felt as if I were reading the actual works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. I also relished the theology and Catholicism that was contained in these wonderful stories, which was very orthodox. Pope Leo comes to life as a man of wit, practicality, great intelligence and much compassion. He reminded me, in some ways, of our current Holy Father, Pope Francis. It is very entertaining to see him match wits with Holmes and to observe the growth of their relationship in the stories. Murder in the Vatican is clever, entertaining, and pure fun. It is a book of tales to read privately or to be shared with family or friends and read aloud. These stories are just too good not to be shared with others.

Ann Lewis’s Murder in the Vatican is a book to be savored. It is chock full of all the elements of a great mystery story: an intriguing plot, adventure, and a healthy dose of suspense. Above all that, it has characters that are likeable and very realistic, rich historical settings, brilliant illustrations, and my favorite part – Catholicism and theology. I highly recommend Murder in the Vatican.


~ © Jean M. Heimann, August 2013

[Julie Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Offhand references from Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories involving the Pope or other religious figures prompted Ann Margaret Lewis to begin writing the three novellas which became Murder in the Vatican. Herein we discover the truth behind Holmes' allusions above.

The Case of Cardinal Tosca: Dr. Watson tells the tale of Pope Leo's request for Sherlock Holmes' assistance investigating the mysterious death of a member of his curia.

The Vatican Cameos: Sherlock Holmes helps Pope Leo XIII recover a rare collection of ancient Roman cameos that has vanished en route to Queen Victoria. Told by the Holy Father himself.

The Second Coptic Patriarch: Dr. Watson narrates of the time when the famous Father Brown (of G.K. Chesterton's stories) is imprisoned for the murder of a Coptic clerk; Brown’s ex-criminal friend Flambeau seeks the help of Sherlock Holmes to set him free.

It has been many years since I read the Sherlock Holmes stories, which my parents had in two big volumes that contained the entire canon. This book sent me back to them and I learned that I didn't remember them as well as I thought which is not surprising after a long time. Rediscovering them has afforded me a great deal of pleasure.

It is rare that I enjoy knock-off stories or fan fiction and so I generally avoid them. In this case I was drawn in by positive reviews from trusted readers like The Curt Jester and Sarah Reinhard. In so doing, I learned that Murder in the Vatican is an exception to my rule. I enjoyed it quite a bit.

I also learned a new word: pastiche. Wikipedia says: In this usage, the term denotes a literary technique employing a generally light-hearted tongue-in-cheek imitation of another's style; although jocular, it is usually respectful.

Murder in the Vatican lives up to that definition on several different levels.

The mysteries themselves were engrossing. The first story was less of a "guess whodunnit" mystery as much as a chase to the finish story. All of the tales used devices of the times but in the case of the last two stories I found myself drawn in and guessing the solution. Wrongly in both cases, but it showed the level of involvement I experienced and the author's skill in spinning a true mystery, complete with misdirection.

The religion or lack of it was genuine. I appreciated Lewis's careful delineation between Watson and Holmes as nonbelievers versus Pope Leo who is featured in the first two stories. Each side acknowledges the other's religious orientation, or lack thereof, and yet is able to deal with each other respectfully without feeling a need to mock different beliefs. This is important in this book since the original promptings were based around faith and readers would be on their alert for any missteps. I especially appreciated Pope Leo's gentle attempts to point out flaws in Holmes' reasoning.

Pope Leo is a fatherly, vibrant figure who lives his faith to the point that he is truly grieved by a ne'er-do-well's deliberate repudiation of the faith just before death.

The repartee is quick witted and plays on two levels so that modern readers can appreciate the tweaking that is being done. Most pastiche-like, as I learned!

Holmes: [Leo XIII] is genuinely pious. He is also imperious, but in a most endearing way.
Watson: Yes, well. I'm used to that.

Overall, the book is a light-hearted tribute to both the Sherlock Holmes stories and the impact that real Christians make in their example ... even on hardened cases like Holmes. Ann Margaret Lewis said the stories are, "meant to be fun and lift your heart for a short time. I had a blast writing it, and I hope you have a blast reading it." Indeed I did. They would lighten my long days when I read a bit of them.

I didn't find it to be a perfect book but the problems I noted were not those that would probably bother most people. Honestly, if I hadn't just read A Study in Scarlet I might not have been as attuned as I was. Interestingly, most of these issues seemed to be concentrated in the first story. I didn't notice them nearly as much in the last two. Whether that is because Lewis' writing "ear" reached a good rhythm as she went (assuming she wrote them in order) or I simply was more engrossed in the last two stories I can't say.

My problems generally lay in some anachronisms, an over-abundance of contractions, and the fact that I tend to dislike stories where well-known figures of the time are brought into them (a personal peeve). However, I will add that although Murder in the Vatican had well-known figures aplenty, Lewis's skill in handling them was such that I actually became fond of them in the stories. That is quite an accomplishment and I tip my deerstalker to Ms. Lewis in appreciation.

All in all, I recommend the book to all but the most die-hard Holmes fans who will become aggrieved at slight departures from that which marks the most genuine Arthur Conan Doyle writing.

[Fr. Kyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

The stories were very enjoyable. I liked the relationship Lewis established between Holmes and Leo XIII. It can be a great evangelizer in men of this age or are agnostic and intelligent. Within the Church is an understanding of faith and reason. Getting to know Leo XIII was also a great joy. Unfortunately, up to now I hadn't had much contact with his writings and history about him. He seems like a very fascinating man. The connection between Holmes and Fr. Brown was also of great delight to me. My two favorite detectives in the same story.

You should read this if your a mystery or a Catholic, and even more so if your both.

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoroughly enjoyable book of Catholic-themed Sherlock Holmes spin-off short stories set in the Vatican and inspired by brief references in the canon (like the Vatican cameos). The stories featuring Pope Leo XIII and Chesterton’s Father Brown as Holmes’ sleuthing side kicks! After having such success with Jane Austen retellings, I wanted to experiment with Holmes retellings and I couldn't have picked a better book for my first foray because the writing style of each story felt very true to Doyle!

[Karen Boyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Over several days this only made our rooms increasingly more cluttered as he sorted sheets on the floor, mantel, tables, spare chairs, and other flat surfaces, forcing me to navigate skillfully over and around them like a Chinese acrobat.”

And so, starts Watson’s description of the iconic Sherlock Holmes in this, the first story in this trilogy of tales. This novel, Murder in the Vatican, The Church Mysteries of Sherlock Holmes written by author Ann Margaret Lewis pulls the reader into a world of mystery, murder, and mayhem with the first tale The Death of Cardinal Tosca. Weaving the complex mystery of the cardinal’s murder, Lewis stays true to the classic character of Holmes. His brilliant observations and complex personal traits remain authentic to the original writings of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Holmes follows the mysterious clues that point to an unexpected killer with logic and the detective’s sharp observational skills. Into this masterful tale Lewis sets the Vatican background with precise and detailed physical and religious facts. Set in the original time frame of Sherlock’s lifetime, we are introduced to a great and historically significant Pope Leo XIII. Lewis masters both the Pope’s profound faith and historic contribution to the Church with great talent, without being preachy or stiff. She manages to have all historical facts woven into the plot and it flows smoothly with the story.

“And there we all stopped in surprise. The body of a man lay upon the floor face down, blood pooling around his head”

In the second tale, The Vatican Cameos, the relationship between Sherlock and the Pope develops as Pope Leo XIII takes on the role of ‘Watson.’ Lewis introduces the reader to the larger view of this part of history as the personality and traits of Queen Victoria are presented. The plight of Catholics during this time in British History is displayed with great skill. As both Pope Leo XIII and Sherlock solve the mysterious theft of precious jewelry, they are led into a murder and betrayal that keeps the reader absorbed and fascinated. This tale is action-packed and fast-moving, keeping this reader on pins and needles.

“His Holiness once wrote that ‘God is not only true, He is Truth itself.’ I do believe in Truth, Watson. A logician must believe in objective Truth, or there is nothing upon which one can base one’s reasoning. And yet – He took a puff from his pipe with a thoughtful expression. “It is a problem, Watson. A pretty little problem. Wouldn’t you agree?”

In the third tale we are introduced to G.K. Chesterton’s detective - Father Brown. As the relationship between the Coptic, Protestant, and Catholic world collide, Lewis has the great figures of this part of history join together in solving the mysterious murder of Mr. Sarif Fouad in The Second Coptic Patriarch. It takes an extremely gifted writer to weave fictional characters with true historical figures. Yet, this author manages not only this but keeps the well-known characters, developed by other authors, true to the original. These three tales are masterly written by a uniquely talented author. The flow of the words with which she ends her three tales of Sherlock Holmes, (As quoted above) say it all. I highly recommend this read and look forward to other works from this talented author.

[Michael Morow · Rating 5 out of 5]

These are three deftly written stories that well capture the Conan Doyle tone and diction. The characterization of Pope Leo 13, a feature in all three, is also shrewd and historically informed. The accomplishment is significantly more difficult than it looks, in both respects, but the reading is smooth and the effort neither shows, nor is showy.

On their surface, then, the pieces appear light, as if a seamless addition to the Holmes catalog. The fact is, each story is hinted at in an actual Conan Doyle Holmes adventure; he just of course did not write anything involving Holmes in the Vatican. Ann Lewis' faith themes, also, are not introduced in any heavy handed way but quite naturally. The Holmes character, as fashioned by Doyle, was inquisitive and direct, and if Holmes actually "had" such adventures with a pope, a dialogue of some sort on the subject of belief would certainly have occurred.

All three pieces are entertaining in the Doyle manner, but it must be said that the second story, "The Vatican Cameos," which is partly told by Leo, surmounts the genre -- and for that matter genre fiction generally. Various things are happening -- or more usually touted to be happening -- in Catholic fiction today, but this piece is as good as it gets and can be recommended to any reader, young or serious adult, without excuses or puffing. In 70 pages, it is not only novella length but has a sober resonance on the level of any of the best so-called "Catholic fiction" past or present in this country. This little apparently "light" tale of art theft is a fine surprise and reward to the reader.

This book has gotten generally good reviews in the press, but not always with the level of care and attention it should have. People who think they have "got it" ought to read it again.

Finally, the illustrations by one Rikki Niehaus are dynamite, and add much to the pleasure of reading -- which should not be in a single sitting. Ann Margaret Lewis looks like a high wire act, even upping the ante on herself in the 2nd story by having Leo actually write. But the intelligence and craft that drives this little book are no mere bag of tricks, and one looks forward to future creations from this very rare literary avatar of a mockingbird.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I highly recommend this collection of previously undocumented cases solved by the great Victorian detective, Sherlock Holmes. He teamed up with Pope Leo XIII twice at the Vatican, and the pope even wrote a report on one of the cases when Dr. Watson could not accompany Holmes to Rome.

"Murder in the Vatican: The Church Mysteries of Sherlock Holmes" contains three stories: "The Death of Cardinal Tosca", "The Vatican Cameos", and "The Second Coptic Patriarch". Within the recounting of these cases, we find out that Pope Leo XIII may have helped Holmes as much as Holmes helped him--after Holmes battled Moriarty at the Reichenbach Falls.

Chesterton's Father Brown (first as Deacon Brown) makes two appearances, and names like Henry Cardinal Manning, Nicholas Wiseman, John Henry Newman, and Ambrose St. John drop enticingly.

Writing a brilliant pastiche, Ann Margaret Lewis nevertheless uncovers serious issues in Victorian England: the tension between the newly refounded hierarchy and Queen Victoria, for instance, which precipitates the second mystery, "The Vatican Cameos" and the supposed conflict between faith and reason or religion and science which Holmes and Pope Leo debate.

I look forward to reading "The Watson Chronicles".

[Erin Cupp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am ashamed that it took me nearly two years to post a review on this wonderful book. Ann Margaret Lewis turns out a charming, smoothly-written pastiche of the consulting detective's otherwise unknown adventures, including those of the Vatican Cameos. I admit, when encountering Sherlock Holmes stories in the past, my brain kinda went, "meh." So keep that in mind when I say that I enjoyed reading Murder in the Vatican more than I did Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Gasp! Horrors! Don't judge me. I think what I liked the most about the author's handling of these characters was the respectful interactions between the devout Catholics and the just as devout agnostics. Nobody was slathering at the mouth to convert each other, which lent believability to the scenarios. Thanks, Ann, for an engaging clutch of stories!

[C.J. · Rating 2 out of 5]

A bit on the weak side, this immensely interesting book in terms of subject matter falls rather short in its delivery. It is a collection of three short stories detailing Holmes unrecorded--though briefly mentioned--forays into the Vatican. While Lewis writes a lovely voice for Pope Leo, she seems to invested in placing the Church in il cuore degli sui racconti. Sans the tension between Holmes God of Reason, and the Pope's God of Grace, there is little tension outside the trade tautness of murder and mystery, and thus the characters become too cut-out, too controlled--Holmes too tame, Watson near indiscernable. Though it is worth noting that Lewis's Pope Leo makes an excellent recorder of Holmesian escapades--if only her Holmes were up to snuff to be recorded.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book reminded me how much I enjoy a good mystery. I remember reading Sherlock Holmes way back when...and I remember reading this level of writing more often in those books considered classics, too. Lewis really brings it to the table with this book: great storytelling all around. Her characters are solid, her setting is impeccable, her mystery is gripping. Where, I have to ask, is her next book? Because I'm ready for it! Highly recommended.

[Antony Kolenc · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone who loves Sherlock Holmes stories--or even just a good set of mysteries--Ann Margaret Lewis's Vatican mysteries are a must-read. Cleverly linking these new mysteries to a reference in the original Sherlock Holmes books, Lewis has brought us three highly entertaining stories that are true to the heritage and tradition of Holmes and Watson. The fact that they also happen to take place at the Vatican is a fascinating bonus. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!

[Claire Q · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third story (the two Coptic patriarchs) was just okay, but the first two (featuring Pope Leo) were amazing. Very well written and funny; felt like they could have been straight out of Conan Doyle.

[Bev · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Murder in the Vatican: The Church Mysteries of Sherlock Holmes, Ann Margaret Lewis successfully brings us three tales that John Watson mentions in his stories but never gave readers the details. The Great Rat of Sumatra has often been the subject of authorial speculation, but this the first time I have found renditions of "the sudden death of Cardinal Tosca," "the Vatican cameos," and "the two Coptic Patriarchs." Lewis handles the well-known characters of Homes and Watson with great care and attention to the ways and writings of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. And in the second story (cameos), she turns the narration over to Pope Leo XIII and manages a charming narrative that remains true to the spirit of Holmes.

Unlike many Americans who have written Holmes pastiches, Lewis makes us believe that these really could be stories penned by Dr. Watson and discovered in that battered dispatch box. The details are vivid and the tales feel authentic. She also manages to work theological explanations into the narrative without making readers feel as though they have sat through a religious lecture. Full marks for Holmesian atmosphere as well as pretty little puzzles for the master detective to unravel. Holmes is given full scope to exhibit his famous observational powers and deductive reasoning. An added bonus is his interactions with a certain soon-to-be Father Brown and the period-style pen and ink illustrations.

First posted on my blog My Reader's Block. Please request permission before reposting. Thanks.

[Cheryl Malandrinos · Rating 5 out of 5]

This superb collection of Holmes mysteries based upon adventures hinted at in the original tome, have been brought to life by Lewis's talented pen in a masterful way. Two of the stories are told entirely from the good Dr. Watson's point of view. In one, Watson shares this honor with Pope Leo XIII.

In "The Case of Cardinal Tosca," Pope Leo requests the help of Sherlock Holmes to investigate the sudden death of his curia. "The Vatican Cameos" is the second story and is told mostly from Pope Leo's point of view. This was my favorite out of the collection, as the reader gets an even greater glimpse into this leader of the Catholic Church. In "The Second Coptic Patriarch," a professional thief approaches Holmes when his friend Father Brown is imprisoned for the murder of a Coptic clerk.

Lewis's attention to historic details, combined with masterfully told stories, engaged me from the first page. I couldn't put the book down. Having some recurring characters appear in the stories helped to show their development; in addition, it was a nice to witness how the relationship between Holmes and Pope Leo evolved over time. As one would expect, the stories are eloquently told, spoken in a style that speaks to a by-gone era.

Any Sherlock Holmes fan or lover of the mystery genre will want to pick up a copy of Murder in The Vatican by Ann Margaret Lewis. It's the perfect bedtime read.

[Carl Brookins · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is always a danger inherent in taking the characters developed by another author, particularly when the characters are so well-known and beloved as Dr. Watson and Sherlock Holmes. This author has pulled it off in three stories in which the duo are entangled in the always complex and obscure affairs of the Vatican during the reign of Leo Thirteen. Pope Leo appears to be a more flexible and benign pontiff than many who have come since and therefore these stories have a good deal more to them than might otherwise be expected.

The mysteries are written with care and a goodly dash of élan. All the characters, including the Pope himself, are vibrant, truthful, and as accurate in the context of the stories as one could require. The settings are finely detailed and the occasional drawings add texture, whether one agrees that the depictions are accurate or not.

The pace of each, the writing and the plots are everything they need to be and no one of Catholic persuasion need be concerned. All in all, a most satisfactory piece of work.

[Stuart Sexton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ann Margret Lewis captures Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's style perfectly. Her ability to deduce from clues left by Sir Arthur that there are other stories not chronicled in The Strand Magazine that should be told is nothing short of Holmesian genius.

In "The Death of Cardinal Tosca" we see Holmes at his best; battling the forces of Darkness, whose plot goes beyond the criminal mind, and delves far deeper, into a spiritual motive.

"The Vatican Cameos" delves into the heart of one of the Seven Deadly Sins; Greed. Look for Holmesian trickery from more than just The Great Detective in this one.

In "The Second Coptic Patriarch" Holmes and Watson learn the true meaning behind the Sacrament of Confession, repentance, forgiveness, and penance, in ways that no one would expect.

This collection of stories from the imagination of Ann Margret Lewis is a must have for any Sherlock Holmes fan.

[Elinor Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a lovely trio of short Holmes mystery pastiches. Very true to the tone of the Canon, lighthearted and very clever. Holmes's voice is perfect (the reader can hear Clive Merrison or Jeremy Brett as they prefer, as Holmes speaks), and Watson is as reliable a confidante as ever. Pope Leo XIII makes a good mystery solving companion as well in "The Vatican Cameos"!

Enjoyed this a lot. Read it straight through beginning to end.

[Irene · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a light, enjoyable book containing three mysteries, all baffling, but never fear, Sherlock is there. Wonderful historical settings that even include a fateful meeting with Father Brown as well as His Holiness, Pope, Leo XIII.. Watson brings these stories to life with the help of Ann Margaret Lewis. She really takes you to the time and place of the stories and does not show disregard for the religion involved.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three short mysteries featuring Holmes and Watson based on allusions to Vatican-related cases in some of Doyle's original stories. Pope Leo XIII is a surprisingly compelling character and more than a match for Holmes' wit. Recommended for Sherlockians and anyone who enjoys seeing scholastic Thomism appear in a novel.

[JoAnna Wahlund · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book! The author wrote three very convincing Holmes mysteries, with Catholic lore and theology thrown in. The character of Pope Leo was very well done; as a consequence I want to learn more about him. I loved that Father Brown and Flambeau made appearances as well.

[Dan Andriacco · Rating 5 out of 5]

This trio of Sherlock Holmes novellas succeeds on many levels: They stories are good mysteries and pastiches of the Arthur Conan Doyle writing style. Perhaps most difficult of all, the author also manages to make Pope Leo XIII not only come alive but come across as a very engaging personality.

[Jonathan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book. Nice addition of Sherlock Holmes. Some of the religious usage felt forced. I enjoyed reading this but it was more of a Catholic mystery that included Holmes than a Sherlockian mystery taking place in the Vatican.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favourite books. :D It's awesome!!

[Elenute · Rating 3 out of 5]

a pleasant escapist read back to the world of Sherlock Holmes and Watson

[Ted Hinkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

MURDER in the VATICAN is a unique collection of short stories in the detective mystery genre. The entertaining stories combine the famous characters Sherlock Holmes of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle with the fictitious Father Brown created by G.K. Chesterton and His Holiness, Pope Leo XIII. I was initially drawn to this book with the recent election of His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV. Ann Margaret Lewis, author of DC comics and children's book provided a brief, but seemingly accurate account and portrayal of our previous Supreme Pontiff. I thoroughly enjoyed the 3 short stories! Well done!

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Typically, I have my concerns when an author tries to mix religion and Sherlock Holmes. Other attempts I’ve read have been simply awful. This one, however, is a delicate balance of interesting situations and characters, while staying faithful of the canonical Sherlock Holmes. I would have given it 4 1/2 stars if that had been an option.

[A.R.K. Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two fun mysteries involving Sherlock and the Pope and one involving the greek orthodox church. Pope Leo was actually a pretty facinating character and contrast to Sherlock. The author also captured Doyle's style perfectly so these felt just like the original stories. I cannot imagine this book disappointmenting any mystery or sherlock fan.

[Nan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable. The author picks up on hints from the canon, and presents 3 cases in which the Great Detective comes to the aid of Pope Leo XIII. Bonus -- guest appearances by Chesterton's Father Brown!

[Margaret Hovestadt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. Not the most perfect book, but it made me smile and drew me in. I found myself wishing for more stories like this.