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Sherlock Holmes and The Element of Surprise: The Wormwood Scrubs Enigma
“Come Watson! The game is yet again afoot!” Do you remember the first time that you accompanied Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson through the dark and foggy side streets and lanes of Victorian London? Do you still thrill as you recall the way that the shadows played upon the fog and gas lit streetlamps, the distant sound of the clock tower at Westminster, the menacing sound of footsteps upon the cobblestone streets and a forlorn cry for help in the night?
When two prison guards are found beheaded in the barren countryside surrounding Her Majesty’s Prison at Wormwood Scrubs, Inspector Lestrade seeks Holmes’ singular powers to determine how the murders could have been committed in separate locations with the only footprints being those of the murdered guards themselves.
With Doctor Watson at his side, Holmes sets out on this new adventure and uncovers deeper mysteries still; mysteries that will not only test the detectives’ powers of observation and deduction, but his skepticism of the paranormal as well.
When two prison guards are found beheaded in the barren countryside surrounding Her Majesty’s Prison at Wormwood Scrubs, Inspector Lestrade seeks Holmes’ singular powers to determine how the murders could have been committed in separate locations with the only footprints being those of the murdered guards themselves.
With Doctor Watson at his side, Holmes sets out on this new adventure and uncovers deeper mysteries still; mysteries that will not only test the detectives’ powers of observation and deduction, but his skepticism of the paranormal as well.
152 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
709 people want to read
About the author
J. Andrew Taylor
3 books5 followersJ. Andrew Taylor lives in Kansas City, Missouri with his wife and children. He enjoys (in addition to reading & writing), playing the drums, live music, museums, historical sites and art fairs.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
February 27, 2017
I have to confess that I always wanted to be as brilliant as Sherlock Holmes. The way he could put observations together always made me so envious of him. I wanted to have the same mental capacity. The mystery in this book was quite interesting and almost seemed unsolvable (as most Holmes mysteries are).
Like all Sherlock Holmes stories, there are subtle clues that are placed throughout the novel so the reader can try to figure out how the murder occurred and who the killer is. Unfortunately, I couldn't figure this one out at all. A positive aspect of this book is that the language and atmosphere seemed relatively accurate, but unfortunately, the novel was missing the original spark that Arthur Conan Doyle's works had. The clues almost seemed too subtle and the end result was almost completely out of left field.
This book was good for what it was, but unfortunately at parts I thought it was trying too hard to match the originals. However, I still found it enjoyable.
I received this book through the GoodReads FirstReads program.
Like all Sherlock Holmes stories, there are subtle clues that are placed throughout the novel so the reader can try to figure out how the murder occurred and who the killer is. Unfortunately, I couldn't figure this one out at all. A positive aspect of this book is that the language and atmosphere seemed relatively accurate, but unfortunately, the novel was missing the original spark that Arthur Conan Doyle's works had. The clues almost seemed too subtle and the end result was almost completely out of left field.
This book was good for what it was, but unfortunately at parts I thought it was trying too hard to match the originals. However, I still found it enjoyable.
I received this book through the GoodReads FirstReads program.
November 2, 2012
This book was exciting from the very first page.Author J. Andrew Taylor had me truly hooked from the very first page.
There are a few books I look forward to re reading and this is one of them!!!
There are a few books I look forward to re reading and this is one of them!!!
December 5, 2012
I really enjoyed this book! I think it stayed true to the characters. I couldn't put this book down, and had it done before I knew it, it left me want to read more.
October 21, 2012
J. Andrew Taylor in his new book, “Sherlock Holmes and The Element of Surprise” published by MX Publishing gives us an untold story of Sherlock Holmes, The Wormwood Scrubs Enigma.
From the back cover: When two prison guards are found beheaded in the barren countryside surrounding Her Majesty’s Prison at Wormwood Scrubs, Inspector Lestrade seeks Holmes’ singular powers to determine how the murders could have been committed in separate locations with the only footprints being those of the murdered guards themselves.
With Doctor Watson at his side, Holmes sets out on this new adventure and uncovers deeper mysteries still; mysteries that will not only test the detectives’ powers of observation and deduction, but his skepticism of the paranormal as well.
If you are anything like me then you grew up with Sherlock Holmes as well. When I was a kid I read everything that Arthur Conan Doyle wrote about the master sleuth and, of course, watched all the movies with Basil Rathbone. Now I do not believe in channeling. Having said that let me tell you that J Andrew Taylor writes just the way that Arthur Conan Doyle wrote and it is like reading one of the originals. I do not know how Mr. Taylor did it but he managed to create a brand new story that fits into the Holmes canon right after the “Red Headed League” adventure. This time Holmes is given an impossible case for him, or anyone else for that matter, to solve. However this is Sherlock Holmes we are talking about here and, of course, I am not giving anything away here, he is going to solve it. The clues are given for us to solve the case. I confess I did not, Holmes did it for me. Let me assure you if you like Sherlock Holmes then you are going to really enjoy this. I recommend it highly!
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from MX Publishing. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
From the back cover: When two prison guards are found beheaded in the barren countryside surrounding Her Majesty’s Prison at Wormwood Scrubs, Inspector Lestrade seeks Holmes’ singular powers to determine how the murders could have been committed in separate locations with the only footprints being those of the murdered guards themselves.
With Doctor Watson at his side, Holmes sets out on this new adventure and uncovers deeper mysteries still; mysteries that will not only test the detectives’ powers of observation and deduction, but his skepticism of the paranormal as well.
If you are anything like me then you grew up with Sherlock Holmes as well. When I was a kid I read everything that Arthur Conan Doyle wrote about the master sleuth and, of course, watched all the movies with Basil Rathbone. Now I do not believe in channeling. Having said that let me tell you that J Andrew Taylor writes just the way that Arthur Conan Doyle wrote and it is like reading one of the originals. I do not know how Mr. Taylor did it but he managed to create a brand new story that fits into the Holmes canon right after the “Red Headed League” adventure. This time Holmes is given an impossible case for him, or anyone else for that matter, to solve. However this is Sherlock Holmes we are talking about here and, of course, I am not giving anything away here, he is going to solve it. The clues are given for us to solve the case. I confess I did not, Holmes did it for me. Let me assure you if you like Sherlock Holmes then you are going to really enjoy this. I recommend it highly!
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop, commercial free Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from MX Publishing. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
November 17, 2017
Since watching the recent Sherlock Holmes movies, I have been wanting to read some of the books. So when I won this book in the Goodreads giveaway, I was excited to finally follow Holmes and Watson on another crime solving adventure. This book did not disappoint. I have not read other Sherlock Holmes books to compare this one too, but it was a captivating read. I could visualize the inspector as he tried to solve the mystery of the murdered prison guards. I also appreciated the humor that was laced in. I hope that J. Andrew Taylor continues to release more Sherlock Holmes books.
In compliance with FTC guidelines, I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
In compliance with FTC guidelines, I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
September 9, 2013
Sherlock Holmes and the element of surprise was a wonderful quick read. The mystery matched my view of Sherlock Holmes. I really enjoyed the feel of England in the early 1900's. The mystery kept me on my toes and although I figured out some of it the end had many surprises. I would really recommend this book for teens and adults
October 14, 2012
Won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. An extra big thank you to the author for personalizing my copy.
A quick and enjoyable read. Well written and fun. Classic Holmes and Watson, what more is there to say?
A quick and enjoyable read. Well written and fun. Classic Holmes and Watson, what more is there to say?
May 13, 2024
Inspector Lestrade seeks the help of Sherlock Homes on a case involving the murders of two prison guards. Luckily for Homes; Doctor Watson stops by for a visit and joins in for this adventure, involving a banshee , fairies, and even a flying elephant.
June 2, 2022
What a great book. Would have given it 6 stars if I could. 2 bodies in the snow with no foot prints.
Particularly liked this because the author does not go into unnecessary detail.
Particularly liked this because the author does not go into unnecessary detail.
February 18, 2016
Element, in deed!
Sherlock Holmes and the Element of Surprise by J. Andrew Taylor
Holmes has been missing for a fortnight. Lestrade is beside himself, as there have been two murders with elements of the impossible.
Two guards from the prison of Wormwood Scrubs have been discovered minus their heads in the snow. However; there are no tracks in the snow except their own and the people who discovered the bodies.
Holmes returns as suddenly as he vanished. Now Watson, Lestrade, and Holmes travel to the Wormwood Scrubs area to view the crime scenes.
*** Possible Spoilers***
It is as it has been reported. The tracks show that the attack could not have came from any of the four directions; North, East, South, or West. The attack could not have come from beneath. When the impossible is eliminated, whatever remains, however improbable, must be true. The attack had to come from the air…
There were witnesses to the crimes, even though they saw or heard strange things. The little girl of the giant woodsman who found one body heard “fairy voices” in the sky above her and the sound of their wings. He dog also reacted to these “fairies,” which means there was something there.
The son of the local innkeeper was out getting drunk with his buddies when they saw a “flying elephant” go silently overhead, blotting out the stars for a moment. Strange as it may be; Holmes believes them, since the attacks had to come from the air. And a prisoner at Wormwoods scrubs now claims he is not himself…
This was a fair story, and the solution will make Holmes have to believe in something that as far as he knows doesn’t exist. This is the days before aircraft. Hot-air balloons do exist, but the lack of a light in the sky makes that so unlikely. What killed the men with decapitations so clean that they could have been guillotined?
I like this one, but it does lack a little depth. Four stars…
Quoth the Raven…
Sherlock Holmes and the Element of Surprise by J. Andrew Taylor
Holmes has been missing for a fortnight. Lestrade is beside himself, as there have been two murders with elements of the impossible.
Two guards from the prison of Wormwood Scrubs have been discovered minus their heads in the snow. However; there are no tracks in the snow except their own and the people who discovered the bodies.
Holmes returns as suddenly as he vanished. Now Watson, Lestrade, and Holmes travel to the Wormwood Scrubs area to view the crime scenes.
*** Possible Spoilers***
It is as it has been reported. The tracks show that the attack could not have came from any of the four directions; North, East, South, or West. The attack could not have come from beneath. When the impossible is eliminated, whatever remains, however improbable, must be true. The attack had to come from the air…
There were witnesses to the crimes, even though they saw or heard strange things. The little girl of the giant woodsman who found one body heard “fairy voices” in the sky above her and the sound of their wings. He dog also reacted to these “fairies,” which means there was something there.
The son of the local innkeeper was out getting drunk with his buddies when they saw a “flying elephant” go silently overhead, blotting out the stars for a moment. Strange as it may be; Holmes believes them, since the attacks had to come from the air. And a prisoner at Wormwoods scrubs now claims he is not himself…
This was a fair story, and the solution will make Holmes have to believe in something that as far as he knows doesn’t exist. This is the days before aircraft. Hot-air balloons do exist, but the lack of a light in the sky makes that so unlikely. What killed the men with decapitations so clean that they could have been guillotined?
I like this one, but it does lack a little depth. Four stars…
Quoth the Raven…
June 14, 2016
Not a bad little Sherlock Holmes pastiche to pass the time.
Interesting plot, and most importantly for me, the friendship between Holmes and Watson was solid and in character.
Recommended to all Sherlockians.
Interesting plot, and most importantly for me, the friendship between Holmes and Watson was solid and in character.
Recommended to all Sherlockians.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews