Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective, Volume 1

Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective #1

by Ron Fortier (Editor), Aaron Smith, Van Allen Plexico

Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson Victorian England, a time of historic significance as the world was poised expectantly for the coming wonders and terrors of the new century. Amidst this atmosphere of anticipation an dintrigue, one man emerged as a beacon of logic and cold, calculating reason in an unsettling time: R. Sherlock Holmes, Consulting Detective and his trusted friend and chronicler, Dr. John H. Watson. A famous soccer player is found dead in the clubhouse. An unidentified stowaway is murdered aboard a U.S. Navy warship while another man is found asphyxiated in an empty, locked room. These are several of the twisted puzzles challenging the Baker Street sleuth as he once again takes up the hunt on the fog-ridden streets of London accompanied by his faithful ally, Dr. Watson.

Writers Aaron Smith, Andrew Salmon, Van Allen Plexico and Ian Watson have set forth exciting new mysteries done in the traditional style of the original Holmes stories as written by his creator, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. There are no space aliens or howling werewolves here, simply good, old-fashioned whodunits. So arm yourself for danger and all manner of villainy as once again, the game is afoot!

Cover by Mark Maddox.

Genres: Short Stories, Mystery

184 pages, Paperback

First published June 19, 2009

Reviews

[Riju Ganguly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unlike Marvin Kaye's Sherlock Holmes Mystery Magazine (which is still going strong, proving that my assessment regarding stuff contained therein isn't shared by all), where several jewels (pastiches as well as non-fiction pieces) used to get eclipsed by some of the most pathetic duds, this anthology begins in a much more promising manner. The stories that have been included in this first volume vary a little in quality, but overall standard is very good and, more importantly, consistent. Some of the authors, notably Mr Plexico, makes his stories a bit American in their pacing, apart from changing the Watsonian voice to a more American style. I absolutely loved I.A. Watson's story. I didn't care much for the first story, from Mr Aaron Smith. Nevertheless, if you like Holmesian stories with a bit more action than Sir ACD would have felt comfortable with, then THIS is the right book for you.

Recommended.

[Emb021 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great collection of original Holmes stories.

[Gus Scholtz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great surprise. Every story he writes is engaging. The Adventure of the Locked Room and A Massachusetts Affair were my two favorites. Will look for others.

[Les Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good collection of short stories. Will give vol 2 a try.

[Robert Paterson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good mysteries

A good few Sherlock Holmes mysteries here. They were entertaining enjoyable to read however never really felt that authentic. Fine for a diverting read though.

[I A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Old school Holmes done well.