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Sherlock Holmes and The House of Pain
A missionary woman has disappeared in Spitalfields, one of London's most dangerous districts. When Sherlock Holmes in called on to find her, he discovers enormous, highly intelligent rats have made their home under the streets of London. Holmes is forced to confront the horrors of his past and science gone mad. Word of this phenomenon draws the attention of rising zoologist G.E. Challenger, who decides he must meet the creatures' creator, one Dr. Moreau. As in the author's ‘Never Meant to Be’, the worlds of Sherlock Holmes and H.G. Wells once again come together, this time to uncover the truth behind the Giant Rat of Sumatra.
- GenresMystery
160 pages, Paperback
First published July 20, 2015
About the author
Stephen Seitz
10 books22 followersStephen Seitz is a journalist, author, media consultant and film critic based in Springfield, Vermont. His varied career includes writing and editing books, radio host, advertising, newspaper reporting and political campaign manager. He is also a lifelong Sherlockian.
"Sherlock Holmes and the Plague of Dracula" is Seitz' first novel. His next Sherlock Holmes-themed novel, "Never Meant to Be," was released in October 2013 by MX Publishing. His third Holmes book, forthcoming, concerns the Giant Rat of Sumatra.
Seitz writes the Ace Herron mysteries, concerning the adventures of a crime reporter in Vermont. The sequel to the first, "Secrets Can't Be Kept Forever," has just been published; the title is "Terror Strikes Downtown."
Seitz also hosts the cable program, "Book Talk."
"Sherlock Holmes and the Plague of Dracula" is Seitz' first novel. His next Sherlock Holmes-themed novel, "Never Meant to Be," was released in October 2013 by MX Publishing. His third Holmes book, forthcoming, concerns the Giant Rat of Sumatra.
Seitz writes the Ace Herron mysteries, concerning the adventures of a crime reporter in Vermont. The sequel to the first, "Secrets Can't Be Kept Forever," has just been published; the title is "Terror Strikes Downtown."
Seitz also hosts the cable program, "Book Talk."
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
September 5, 2017
With his debut novel SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE PLAGUE OF DRACULA, Stephen Seitz did an excellent job of grounding Bram Stoker's vampire mythos in a scientifically plausible explanation that fit within the logic of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes cannon, without stripping the former of its fantastical appeal. The delicate balancing act worked nicely, blending untold aspects of familiar Holmes/Watson stories with Stoker's narrative and characters, in the process creating its own unique, surprising tale - a real treat for fans of either literary legacy.
Here, Seitz returns us to his version of the Holmes continuity, this time tying his Holmes and Watson to H.G. Wells' THE ISLAND OF DOCTOR MOREAU...as well as another of Doyle's own creations, Professor Challenger, in his younger years before becoming the explorer of THE LOST WORLD fame. Seitz is clearly an avid lifelong fan of his literary source material, particularly Holmes. His narrative voice rings true, captures the flavor of the original in a way that makes fellow fans feel right at home, though with tighter, smoother prose for the uninitiated, seasoned with meticulous historical research and his own dry, occasionally ribald sense of humor.
While SHatPoD leaned closer to a traditional Sherlock Holmes mystery-thriller with a vampire twist, here Seitz takes an altogether different method of attack. It opens like a routine Holmes case, then wastes no time in spiraling into straight-up sci-fi horror - and I'm *not* kidding when I say horror - which happens to have Sherlock Holmes in it.
The best parts of this book were the extended flashbacks of Holmes' early dealings with Dr. Moreau, before either character fully grew into themselves as we know them from their original literary incarnations. How these two forever altered each other's destinies - setting them on the path to become the great detective we know and love and the sadistic mad scientist we love to hate, respectively - rings true. It's also here where Seitz surprises with his horror-writing chops. There are some truly chilling, white-knuckle sequences as Holmes discovers the not-so-good doctor's ghastly secrets...and because this is a far younger, unformed Holmes, quickly gets in over his head. Seitz lets the reader identify with his Holmes, in a way not typically seen, without cheapening or softening the character's mystique. It's not often one sincerely *fears for* Sherlock Holmes, feels like he's in real physical danger of being injured or killed like anyone else. By the time Holmes narrates the truth of the Giant Rat of Sumatra, Seitz even shows a bit of flare for high-seas and jungle-shrouded swashbuckling action-adventure.
The G.E. Challenger subplot took longer to win me over. The two story-lines barely intersect for most of the novel, and only incidentally seem to effect each other. For the first half, I felt like I was cutting back and forth between two different, loosely connected books, and because Holmes' story felt more pressing and fully realized, the latter felt like a distraction. The Challenger subplot does come into its own, though, late in the game. There it takes over most of the final act, and lets Seitz's writing shine in yet more unexpected ways, which I won't spoil. His Challenger is true to what I remember of the character from Doyle's LOST WORLD, simultaneously an arrogant, amusing blowhard, a sympathetic underdog with some admirable, dashing qualities, yet ultimately tragically tunnel-visioned.
Only one key aspect of the ending felt rushed and abrupt, and one a detail of the epilogue that seems to clash with my recollection of the ending of IoDM (perhaps it's time I re-read that book?).
Overall, a fast, vivid, scary read that really satisfies.
Here, Seitz returns us to his version of the Holmes continuity, this time tying his Holmes and Watson to H.G. Wells' THE ISLAND OF DOCTOR MOREAU...as well as another of Doyle's own creations, Professor Challenger, in his younger years before becoming the explorer of THE LOST WORLD fame. Seitz is clearly an avid lifelong fan of his literary source material, particularly Holmes. His narrative voice rings true, captures the flavor of the original in a way that makes fellow fans feel right at home, though with tighter, smoother prose for the uninitiated, seasoned with meticulous historical research and his own dry, occasionally ribald sense of humor.
While SHatPoD leaned closer to a traditional Sherlock Holmes mystery-thriller with a vampire twist, here Seitz takes an altogether different method of attack. It opens like a routine Holmes case, then wastes no time in spiraling into straight-up sci-fi horror - and I'm *not* kidding when I say horror - which happens to have Sherlock Holmes in it.
The best parts of this book were the extended flashbacks of Holmes' early dealings with Dr. Moreau, before either character fully grew into themselves as we know them from their original literary incarnations. How these two forever altered each other's destinies - setting them on the path to become the great detective we know and love and the sadistic mad scientist we love to hate, respectively - rings true. It's also here where Seitz surprises with his horror-writing chops. There are some truly chilling, white-knuckle sequences as Holmes discovers the not-so-good doctor's ghastly secrets...and because this is a far younger, unformed Holmes, quickly gets in over his head. Seitz lets the reader identify with his Holmes, in a way not typically seen, without cheapening or softening the character's mystique. It's not often one sincerely *fears for* Sherlock Holmes, feels like he's in real physical danger of being injured or killed like anyone else. By the time Holmes narrates the truth of the Giant Rat of Sumatra, Seitz even shows a bit of flare for high-seas and jungle-shrouded swashbuckling action-adventure.
The G.E. Challenger subplot took longer to win me over. The two story-lines barely intersect for most of the novel, and only incidentally seem to effect each other. For the first half, I felt like I was cutting back and forth between two different, loosely connected books, and because Holmes' story felt more pressing and fully realized, the latter felt like a distraction. The Challenger subplot does come into its own, though, late in the game. There it takes over most of the final act, and lets Seitz's writing shine in yet more unexpected ways, which I won't spoil. His Challenger is true to what I remember of the character from Doyle's LOST WORLD, simultaneously an arrogant, amusing blowhard, a sympathetic underdog with some admirable, dashing qualities, yet ultimately tragically tunnel-visioned.
Only one key aspect of the ending felt rushed and abrupt, and one a detail of the epilogue that seems to clash with my recollection of the ending of IoDM (perhaps it's time I re-read that book?).
Overall, a fast, vivid, scary read that really satisfies.
July 16, 2020
One of the greatest gifts Sir Arthur Conan Doyle gave to pastiche writers was a list of unrecorded cases, such as Merridew of the Abominable Memory, and the Case of the Politician, the Lighthouse and the Trained Cormorant. All ideas that pastiche writers have latched on to and given their take on Doyle's carelessly chucked out gems.
In "Sherlock Holmes and the House of Pain", the case in question is arguably the most famous: The Giant Rat of Sumatra.
A female missionary goes missing in London's notorious East End, where rats of unusual size have been spotted. When Watson persuades Holmes to take on the case, the scene is set for an interesting story indeed.
Stephen Seitz's use of H. G. Wells' Dr. Moreau, as well as Arthur Conan Doyle's other well known character, Professor Challenger, creates a nightmarish story of science gone mad.
The relationship between Holmes and Watson is a little uneven, but works well. I felt too much of the story revolved around Challenger, but that is a personal preference, seeing as I have never taken to the character of Professor Challenger.
A fast paced and, above all, interesting, take on the "story for which the world is not yet prepared".
In "Sherlock Holmes and the House of Pain", the case in question is arguably the most famous: The Giant Rat of Sumatra.
A female missionary goes missing in London's notorious East End, where rats of unusual size have been spotted. When Watson persuades Holmes to take on the case, the scene is set for an interesting story indeed.
Stephen Seitz's use of H. G. Wells' Dr. Moreau, as well as Arthur Conan Doyle's other well known character, Professor Challenger, creates a nightmarish story of science gone mad.
The relationship between Holmes and Watson is a little uneven, but works well. I felt too much of the story revolved around Challenger, but that is a personal preference, seeing as I have never taken to the character of Professor Challenger.
A fast paced and, above all, interesting, take on the "story for which the world is not yet prepared".
March 17, 2018
Hordes of inferior writings, aspiring to be pastiche as well as a crossover involving other famous historical and fictional characters, inundate our shelves every year. This book, considerably hyped, as befitting the modern era of paid reviews and post-truth of all sorts, is a classic example. It takes Sherlock Holmes and George Edward Challenger (not a Professor, not even possessing a doctorate), places them against Doctor Moreau, and makes a proper hash of everything. Holmes is a dim shadow, Watson is hardly more than a companion, Moreau is more a typical French aristocrat gone sadist than a visionary scientist of Wells. But the worst case is reserved for Challenger, who is depicted as an utterly stupid and greedy oaf bumbling around.
The book was devoid of a shred of humour or suspense, two elements which had made Guy Adam's pastiche involving the same set of protagonists and antagonists such a pleasure. Consequently, reading it was akin to having a dental treatment. You do it because you have paid for it. And you can't quit midway because you have been strapped in.
Avoid this book. Instead, if you can get hold of the pastiche (Sherlock Holmes and the Army of Doctor Moreau) penned by Guy Adams, go for it.
The book was devoid of a shred of humour or suspense, two elements which had made Guy Adam's pastiche involving the same set of protagonists and antagonists such a pleasure. Consequently, reading it was akin to having a dental treatment. You do it because you have paid for it. And you can't quit midway because you have been strapped in.
Avoid this book. Instead, if you can get hold of the pastiche (Sherlock Holmes and the Army of Doctor Moreau) penned by Guy Adams, go for it.
September 5, 2024
Sherlock Homes with Doctor Watson, recall various contacts with Doctor Munro and his creations. They find Professor Challenger attempting to hold down a job and a girl friend.
January 9, 2016
Sherlock Holmes and the House of Pain by Stephen Seitz
*** Possible Spoilers, although I hope I just whet the appetite! ***
Sherlock Holmes takes a case for James Hastings, an old rugby teammate of Watson’s in his Army days. Hastings sister Charlotte is a staunch missionary to the foreigners in Spitalfields, especially the Jews. She vanished in a panic in The Hebrew Dramatic Club, where several people lost their lives in the stampede.
But Charlotte isn’t among the dead, when Holmes investigates, he finds droppings from a rat that must be the size of a small human. This takes him back in history, to tell the story of his involvement with Alexandre Moreau and the horrors that the vivisectionist created. These rats appear to be part of Moreau’s work.
Tracking the rats requires the aide of Toby, deep in the maze of sewers and tunnels under Spitalfields. The rats have become a threat, and steps are being taken to capture one alive. This is George Edward Challenger, not yet the famous professor he would yet become. When he learns of these rats, his is far from horrified by them, instead he sees them as the next step for human evolution.
This first meeting between Holmes and Challenger goes about as good as the readers of both men’s adventures could foretell. Holmes thinks Challenger is an insufferable know-it-all who puts his own ideas above everyone else. Challenger sees Holmes as a glorified policeman who doesn’t have a clue how scientific research must take precedent over what he believes are acceptable losses.
Challenger, with his usual blowhard opinion that only he is right, swears that he will track Moreau down. He goes to the Moreau family for aid, knowing that they must be supplying the insane Doctor, and so they know exactly where he is. He hopes to beat Holmes there, for Holmes—with firsthand experience with Moreau’s creations—has sworn to stop the mad experiments.
Thus is recorded the case of The Giant Rat of Sumutra, mentioned in passing by Watson in SUSS as “a case for which the world is not yet prepared.” Holmes’ first encounter with Moreau, when he was still at University was brought about by Journalist Langdale Pike. Enough said about that!
The disappearance of the Matilda Briggs sees Holmes encounter Moreau for a second time. This time the vivisectionist has set up in an island hideaway in North Sumatra. I have no intention of spoiling that adventure! Now there is to be a race to get to Moreau first, either to stop him or assist him in his venture.
This one is quite the page-turner. It is hard to believe such a great mystery could be crammed into about 150 pages! It keeps your attention from the first word to the last. Much like a mountain climber; when you think you have reached the climax of the novel, it simply means you are viewing the next peak.
I have absolutely no hesitation in giving this novel five plus stars!
Quoth the Raven…
*** Possible Spoilers, although I hope I just whet the appetite! ***
Sherlock Holmes takes a case for James Hastings, an old rugby teammate of Watson’s in his Army days. Hastings sister Charlotte is a staunch missionary to the foreigners in Spitalfields, especially the Jews. She vanished in a panic in The Hebrew Dramatic Club, where several people lost their lives in the stampede.
But Charlotte isn’t among the dead, when Holmes investigates, he finds droppings from a rat that must be the size of a small human. This takes him back in history, to tell the story of his involvement with Alexandre Moreau and the horrors that the vivisectionist created. These rats appear to be part of Moreau’s work.
Tracking the rats requires the aide of Toby, deep in the maze of sewers and tunnels under Spitalfields. The rats have become a threat, and steps are being taken to capture one alive. This is George Edward Challenger, not yet the famous professor he would yet become. When he learns of these rats, his is far from horrified by them, instead he sees them as the next step for human evolution.
This first meeting between Holmes and Challenger goes about as good as the readers of both men’s adventures could foretell. Holmes thinks Challenger is an insufferable know-it-all who puts his own ideas above everyone else. Challenger sees Holmes as a glorified policeman who doesn’t have a clue how scientific research must take precedent over what he believes are acceptable losses.
Challenger, with his usual blowhard opinion that only he is right, swears that he will track Moreau down. He goes to the Moreau family for aid, knowing that they must be supplying the insane Doctor, and so they know exactly where he is. He hopes to beat Holmes there, for Holmes—with firsthand experience with Moreau’s creations—has sworn to stop the mad experiments.
Thus is recorded the case of The Giant Rat of Sumutra, mentioned in passing by Watson in SUSS as “a case for which the world is not yet prepared.” Holmes’ first encounter with Moreau, when he was still at University was brought about by Journalist Langdale Pike. Enough said about that!
The disappearance of the Matilda Briggs sees Holmes encounter Moreau for a second time. This time the vivisectionist has set up in an island hideaway in North Sumatra. I have no intention of spoiling that adventure! Now there is to be a race to get to Moreau first, either to stop him or assist him in his venture.
This one is quite the page-turner. It is hard to believe such a great mystery could be crammed into about 150 pages! It keeps your attention from the first word to the last. Much like a mountain climber; when you think you have reached the climax of the novel, it simply means you are viewing the next peak.
I have absolutely no hesitation in giving this novel five plus stars!
Quoth the Raven…
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews