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Sherlock Holmes and The Scarlet Thread of Murder
A Case In Three seemingly separate crimes, three detectives. A mysterious stalker is on the loose in London known only as the Goblin Man and his sights are set on a wealthy businessman, David Daniels. A horrific explosion rips through Whitechapel Underground Station and the prime suspect is a Jewish anarchist. And a Mrs Clara Edwards is searching for her missing lover, Philias Jackson. What connects these three? It's a dangerous and complex game that connects Sherlock Holmes, Investigator Martin Hewitt, and former Ripper investigator and head of H Division Edmund Reid. The Great American In 1888 Mr Sherlock Holmes was beat by Irene Adler aka The Woman. After her marriage she left London. Two years later her husband, Godfrey Norton, is found dead in his New York office after apparently committing suicide. Irene Adler doesn't believe he would do that. She goes to the one person who will Sherlock Holmes. Holmes and Watson head to America where they dive into the mysterious life of Godfrey Norton to learn how and why he died.
260 pages, Paperback
First published October 4, 2015
2 people are currently reading
713 people want to read
About the author
Luke Benjamen Kuhns
17 books52 followersLuke Kuhns is an international crime writer and reviewer. He is a master storyteller with a wonderful sense of the macabre which has captivated audiences around the world. His two best selling novellas Sherlock Holmes Studies in Legacy and The Scarlet Thread of Murder have been praised by critics and fans of Sherlock Holmes. Luke has also authored two graphic novels including Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Crystal Blue Bottle and the critically acclaimed bone chilling horror Sherlock Holmes & The Horror of Frankenstein, the world’s first Sherlock Holmes and Frankenstein graphic novel.
He has contributed to several crime fiction and academic collections inducing Beyond Watson, The MX Book of New Sherlock Holmes Stories Vol 1, and Fan Phenomena Sherlock Holmes.
His latest title, Welcome to Undershaw: A Brief History of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle The Man Who Created Sherlock Holmes, is a move into biographies. Luke has written a wonderful and unique history about Conan Doyle, his writings and his time living at his Surrey home, Undershaw.
Luke has spoken at the University College London’s Past and Present Conference, debated in the Great Sherlock Holmes Debate 3 and 4, and has been featured on Japanese TV Network NHK. Luke’s official website is a multimedia platform where he releases exclusive short stories and reviews popular tv series, films, books and more.
He has contributed to several crime fiction and academic collections inducing Beyond Watson, The MX Book of New Sherlock Holmes Stories Vol 1, and Fan Phenomena Sherlock Holmes.
His latest title, Welcome to Undershaw: A Brief History of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle The Man Who Created Sherlock Holmes, is a move into biographies. Luke has written a wonderful and unique history about Conan Doyle, his writings and his time living at his Surrey home, Undershaw.
Luke has spoken at the University College London’s Past and Present Conference, debated in the Great Sherlock Holmes Debate 3 and 4, and has been featured on Japanese TV Network NHK. Luke’s official website is a multimedia platform where he releases exclusive short stories and reviews popular tv series, films, books and more.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
November 9, 2015
An incredible read! Thoroughly enjoyed every page! Contains everything I love about a quality Holmes and Watson take, and there are 3! I always enjoy when Miss Adler tears her head and Luke surely delivers an incredible mystery with all the markers of all I love about the original canon! I'd buy it over and over again!
November 30, 2015
Luke B. Kuhns is an impressive young Holmesian author. His book Sherlock Holmes and the Scarlet Thread of Murder was one of my favorites for 2015. The book has three stories. The first involves three seemingly separate crimes investigated by three different detectives, one real, two fictional). One of the detectives is Holmes. Another is Martin Hewitt, a different Victorian era detective. I found the way Mr. Kuhns weaved the three threads together particularly compelling. His second story in the book involves Holmes assisting Irene Adler in solving the case of the murder of her husband. This is such a refreshing story. Irene Adler acts like Irene Adler. She is a force to be reckoned with and an equal of Holmes, not the sexist versions of Adler currently portrayed on television, but the real, true Irene Adler. I won't say much about the third story, just that it is a very good shorter piece with a mystery involving a seedy man in the shadows stalking a ballerina. Write more books like this one, Luke Benjamen Kuhns!
October 7, 2017
"Sherlock Holmes and the Scarlet Thread of Murder" (2015) by Luke Benjamen Kuhns contains three stories featuring the fictional detective. The title piece is the first and longest, with Holmes as one of several characters. Unfortunately, I had trouble keeping track of them. I enjoyed the other two stories more: Dr. Watson recounting a Holmes-Watson adventure. Kuhns captures the spirit of Arthur Conan Doyle while successfully including strong female characters. I wish he would have included some characters of color. Still, I recommend this book. Audiobook provided free in exchange for an honest review.
February 23, 2016
I won this book on goodreads and will say I was not disappointed! I love Sherlock novels and movies so this book was what I was looking for. I also liked how the book was written into 3 stories and how the charters just seemed to come alive while I read it! This is a must read for anyone who loves mysteries!!
September 5, 2017
( Format : Audiobook )
"A cold crimson thread of blood."
Written in a style similar to that of Conan Doyle, this book should delight Sherlock Holmes fans. Three stories, the first, and longest, itself being formed of three parts as Dr.Watson recounts a time when three major investigators of their time, together with their companion, start to investigate seperated occurrences which come together to bring all of the investigators into a working relationship. An original and curious story: expect murder, Mahendra, orgies and explosions. The following tales are much shorter, the second even reprising an acquaintance with The Woman, of a previous Holmes case, the only woman Holmes held in such high respect t that he kept a photograph of her - Irene Adler.
Jeff Manning narrates well, giving full and different voices to all of the protagonists, also reading with clarity and precision. A good performance and a p!easure to hear.
Not quite up to the original Holmes stories in the opinion of this reader, they are all, nevertheless, enjoyable, convoluted and well worth the listen. Beware of the non politically correct references, abhorrent now but right for the time setting. My thanks to the rights holder who freely gifted me my copy of The Scarlet Thread of Murder, at my request, via Audiobook Boom. Very enjoyable, I commend it to all fans of Holmes stories and anyone who enjoys mysteries set in the late 1800s.
"A cold crimson thread of blood."
Written in a style similar to that of Conan Doyle, this book should delight Sherlock Holmes fans. Three stories, the first, and longest, itself being formed of three parts as Dr.Watson recounts a time when three major investigators of their time, together with their companion, start to investigate seperated occurrences which come together to bring all of the investigators into a working relationship. An original and curious story: expect murder, Mahendra, orgies and explosions. The following tales are much shorter, the second even reprising an acquaintance with The Woman, of a previous Holmes case, the only woman Holmes held in such high respect t that he kept a photograph of her - Irene Adler.
Jeff Manning narrates well, giving full and different voices to all of the protagonists, also reading with clarity and precision. A good performance and a p!easure to hear.
Not quite up to the original Holmes stories in the opinion of this reader, they are all, nevertheless, enjoyable, convoluted and well worth the listen. Beware of the non politically correct references, abhorrent now but right for the time setting. My thanks to the rights holder who freely gifted me my copy of The Scarlet Thread of Murder, at my request, via Audiobook Boom. Very enjoyable, I commend it to all fans of Holmes stories and anyone who enjoys mysteries set in the late 1800s.
August 18, 2017
Note: I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the narrator, author or publisher.
I was disappointed in this book. It has three stories in it, and the premise of the stories are all interesting. However, the execution is less than thrilling. The first story introduces another private detective with a sidekick who is pretty much a copy of Holmes and Watson. The second story involves Irene Adler ("The Woman"), and the relationship and interactions between Holmes and Adler does not ring true. Also, this might seem trivial, but the author kept using the phrase "said I" or "said (s)he". It annoyed me a lot for some reason. It seemed awkward -- like an affectation, almost.
I listened to this as an audiobook, and I was disappointed in the narration. In the second story, when Holmes and Watson travel to the U.S., everyone they encounter seems to have a Texan Accent -- no matter if they are in New York, Philadelphia, Indiana, or Utah.
I was disappointed in this book. It has three stories in it, and the premise of the stories are all interesting. However, the execution is less than thrilling. The first story introduces another private detective with a sidekick who is pretty much a copy of Holmes and Watson. The second story involves Irene Adler ("The Woman"), and the relationship and interactions between Holmes and Adler does not ring true. Also, this might seem trivial, but the author kept using the phrase "said I" or "said (s)he". It annoyed me a lot for some reason. It seemed awkward -- like an affectation, almost.
I listened to this as an audiobook, and I was disappointed in the narration. In the second story, when Holmes and Watson travel to the U.S., everyone they encounter seems to have a Texan Accent -- no matter if they are in New York, Philadelphia, Indiana, or Utah.
October 20, 2017
You can't go wrong with Sherlock Holmes. This is a collection of Holmes murder mysteries. A trip to America, a Jewish anarchist, a missing person and a ballerina. In a style only Holmes can do he uses logic and detective work to solve the crimes.
My one compliant was that one of the stories was set in the United States and the narrator did a terrible American accent.
I received this audiobook for free in exchange for my honest review.
My one compliant was that one of the stories was set in the United States and the narrator did a terrible American accent.
I received this audiobook for free in exchange for my honest review.
October 2, 2021
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
This was two great stories. I actually had to listen to the first story twice because it was a little hard to follow. Once you realize that the entire book is from Watsons view it starts to make more sense. And the first book is from I think 3 different views. Watsons and two other detectives. Super fun book. I recommend it to all Sherlock Holmes and mystery fans.
This was two great stories. I actually had to listen to the first story twice because it was a little hard to follow. Once you realize that the entire book is from Watsons view it starts to make more sense. And the first book is from I think 3 different views. Watsons and two other detectives. Super fun book. I recommend it to all Sherlock Holmes and mystery fans.
August 19, 2017
First, I have to say that I received this audio book free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I really loved this audio book. I have been a fan of the Sherlock Holmes stories since childhood. The. three stories in this book were very much in line with the original stories. The. audio narration was excellent. "The woman", Irene even makes an appearance in one of the stories,
I really loved this audio book. I have been a fan of the Sherlock Holmes stories since childhood. The. three stories in this book were very much in line with the original stories. The. audio narration was excellent. "The woman", Irene even makes an appearance in one of the stories,
August 20, 2017
I am a huge fan of Sherlock Holmes. Luke Kuhns has done a wonderful job of writing a story that reads like the original. I think Arthur Conan Doyle would give this book 5 stars too. Joff Manning does a wonderful job of narrating this story. I would recommend this to any fans of Sherlock.
I was gifted this book with the understanding I would leave an honest review.
I was gifted this book with the understanding I would leave an honest review.
September 19, 2017
I received Sherlock Holmes and The Scarlett Thread of Murder free in exchange for an unbiased review.
I really enjoyed this book. The narrator was excellent with the different voices. It was originally written.The plot was interesting.
I really enjoyed this book. The narrator was excellent with the different voices. It was originally written.The plot was interesting.
March 3, 2025
Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson are involved in cases that take them from Whitechapel and then across the United States and back to London. They encounter: the Goblin Man, the Woman, and a Ballerina in these adventures
December 23, 2015
Sherlock Holmes: The Scarlet Thread of Murder by Luke Benjamen Kuhns
This book contains a novella and two short stories by Mr. Kuhns.
“The Scarlett Thread of Murder” costars Investigator Martin Hewitt (created by Arthur Morrison) and Detective Inspector Edmund Reid (from TV’s Ripper Street.) Hewitt is accompanied by his own companion and biographer, a journalist named Brett. DI Reid, who works out of Whitechapel and is famous for his work on the Ripper case, is working with Mr. Vigo White, a disgraced doctor in whom Reid has the utmost faith.
There are three mysteries that while seeming unconnected prove to all have a common thread, hence the book’s title.
A stalker creeps along the London streets, hideous to behold and deadly as an asp. He soon becomes known to the public as “The Goblin Man.” He seems fixated on wealthy business man David Daniels who soon turns up dead, as does his friend Goodtree. Holmes is called in on the case by Daniels before his untimely death.
In the meantime in Whitechapel, a bomb goes off in the Underground near Mile End Station. DI Reid, being in the Whitechapel district office on Leman Street is one of the first responders. Mr. White says he has seen that explosive before. It is a type used by the Jewish Anarchists…
Mrs. Clara Edwards is searching for her missing lover, one Philias Jackson. She takes her case to Martin Hewitt, who begins his own investigation.
The threads soon begin to run together to make one solid piece of cloth. All the roads lead to Davenport House, the residence of Mr. Philias Jackson. The trails also wind through a brothel named The Liberal Club, an anarchist stronghold on the Thames, and a party at the home of a certain Mr. Wilder.
Mr. Kuhns does a masterful job of tying three separate investigations into one novelette exploding with action, intrigue, and excitement. A fan of Ripper Street myself, I loved the inclusion of DI Edmund Reid. And I must thank Mr. Kuhns for the introduction to Martin Hewitt. I was able to purchase the entire series on Kindle.
This story is five stars out of five!
“A Scandal in America:” When Holmes receives a urgent letter from Irene Adler to come to America to investigate the murder of Irene’s husband Godfrey Norton, they become embroiled in the activities of a cocaine ring. From the streets and docks of Manhattan to Indiana and on to Nevada, Holmes, Watson, and The Woman are never far from danger. The little twist right at the end is delightful!
Five out of five stars!
“The Allegro Mystery:” Someone has been sending threatening letters to Prima Donna Ballet Dancer Mademoiselle Dipin. At one time she had a stalker, one Jean Javet, but he was imprisoned back in France and Mademoiselle doesn’t know if he was released or not. Her mother arrives, upset that Mademoiselle is still dancing. Her understudy seems content to be an understudy. So who is doing all of this?
This is a simple, straightforward mystery with a twist. One couldn’t ask for a better recipe.
Five out of five stars.
Mr. Kuhns does have more Holmes books and graphic novels out there, so I urge you to check them out. You’ll be glad you did.
Quoth the Raven..
This book contains a novella and two short stories by Mr. Kuhns.
“The Scarlett Thread of Murder” costars Investigator Martin Hewitt (created by Arthur Morrison) and Detective Inspector Edmund Reid (from TV’s Ripper Street.) Hewitt is accompanied by his own companion and biographer, a journalist named Brett. DI Reid, who works out of Whitechapel and is famous for his work on the Ripper case, is working with Mr. Vigo White, a disgraced doctor in whom Reid has the utmost faith.
There are three mysteries that while seeming unconnected prove to all have a common thread, hence the book’s title.
A stalker creeps along the London streets, hideous to behold and deadly as an asp. He soon becomes known to the public as “The Goblin Man.” He seems fixated on wealthy business man David Daniels who soon turns up dead, as does his friend Goodtree. Holmes is called in on the case by Daniels before his untimely death.
In the meantime in Whitechapel, a bomb goes off in the Underground near Mile End Station. DI Reid, being in the Whitechapel district office on Leman Street is one of the first responders. Mr. White says he has seen that explosive before. It is a type used by the Jewish Anarchists…
Mrs. Clara Edwards is searching for her missing lover, one Philias Jackson. She takes her case to Martin Hewitt, who begins his own investigation.
The threads soon begin to run together to make one solid piece of cloth. All the roads lead to Davenport House, the residence of Mr. Philias Jackson. The trails also wind through a brothel named The Liberal Club, an anarchist stronghold on the Thames, and a party at the home of a certain Mr. Wilder.
Mr. Kuhns does a masterful job of tying three separate investigations into one novelette exploding with action, intrigue, and excitement. A fan of Ripper Street myself, I loved the inclusion of DI Edmund Reid. And I must thank Mr. Kuhns for the introduction to Martin Hewitt. I was able to purchase the entire series on Kindle.
This story is five stars out of five!
“A Scandal in America:” When Holmes receives a urgent letter from Irene Adler to come to America to investigate the murder of Irene’s husband Godfrey Norton, they become embroiled in the activities of a cocaine ring. From the streets and docks of Manhattan to Indiana and on to Nevada, Holmes, Watson, and The Woman are never far from danger. The little twist right at the end is delightful!
Five out of five stars!
“The Allegro Mystery:” Someone has been sending threatening letters to Prima Donna Ballet Dancer Mademoiselle Dipin. At one time she had a stalker, one Jean Javet, but he was imprisoned back in France and Mademoiselle doesn’t know if he was released or not. Her mother arrives, upset that Mademoiselle is still dancing. Her understudy seems content to be an understudy. So who is doing all of this?
This is a simple, straightforward mystery with a twist. One couldn’t ask for a better recipe.
Five out of five stars.
Mr. Kuhns does have more Holmes books and graphic novels out there, so I urge you to check them out. You’ll be glad you did.
Quoth the Raven..
December 14, 2015
Three Stories Guaranteed to Please
Anyone who is a fan of Sherlock Holmes will love this new novel, written in the style of A. Conan Doyle. There are three stories included, a novella, a two short stories. The novella features Sherlock teaming up with two other detectives of the time period, skipping between the "notes" of each investigator and their side-kicks as they separately work on solving pieces of the bigger crime. They eventually come together and the action gets hectic and dangerous. Loved it!
The middle story brings Irene Adler back into Sherlock's life. "The" woman was the only one who ever defeated him, but he retained her picture for reasons Watson surmises. Irene summons Sherlock and Watson to America to investigate the murder of her husband. The tale gets complicated as the trio follows the scent of miscreants across the country, getting into trouble, and unraveling an organized crime cartel. It's classic Holmes and Watson with a dash of Adler thrown in. Fantastic.
The third story has the investigators tracking down a threatening stalker of a prima ballerina. She's afraid for her life and soon circumstances reveal a real threat. Short but satisfactory. If you love Sherlockian lore, this book is sure to please.
Anyone who is a fan of Sherlock Holmes will love this new novel, written in the style of A. Conan Doyle. There are three stories included, a novella, a two short stories. The novella features Sherlock teaming up with two other detectives of the time period, skipping between the "notes" of each investigator and their side-kicks as they separately work on solving pieces of the bigger crime. They eventually come together and the action gets hectic and dangerous. Loved it!
The middle story brings Irene Adler back into Sherlock's life. "The" woman was the only one who ever defeated him, but he retained her picture for reasons Watson surmises. Irene summons Sherlock and Watson to America to investigate the murder of her husband. The tale gets complicated as the trio follows the scent of miscreants across the country, getting into trouble, and unraveling an organized crime cartel. It's classic Holmes and Watson with a dash of Adler thrown in. Fantastic.
The third story has the investigators tracking down a threatening stalker of a prima ballerina. She's afraid for her life and soon circumstances reveal a real threat. Short but satisfactory. If you love Sherlockian lore, this book is sure to please.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews