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Sherlock Holmes in A Reflection of Evil
After months of inactivity, Holmes and Watson have two cases thrust in their lap in a single day. First, a mysterious woman from Swansea, Wales seeks Holmes' help finding her husband who has disappeared in the middle of the night. As soon as she leaves, Holmes receives word that there has been a prison riot with several dead and a few inmates missing. Lestrade is asking for his services. Holmes believes the two cases are not a coincidence, but he has no idea who is behind it and to what end. They go to Swansea in what could be either a wild goose chase or a setup. Will Holmes unravel the mystery before they get to Swansea? If not what will be in store for them when they step off the train?
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First published March 13, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
February 22, 2018
Sherlock Holmes is one of the most famous and best-loved fictional detectives and his companion, Dr. John Watson, is a most worthy sounding board for the great man. Actually, he's not so much a sounding board as a receptacle for Sherlock's musings and conclusions. Watson is, in fact, his ghostwriter and, to me, much the more accessible of the two.
A Reflection of Evil fits quite nicely into the Sherlock Holmes pastiche and Mr. Todd has a good eye for Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's style and his characterizations. The woman who first engages Holmes and whom he sees through instantly is as negligible as Doyle's female characters usually are but you can't take umbrage when that's precisely the way females were nearly always depicted in his work. She's a raisond'etre, if you will, and a request for assistance from LeStrade when convicts escape a prison, serendipitously near the town in Wales where the woman asked him to go, gives Holmes and Watson good reason to board a train for Swansea. It soon becomes apparent that one of the escapees has it in for Holmes.
With a good balance of introspection and action, including a need for Watson to put his doctorly skills to work, Holmes soon knows the truth and a new criminal opponent has been discovered albeit in somewhat predictable fashion. We clearly will encounter this villain in future stories and of that I'm very glad.
Ben Werling is an almost ideal voice for this story and I say almost only because of one flaw. Mr. Werling's tone and pacing are ideal but he's not quite as good at differentiating all characters as I would like him to be. Still, I will happily listen to him again.
A Reflection of Evil fits quite nicely into the Sherlock Holmes pastiche and Mr. Todd has a good eye for Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's style and his characterizations. The woman who first engages Holmes and whom he sees through instantly is as negligible as Doyle's female characters usually are but you can't take umbrage when that's precisely the way females were nearly always depicted in his work. She's a raisond'etre, if you will, and a request for assistance from LeStrade when convicts escape a prison, serendipitously near the town in Wales where the woman asked him to go, gives Holmes and Watson good reason to board a train for Swansea. It soon becomes apparent that one of the escapees has it in for Holmes.
With a good balance of introspection and action, including a need for Watson to put his doctorly skills to work, Holmes soon knows the truth and a new criminal opponent has been discovered albeit in somewhat predictable fashion. We clearly will encounter this villain in future stories and of that I'm very glad.
Ben Werling is an almost ideal voice for this story and I say almost only because of one flaw. Mr. Werling's tone and pacing are ideal but he's not quite as good at differentiating all characters as I would like him to be. Still, I will happily listen to him again.
February 22, 2022
4 STARS
June 13, 2018
Crashing trains and prison breaks! Oh, my! While this story started off a little cliched (a woman needs Holmes’s help in finding her missing husband), the story definitely took off with some originality. Holmes and Watson are always a worthy duo and this story stays true to the original stories. I felt this was a very good addition to the world of Sherlock Holmes.
Several of my favorite scenes took place on the train. Watson and Holmes are still unwinding this mystery even as they travel. Then tragedy is about to strike the train and Holmes uses his own body to save a woman from a very serious injury. I could just imagine what was going through her mind as she initially had no idea what was to befall the train and the passengers. Then in the aftermath, Watson does what he can for the injured. He has to work quickly to save a man’s leg even if it causes him great pain.
The mystery itself was good though I did feel some of the clues were pretty obvious. Several of them were presented as non sequiturs so they really stood out. I really liked the chilling conversation Holmes has with the last standing culprit at the end. I can see that villain becoming a real thorn in Holmes’s side in future adventures.
As is almost universally so for Sherlock Holmes tales, the ladies are few and far between and have very limited roles. They are comforters, love interests, or providers of food. While this story did give the ladies names and lines, I still felt they didn’t add much to the plot. Despite this issue that plagues Holmes & Watson stories, I still really enjoyed this tale. 4.5/5 stars.
The Narration: Ben Werling had great voices for Holmes and Watson. They were distinct but also sounded like the men I was expecting. Watson sounds like the more compassionate of the two yet can be decisive in an emergency. Holmes sounded a little bored or arrogant depending on the situation. Werling’s female voices could have used a touch more femininity. There were no issues with the sound recording. 4.5/5 stars.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by William Todd. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
Several of my favorite scenes took place on the train. Watson and Holmes are still unwinding this mystery even as they travel. Then tragedy is about to strike the train and Holmes uses his own body to save a woman from a very serious injury. I could just imagine what was going through her mind as she initially had no idea what was to befall the train and the passengers. Then in the aftermath, Watson does what he can for the injured. He has to work quickly to save a man’s leg even if it causes him great pain.
The mystery itself was good though I did feel some of the clues were pretty obvious. Several of them were presented as non sequiturs so they really stood out. I really liked the chilling conversation Holmes has with the last standing culprit at the end. I can see that villain becoming a real thorn in Holmes’s side in future adventures.
As is almost universally so for Sherlock Holmes tales, the ladies are few and far between and have very limited roles. They are comforters, love interests, or providers of food. While this story did give the ladies names and lines, I still felt they didn’t add much to the plot. Despite this issue that plagues Holmes & Watson stories, I still really enjoyed this tale. 4.5/5 stars.
The Narration: Ben Werling had great voices for Holmes and Watson. They were distinct but also sounded like the men I was expecting. Watson sounds like the more compassionate of the two yet can be decisive in an emergency. Holmes sounded a little bored or arrogant depending on the situation. Werling’s female voices could have used a touch more femininity. There were no issues with the sound recording. 4.5/5 stars.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by William Todd. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
August 7, 2019
I am a longtime fan of the original Sherlock Holmes stories and I am always looking for books/stories about the Great Detective. This short read was a great addition to the mythos that has become Holmes.
I especially liked that the book focused on Watson's medical expertise. Too often, Watson doesn't do much in these latter stories. In this instance, he was a prominent figure throughout the book. The author does a good job in staying true to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's style and plot lines. You have a beautiful young woman who comes to Baker Street looking for help, Holmes and Watson rushing off to track down the mystery, and Lestrade bumbling along behind to try to assist. Add in a couple of great villains from previous stories, an action packed train wreck and Holmes surviving numerous attempts on his life and you have a great book!
The narrator, Ben Werling, does a great job in his performance and added a lot to my enjoyment of the book. At first, the music was a little distracting, but as the book progressed, I enjoyed the musical interludes.
If you are a Holmes fan (but not a purist) or if you just enjoy a short whodunit, give this one a listen. You won't be disappointed.
I was given the chance to listen to this book through Audio Bookworm Promotions and chose to review it.
I especially liked that the book focused on Watson's medical expertise. Too often, Watson doesn't do much in these latter stories. In this instance, he was a prominent figure throughout the book. The author does a good job in staying true to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's style and plot lines. You have a beautiful young woman who comes to Baker Street looking for help, Holmes and Watson rushing off to track down the mystery, and Lestrade bumbling along behind to try to assist. Add in a couple of great villains from previous stories, an action packed train wreck and Holmes surviving numerous attempts on his life and you have a great book!
The narrator, Ben Werling, does a great job in his performance and added a lot to my enjoyment of the book. At first, the music was a little distracting, but as the book progressed, I enjoyed the musical interludes.
If you are a Holmes fan (but not a purist) or if you just enjoy a short whodunit, give this one a listen. You won't be disappointed.
I was given the chance to listen to this book through Audio Bookworm Promotions and chose to review it.
April 1, 2018
Narration Review:
The narrator Ben Werling did such a great job in this book. I could actually imagine Sherlock Holmes and Watson having those conversations. His voice, his style, it all resonated with the characters perfectly. I couldn't have chosen a better narrator for this story!
Story Review:
Writing itself is a tough task. But writing a character that's already alive in the minds of millions of people, and doing justice to it, is even more difficult.
Author William Todd pulled it off quite efficiently. Sherlock Holmes is supposedly one of the most difficult characters to recreate. The deduction method used by him could only be perfectly devised by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, but William Todd did a quite good job on his own.
The story was short, but full of action. From train accidents to the prisoners' outbreak, there was suspense, mysteries and the usual Holmes flair.
I had fun listening to this audiobook and look forward to reading more from the author and listening more from the narrator!
The narrator Ben Werling did such a great job in this book. I could actually imagine Sherlock Holmes and Watson having those conversations. His voice, his style, it all resonated with the characters perfectly. I couldn't have chosen a better narrator for this story!
Story Review:
Writing itself is a tough task. But writing a character that's already alive in the minds of millions of people, and doing justice to it, is even more difficult.
Author William Todd pulled it off quite efficiently. Sherlock Holmes is supposedly one of the most difficult characters to recreate. The deduction method used by him could only be perfectly devised by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, but William Todd did a quite good job on his own.
The story was short, but full of action. From train accidents to the prisoners' outbreak, there was suspense, mysteries and the usual Holmes flair.
I had fun listening to this audiobook and look forward to reading more from the author and listening more from the narrator!
May 15, 2017
Being a fan of Sherlock Holmes, I was afraid that this book would disappoint. It didn't! It was written in true Arthur Conan Doyle style, using the same formal language as the original. A couple of Americanisms sneaked in, such as gotten and bled out, but apart from that, it was very well-written.
The story was full of twists and turns, as you'd expect in a Sherlock Holmes mystery, and the author keeps us in suspense as Holmes works everything out in his meticulous way, while revealing nothing. We also get a glimpse at the more human side of Holmes, when he fails to save people's lives.
I look forward to reading more by this author.
The story was full of twists and turns, as you'd expect in a Sherlock Holmes mystery, and the author keeps us in suspense as Holmes works everything out in his meticulous way, while revealing nothing. We also get a glimpse at the more human side of Holmes, when he fails to save people's lives.
I look forward to reading more by this author.
July 9, 2019
Another great short story! Close to Conan Doyle's style, and with a wink to well-known characters from previous cases, this is a great story, with a complex and well-developed plot.
I particularly liked that we get to see Doctor Watson in action... in a doctor-ly fashion =D And Lestrade! A nice moment there, too =D
Ben Werling does a great job narrating the story =D
I received this audiobook at no-cost from Audiobookworm Promotions. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
I particularly liked that we get to see Doctor Watson in action... in a doctor-ly fashion =D And Lestrade! A nice moment there, too =D
Ben Werling does a great job narrating the story =D
I received this audiobook at no-cost from Audiobookworm Promotions. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
September 3, 2019
A good read.
Overall 4 out of 5 stars Performance 4 out of 5 stars Story 4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed: 09-02-19
A Reflection of Evil.
As a Sherlock Holmes fan, it is not Conan Doyle.
(I knew that before I received the audiobook ) But it is a good imitation and a very pleasant read/listen. In fact one of the best I've read.
In my opinion give it a try I think you'll like it.
Ben Werlings narration is well suited and definitely adds to the enjoyment ..
I received a complimentary copy of this audio book at my own request and voluntarily leave this honest review.
Overall 4 out of 5 stars Performance 4 out of 5 stars Story 4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed: 09-02-19
A Reflection of Evil.
As a Sherlock Holmes fan, it is not Conan Doyle.
(I knew that before I received the audiobook ) But it is a good imitation and a very pleasant read/listen. In fact one of the best I've read.
In my opinion give it a try I think you'll like it.
Ben Werlings narration is well suited and definitely adds to the enjoyment ..
I received a complimentary copy of this audio book at my own request and voluntarily leave this honest review.
April 13, 2018
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this audiobook from audiobookworm promotions in exchange for my honest review.
I loved this book! I'm a big fan of Sherlock Holmes mysteries and this one didn't disappoint. William Todd remained faithful to the style you would expect from a Sherlock novel. The real star of this book was Ben Werling though. He did a fantastic job with the narration. The voices and accents were done perfectly, and really added to the story.
I loved this book! I'm a big fan of Sherlock Holmes mysteries and this one didn't disappoint. William Todd remained faithful to the style you would expect from a Sherlock novel. The real star of this book was Ben Werling though. He did a fantastic job with the narration. The voices and accents were done perfectly, and really added to the story.
June 19, 2021
Wow
There are a few typos here and there, but overall the story was excellent! I admit, I didn't see that coming. This book is more a drama than a mystery, but very entertaining.
Holmes and Watson are stagnating from lack of cases when suddenly two are dropped in their laps. Coincidence? Read it to find out.
And I think Watson's role in this story is by far my favorite.
Christa
There are a few typos here and there, but overall the story was excellent! I admit, I didn't see that coming. This book is more a drama than a mystery, but very entertaining.
Holmes and Watson are stagnating from lack of cases when suddenly two are dropped in their laps. Coincidence? Read it to find out.
And I think Watson's role in this story is by far my favorite.
Christa
May 13, 2017
Sherlock Holmes – or rather Arthur Conan Doyle – has provided an endless supply of entertainment and stories with books, movies and TV series for fans of the genre. In this fast-paced, short novella Todd has done a credible job of maintaining that Sherlock Holmes style and has captured the familiar characters well. I was not disappointed.
September 1, 2019
Very 👍
Well written, but yet I would have liked to have known the fate of Miss Willie after she helped with the wounded from the train catastrophe. Otherwise, an easy read and it was in the form that Sir Add would have approved. Looking forward to more from this author. Well done !
Well written, but yet I would have liked to have known the fate of Miss Willie after she helped with the wounded from the train catastrophe. Otherwise, an easy read and it was in the form that Sir Add would have approved. Looking forward to more from this author. Well done !
December 15, 2017
A reflection of the original stories
This was a thoroughly enjoyable quick read. The author did a splendid job of replicating the clever detective and the feel of the original Sherlock Holmes stories. Kudos to the author on a job well done!
This was a thoroughly enjoyable quick read. The author did a splendid job of replicating the clever detective and the feel of the original Sherlock Holmes stories. Kudos to the author on a job well done!
October 30, 2018
Holmes and Watson on the trail of evil
This is a good solid story ... longer than a short stir but with enough twist and added surprises to give you a good entertaining adventure ... Solid tale of our heroes on the trail of evil BUT who will the evil be ...
This is a good solid story ... longer than a short stir but with enough twist and added surprises to give you a good entertaining adventure ... Solid tale of our heroes on the trail of evil BUT who will the evil be ...
November 26, 2019
Short but sweet
I recently read all of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories. What fabulous stories they were! I've been reading other authors Sherlock Holmes stories... some are dreadful but not this author. I enjoyed all three of his stories. They are all quite fun.
I recently read all of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories. What fabulous stories they were! I've been reading other authors Sherlock Holmes stories... some are dreadful but not this author. I enjoyed all three of his stories. They are all quite fun.
July 1, 2020
1896 Holmes is bored. Then a Mrs Anne Merrick from Wales arrives. She wants Holmes to find her missing husband. Then a second case arrives. There has been a riot at Wormwood Scrubs prison and Lestrade needs his help.
Is there a connection
An enjoyable story
Is there a connection
An enjoyable story
August 15, 2020
A delightful read
One of the best collection of short stories I've had the pleasure to read in a long time , well thought out plots with delicious twists in the tails .
A joy to read. .
One of the best collection of short stories I've had the pleasure to read in a long time , well thought out plots with delicious twists in the tails .
A joy to read. .
November 12, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Dr. Watson was well delineated, and not portrayed as a bumbler the way he was in some Sherlock Holmes films. The story was well worth reading and I recommend it to all SH fans. I am looking forward to another Holmes story by William Todd.
January 26, 2021
Bad guys lose
Old enemies of Sherlock Holmes arise again. This time a clever ruse is used to get Sherlock moving in one direction and Scotland Yard in another. Read and enjoy!
Old enemies of Sherlock Holmes arise again. This time a clever ruse is used to get Sherlock moving in one direction and Scotland Yard in another. Read and enjoy!
May 18, 2021
Interesting
Good plot with enough twists and turns to keep me engaged. If you like Sherlock Holmes as created you probably will like this book
Good plot with enough twists and turns to keep me engaged. If you like Sherlock Holmes as created you probably will like this book
March 17, 2017
A fun, quick read.
Todd certainly captured the feel of classic Sherlock Holmes in this short novella. It will certainly be enjoyable to anyone looming for an enjoyable read of 1-2 hours. My only complaint would be one of asking for more!
Todd certainly captured the feel of classic Sherlock Holmes in this short novella. It will certainly be enjoyable to anyone looming for an enjoyable read of 1-2 hours. My only complaint would be one of asking for more!
April 16, 2017
Great book !
I started reading and could not put it down. Kept you guessing . You will really enjoy this book. A great Sherlock Holmes mystery.
I started reading and could not put it down. Kept you guessing . You will really enjoy this book. A great Sherlock Holmes mystery.
April 29, 2017
The Gloucester Calamity is Classic Holmes
First, it’s great to see Fan Fic that doesn’t involve sparkly vampires or mommy porn. I honestly hadn’t realized how much Sherlock Holmes fan fic was out there before reading this, which is kind of bizarre since I’m a real fan of the original. I’ve actually been to the Sherlock Homes museum at – you got it – 221B Baker Street in London! And of course, Moriarity in his unending variations (dead under the falls, locked on the Enterprise holodeck) is too good to pass up – but no more on that at the risk of writing spoilers…
So this book was a real treat. Todd has done an excellent job of capturing both the style and the presentation of Conan Doyle. The pacing and story line are classic Holmes. Todd has the somewhat formal, stilted speaking styles of Holmes and Watson down pat. He’s even thrown in the occasional obtuse and archaic vocabulary – just enough to make the work authentic; not enough to make it a difficult read.
My only complaint is that there are a smattering of typos. These minor defects stand in stark relief to the overalloutstanding writing and skill of the piece, making them perhaps more annoying than they would be in a lesser work. Still, they are minor and the work is very well constructed.
Definitely recommended. This classic Holmes tale would be an excellent use of an afternoon. Far more productive that chasing Shipperkes in Poplar….
- Read via Kindle Unlimited.
First, it’s great to see Fan Fic that doesn’t involve sparkly vampires or mommy porn. I honestly hadn’t realized how much Sherlock Holmes fan fic was out there before reading this, which is kind of bizarre since I’m a real fan of the original. I’ve actually been to the Sherlock Homes museum at – you got it – 221B Baker Street in London! And of course, Moriarity in his unending variations (dead under the falls, locked on the Enterprise holodeck) is too good to pass up – but no more on that at the risk of writing spoilers…
So this book was a real treat. Todd has done an excellent job of capturing both the style and the presentation of Conan Doyle. The pacing and story line are classic Holmes. Todd has the somewhat formal, stilted speaking styles of Holmes and Watson down pat. He’s even thrown in the occasional obtuse and archaic vocabulary – just enough to make the work authentic; not enough to make it a difficult read.
My only complaint is that there are a smattering of typos. These minor defects stand in stark relief to the overalloutstanding writing and skill of the piece, making them perhaps more annoying than they would be in a lesser work. Still, they are minor and the work is very well constructed.
Definitely recommended. This classic Holmes tale would be an excellent use of an afternoon. Far more productive that chasing Shipperkes in Poplar….
- Read via Kindle Unlimited.
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March 8, 2018Too short
Way too short to justify the price. I read it in a couple of hours, and that included a couple of interruptions. The story is reasonable but it is poorly edited. There are several errors.
Way too short to justify the price. I read it in a couple of hours, and that included a couple of interruptions. The story is reasonable but it is poorly edited. There are several errors.
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