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Sherlock Holmes in Minnesota #3
Sherlock Holmes and the Rune Stone Mystery
The numerous mystery fans and discerning Sherlockian experts who have been following "Watson's American chronicles" will be thrilled by the third manuscript to be "discovered": Sherlock Holmes and the Rune Stone Mystery. As the century winds down, Holmes's services are engaged by a personage no less than King Oskar II of Sweden, who proposes to purchase a mysterious stone dug up by a western Minnesota farmer. But before the celebrated detective can attempt to authenticate this fabulous find, the hapless farmer is murdered and his stone vanishes. In this singular case Holmes's soaring imagination is complemented by the talent for "discreet investigations" first displayed by Irish saloonkeeper Shadwell Rafferty in Sherlock Holmes and the Ice Palace Murders. Rotund and rollicking, sharp as a St. Paul wind and tough as his own old leather boots, Rafferty accompanies the great detective through a maze of intrigue and villainy on a hunt for a rune stone, a murderer, and the archeological truth.
368 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 1999
11 people are currently reading
1061 people want to read
About the author
Larry Millett
52 books80 followersLarry Millett has combined his interest in journalism, architectural history, and mystery fiction to create an unusual writing career. A native of Minneapolis, he attended school there and then went on to obtain a bachelor’s degrees in English from St. John’s University and a master’s degree from the University of Chicago.
He began working as a general assignment reporter for the St. Paul Pioneer Press in 1972 and became the newspaper’s first architecture critic after a year of study on a fellowship to the University of Michigan.
Larry’s first book, The Curve of the Arch, appeared in 1985. Since then, he’s written eleven other works of nonfiction, including Lost Twin Cities, which has been in continuous print for more than twenty years.
Larry began writing mystery fiction in 1996 by bringing the world’s most famous consulting detective to Minnesota for The Adventure of Sherlock Holmes and the Red Demon. He’s published six other novels featuring Holmes, Dr. Watson, and St. Paul saloonkeeper Shadwell Rafferty.
Larry lives in St. Paul’s historic West Seventh Street neighborhood with his wife and occasional writing partner, Jodie Ahern, who is also an accomplished painter and a freelance copy editor.
He began working as a general assignment reporter for the St. Paul Pioneer Press in 1972 and became the newspaper’s first architecture critic after a year of study on a fellowship to the University of Michigan.
Larry’s first book, The Curve of the Arch, appeared in 1985. Since then, he’s written eleven other works of nonfiction, including Lost Twin Cities, which has been in continuous print for more than twenty years.
Larry began writing mystery fiction in 1996 by bringing the world’s most famous consulting detective to Minnesota for The Adventure of Sherlock Holmes and the Red Demon. He’s published six other novels featuring Holmes, Dr. Watson, and St. Paul saloonkeeper Shadwell Rafferty.
Larry lives in St. Paul’s historic West Seventh Street neighborhood with his wife and occasional writing partner, Jodie Ahern, who is also an accomplished painter and a freelance copy editor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
December 31, 2015
I started my Book Diet novels 2015 by reading four Sherlockian anthologies during January, which is also the said Great Detective's birthday month, so I thought it only appropriate to finish this year with a Sherlock Holmes novel once more, and this time it's something written by writer Larry Millet. It's the first time I encountered his Holmes series. In fact, I purchased this book by luck while sifting through boxes of a second-hand bookstore months and months ago.
I'm always on the look-out for any Holmesian story I can get my hands on so I immediately bought this and knew I had to read it soon enough. And it wasn't a disappointment. Millet's series, from what I can tell, are focused on Sherlock Holmes' travels and subsequent cases in America, and The Rune Stone Mystery.
Once again chronicled in the first person by his constant and faithful friend Dr. John Watson, this story takes readers into Minnesota where a farmer uncovered what could possibly be a Viking rune stone that would prove that the Vikings themselves have arrived to America before Columbus. If proven true then this could be the biggest anthropological discovery in recent years. Disguised under assumed names of London museum curators, Holmes and Watson traveled to the states, but before they could authenticate the rune stone, the farmer who discovered it had been brutally murdered and the said stone can't be found in his possession! Afterwards, more disconcerting facts and theories begin to surface among the townsfolk, especially the Swede residents. And thus began a thorough police investigation (and Holmes' own deductive process on the side) where certain persons of interest have more to conceal than anticipated, and the key in solving this disturbing mystery might just lie in the late farmer's daughter, the fragile Moira "Moony" Wahlgren who may have a developmental disorder, and whose life is endangered because of her connection to her father's presumably hoax of a rune stone.
If the rune stone is indeed a hoax then who could possibly benefit from it? Who could be held liable if the artifact was discovered and proven false? What lengths would concerned parties will go just to ensure it's not revealed to the public? What happens if the rune stone is indeed the true thing--why kill for it? Holmes and Watson try to unravel this tangled web of conspiracies as best as they could, only to find more threads that don't make sense and even mislead.
With a daring and riveting narrative that definitely captures Conan's own style, this novel also has enough memorable characters to keep readers very invested in the resolution of the case and the sideline conflicts of its characters, but of all of them, Millet also included a unique character of his creation named Shadwell Rafferty, an inquisitive and charismatic Irish saloon owner who knew is way around America, and has assisted Holmes in other cases featured in Millet's previous novels. Rafferty's rapport and chemistry with both Holmes and Watson is refreshing and enjoyable, and he provides a great contrast to Holmes' own brand of cleverness. Rafferty is also a talented investigator, and his insights and warmer approach to things and people lend a more human touch to the art of deductive reasoning which even Holmes welcomes, seeing as Rafferty definitely assists than hinder. I liked how he made passages of chapters very entertaining and humorous at times.
Another intense and curious character is the villainess Mary Comstock whom Holmes even compared to Professor Moriarty which is both the highest and most perturbing compliment the great detective could ever assign to anyone. She's essentially a female arch-enemy, a rare type of woman whom Holmes described succinctly, "has no need for men in her life but finds uses for them every now and then". She's portrayed to be wicked and without remorse, and her interest in the rune stone is a puzzling one, something that Holmes was determined to find out before she ends up a few more steps ahead of him in the game. Their interplay as detective and criminal is noteworthy and even Watson is mesmerized by it. I was also heavily invested in the child Moony's involvement since from the beginning I knew she had a critical role to play in the events later on.
Anyone who would attempt to write a Holmesian novel should make sure it's always engaging and thrilling, filled with characterizations that ring true from the source material. It also has to branch out and include more details and depth to what was established by Doyle, always both mentally challenging and entertaining for readers like myself. Although at first I wasn't that intrigued with the rune stone case, the way the mystery unfolded and the players who are involved have acted or been disposed of had won me over eventually while midway through reading.
Sherlock Holmes and the Rune Stone Mystery had been captivating and earnest in its portrayal of the Great Detective and the loyal doctor, and the mystery and detection were satisfying during the process of the case, and as readers reach that unexpected conclusion, they would be pleased that they stuck around long enough to see it all the way through the end. I'm certainly going to try and find more Millet books after this one.
RECOMMENDED: 8/10
DO READ MY REVIEWS AT
I'm always on the look-out for any Holmesian story I can get my hands on so I immediately bought this and knew I had to read it soon enough. And it wasn't a disappointment. Millet's series, from what I can tell, are focused on Sherlock Holmes' travels and subsequent cases in America, and The Rune Stone Mystery.
Once again chronicled in the first person by his constant and faithful friend Dr. John Watson, this story takes readers into Minnesota where a farmer uncovered what could possibly be a Viking rune stone that would prove that the Vikings themselves have arrived to America before Columbus. If proven true then this could be the biggest anthropological discovery in recent years. Disguised under assumed names of London museum curators, Holmes and Watson traveled to the states, but before they could authenticate the rune stone, the farmer who discovered it had been brutally murdered and the said stone can't be found in his possession! Afterwards, more disconcerting facts and theories begin to surface among the townsfolk, especially the Swede residents. And thus began a thorough police investigation (and Holmes' own deductive process on the side) where certain persons of interest have more to conceal than anticipated, and the key in solving this disturbing mystery might just lie in the late farmer's daughter, the fragile Moira "Moony" Wahlgren who may have a developmental disorder, and whose life is endangered because of her connection to her father's presumably hoax of a rune stone.
If the rune stone is indeed a hoax then who could possibly benefit from it? Who could be held liable if the artifact was discovered and proven false? What lengths would concerned parties will go just to ensure it's not revealed to the public? What happens if the rune stone is indeed the true thing--why kill for it? Holmes and Watson try to unravel this tangled web of conspiracies as best as they could, only to find more threads that don't make sense and even mislead.
With a daring and riveting narrative that definitely captures Conan's own style, this novel also has enough memorable characters to keep readers very invested in the resolution of the case and the sideline conflicts of its characters, but of all of them, Millet also included a unique character of his creation named Shadwell Rafferty, an inquisitive and charismatic Irish saloon owner who knew is way around America, and has assisted Holmes in other cases featured in Millet's previous novels. Rafferty's rapport and chemistry with both Holmes and Watson is refreshing and enjoyable, and he provides a great contrast to Holmes' own brand of cleverness. Rafferty is also a talented investigator, and his insights and warmer approach to things and people lend a more human touch to the art of deductive reasoning which even Holmes welcomes, seeing as Rafferty definitely assists than hinder. I liked how he made passages of chapters very entertaining and humorous at times.
Another intense and curious character is the villainess Mary Comstock whom Holmes even compared to Professor Moriarty which is both the highest and most perturbing compliment the great detective could ever assign to anyone. She's essentially a female arch-enemy, a rare type of woman whom Holmes described succinctly, "has no need for men in her life but finds uses for them every now and then". She's portrayed to be wicked and without remorse, and her interest in the rune stone is a puzzling one, something that Holmes was determined to find out before she ends up a few more steps ahead of him in the game. Their interplay as detective and criminal is noteworthy and even Watson is mesmerized by it. I was also heavily invested in the child Moony's involvement since from the beginning I knew she had a critical role to play in the events later on.
Anyone who would attempt to write a Holmesian novel should make sure it's always engaging and thrilling, filled with characterizations that ring true from the source material. It also has to branch out and include more details and depth to what was established by Doyle, always both mentally challenging and entertaining for readers like myself. Although at first I wasn't that intrigued with the rune stone case, the way the mystery unfolded and the players who are involved have acted or been disposed of had won me over eventually while midway through reading.
Sherlock Holmes and the Rune Stone Mystery had been captivating and earnest in its portrayal of the Great Detective and the loyal doctor, and the mystery and detection were satisfying during the process of the case, and as readers reach that unexpected conclusion, they would be pleased that they stuck around long enough to see it all the way through the end. I'm certainly going to try and find more Millet books after this one.
RECOMMENDED: 8/10
DO READ MY REVIEWS AT
July 27, 2022
I love the Swedish theme in this one, it gave me a good chuckle.
October 27, 2021
Well worth a read. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
April 8, 2023
Liked all of the author’s work better the second reading, including this one. Well thought out and well written it’s an enjoyable romp down the Sherlock Holmes fan path. Narration is clear and adds to the enjoyment of the tale.
June 21, 2020
Another great Sherlock Holmes book. Kept me guessing to the very end.
September 14, 2017
I love this series by Larry Millet, and the audiobook was especially a delight thanks to the talented narrator.
October 21, 2020
In this story Holmes is called to Minnesota in 1899 to help investigate the mystery of the Kensington Runestone. For those who have not heard of it, this a real unsolved mystery from Western Minnesota. In 1898 a Swedish American farmer claimed to have discovered a stone tablet tangled in the roots of a tree. On the tablet were rune carvings which tell of a Viking exploration party exploring the area in 1362. If true, this would mean that Viking explorers ventured far further into North America than ever previously thought. Experts on both sides still debate whether the tablet is a hoax or real.
In this book the author takes some liberties with the story of the discovery of the Runestone, turning it into a murder mystery. Larry Millett does a fairly good job of creating a somewhat traditional Sherlock Holmes mystery story in the style of Arthur Conan Doyle, although in our book group discussion we noted how in this case Holmes was surrounded by several other extremely bright and competent individuals who were able to match wits with the great Holmes, perhaps more than usually occurred in traditional Holmes novels. The author also seems to delight in describing the flavors of rural Western Minnesota including the landscape, the cold and the taciturn Swedish demeanor of its residents. I enjoyed the descriptions on other-worldy flat landscape of the Red River valley, and the factoids about the heavy wall construction of grain bins designed to support the outward pressure of the grain which flows like a liquid. This was a fun book which should appeal to Sherlock Holmes fans and Western Minnesota natives alike.
In this book the author takes some liberties with the story of the discovery of the Runestone, turning it into a murder mystery. Larry Millett does a fairly good job of creating a somewhat traditional Sherlock Holmes mystery story in the style of Arthur Conan Doyle, although in our book group discussion we noted how in this case Holmes was surrounded by several other extremely bright and competent individuals who were able to match wits with the great Holmes, perhaps more than usually occurred in traditional Holmes novels. The author also seems to delight in describing the flavors of rural Western Minnesota including the landscape, the cold and the taciturn Swedish demeanor of its residents. I enjoyed the descriptions on other-worldy flat landscape of the Red River valley, and the factoids about the heavy wall construction of grain bins designed to support the outward pressure of the grain which flows like a liquid. This was a fun book which should appeal to Sherlock Holmes fans and Western Minnesota natives alike.
January 13, 2021
A mysterious stone covered in runes has been found in rural Minnesota. King Oskar II of Sweden wishes to purchase the stone, but needs proof that it is as old as it claims to be. Holmes and Watson make the journey, only to discover the farmer who had discovered the stone has been murdered. It isn't long before they are joined by Shadwell Rafferty to follow the clues.
While the second book could easily be read without having read the first one, that wasn't the case with book three. It brings back Shad Rafferty who was introduced in the second book, but also brings back a character who was in book one (which I still haven't read). There are many references to the first case in the "Sherlock Holmes in Minnesota" series.
The writing style closely mimics that of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's, so in that aspect it is enjoyable.
At times, it does feel as though the author really wants to focus on his own character, Rafferty, who is just as smart as Holmes. I did not enjoy him anymore than I did when I was introduced to him in the second book. The mystery was enjoyable, with the clues revealed over time in a believable way.
I found this an interesting based around the rune stone that was discovered in Minnesota in 1898. But the odd thing is it sets a similar event right before the Kensington Rune Stone, which is referenced in the end.
I would recommend this to those who have read the first two books, and are looking for something a little different when it comes to Sherlock Holmes.
While the second book could easily be read without having read the first one, that wasn't the case with book three. It brings back Shad Rafferty who was introduced in the second book, but also brings back a character who was in book one (which I still haven't read). There are many references to the first case in the "Sherlock Holmes in Minnesota" series.
The writing style closely mimics that of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's, so in that aspect it is enjoyable.
At times, it does feel as though the author really wants to focus on his own character, Rafferty, who is just as smart as Holmes. I did not enjoy him anymore than I did when I was introduced to him in the second book. The mystery was enjoyable, with the clues revealed over time in a believable way.
I found this an interesting based around the rune stone that was discovered in Minnesota in 1898. But the odd thing is it sets a similar event right before the Kensington Rune Stone, which is referenced in the end.
I would recommend this to those who have read the first two books, and are looking for something a little different when it comes to Sherlock Holmes.
Read
August 1, 2019Part 3 in the series of "Sherlock Holmes in Minnesota" pastiches. And based on this one alone I am inclined to eventually check out the others as well.
The author is a journalist/freelance author/historian from Minnesota and as such the historical details ring true. All too often we read Holmes pastiches where something is amiss as the author really isn't all that familiar with the localities or traditions at the time. In this novel, however, Millett doesn't waste much time in Baker Street but sends Holmes and Watson straight off to Minnesota to solve the mystery of a murder connected with the discovery of a rune stone that just may prove for definite that the Vikings arrived in America long before Columbus.
Part of the fascinating historical background is the fact that this is set among communities of Swedish/Norwegian settlers.... not an area of American history I was too aware of before.
There are certain modernisms in this book like Holmes partaking in a drinking game but those do eventually play a proper part in the investigation and ultimately don't appear out of place.
The author is a journalist/freelance author/historian from Minnesota and as such the historical details ring true. All too often we read Holmes pastiches where something is amiss as the author really isn't all that familiar with the localities or traditions at the time. In this novel, however, Millett doesn't waste much time in Baker Street but sends Holmes and Watson straight off to Minnesota to solve the mystery of a murder connected with the discovery of a rune stone that just may prove for definite that the Vikings arrived in America long before Columbus.
Part of the fascinating historical background is the fact that this is set among communities of Swedish/Norwegian settlers.... not an area of American history I was too aware of before.
There are certain modernisms in this book like Holmes partaking in a drinking game but those do eventually play a proper part in the investigation and ultimately don't appear out of place.
March 6, 2020
I had such a hard time rating this book because the story line was great however the writing was so dry. I forced myself to finish it because I needed to know the ending however it was a struggle. I’ll start by saying this is my first Sherlock Holmes book, I’ve never read any for the original series so I don’t know if they are the same or not but I was not a fan. The characters, plot, insight and length of the book were great. Then we get to the writing itself... Dryden dry. I could read about 10 pages at a time before I started to get drowsy. I was also not a fan of feeling like an outsider- by which I mean the characters would discover some part of the mystery, discuss it together and clearly state they figured something out and then not share with the reader. I get the foreshadowing and wanting to keep the reader hooked but it was not enjoyable for me.
March 3, 2024
This book could easily being one of the Top Ten Books that I have read.
The Author, Larry Millett, did an excellent job of writing this book that I felt like it was written by Conan Doyle or even like Doctor Watson.
The story begins with the unearthing of a Viking Stone in Minnesota dated in the 1300 hundreds. Watson and Sherlock are asked to go to America by The King of Sweden to verify the legitimacy of the stone before he purchases it and return it back to Sweden.
A very clever American friend who has worked with Sherlock and Dr. Watson in three other cases in America named Shadwell Rafferty, wants to assist the world famous Sleuth and in order to find the truth behind the Rune Stone.
Shadwell is very clever and a valuable addition for Sherlock and Watson in this excellent Mystery.
This book is worth your reading if you enjoy Sherlock Holmes books.👍👍
The Author, Larry Millett, did an excellent job of writing this book that I felt like it was written by Conan Doyle or even like Doctor Watson.
The story begins with the unearthing of a Viking Stone in Minnesota dated in the 1300 hundreds. Watson and Sherlock are asked to go to America by The King of Sweden to verify the legitimacy of the stone before he purchases it and return it back to Sweden.
A very clever American friend who has worked with Sherlock and Dr. Watson in three other cases in America named Shadwell Rafferty, wants to assist the world famous Sleuth and in order to find the truth behind the Rune Stone.
Shadwell is very clever and a valuable addition for Sherlock and Watson in this excellent Mystery.
This book is worth your reading if you enjoy Sherlock Holmes books.👍👍
July 27, 2017
This is the 3rd in the Sherlock in Minnesota series. I have read (listened) to all 3. Millett has done a good job capturing the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle feel but throwing in some American flair.
Sherlock and John are called back to the great northern state of Minnesota when a representative of the King of Sweden stops in to ask for help with a Rune Stone. Once arriving they jump right into a murder scene. Lucky for them Shadwell Rafferty is back to help the m in one of the hardest cases of their careers. Sherlock is sure the Rune Stone is a fake, but being as everyone who seems to know where the stone is kept turning up dead and they have a tough time tracking it down.
Sherlock and John are called back to the great northern state of Minnesota when a representative of the King of Sweden stops in to ask for help with a Rune Stone. Once arriving they jump right into a murder scene. Lucky for them Shadwell Rafferty is back to help the m in one of the hardest cases of their careers. Sherlock is sure the Rune Stone is a fake, but being as everyone who seems to know where the stone is kept turning up dead and they have a tough time tracking it down.
September 8, 2023
This was another fun Sherlock Holmes in Minnesota mystery that I listened to on a long drive. (It was an audiobook through Libby, but Goodreads won't let you add formats so I had to choose Audio CD) My only complaint about this recording is there was no afterward talking about the actual runestone and how it became the Kensington Rune Stone. Kensington was in the story but.. I have enjoyed the afterwards talking about where the historical event that is the center of the book differs from the historical event that happens in the book. A bunch more to go in the series, but I have to catch up on some other books first!
August 29, 2020
Another good mystery on the plains of Minnesota. Sherlock, Dr. Watson and my new favorite character Shadwell Rafferty all come together to distinguish whether a found rune stone is authentic. However, upon arrival the rune stone is missing and it's owner found murdered.
It doesn't take long for Sherlock, Dr. Watson and Rafferty to be in the thick of the mystery, trying to unwind the clues to find the murderer and the rune stone. We meet again the nefarious character of Mary Robinson, who is now Mrs. Mary Comstock and just as devious as we previously knew her.
It doesn't take long for Sherlock, Dr. Watson and Rafferty to be in the thick of the mystery, trying to unwind the clues to find the murderer and the rune stone. We meet again the nefarious character of Mary Robinson, who is now Mrs. Mary Comstock and just as devious as we previously knew her.
December 17, 2020
Third in the Sherlock Holmes in Minnesota series. My favorite character, Shadwell Rafferty, made a triumphant return as I was hoping he would.
The mystery was ok in this one. To be fair, I've been reading these more because I like the characters Mr. Millett has invented rather than the mysteries Holmes and Watson solve.
Come for the cases, stay for the characters.
The mystery was ok in this one. To be fair, I've been reading these more because I like the characters Mr. Millett has invented rather than the mysteries Holmes and Watson solve.
Come for the cases, stay for the characters.
December 22, 2020
You almost need to read the previous books first to understand some of the backstory but it can be read as a stand alone which I did. IT is bascially just a good mystery based on a little bit of MN history/lore I was unaware of.
June 18, 2023
I really enjoy this series by Larry Millett. Sherlock and Watson are asked to come to Minnesota to investigate the validity of a newly discovered rune stone and then it’s disappearance. The bodies start piling up and the game is afoot!
July 17, 2023
So, Sherlock Holmes explains the name "futhark" to Watson by saying it comes from the first 7 (seven!) characters in the Runic alphabet ... seriously?
Also, no mention of the older futhark with all 24 characters, merely the 16-character one used in the "Middle Ages".
Also, no mention of the older futhark with all 24 characters, merely the 16-character one used in the "Middle Ages".
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 12, 2017
Sherlock Holmes believably depicted along with Dr. Watson. Instead of England they are in Minnestota. Interesting story
March 9, 2020
This story in the series really struggled to keep my interest. It was just ... ok.
May 31, 2021
I love the take the book has on the Kensington Runestone. Being a fictionalized version of events, some details are changed to make it fit more with the Sherlock Holmes set up, which works perfectly.
March 4, 2022
It is a well written story.
October 18, 2022
what's the mystery?
this book can't hold a light to the first two.
this book can't hold a light to the first two.
November 2, 2022
Very on the nose suspense with continual references to the past endeavors of Holmes in order to stay in context of the times. Annoyingly deductive story telling technique.
September 25, 2023
Very enjoyable!!
March 6, 2024
I'm enjoying listening to these Larry Millet mysteries.
June 17, 2024
A library find. June 2024.
Interesting.
Enjoyable. Don't miss.
Interesting.
Enjoyable. Don't miss.
March 27, 2025
This series of Sherlock Holmes stories in America by Larry Millett are always entertaining. This one is well written and keeps the reader guessing to the end.
October 8, 2025
Sherlock Holmes. Runestones. Minnesota. All in one mystery. Yes.
October 19, 2018
now i am hooked. This was such a great, easy and creative book. i was hooked after the first page.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews