The Secret Files Of Sherlock Holmes

by Gary Lovisi

In The Adventure of the Missing Detective: Whilst travelling incognito in Switzerland, Sherlock Holmes is shocked almost beyond belief to discover that Queen Victoria is dead - and that his old nemesis, Professor James Moriarty, had not only survived their confrontation at the Reichenbach Falls, but had been knighted and appointed personal advisor to the new heir! Meanwhile, The American Adventure provides a fascinating insight into Holmes' earlier life when, during his travels with Dr. Joseph Bell, he was tutored in the art of deduction by the master...

189 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wouldn't be put off reading another title by the same author, the writing style is easy, the plotting clear and the pace is good. However I found it hard to believe that the central character was Holmes. There was a superficial similarity, but the world in which he lived felt at odds with ACD's original.

[Devi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Cannot relate to this Sherlock series. An alternate universe theory and Sherlock getting infatuated?? Sorry not my cup of tea. I would very much like my original Sherlock stories.

[Jan Madden · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a Sherlock take as the writing was all wrong. I wouldn’t read any more of these

[Rory · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay first off this book had a neat little concept with it's two stories. One was a 'what if?' scenario if Moriarty had survived his tumble down the Reichenbach Falls and the other an elseworlds story where Holmes teams up with Joseph Bell, the driving force of the creation of Sherlock Holmes himself.

In terms of quality I would have to say this was the superior story but even then I found it to be quite flawed and illogical in the case of plotting, but it was still and interesting glimpse of a parallel universe.

The other story was enjoyable enough but the mystery, bringing the two characters together felt very contrived and unrealistic, especially the ham fisted plot twist (not to mention characterisation) at the end. Also I felt it probably would have been better if Bell wasn't a part of this pastiche's continuity and yes, I get the whole influence/inspiration for Holmes but I just didn't think it fit well in this universe and the reason Holmes gives at the start of the story about how Bell taught him his deduction techniques is almost a direct contradction to what was previously stated in one of the original stories (The Gloria Scott I believe).

There's probably other things but I feel that clears most of it up.

So read it or don't read it, whatever your choice is. All I'm saying is that don't go expecting anything groundbreaking.