Sherlock Holmes at the Varieties

Sherlock Holmes #14

by Val Andrews

A year has passed since the pair’s unexpected reunion, and an evening full of entertainment awaits them. Sherlock Holmes and his assistant, Dr Watson.Sherlock Holmes and his assistant, Dr Watson are guests at 'Murphy's Theatre of Varieties'; however, both are unaware that their own detective double act will soon take centre stage.On arrival, Watson discovers much has changed inside the former London music-hall; although the owner, Mr Murphy himself, remains the same.During a fleeting encounter with Mr. Murphy he reveals all is not well. A recent series of mysterious incidents have damaged the theatre’s reputation, threatening a precarious future.On the case, both Holmes and Watson greet allegations of supernatural activity with their accustomed scepticism, yet various ghostly sightings as well as a further sequence of near fatal mishaps begin to suggest something mysterious is happening.George Robey, an up-and-coming English comedian, together with the theatre itself emerges as the intended targets of the suspected paranormal calamities. But with no clear culprit to speak of and an increasing number of ghoulish assertions to decipher; Holmes is driven to desperate measures in his attempts to solve it all...Sherlock Holmes at the Varieties transports the reader into a forgotten era of show business where the most accomplished performance comes from Holmes himself

Genres: Mystery, Novella

87 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 1999

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Val Andrews was a music hall artist, ventriloquist and writer.
Andrews was born in Hove, Sussex, England a few hours after Valentine's Day, hence his name. Son of an architect, he was introduced to magic by his father. Andrews was a prolific writer on magic, having published over 1000 books and booklets from 1952. He also authored Sherlock Holmes pastiches and Houdini's novels. He lived for a number of years in Brighton, then in London (from 1943 onwards) where he joined the London Society of Magicians.

Reviews

[Bonnye Reed]

Endeavour Press Sherlock Holmes Advent Calendar

[Carl · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Sherlock Holmes at the Varieties" is an interesting and entertaining pastiche by Val Andrews. Andrews has done a good job at capturing the essence of Doyle's iconic characters of Holmes and Watson. Dr. Watson's narrative is enjoyable and brings the reader into the story. The plot is well crafted and it keeps one guessing.

"Sherlock Holmes at the Varieties" begins with Holmes suggesting that the two friends attend a show at the music hall. Watson finds the theatre much changed; no longer is it the casual Music Hall of yesteryear, now: "Murphy's Theatre of Varieties." Thus, it is now a variety show with no "chairman" announcing and coordinating the acts. Now one must purchase a printed program! There are neither tables to sit at nor any drinks to be ordered; instead, there are now rows of red push seats. Still, they have an enjoyable evening until the question of the theatre's ghost is raised. And soon, accidents begin to happen, and Sherlock's interest is peaked.

If you are a fan of Holmes, then this short story or about 100 pages is one that you will enjoy. This is the perfect story for a nice evening beside the fireplace. There are many imitators of Doyle's famous creation, and Val Andrews is one of the better writers of this genre.

[Outlander · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another short Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson theatrical based case to be solved and all without unnecessary padding out that so many authors are guilty of. There are lots of historical facts about the entertainment business of that era. This one is a tangled skein with the story taking off in multiple directions before coming together at the end, where all the puzzles are solved. Another one from Val Andrews for my collection.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

a well written Holmes story

Holmes and Watson go out to a variety show for some different entertainment. Holmes is approached by the owner for help with a series of strange happenings. The story proceeds with a variety of twists and turns and finally a surprise ending. An enjoyable read read.

[P. · Rating 2 out of 5]

For fans of Andrews only. The would-be killer, shows up, de novo, in the last few pages, to make a lengthy, complete yet tedious confession to the would-be corpse. You really don't know why. It ends happily, however, especially for the would-be corpse.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sherlock lives again

I've always loved Sherlock, but when an author passes, that's the end. Not so, anymore. I'm finding that there are new authors who seem to be able to carry on pretty seamless way.

[Bonnie Dale Keck · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kindle Unlimited One of several Sherlock Holmes stories by an assorted group of authors, wanted to go through them all. Liked it, just didn't love it, sort of the right style and all but....

[Madalyn Koval · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet

Fun read and perfect for a summer afternoon. Liked learning more about English varieties. Would enjoy more by this author

[Nina Braden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Novella or long short story

[William Gallacher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Varieties

Good use of his music hall experience,well woven tale ,usual Holmes fare with the twist we come to expect at a he end

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

On visiting the 'Murphy's Theatre of Varieties' for an evening's entertainment Holmes and Watson are drawn into the case of ghosts causing the accidents that have been occuring in the theatre for last few months.
A nice little mystery and a quick read, with a similar style of writing to Conan Doyle.

[david schwartzman · Rating 4 out of 5]

a good diversion.

Sherlock is always relaxing to read! The wording is as enjoyable as the plot and that is why you want to re-read periodically.

[Dale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sherlock Holmes at the Varieties by Val Anderson

Murphy’s Theatre, otherwise known as “The House on the Green” used to be a favorite of Dr. Watson’s. Now known as “The Varieties,” the theatre has become known for a different type of show—Vaudeville!

At Holmes’ suggestion, the two friends attend an evening’s show. Watson finds the theatre much changed. There are neither tables to sit at nor any drinks to be ordered. There are rows of red push seats. There is no front man to announce each show. Instead one must purchase a program if they are to know what comes next.

There has been trouble as of late at the Varieties, as props have been stolen and returned and other tricks played on the performers. Word has it that the theatre is haunted. But Murphy sees no reason to bother Holmes with little paranormal pranks.

Then a sandbag falls from the rafters, just missing comic George Robey. A ghostly shape is seen for a scant second in the “flies” far above the stage. This near death attack is enough for Murphy to hire Holmes. The secret of this theatre phantom must be solved quickly.

Another mystery lies at George Robey’s house. He is an amateur carpenter who creates violins and other instruments. He has in his shop his careful copy of a priceless Gelado violin, created by him using measurements and notes from examining a true Gelado at the Museum of Stringed Masterpieces in Croydon.

However, Holmes finds that Robey’s Gelado is the genuine article while the one at the museum is the facsimile Robey made! Someone has switched the two violins with neither Robey nor the Curator of the Museum of Stringed Masterpieces the wiser!

This is a neat little mystery, with nice twists to make the story come alive! It is one of Andrews’ better Holmes mysteries. I give the book four stars.

Quoth the Raven…

[Vikas Datta · Rating 4 out of 5]

At the start, seems a bit of a put-up job with our heroes seeming like they are putting up a performance but then gains pace and plausibility and reads like a good outing for the master detective in the way we are accustomed to seeing him...

[Deborah Ozmer Diaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first Sherlock Holmes book I have read that was not written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. I enjoyed this authors similar writing style. Dr. Watson's narrative is always witty and a clever mystery was solved!!

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elementary My dear Watson!

Delightful and entertaining tale of my favorite detectives. Holmes is at the top of his game as usual and Doctor Watson is as charming as ever. The story is fast paced and I loved every single minute of it! Highly recommended for any fan of Holmes.

[Betsy · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting read with references to music halls and varieties. Holmes seems a bit out of place, but solves the mystery with Watson's help.

[Pamela Panther · Rating 3 out of 5]

Return book

Good Sherlock. Very typical Watson is splendid like always and Sherlock is beyond reproach. Worth the read and a quick read