Sherlock Holmes and the Lyme Regis Horror in David Ruffle's Sherlock Holmes group

Aug 22, 2012 Leah rated it really liked it

Shelves: sherlock-holmes, blog-review, from-the-tbr-pile, 2012

This book is divided between a novella (The Lyme Regis Horror) and several short stories. First, the novella:

Ruffle knows Holmes and Watson very well; canon devotees will find plenty of insider references and familiar-sounding (though not verbatim) phrases. The Watsonian voice is decently done and witty; Ruffle stays in his narrator’s head the entire time. Holmes is mellower than he is often portrayed; he also seems to know more about Jane Austen than one would suspect of a man who sneers at so This book is divided between a novella (The Lyme Regis Horror) and several short stories. First, the novella:

Ruffle knows Holmes and Watson very well; canon devotees will find plenty of insider references and familiar-sounding (though not verbatim) phrases. The Watsonian voice is decently done and witty; Ruffle stays in his narrator’s head the entire time. Holmes is mellower than he is often portrayed; he also seems to know more about Jane Austen than one would suspect of a man who sneers at softer emotions. On another interesting note, Holmes (using his impossible/improbable line of reasoning) is convinced early on that the culprit in the first story is supernatural, while the two physicians take some convincing. I never felt, however, that either Holmes or Watson was veering out of character.

One of Ruffle’s great strengths is his ear for dialogue; it rarely rings false, and is often quite funny such as when Watson informs Mrs. Jacobs that his writing is not for children, or the Inspector advises everyone not to “quibble with small details.” If a little too much time is spent delineating incidents in local history which don’t relate to the plot, it can be forgiven; Watson does like travel guides.

When it’s time to bring the suspense, Ruffle delivers as well. The atmosphere changes perceptibly when Sarah Jacobs opens the door to the Count. The following confrontation is electrifying, and reminds the reader that Holmes is truly master of the “and the horse you came in on” speech. The feeling of dread continues as Holmes, Watson, and Jacobs ready themselves for battle; they don’t know whether or not they’re coming back, and neither do we. In fact, as they walk towards the manor in dark of early morning, Ruffle’s description is so skillful, the chills are palpable.

Ruffle’s ability as a writer is, finally, evident in his deceptively simple denouement. In it, he takes up a thread I had thought dangling and superfluous, using it to pull the physical and emotional parts of the story together. I won’t divulge any more except to say that, as a writer, I admired the skill with which he accomplished this, and found myself thinking about it all day.

“The Trumper Affiar” (previously published as an e-pub on Amazon) is a solid story, written along more traditional lines than “Horror.” Ruffle provides accurate historical details, both in the setting and characters (actual cricket players), and his end notes are a nice touch for history aficionados. Holmes and Watson are also nicely in character and we’re treated to some nice running jokes as Watson continually bores the Great Detective (and occasionally the reader) with lengthy explications of cricket matches, and Holmes finds that the doctor’s novelistic touches have given him some unexpected anonymity. The story is not as atmospheric as “Horror,” but Ruffle performs a very nice sleight-of-hand in concealing the villain, the denouement is darker for its realism, and the ending is quite poignant.

Ruffle takes us back to the supernatural in “The Mystery of Loch Ness” and “The Runes Affair.” In the former, a gruesome death forces the reader to apply Holmes’ famous maxim, “that when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.” In “The Runes Affair,” three highly nervous paranormal researchers ask Holmes to help them fend off what seems to be an evil author’s attempt to exact vengeance for poor reviews and rejection slips through supernatural means. Holmes and Watson take on the case to assuage the mens’ fears and meet with unexpected results; one has to wonder whether they might have been manipulated into unwittingly carrying out revenge themselves.

Other stories have a supernatural bent as well. Set in more modern times (the 1930′s and the recent past, respectively), “Forever 1895″ and “A Lyme Ghost Story” suggest that Holmes dislikes partiers and inappropriate over night guests, but has a soft spot for pastiche writers. “Timeless in Lyme” is not about phantoms…at least from one perspective. In each of these pieces, Ruffle mixes past and present with the deft touch essential for a satisfying ghost tale.

Christmas is another favorite topic. In “Christmas at Baker Street,” Holmes explains to Watson the very best reasons for refusing a knighthood. He exposes even more of his heart in the incredibly charming “Henrietta’s Problem,” giving credence to Jeremy Brett’s view that “Holmes loved children.” My personal favorite in this collection, however, is “Christmas with Holmes,” which has an aging Holmes and Watson spending the holiday together in Sussex in 1916. The end scene is beautiful and while I realized, upon a third reading, that it could have a darker interpretation, I’ll go with my first, sad-but-fitting one. Ruffle ends the book with a lovely poem dedicated to his son, Duncan.

So, my final conclusion? Sherlock Holmes and the Lyme Regis Horror is a well-written collection with “the charm of variety,” deserving of a place on your bookshelf or in your e-reader. I look forward to reading more of Ruffle’s work.

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Nov 07, 2012 Mike Hogan rated it it was amazing

Shelves: sherlock-holmes

Sherlock Holmes and the Lyme Regis Horror. I read the first story in this compilation with great enjoyment; it has a strong plot, well-drawn minor characters and above all a believable relationship between the two main protagonists, Holmes and Watson. I very much like the fact that Watson is given time to develop not only an affection for the town of Lyme Regis (which the author clearly shares), but a sensitively-portrayed love interest. For me, although Holmes deploys his intellect and other re ...more

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Sep 28, 2012 Philip Jones rated it really liked it

This book is an anthology that consists of a short novel, a novella, nine short stories/fragments and a poem, all related, more or less, to Lyme Regis. This is the second edition and it contains additional material to the first edition as well as a number of editing changes.

The main story violates Holmes’ dictum, that “no ghosts need apply.” If that is overlooked, what is left is a lively and engaging tale about a picturesque village and time. The Watson telling the tale is one of the most enga This book is an anthology that consists of a short novel, a novella, nine short stories/fragments and a poem, all related, more or less, to Lyme Regis. This is the second edition and it contains additional material to the first edition as well as a number of editing changes.

The main story violates Holmes’ dictum, that “no ghosts need apply.” If that is overlooked, what is left is a lively and engaging tale about a picturesque village and time. The Watson telling the tale is one of the most engaging I have met. He has the loyalty, the manners and the honesty all Sherlockians have come to revere along with a knowing twinkle in his eye. Holmes is Holmes, a bit older than we are accustomed to, but with the keen eye and lack of pretense, inhibition or tact we all associate with him. The other characterizations in the story are well-done, producing sharp images and clear impressions.

The basic premise of the tale has a supernatural element that is alien to the Canon, with no scientific justification. It requires a ‘willing suspension of disbelief’ and it strained my reserves of such disbelief. However, if we can gloss over and forget Doyle’s descent into Spiritualism, we can surely forgive The Master a reaction to events that reach beyond the science of his time and place. It is evident that Holmes reacts reasonably and effectively to the circumstances he faces. The question is whether those circumstances could ever occur. “Further deponent sayeth not.”

The novella, “The Trumper Affair,” is engaging and well-written. Holmes solves a minor mystery and Watson’s love of Cricket is fully indulged. A number of ‘turn of the Century’ Cricket personalities are featured and the Twentieth Century British Empire is introduced.

The new collection of short pieces is expanded and ‘punched up’ a bit, but it remains incomplete and fragmentary. The items included are all emotional and interesting, but most are only glimpses of Holmes and Watson or of their lasting impressions. Time wanders in and out of the narratives and impressions are more important than details.

The results of reading this book are a desire to visit Lyme Regis and a hope to see more of this comforting Watson, who is just what one always felt Watson should be.

Re-reviewed by: Philip K. Jones, August, 2012.
Published in “Doctor Watson’s Formulary,” [#21, 09/2012]
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May 08, 2013 Pamela rated it really liked it

Shelves: paranormal-fantasy, victorian-mystery

This was a book about Sherlock Holmes and his adventures from the narrative of DR. Watson. The story takes place in a small costal town, on what should be a holiday. Then there is a murder, and the game is afoot. This has a supernatural tone to it, and I did not mind that at all. I found the book very interesting, and look forward to book 2 of this trilogy.

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Aug 07, 2011 Kat rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

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Jul 11, 2012 Joe Riggs marked it as to-read

Shelves: sherlock-related

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Aug 17, 2012 Steve Emecz rated it it was amazing

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Aug 19, 2012 Charlotte Smith rated it it was amazing

Shelves: sherlock-holmes-books

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Shelves: sherlock, historical-mysteries

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Dec 27, 2012 Jeanette marked it as to-read · review of another edition

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Shelves: owns

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Jan 25, 2013 Tina marked it as to-read

Shelves: thriller, mystery, sherlock

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Feb 14, 2013 Jan C is currently reading it · review of another edition

Shelves: mystery, england

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Feb 18, 2013 Victor Gentile rated it it was amazing

David Ruffle in his new book, “Sherlock Holmes and the Lyme Regis Horror” published by MX Publishing gives us an untold story of Sherlock Holmes, The Lyme Regis Horror.

From the back cover: The year is 1896. Doctor Watson is invited to the Dorsetshire coast by an old friend. To Watson’s surprise he manages to persuade his good friend, Mr Sherlock Holmes to accompany him. This hitherto unknown tale of Watson’s involves romancing, dancing, occasional glasses of cider, but the holiday turns into a n David Ruffle in his new book, “Sherlock Holmes and the Lyme Regis Horror” published by MX Publishing gives us an untold story of Sherlock Holmes, The Lyme Regis Horror.

From the back cover: The year is 1896. Doctor Watson is invited to the Dorsetshire coast by an old friend. To Watson’s surprise he manages to persuade his good friend, Mr Sherlock Holmes to accompany him. This hitherto unknown tale of Watson’s involves romancing, dancing, occasional glasses of cider, but the holiday turns into a nightmare as the two old friends encounter an unimaginable evil which threatens their very souls.

Can they triumph?

If you are anything like me then you grew up with Sherlock Holmes as well. When I was a kid I read everything that Arthur Conan Doyle wrote about the master sleuth and, of course, watched all the movies with Basil Rathbone. Now I do not believe in channeling. Having said that let me tell you that David Ruffle writes just the way that Arthur Conan Doyle wrote and it is like reading one of the originals. There really is a place called Lyme Regis, it is a coastal town that, after reading this book, I would like to visit. It seems to be such a nice place that even Holmes decides to visit without much persuasion from Watson. However, despite all the peach and tranquility, it doesn’t take long before Holmes and Watson are up to their necks in serious trouble and it takes quite a bit of effort to break this case. Keep in mind this is Sherlock Holmes we are talking about here and, of course, I am not giving anything away here, he is going to break it. The clues are given for us to solve the case. I confess I did not, Holmes did it for me. Let me assure you if you like Sherlock Holmes then you are going to really enjoy this. Not only is there the title story but eleven more short stories that are equally challenging and great fun. I recommend it highly!

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from MX Publishing. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” ...more

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