MX Book of New Sherlock Holmes Stories - Volumes XL to XLII - Author Interviews - Thomas A. Burns
Posted by Steve Emecz on
Today we talk to Thomas A. Burns who appears in Part XLII: 1895-1903 currently on Kickstarter as part of the MX Book of New Sherlock Holmes Stories XL to XLII campaign.
What's the name of your story in the collection?
My story is entitled Death in the Workhouse.
How did the story come about?
As an untold tale, it depicts one of the seven times that DI Stanley Hopkins referred a case to Holmes. As for the subject matter, I always try to base my Holmes stories on some facet of Victoriana that might be of interest to my readers. This story explores the workhouses, a Victorian solution for poor relief. Made famous to a general audience through Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist, the workhouse was a dreary place akin to prison, where the poor could go, ostensibly to receive the necessities of life. However, one had to give up almost all personal autonomy to get aid. Inmates had to wear uniforms and perform arduous, repetitive tasks. Families were split up.
Do you write on any other subjects?
I also write the contemporary series, the Natalie McMasters Mysteries. Nattie is a detective for the new millennium. Her adventures are dark and sexy, a modern take on the noir mysteries of the middle of the 20th century.
Where can fans find more about your work?
You can read the short story Stakeout!, a prequel to the series, on my website at
3 M Detective Agency.
You can also sign up for my monthly newsletter. You can find me on Facebook, X, formerly known as Twitter , Instagram and tumblr.