Sherlock Book Reviews - The Further Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes
Posted by Steve Emecz on
Sherlock Holmes Society of London
A most refreshing book from a British writer, pleasingly almost completely devoid of the inappropriate transatlanticisms that I so often find in pastiches, and which I always deplore. The absence of hackneyed references to a tin dispatch box is noted and greatly appreciated.
Whilst remaining firmly within Canonical tradition and Watsonian prose style, the author has neatly avoided the many other clichés that mar similar works, and has also managed to introduce a few minor touches that are new, and yet by no means out of place.
This is, I note from the final page, volume one of a planned series. I truly look forward to succeeding volumes, trusting that the author will maintain the high standard set by this one. In conclusion, I commend this book most sincerely.
Myles combines fresh plots with convincing recreations of Arthur Conan Doyle’s style and characterizations in this sturdy debut collection of seven Holmes short stories. In “The Adventure of the Feuding Baronets,” Holmes and Watson attend a performance at the Royal Opera House, where an affluent shipping magnate passes out near the cloakroom after emptying his pockets, a seemingly mundane occurrence that becomes more suspicious when a dead pickpocket turns up a short time later.
“The Adventure of the Sinister Correspondent” focuses on a young woman’s suspicions that all is not right with her father, who’s been preparing “piping hot” pots of coffee immediately after receiving certain cryptic letters in the mail. Myles is especially good at giving Watson his due—in “The Problem of Hazlewood Grange,” the doctor is tapped to investigate a murder in Surrey while Holmes is busy in London, and he acquits himself impressively. Myles nails all the necessary components of good Holmes pastiche, adeptly hiding meaningful clues in plain sight and working in small character details—such as Watson’s brief, humorous interaction with a child on a train in “The Adventure of the Naval Architect”—that lend the tales verisimilitude.
Sherlockians will hope Myles returns to 221B Baker Street again soon.
Bonnie MacBird (bestselling author of 'Art in The Blood')
A lovely and enjoyable collection of Sherlock Holmes stories bursts upon the scene by debut writer Caiden Cooper Myles. His familiarity with the characters is deep, and he manages to convey the tone and distinct Watsonian voice with crisp accuracy. The mysteries are solid, and even the touches of humor are dead on, as in “My friend was buried in a chemistry book and lifted his head from its pages much like a person forced to get out of bed.”
We can never get too much Holmes and Watson, and stories written with the respect, affection, and expertise that Caiden has for this evergreen pair will please even the most discerning Sherlockian. Highly recommended.
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About This Book:
“My dear Watson. I do not think I am flattering myself when I say that 221B is well-understood in criminal circles.”
Within this volume you will find a collection of previously unpublished accounts by John H. Watson, M.D. that take Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson from London into the home counties and the south coast in the pursuit of villains and justice.
Why is a banker’s daughter threatened with an Indian dagger after a trip to the theatre?
Why does a young woman’s fiancé break their engagement but keep asking after her wellbeing?
Why does a wealthy baronet empty his pockets before fainting at The Royal Opera House?
How does Watson fare when Holmes sends him to assist an investigation in Surrey?
Caiden Cooper Myles is a British writer, who has long been a follower of Mr. Holmes and Dr. Watson. Like many a devotee of the Great Detective, he has longed to add to Dr. Watson’s accounts.