The MX Book of New Sherlock Holmes Stories – Author Interview – S. Subramanian

Throughout the Kickstarter campaign, we will be adding brief interviews highlighting the talented authors who have contributed to the anthology. Today we have the excellent S. Subramanian.

How did you first get introduced to Sherlock Holmes?

Through a Classics Illustrated version of The Sign of Four at age 9. That was enough to set me off on the originals at age 10. I had the great good fortune of reading the short story collections in their chronological order: The Adventures, The Memoirs, The Return, His Last Bow, and The Case-Book.

What was the inspiration for your pastiche?

In two words: David Marcum.

What is your story about? Where and when does it take place?

The story is about the perceived vampyric persecution of the tobacco millionaire John Vincent Harden, and deals with the question of whether the persecution is delusional or ‘real’. The tale is set in London, where, as the great Vincent Starrett put it, ‘it is always eighteen ninety-five.’

What do you believe readers will most enjoy most about your tale?

I’ll be grateful if they enjoy any part of it! In particular, I hope they’ll appreciate my bringing together Sherlock Holmes and Father Brown, and that their voices will be found to be recognizably authentic.

Which is your favourite story from The Canon and why?

Two favourites, if I may be allowed the luxury! ‘The Speckled Band’ (what atmospherics!) and ‘The Sussex Vampire’ (one of Doyle’s particularly human stories).

Your favourite Sherlock Holmes-related place?

Meiringen!

Tell us three things about yourself that few people would guess?

I’m red-headed, I wear golden pince-nez, and I have a swamp adder for a pet. No, just kidding! Seriously, though: (1) I am a retired professor of Economics; (2) I live within three hours by bus from Pondicherry (yes, as in ‘Pondicherry Lodge’!), in the city of Chennai (formerly Madras); and (3) believe me or not, I’ve never had a jezail bullet lodged in any of my limbs.

Any upcoming projects?

Some ‘Bulldog’ Drummond spoofs, if anybody will read them!

Click here for more details on the Kickstarter campaign.