Given Sherlock Holmes' protracted sojourn in Tibet, is it any surprise that he was aware of Tantric sexuality, enabling him to reconstruct a mystery scarcely publishable at the time ('The Treasure of the Black Taj')?

Or that its sequel should have involved him in the erotic undercurrents of the contemporary art world ('The Last Pre-Raphaelite')?

When Watson in Paris saved Edward VII from assassination ('The Order of Charlemagne'), how did this involve Holmes with a long-ago lover of whom the good doctor - though given repeated clues to her existence - seems to have been unaware ('The Mass of the Presanctified')?

To what end was Baker Street visited by Bernard Shaw and Oscar Wilde, and in which work of the latter is the fact referred to ('The Kiss of Judas')?

In what manner did the refined sensibility of the fin de siècle mutate into the mindless slaughter of the Great War ('The Troytown Murder')?

Meanwhile, what awareness of Celtic antecedents is intimated by the author, not only away from the Holmes canon, but also within ('The Green Man's Chapel')?

For what purpose did the protagonist encounter Otto von Bismarck and Kaiser Wilhelm ('Blood and Iron'); or, in later years, an upstart agitator with blank eyes and toothbrush moustache ('Twilight in Babylon')?

The episodes are interconnected, and woven into a novelistic unity out of which emerge a new Holmes and a new Watson, though rooted firmly in the canonical tales, and ultimately in the personal imperatives of Arthur Conan Doyle ('The Skull of Holbein').

Author: Ciaran Murray

ISBN: 9781804247075

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 284

Also available in Paperback

Orange Pip Books is the sister imprint for MX Publishing. At Orange Pip, we embark on a literary journey unlike any other, specializing in the quirky, inclusive, and diverse narratives that breathe new life into the Holmes universe.

Diversity isn't just a buzzword for us; it's the heartbeat of our mission. We believe in the power of storytelling to bridge gaps, dismantle barriers, and celebrate the beautifully varied tapestry of human experiences. That's why Orange Pip Books was founded-to ensure that voices often marginalized or overlooked have a vibrant platform to shine within the world of Holmes and Watson.

We're all about filling our shelves with stories that celebrate diversity and embrace the full spectrum of human experiences. From LGBTQIA+ characters to exploring neurodiversity and championing those with disabilities, we're here to amplify voices that often go unheard. But that's not all-we also love adding a dash of quirkiness with our non-fiction books. Each narrative is a testament to the richness of the human experience, inviting readers to immerse themselves in worlds where everyone's story is not only heard but celebrated.

We understand the transformative impact of representation, especially for young readers navigating their identities and place in the world, and whilst we primarily cater to the YA audience, our doors are wide open to readers of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you're a seasoned Sherlockian or just embarking on your first adventure with Holmes and Watson, there's a place for you at Orange Pip Books.

Join us as we embark on a literary odyssey that celebrates the beauty of differences, challenges norms, and invites everyone to be part of the narrative. At Orange Pip Books, diversity isn't an afterthought; it's the heart of everything we do.