Thank Holmes It's Friday - Oct 11 - A Decade of Harry DeMaio
It's that time again - Thanks Holmes it's Friday! This week, we embark on an exciting journey into some of the most imaginative adaptations of our favorite detective.
Join us in celebrating Harry DeMaio, who gifts us one last awe-inspiring adventure – "Endgames." This brilliantly crafted book merges two incredible series - the cherished characters from Octavius Bear and Sherlock Holmes and The Glamorous Ghost.
Lauded as two of the most innovative fantasy reimaginings of Sherlock Holmes, Harry boasts over a decade of collaboration with MX Publishing, delivering 24 books that sparkle with clever titles, witty prose and razor-sharp humour.
Don’t miss out on some fantastic introductory and "pick and mix" offers on all of Harry's remarkable 24 books! Just enter promo code "HarryPick&Mix" at checkout.
MEET THE INCREDIBLE OCTAVIUS BEAR
For those new to Harry's genius, The Octavius Bear series features remarkable animal protagonists, with Octavius Bear stepping into the role of a brilliant detective. Armed with his sharp instincts and incredible intellect, Octavius Bear unravels intricate mysteries that would stump even the most astute human sleuths.
But don’t let the fantastical elements fool you—this series offers serious crime-solving to rival any great Sherlock Holmes tale - an ultimate blend of thrilling mystery and enchanting fantasy!
"DeMaio’s attention to detail throughout the books is staggering.....he includes in each book a character guide and a short explanation of how his post-apocalyptic animal society works. The only book I can think of that is in any way comparable is the classic Watership Down by Richard Adams. Like DeMaio, Adams used animals to represent and illuminate aspects of human society. To my eye, the Octavius Bear books have the same amount of potential to become classics in the world of Sherlock Holmes-inspired fiction... Those who enjoy traditional Holmesian works will enjoy his books.... he manages to make his animals and their world an intrinsic part of his unique Sherlockian vision. Somehow, through Octavius Bear and his associates, Harry DeMaio has managed to create something that is entirely new and entirely familiar. His world is a very enjoyable place to lose yourself."
Baker Street Babes
MEET THE GLAMOROUS GHOST
The Glamorous Ghost series has it all - madcap, mystical mischief and mayhem! It kicks off with Lady Juliet Armstrong, Baroness Crestwell, who, after being murdered, enlists Sherlock Holmes to solve her own mystery. This sets the stage for the wittiest and most peculiar partnership in Sherlock Holmes's illustrious career—prepare for laughter and thrills!
"Firstly, I believe that the concept is simply marvelous. It is eccentric and absurd and so thoroughly thought out that I can find no fault in it. Secondly, the humour in the book has been expertly woven into the story. It has you quietly snorting and giggling all along. Thirdly, the plot itself has been masterfully built and leaves you wanting more. Lastly, the writing style was a marvel to behold. The dialogues and character descriptions are crisp, cutting and hilarious.”
Reedsy
THE GRAND FINALE - ENDGAMES
In this grand finale - book number 25, the worlds of Octavius Bear and The Glamorous Ghost unite in "Endgames." You can now support Harry's last Kickstarter project and enjoy a selection of print editions to complement each of the two series', along with an array of other fantastic rewards!
Endgames! The closing moves in chess. While there are Queens and many Pawns, this book is not about the board game!
Heaven very seldom intervenes directly in the affairs of mortals - animals or humans. This time it’s different. Mary, Queen of Heaven has become aware of a plot to subdue two distant worlds and reduce the survivors to slaves who will then conquer the entire cosmos. The villains – General Turmoil – a sociopathic horse on animal-based Earth Alpha and the infamous Professor James Moriarty of hominid Earth Beta are moving rapidly with their dastardly plans.
She could have called on a fleet of angels to stop the carnage but chose instead to pit mortals against mortals. She called on the deceased but irrepressible Baroness Juliet Armstrong and her dog Pookie to work with Octavius Bear and his companions as well as Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson in this multiverse rescue endeavor.
In the process, Octavius, his wife Belinda and sidekick Maury Meerkat take a short jaunt to Paradise. In turn, he and Lady Juliet (The Glamorous Ghost) must convince Holmes that Moriarty is not dead and indeed engaged in the evil partnership with the General.
This book is the last volume in the Glamorous Ghost and Octavius Bear series. All the previous players are on the board. Join them in their adventures!
NAB SOME FREE AUDIO CODES
We invite you to dive into the enchanting world of Harry's creative genius with our free audio codes.
- The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes and The Glamorous Ghost - Book 1
- The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes and the Glamorous Ghost - Book 2
- The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes and the Glamorous Ghost - Book 3
- The Open and Shut Case: Octavius Bear Book 1
SHURDLE - PUZZLE OF THE WEEK
Question. Try this quick cryptic style puzzle. Simply work out the Sherlockian references. We’re looking for the main words in a story title - so an answer would be Musgrave Ritual not the full title - and the number of letters are shown in brackets. No crossword grid, just looking for the answers.
- End puzzle solved in waterfall (5,7)
- Holmes returns to investigate vacant dwelling (5,5)
- Fierce creature’s hair featured in case (5,4)
- Hellenic involved in unravelling mystery (5,11)
- Sailor involved in dark Holmes case (5,5)
- Another mark uncovered in investigation (6,5)
- Cheating scholar involved in Holmes mystery (5,8)
- Truth behind identity theft (4,2,8)
- Moving figures in ciphered message (7,3)
- Fading sleuth solves critical case (5,8)
You'll find the answers to these questions revealed on our dedicated Shurdle Puzzle page. Here's your chance to catch up on puzzles from past newsletters too!
If puzzles ignite your passion, then Paul Elgood's 'Shurdle', awaits you. Dive into its pages to discover exclusive puzzles and challenges designed to expand your thinking beyond our weekly newsletters.
P.S. Missed any of our previous week's newsletters? Here's a handy link to the last few weeks.