Thank Holmes It's Friday - Sept 12th - Alternative Detectives

t’s that time again—Thank Holmes it’s Friday! This week we invite you to meet those detectives who not only drew inspiration from, but also ignited the brilliance of the legendary Sherlock Holmes.

Ian Jarvis: The Bernie Quist Series

The Bernie Quist series by Ian Jarvis is a collection of humorous detective mysteries that blend classic sleuthing with supernatural elements. The series follows the exploits of its eccentric protagonist, Bernie Quist, a private investigator operating out of Baker Avenue in the historic city of York. Quist's assistant is a streetwise youth named Watson, who is definitely not a doctor, forming a mismatched duo that takes on bizarre cases. Jarvis's writing style is noted for being quirky and surreal, with a blend of humor and mystery. He has also contributed to television, writing for shows like the BBC's Death in Paradise and its spin-off, Beyond Paradise. The series includes titles such as Cat Flap, The Music of Sound, and Judgment Clay.

Dan Andriacco: The McCabe and Cody Series

Another very popular series is Mccabe and Cody by Dan Andriacco. The series follows the modern-day Sebastian McCabe, a brilliant but eccentric mystery writer, and his brother-in-law, Jeff Cody, a public relations director for a small college. The dynamic between McCabe and Cody is a clear homage to Holmes and Watson, with McCabe serving as the deductive genius and Cody as the more grounded, practical narrator. All 13 novels in the series are witty, fast-paced, and full of intricate plots. They take a more lighthearted and satirical approach, embracing the characters and their world, and include clever references that will delight dedicated Sherlock Holmes fans. The setting is the small college town of Erin, Ohio, which provides a charming and quirky backdrop for their investigations.

Martin Daley: The Inspector Armstrong Series

Martin Daley's Inspector Armstrong series transports readers to the picturesque Edwardian era of Carlisle, Cumbria. Here, Daley introduces Inspector Cornelius Armstrong, a detective whose keen intellect and sharp deductive skills captivate and thrill readers. Daley's masterful storytelling earned him a place in the prestigious Crime Writers' Association. T

Allison Osborne: The Holmes & Co. Series

Our alternative detectives series also features a collection of stories that shift the focus from Sherlock Holmes to those in his orbit. Characters like Mycroft, Mary Watson, and even Holmes's imagined descendants step into the lead detective role, offering a fresh perspective on the Great Detective's world. Among these is Allison Osborne's Holmes & Co. series, which offers a modern take on the Sherlockian mythos. The 12 books in the series center on Irene Holmes, the brilliant daughter of a long-retired Sherlock Holmes. Set in post-war London, the stories follow Irene as she works as a consultant for her childhood friend, Detective Eddy Lestrade. The dynamic between Irene and her own "Watson," a man named Joe, is a central part of the series.

R. Austin Freeman: The Dr. Thorndyke Collection

For the devotees of classic crime, we proudly present the complete Thorndyke collection. R. Austin Freeman's Dr. Thorndyke was a doctor turned barrister who pioneered forensic science in the early 20th century. He took the scientific techniques Holmes first employed and elevated them to unprecedented heights. Over twenty-one novels and more than forty short stories, Dr. Thorndyke and his friend, Dr. Christopher Jervis, solved some of the most perplexing mysteries ever conceived. Thanks to editor David Marcum, these timeless stories are now available in nine omnibus editions, making them accessible to a new generation of readers.

And don’t let this week’s 3 for 2 promotion pass you by—perfect for expanding your collection, or as thoughtful gifts for detective story lovers alike! Simply enter the promo code "diverse" at checkout.

ENJOY 3 FOR 2

 

P.S. Missed any of our previous week's newsletters? Here's a handy link to the last few weeks.