The Papers of Sherlock Holmes

Tricky thing, writing Sherlock Holmes pastiche novels or short story collections. Difficult to pitch it just right, to get the ACD rhythm and style yet still have your own story to tell. Some rise to the challenge admirably, some fall short. I know the pitfalls and still cringe when I see the mistakes I have made. But, here we have David Marcum showing us how it should be done. I hesitate to call any such collection flawless, but this, the first volume of The Papers of Sherlock Holmes is as close to flawless as to not matter. We are firmly back in Victorian times, with London 'particulars', gaslights and Hansom cabs (although we do step outside that era in one or two stories). The stories are remarkably well-written, there is great attention to detail, the plots are gripping and exciting and the array of characters on show are well worth the price of admission. And though a wonderful pastiche of Conan Doyle's original tales, with stories and language worthy of inclusion in the canon itself, David has not shied away from making subtle changes to the characters of Holmes and his Boswell. Watson is perhaps even more intelligent than most modern pastiche writers portray him, while Holmes is a touch more human, even vulnerable.

All in all, if you are looking to add a Sherlock Holmes short story to your collection then you cannot go wrong here....it is superb entertainment, lovingly written by a writer at the top of his game (the Game!?). A five star collection.

The Papers of Sherlock Holmes Volume Oneis available from all good bookstores including   Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Waterstones UK, and for free shipping worldwide Book Depository . In sbook format it is in Amazon Kindle,  Kobo, Nook and Apple iBooks (iPad/iPhone).