Some other Sherlock Holmes books...

[user 2031]

I thought I might offer a couple of recommendations of Sherlock Holmes novels by other authors that I have enjoyed. The first is one that you probably have heard of, it is The Beekeepers Apprentice by Laurie R. King. It centers around Mary Russell who meets and follows Sherlock Holmes in his retirement. It is an enjoyable novel, a very easy read, and quite entertaining. If you find you like the book, Laurie R. King has a few other Sherlock Holmes books in the series. I enjoyed them all.

Next is Dust and Shadow by Lindsay Faye. In this novel, Holmes and Watson are on the trail of Jack the Ripper. The book has more twists and turns than Lombard Street. The book is very well written and will take you in from the very beginning and will keep you from your chores. I thoroughly enjoyed Dust and Shadow.

Finally, I would recommend Sherlock Holmes and the Ice Palace Murders by Larry Millet. In this novel Sherlock Holmes traverses the Atlantic Ocean to set foot in Minnesota to investigate the disappearance of a wealthy young man. The book is part murder mystery novel and part St. Paul history. The author hails from St. Paul and has written several travel guides on the city, so he uses his knowledge of the city throughout the book. I found it very interesting and a fun read. If you enjoy it, you may be inspired to read more of his Sherlock Holmes novels, I believe he has written four. I have read one other novel of his, Sherlock Holmes and the Red Demon, and I enjoyed it as well.

So there you have it, with the Winter weather getting ready to set in, hopefully you'll find some time to sit back and read. And if you're a Sherlock Holmes fan and would like to wander a little further in that vein, perhaps these recommendations will be helpful to you.

 

[Jers]

Thanks for the recommendations SM - I'm just about to Dust & Shadow.

Fraternally

Jers

 

[user 2031]

Let me know what you think of it, Jers. I really enjoyed it.

 

[Jers]

I got back to Dust and Shadow and finished it just now.

My first impressions were that it wasn't as well written as The House of Silk but a few chapters in it gripped me and remained thoroughly enjoyable.

I'd have no hesitation in recommending it to others. :cheers:

Thanks again for the tip Jack - a very enjoyable read.

Fraternally

Jers

 

[user 2031]

I got back to Dust and Shadow and finished it just now.

My first impressions were that it wasn't as well written as The House of Silk but a few chapters in it gripped me and remained thoroughly enjoyable.

I'd have no hesitation in recommending it to others. :cheers:

Thanks again for the tip Jack - a very enjoyable read.

Fraternally

Jers

Glad you enjoyed it.

 

[tonyman]

I've enjoyed the Laurie King books that take place in the UK.  The others are good, they just don't ring true like a Conan Doyle story.
I also enjoyed Lindsay Faye's Dust and Shadow.  Larry Millette's stories are also very good, even if they don't take place in England.
I just finished a book called Chapel Noir by Carole Nelson Douglas.  It was very disappointing.  470 pages and the case isn't even brought to a conclusion.  It tells the story of Sherlock competing against Irene Adler and her two sidekicks to find a 'Jack the Ripper" like murderer in Paris.  Doyle gave us Holmes , Watson, and Lestrade having cigars and whiskey/water fireside.  Douglas gives you women hurriedly hooking up their corsets and donning camisols to rush out the door to investigate. Don't waste your time on this one.

 

[tonyman]

I just finished reading "The Star of India" by Carole Bugge. I was very impressed. It read very much like one of Doyle's stories. I read the entire book in one day.

 

[thedeep]

I have thoroughly enjoyed the Mary Russell stories. Holmes is the number two character in the books as the focus is on young Russell. Delightful reads one and all.

 

[ftrplt]

Bringing this thread into the present!!!
May I recommend two books which I have thoroughly enjoyed!!
First, "The Original Illustrated Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle." It contains 37 short stories originally published in "The Strand" between July 1891 and January 1905. The stories are contained in three presentations. "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, "The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes," and "The Return of Sherlock Holmes." Plus. you get the entire "Hound of the Baskervilles." Best part may be that this tome contains all 356 original (pen and ink) illustrations by Sidney Paget. Many pics of Holmes and Watson with a pipe or cigar!!

Second, "Sherlock Holmes as a Pipe Smoker" by Thomas Gwinner. This paperback references all pipe smoking by Holmes and Watson in both word (Doyle) and illustration (Paget). The author goes into great detail as to which pipe (clay, meer, briar) is being smoked including pictures. Their tobaccos are also discussed in detail as is the Persian Slipper (for pipe tobacco) and coal shuttle (for cigars). FWIW...FTRPLT

 

[Mikem]

Just ordered Sherlock Holmes as a Pipe Smoker. Looking forward to reading it.

 

[ftrplt]

Just ordered Sherlock Holmes as a Pipe Smoker. Looking forward to reading it.

I replied to your previous comment in PAD & TAD. I hope you enjoy the book. I've reread it several times; seems i learn something new each time!! FTRPLT

 

[Mikem]

I replied to your previous comment in PAD & TAD. I hope you enjoy the book. I've reread it several times; seems i learn something new each time!! FTRPLT

I'm about half way through the book. I don't agree with some of the reviews. To me it's a reference book from the author and not a Sherlock Holmes novel. I personally like the way he layed out the book in reference to the Sherlock Holmes stories. I find it informative. The illustrations taken from other books helped IMHO in this book. As far as some of the "blurry" images go they were a little blurry in the original illustrations and no fault to this author.

 

[ftrplt]

Well said and well put!! I also never understood the "I thought this was a novel" criticism!! FTRPLT