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Rating: 
Summary: A bit of fun!
Review: "The Giant Rat of Sumatra" is a delightful little book suitable for a quick dose of Holmes. Why not have some fun with the concept of Doyle's "lost" manuscripts? I found the author's treatment of this idea entertaining and thought provoking. The presentation of Holmes' brother is particularly refreshing and I was amused by his assistance to Holmes throughout the tale. It would be a mistake to approach this clever little adventure with a Holmesian purist's zeal looking to pounce on any perceived lack of faithfulness to the originals; I say relax and enjoy a timely tale of hatred of civilization with authentic renderings of some of our most beloved companions. The attractive cover matches the exotic sense of adventure suggested in the title, while the subdued "period" illustrations appropriately punctuate and supplement the text. As a gift from a friend, it was a fine companion for a short bit of post-holiday relaxation by the fire.
Rating: 
Summary: Not quite the right voice
Review: If you are a dedicated follower of Holmes'adventures you will want to own this pastiche....just because. The plot is as acceptable as any; the bad guy is very bad and Holmes' manages to neutralize him with customary aplomb. The very real resonance with events throughout the world today is another strong plus. There are, however, two items disturbing enough that they are worthy of note. The first is a less than complete command of Watson's narrative voice. There are a number of sections wherein the voice has the ring of the late twentieth century rather than the late nineteenth. I noticed this trait more in this imitation than in any of the others which I have read thus far. More disturbing for this reader were some errors in proofreading/spelling which disturb the mood of urbane intellect which is a hallmark of Doyle's creation. Use of the substandard "alright" in this context in not acceptable; how could no one have caught it? Similarly, use of "taught" when "taut" is meant is hard to understand.
Rating: 
Summary: In the State of Denmark, There is the Pungency of Decay
Review: Not to put too strong a term to it, but this glorified short story sold as a novel stinks. There is no trace of the Master's hand in the writing. I see Mr. Gracely has tried again. Oh, well, practice makes perfection--or so they say. The Blade would give this, this BOOK a zero if I could.
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