Singular Case of the Duplicate Holmes

Rating:
Summary: Excellent pastiche
Review: Although it is set in 1901, it retains the feel of the earlier-set pastiches and stories of the Victorian Era. The story itself is highly inventive and intriguing. There are plenty of adventures to be had, especially once Holmes is accused of harassing a young woman (and eventually her kidnapping). It is classic Sherlock at his best. For its length (only 150 pages) the book is rather pricey..., but when you're pressed for a high quality read, then I would highly recommend going for it-- you won't be disappointed.

Rating:
Summary: She thought she could write a better pastiche...and she did!
Review: Having read Jan Walker's remarks, I could sympathize with her. My own bookshelves are overflowing with second and third-rate Sherlockian pastiches which I've purchased out of sheer boredom. Been there; done that. There's nothing new under the sun.

But this book is clearly an exception.

And what a delightful novel this is! It clearly stands out from the rest. The story opens with a young lady's visit to 221B Baker Street, where she confronts and pleads with the great Sherlock Holmes to cease from persecuting and maligning her and her family. Speechless, Holmes denies he knows anything about this "harrassment." Gaining her trust, Holmes asserts his innocence and vows to solve this mystery. The plot thickens for it would seem that someone has been impersonating Holmes. Holmes soon finds himself running from Scotland Yard for the first time in his career as Lestrade & Co. try to collar him for burglary and murder. It's up to Holmes to clear his name and to solve the Singular Case of the Duplicate Holmes.

Complete with an intricate plot and some rather intriguing characters (such as the young lady herself and a villain from Holmes' youth), Jan Walker manages to capture even the most hardened Sherlockian.

This is a wonderful treat for any reader. Buy this book now!