Exploits of Sherlock Holmes

Adrian Conan Doyle, the "playboy" son of Arthur Conan Doyle, wrote half of the stories in this volume unaided, but for the first six he had the assistance of the famed mystery writer John Dickson Carr. Here are twelve new tales which vary in quality, but in one way or another, all of them are intriguing. Speaking personally, I would rate this volume rather higher than at least one of the "canonical" volumes. I have a feeling my comments are unnecessary, but let us examine the 12 tales one by one: THE ADVENTURE OF THE SEVEN CLOCKS. What would cause a brave and stalwart man to faint at the sound of a ticking clock? THE ADVENTURE OF THE GOLD HUNTER. Holmes and Watson tangle with Lestrade in a story drawn from the famous Bartlett case, involving chloroform. Here is a splendid variation on the "least likely suspect" leitmotif. THE ADVENTURE OF THE WAX GAMBLERS. Stories set in wax museums are always spooky and this one has a socko ending. THE ADVENTURE OF THE HIGHGATE MIRACLE. This is the famous tale Watson once mentioned, the case of "Mr. James Phillimore, who, stepping back into his own house to get his umbrella, was never more seen in this world." A natural for John Dickson Carr. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLACK BARONET. A thoroughly bloody mess of a crime and a drinking cup that proves unexpected fatal for a despicable cur. Not a very good story. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SEALED ROOM. The "sealed room" is again a trademark of John Dickson Carr. This story is oddly more like something G K Chesterton might have turned out than an authentic Sherlock Holmes adventure. THE ADVEVNTURE OF FOULKES RATH. This story has been widely praised, but I do not see its appeal. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ABBAS RUBY. Holmes undertakes to prove the innocence of a butler suspected of stealing a precious jewel. It is nice to see him helping out a member of the servant class. THE ADVENTURE OF THE DARK ANGELS. To me, this tale seemed the most similar to the original tales by Arthur Conan Doyle, with its plot involving a secret society determined to avenge betrayal by a former member. THE ADVENTURE OF THE TWO WOMEN. It is rather like having a good Irene Adler, and a bad one, both in the same case. THE ADVENTURE OF THE DEPTFORD HORROR. Slick re-write of the famous original Conan Doyle case of THE SPECKLED BAND, but frightening and horrid nonetheless. THE ADVENTURE OF THE RED WIDOW. Gregson accepts Holmes' suggestions in the "red widow" case. "Red widow" - guillotine. It's graphic. "His hands were tied behind him and a white cloth, hideously besmirched, concealed his head, or rather the place where his head had been." What a book! So glad it's back in print and in a handsome edition too, with easy to read type and lovely page numbers redolent of the period.

I know that's a cheesy thing to say, but it's true. I may not be the most sensitive literaty critic alive, but this collection is very similar, in content and style, to the originals. It might as well be considered part of the cannon. Are there some contradictions with the elder Doyle's stories? I'm sure there are, but probably no more than the elder Doyle's contradictions of himself. If you've read the originals, you'll want to read these. This is also a very attractive publication. Nice type, nice packaging, illustrations at the beginning of each story, and quotes at the end--giving the supposed reference to the story you just read. Good stuff!

A delightful read of new Sherlock Holmes stories. True to Dr. Watson's narrative style, the new adventures relate the full stories of cases given only passing reference in the original Sherlock Holmes adventures. Readers who enjoy being along with Sherlock Holmes when "the game's afoot" will once again be able to visit 221B Baker Street and feel right at home.

This collection of stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyles youngest son, Adrian Conan Doyle, in collaboration with American mystery writer John Dickson Carr, are a wonderful treat for anyone who loves the originals! The twelve stories here refer to cases that Doyle made teasing reference to in the original series but never made available to the reading public. The stories are filled with black hearted villians, damsels in distress, atmosphere, and above all, the friendship between Holmes and Watson that have made them the most famous characters in the history of literature. Several stories like "The Adventure of the Deptford Horror" and "The Adventure of the Red Widow" are dark tales of murder; while others such as "The Aventure of the Wax Gamblers" and "The Aventure of the Highgate Miracle" will make you smile. What I enjoyed the most is that the authors have tried to stay true to the characters and didn't try to change them as other writers have done. The stories seem to have been written with one goal in mind, to fill the reader with delight! Originaly written in the early 1950s and out of print for many years, I am happy that Random House has released this once again, and in a Hardbound edition. Come dear reader,"the games afoot!"

If you have read all the Holmes stories Sir Arthur Conan Doyle wrote and regretted that there weren't any more, you just got a reprieve. These stories will fulfill your wish for more. Adrian Doyle has remained true to his ancestor and put together a collection that should stand the test of time. Give them a try.