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Product Description
Includes 'An Inscrutable Masquerade', 'The Conundrum of Coach 13', 'The Trinity Vicarage Larceny' and 'The 10.59 Assassin'.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
16 of 17 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Vine™ Review
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These four short stories are reasonably true to Conan Doyle's original Holmes, not quite as good as his best known, but good enough for a casual fan of the great detective. John Taylor's writing is in keeping with the late Victorian style, slightly verbose at times but not to the point where it will ruin the enjoyment. I was worried that with Benedict Cumberbatch reading, the stories would be set in present day but thankfully this is not the case. One criticism that I had was that the cases aren't particularly complicated and I found myself reaching the solution long before the end (with the exception of the final, 'The 10.59 Assassin', which I found a little silly). They won't mystify like Conan Doyle's tales, with the stories perhaps focused more on action than mystery.
The readings by Cumberbatch are wonderful; he is eloquent and clear throughout, reading with great enthusiasm, and has a good voice for story-telling. He 'narrates' as Watson but then does all of the voices, of Holmes himself, but also the other acquaintances whose paths cross his own. I found myself captivated by his different characters, from West Country train guards to an American businessman (though the West Country accents do seem to all roll into one if you listen to the stories in close proximity!). I couldn't help but smile at his Cockney villain voice in the first story and laugh at his imitation of a female voice in the later. It is one of the best performances - and performance here, rather than reading as he very much acts the characters - I've heard on audiobook. I felt that there was also some humour written in to the stories, and Cumberbatch draws this out expertly, delivering the puns and quips with perfect pacing.
At roughly 30 minutes a story, these make a pleasant listen for short journeys. While devoted fans of Holmes may not return for repeated listens, the real joy here is the reading. Benedict Cumberbatch's performance really is excellent and I would recommend the audiobook on the strength of this.
The readings by Cumberbatch are wonderful; he is eloquent and clear throughout, reading with great enthusiasm, and has a good voice for story-telling. He 'narrates' as Watson but then does all of the voices, of Holmes himself, but also the other acquaintances whose paths cross his own. I found myself captivated by his different characters, from West Country train guards to an American businessman (though the West Country accents do seem to all roll into one if you listen to the stories in close proximity!). I couldn't help but smile at his Cockney villain voice in the first story and laugh at his imitation of a female voice in the later. It is one of the best performances - and performance here, rather than reading as he very much acts the characters - I've heard on audiobook. I felt that there was also some humour written in to the stories, and Cumberbatch draws this out expertly, delivering the puns and quips with perfect pacing.
At roughly 30 minutes a story, these make a pleasant listen for short journeys. While devoted fans of Holmes may not return for repeated listens, the real joy here is the reading. Benedict Cumberbatch's performance really is excellent and I would recommend the audiobook on the strength of this.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Let me start off by saying I am a big fan of Benedict Cumberbatch (Cabin Pressure on the radio & the "new" TV Sherlock) and he reads this very well but I am afraid that Mr Taylors efforts fall short of the master. Having read Conan Doyles 4 novels and 56 short stories featuring Holmes & Watson regularly since I was 13 (I am now a balding and flatulent 53 year old) I have come to love our heroes with a greater passion than I did for some former girlfriends. The desire of us 'Holmesians' or 'Sherlockians' is to seek out new fixes of our heroes adventures. Some new efforts have worked. I would draw your attention to the stories written by Bert Coules and performed by Clive Merrison & Andrew Sachs in 'The Further Adventures of Sherlock Holmes' produced by BBC radio drama as fine examples that it can be done. Mr Taylors 4 short stories, whilst mildly engaging, as I say fall short of ACD. For those seeking a very creditable 'new' Holmes & Watson adventure can I draw your attention to 'The House of Silk' by Anthony Horowitz and read by Sir Derek Jacobi on the audio cd. This both captures the essential characters and engages the reader/listener in a creditable Conan Doylesque adventure.
3 stars Mr Taylor - must try harder.
3 stars Mr Taylor - must try harder.
17 of 20 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
For all those searching for 'new' Sherlock Holmes stories, this new collection is a real find. Written by John Taylor, a well known writer and radio producer, Dr Watson introduces and recounts four `new' stories that have up till now remained a mere collection of random notes kept in a locked cedarwood, chest -` a box of secrets', which he has recently brought to light. All four stories are tremendously atmospheric and echo the flavour and power of the originals whilst feeling unique in themselves - not just an attempt to merely pastiche. To give the collection an added period feel, two have a railway theme.
All four stories present tantalising puzzles for the willing reader. In ' The Conundrum of Coach 13' Holmes is faced with what appears, on the face of it, to be an impossible robbery of gold bullion from a secured London to Bristol train. Other stories include Holmes experimenting with the science of ballistics, wrestling with a baffling theft from a vicarage and, perhaps my favourite, a particularly a strange murder near the railway, the solution to which is highly ingenious.
The casting of Benedict Cumberbatch, as the reader, is a masterstroke as it gives the stories a fresh contemporary feel whilst the quality of his reading itself retains the depth of characterisation so important to these tales.
There are some great characters, from obstructive policeman to a range of dedicated railway officials, and some lovely settings from famous stations to the Kent countryside. The combination of excellent stories, great atmosphere and terrific reading make this selection a cut above the usual. I hope Watson has some more tucked away somewhere.
All four stories present tantalising puzzles for the willing reader. In ' The Conundrum of Coach 13' Holmes is faced with what appears, on the face of it, to be an impossible robbery of gold bullion from a secured London to Bristol train. Other stories include Holmes experimenting with the science of ballistics, wrestling with a baffling theft from a vicarage and, perhaps my favourite, a particularly a strange murder near the railway, the solution to which is highly ingenious.
The casting of Benedict Cumberbatch, as the reader, is a masterstroke as it gives the stories a fresh contemporary feel whilst the quality of his reading itself retains the depth of characterisation so important to these tales.
There are some great characters, from obstructive policeman to a range of dedicated railway officials, and some lovely settings from famous stations to the Kent countryside. The combination of excellent stories, great atmosphere and terrific reading make this selection a cut above the usual. I hope Watson has some more tucked away somewhere.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Satisfying for casual fans
The four stories presented here, written by John Taylor in the style of Arthur Conan Doyle, are entertaining and satisfying in the tradition of all the best Holmes tales -- and... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Nettlewine
Elementary!
Read by the next generation Holmes, this is a wonderful original collection of stories, written by John Taylor. Read more
Published 3 months ago by hmcni
Excellent stories
This was a present and my husband loved them. He enjoyed the stories and Benedict Cumberbatch's portrayal of the characters.
Published 4 months ago by LB
Well, it's not Conan Doyle, but it IS beautifully read!
Four Sherlock Holmes (STYLE) stories written by John Taylor, each about thirty minutes long. They are good impressions of the Doyle style, including the Watson narration etc. Read more
Published 6 months ago by M. W. Hatfield
Cool
That is a fantstic audiobook.
Great to hear it with that amazing voice of Benedict Cumberbatch.
I enjoyed and enjoy that very much.
Great to hear it with that amazing voice of Benedict Cumberbatch.
I enjoyed and enjoy that very much.
Published 8 months ago by Meret MwDw
Another book for a car journey
Four stories, each story about 30 minutes. Well read by the "new" TV Sherlock Holmes and the pace keeps you interested throughout. Read more
Published 8 months ago by M. A. Dunnington
Excellent short stories - not overly complicated
Four short Sherlock Holmes stories (about 30 minutes each), written by John Taylor rather than Conan Doyle). Read more
Published 8 months ago by J. S. Hardman
Left in a siding
The three ways of being entertained regarding the `written word' is through books, film and television, and a fairly recent arrival on the block, the audio CD. Read more
Published 10 months ago by Quiverbow
Sherlock Holmes
This is a CD of four new short Sherlock Holmes stories written by John Taylor and read by the lovely Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock, TV series), my main reason for trying this... Read more
Published 10 months ago by Smallvillenews
Good car listening
We listened while driving down to Cornwall. 4 stories on one CD. Benedict Camberbatch has a very clear listenable voice.
Published 11 months ago by Bez
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