The Outstanding Mysteries of Sherlock Holmes [Illustrated] [Paperback]

This collection brought back a number of old friends and introduced me to a pair of new acquaintances. Eleven of these tales were published in pamphlet format in 1999. They have not been easy to find and several were later reprinted in a small, single volume collection. In any case, the sequence in which they were presented differs in a few details from the sequence they appear here. I am sure the author took the opportunity to correct any of the trifling errors that may have appeared in the original publications when this new collection was produced. A cursory examination revealed no changes from pamphlet to Trade Paperback, however, I am sure there are some that I simply did not notice.

These stories take place at various times during Holmes' career and at a number of different locales. Most are well written and seem to echo the Canon, although they are, in general, more `emotional' than the Canonical tales. Also, in common with the Canon, some of these tales are better or, at least, more satisfying than the others. There are a number of interesting characters introduced and several familiar faces grace these pages. Mycroft, Mrs. Hudson and Inspector Lestrade are the most frequently met characters other than Holmes and Watson, but several new faces are quite fascinating. I was particularly taken by the Spanish Ambassador who appears in one of the original tales.

The two new stories are "Catacusis Ebriosus" and "The Peddler of Death." `Catacusis' was published earlier in "Curious Incidents II," a collection edited by J. R. Campbell and Charles Prepolac. I do not record an earlier appearance of "The Peddler of Death." Both are certainly worth including in any collection of Sherlockian fiction.

Most of these stories rate being classed as novellas, as they exceed twenty pages in length. This is, of course, an arbitrary definition, but I have found it useful for describing different sorts of tales. The point is that most of these stories are long enough to allow the author to develop characters and events in some detail. Usually, the short story format forces the author to concentrate on the action involved and has little time for complexities or character traits. In this collection, the author demonstrates that the true monsters in the World are all too human. Nothing is so truly frightening as the ability of humans to terrify and torture one another.

This is a pleasing book, whether the reader is a casual admirer of the Sherlockian Canon or a true aficionado. A few purists may take issue with the timing of several of the tales, but I suspect the author can justify his choices of time and place with little trouble. I am not sure that the occasional use of extra-natural events is truly justified, however, such forays are not germane to the solution of the crimes and only offer some explanation for otherwise unexplained external events.

Reviewed by: Philip K. Jones, September 2011

Overall this is a good collection. There's very little preposterous writing and the style is quite accurate of Doyle's. Most of the stories are well put together but a few of them 'sag' a little bit. There's a bit too much of cliche'd exclamations like 'the game is afoot' or 'old chap' but I guess it's not TOO much of a handicap.

"A Slaying in Suburbia" - I'd say it's an overall good story even if the ending is a bit sudden, even for Holmes. The pacing is alright but the characters are a bit stifled.

"The Mystery at the Golden Cockerel" - Another good story, functioning somewhat as an intricate puzzle with a very interesting explanation on the method of murder, if a bit 'esoteric' or far fetched.

"The Mysterious Death of the Kennington Verger" - A story that succeeds both in being an interesting question of motive vs. opportunity as well as a nice exposition of Watson's character. The ending is a little anti-climactic, but satisfying in a manner of being tied together well.

"The Riddle of the Carstairs Legacy" - This one might be a little bit weaker than the others. The riddles presented aren't particularly intriguing but the sense of urgency that permeates this story is quite satisfying.

"The Mystery of the Locked Study" - Exactly what is says on the tin, but I confess that the ending is a little bit predictable, although not the methodology... that is a bit confusing.

"The Adventure of the Black Arrow" - It begins with tension, but the ending is actually rather amusing. A rather average story.

"The Paddington Pyromaniac" - I think this story would've benefited from a less far fetched solution, but the steps towards it are interesting. Holmes would indeed find a true pyromaniac an interesting opponent.

"The Mysterious Disappearance of the Good Ship Alicia" - Probably the weakest of all the stories and the hardest to read through. It's given in the form of a report by Holmes and it's actually quite jarring to read.

"Catacausis Ebriosus" - One of the more interesting stories, not only because of the subject matter but also thanks to the energy displayed by Holmes throughout the investigation.

"The Prodigal Quest" - A pleasant story with a lot of deductive work for Holmes and a slightly unexpected ending.

"The Mayfair Strangler" - It's a story that varies, between the deciphering of the sometimes confusing clues to the callousness of the murderer to the swashbuckling, illegal duel fought in the end. Also, the very interesting finale where Holmes admits to meeting a mind he can respect.

"The Chamber of Sorrow Mystery" - It's an interesting story although it's a little bit too paranormal for my tastes. It is touching though, not only because of Holmes and Watson's care for Mrs. Hudson's well-being, but also Watson's kindness and gallantry.

"The Peddler of Death" - Holmes versus yet another serial killer with a very intriguing method of murder. A little bit over the top perhaps, but a good yarn nevertheless.

The thirteen tales that make up the Outstanding Mysteries of Sherlock Holmes all have something in common above all else.....a fast pace and sense of rhythm. It's great to come across stories in which the author, in spite of his meticulous research, has no need to padd out, the adventures and the camaraderie of Holmes and Watson speak for themselves.

The dialogue rings true and all the characters act as you would expect them to and the cast of characters include the usual cast of Mrs Hudson, Lestrade and Mycroft Holmes. I have seen criticism of many a pastiche writer who may have populated their tales with these familiar figures as though it told in some way of a lack of imagination from the writer. I do not see it that way. These almost peripheral characters are every bit a part of the Holmes universe in the way that London fogs and hansom cabs are. I am always glad to see them in the mix. The stories themselves are well-constructed, atmospheric and effective. My personal favourite is 'The Chamber of Sorrow Mystery'; I never object to tales of Holmes tinged with the supernatural and this is a very sweet offering and quite moving. I wished I had written it myself. The only minor quibble I have is a somewhat over reliance on stock phrases such as 'old fellow' 'By Jove' 'Eureka' but then I habve been guilty of that myself with far too many 'my dear friends' creeeping into my first pastiche 'Sherlock Holmes and The Lyme Regis Horror', I have attempted to rein myself in for the next pastiche!

All in all, then a worthy addition to the realms of Holmes pastiches. Thoroughly entertaining.