The Outstanding Mysteries of Sherlock Holmes

Review 1: My first reading of this book was an enjoyable experience. My wife also liked it. I am now finding that it can be reread and remain entertaining. Although each of the stories can be enjoyed by itself, there are connections between some of them, so that a cumulative effect is reached by the end of the book.

Its praiseworthy qualities include a natural flow of language, good repartee, some dramatic intensity, subtle humor, and an obvious familiarity with historical settings. The mood-creating illustrations are harmonious with the text. The book is physically attractive and its glossy dust jacket too pretty to throw away.

Reviewed by: John McDonnell , 2003

Review 2: The Outstanding Mysteries of Sherlock Holmes by Gerard Kelly comes much closer to the style and manner of the Canon. I don’t go as far as one reader, who said, ‘It is hard to believe they are not Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s own creations’ (of living writers only Denis Smith and June Thomson have consistently captured the style and flavour of Conan Doyle’s writing) but Mr Kelly makes a good job of it. He knows his period and he has a devious imagination! In this volume you have thirteen ingenious and engaging new Sherlock Holmes stories. I commented favourably in DM 223 on A Slaying in Suburbia, in the anthology Curious Incidents; it’s in this collection too, and the rest of the tales are just as good.

This is a handsome hardback, nicely illustrated by the author, a retired draughtsman, whose architectural knowledge is evident in the attractive cover painting.

The publisher’s price of $34.00 works out at £21.60 plus postage, but Gerard Kelly offers signed copies for £20.00 each postpaid, from Baker Street Books, 74 Crofton Avenue, Timperley, Cheshire WA15 6DA (cheques payable to G Kelly). There’s a website at www.bakerstreetbooks.co.uk.

Reviewed by: Roger Johnson, [District Messenger 228, 2003]