Sherlock Holmes and The Tandridge Hall Murder, and other stories

Review: Although described as a paperback, those who know Breese Books will expect to see the usual well-designed glossy cover, and they will not be disappointed. The front cover features a sepia photograph of a period lakeside scene, while the back gives some information on the author. Regular readers will already know him as a member whose contributions feature regularly in The Torr.

The title story is completely new, and begins with Holmes being told by young Harold Norman, "You see, Mr. Holmes, I have been witness to a horrible and grisly murder". The next day sees Holmes and Watson off to Mill Street, near Hatfield, where several twists in the plot are revealed before Holmes reaches the solution.

The remaining four pastiches have been privately published by Eddie over the last three or four years, but this is their first appearance as a collection. A Death at the Cricket has been praised by that great cricketer Freddie Trueman, one of Eddie's greatest fans, who said, "This story really brings to life the big house cricket matches of the 19th century".

The Irish Professor takes Watson and his friend Hugo O'Neill to Sligo, where many adventures and dangers befall them. Eddie knows the country well and is adept at describing the local tourist attractions the friends visit. Holmes unexpectedly arrives upon the scene, more bullets fly, mysteries are explained, the most accomplished criminal since Professor Moriarty is apprehended and a national treasure is saved.

Next comes The Strange Affair at Glastonbury. On their way home after the successful conclusion of an ecclesiastical case in Bath, Holmes and Watson stop off in Glastonbury. But their holiday is short-lived, as mysterious things begin to happen. Who turned all the signposts in the town around overnight? Who cut all the blooms from the Glastonbury Thorn? Who stole the butcher's cast-iron sign from outside his shop? And, more importantly, why were all these things done? Holmes believes there is a sinister pattern to these events, and a hint from Watson puts him on the right track. This story has an ingenious plot and, as with the Irish one, the author's local and historical knowledge add to the enjoyment.

The last in this collection is A Voice from the Ether. Without revealing too much of the plot I can say that Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson overhear a man forecasting his own murder. Can Holmes discover where it is to take place, in order to prevent it? What do you think? Brilliant deductive work takes the pair to Maldon, Essex, while Jabez Wilson (of Saxe-Coburg Square) and brother Mycroft both play a part.

As with all the stories in this collection, the period flavour and Watsonian style are well done, and I cannot do other than congratulate Eddie and recommend his book to you.

Reviewed by: Eric Monahan, [The Torr, Spring, 2001]