The pace of this novel is well-judged. From the outset it is a gripping and colourful adventure with lots of action. Clear respect for the Canon is demonstrated in the many neat references and affectionate nods to the characters, stories and intrigues of the original texts, and some real-life characters, such as Harry Houdini and Samuel Morse, add further colour to the plot.
A previously untold adventure of the “Great Hiatus”. Holmes, travelling in the guise of Professor Keevan Sigerson, is being pursued across Europe by Moriarty’s henchmen. Narrowly escaping death for the umpteenth time, he resolves to return to London, but is forced instead to take passage to New York. Seriously injured, he finds his way to Poughkeepsie and takes refuge in the Vassar Women’s College, where he is soon embroiled in a mystery.
The author demonstrates a comprehensive knowledge of Poughkeepsie history and the significance of Vassar College. It provides a splendid backdrop to a fast-paced story told with great care and affection.
Review by Mark Mower for the Sherlock Holmes Society of London.
In 1922, Arthur Conan Doyle invited Harry Houdini to attend a seance at the Ambassador Hotel in Atlantic City. Lady Doyle conducted the seance. Many believe this ended the friendship of Houdini and Conan Doyle on the spot. But this was not the case. While the seance remained a sore spot, the men kept in contact until the publication of Houdini’s, A Magician Among The Spirits, in early 1924, at which point Doyle severed communication over Houdini’s continued defrauding of seance’s by showing how it was done.
The True Story of Houdini and Doyle: Wild About Harry is a fantastic website packed with information and stories about Harry Houdini. I spent many happy hours researching here and in recommended books and video’s. Houdini came alive in my book as a twenty-year-old beginning magician thanks to this website.
Gretchen Altabef is an award-winning author of new Sherlock Holmes stories. The original Victorian cozy mysteries. THESE SCATTERED HOUSES brings Holmes to New York during his ‘great hiatus’. REMARKABLE POWER OF STIMULUS follows in London. During the investigation of a gruesome murder, Sherlock seizes a second chance with the woman, and they marry in anarchist-ridden Paris. The trilogy continues with FIVE MILES OF COUNTRY. Holmes is called in by Thomas Edison to solve a murder in his premier film studio, and Mrs Irene Adler-Holmes triumphs on Broadway. THE KEYS OF DEATH is a genesis story of 221B Baker Street and its inhabitants, as told by Mrs Hudson. Sherlock Holmes FAR & WIDE, nine stories and one play, including the award-winning, “Sir Arthur and the Time Machine”.
Features of Interest 