These Scattered Houses Review by Craig Stephen Copland

“Of the hundreds of Sherlock Holmes pastiche mysteries available to the Sherlockian, very few can match this book for a depth of historical research, finely crafted sentences and paragraphs, and a heart-stopping thrill of a story.”

Ms. Altabef takes the reader on a journey during the great hiatus and brings Sherlock Holmes to New York state where he is led to investigate that horrifying world of the insane asylums of that day. The characters she creates–especially that of the child, Rachel–are distinct, colorful, and memorable. The plot builds through incident after dangerous incident, culminating with a frantic climax. A great read. Now, all we need is more like this from this very capable Sherlockian.

Craig Stephen Copland is a prolific author of Sherlock Holmes novels and short story collections. The Adventure of Mata Hari’s Harem, The Village of Revenge, The Adventure of the Prioress’s Tale, The Adventure of the Dying Debutante, Studying Scarlet, The Adventure of the Devilish Footnote, Sherlock Holmes Never Dies, The Hudson Valley Mystery, The Kidnapping of Baby Carfax, The Sign of the Tooth, and many others.

Gretchen Altabef is an MX author of Sherlock Holmes novels. Mondadori Publishing has contracted to translate her novels into Italian. Ms. Altabef strives to emulate Dr. John Watson’s and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s literary style. The first, These Scattered Houses, is in Holmes’ own voice and resourcefully chronicles the last two months of his ‘great hiatus’. The second in the series is, Remarkable Power of Stimulus. After 3 years away, Holmes finds London awash in murders, No. 221B under siege, anarchists threatening Paris, and the return of Irene Adler. Fully aware he is being watched by Moriarty’s men, Holmes steps out of the cab into Baker Street knowing he will find Watson’s friendship and unerring aim are as dependable as the British Rail.