Ms. Altabef has done a sterling job. Holmes’s voice rings clear and true in this excellent novel.
These Scattered Houses is a Sherlock Holmes pastiche written by Gretchen Altabef and published by MX Publishing, London. Set in New York near the end of the Great Hiatus – Sherlock Holmes finds sanctuary at Vassar Women’s College under the guise of Professor Sigerson. Naturally, murder and mystery follow him.
These Scattered Houses is a delightful book. It is well written and absorbing. The research is impeccable and the book has a comprehensive bibliography at the end. Ms. Altabef has done a sterling job. Even though Holmes is bereft of his Watson, Holmes’s voice rings clear and true in this excellent novel.
It is interesting to see Holmes outside of his usual haunt of London and its environs. The story works well and is an excellent read. Recommended.
Margaret Walsh is an MX Publishing Author of Sherlock Holmes and The Molly Boy Murders. Sherlock Holmes and The Case of The Perplexed Politician. Sherlock Holmes and The Case of The London Dock Deaths. Her Author Page.
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.
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