Brava, Geri Schear! Let’s see more of this, the world of Sherlock Holmes needs many more truly intelligent novels like this one.
Geri Schear’s brilliant novel, Sherlock Holmes And The Other Woman, is the very best of the Sherlock Holmes genre. It ought to be on the New York Times Bestseller list. No one except possibly Darlene A. Cypser can compare with her wonderful use of history. Ms. Schear’s characterizations, and the realistically intertwined relationships between her characters are superbly done. From the point of view of a pasticheur, this Holmes is the most perfect portrayal possible. I believe Arthur Conan Doyle would applaud him.
Lady Beatrice is one of the most credible characters ever created since Irene Adler. I find her to be almost a mirror image of her famous husband. She is the most important character to be added to this 134-year-old story. The author’s management of this relationship is exceptional. It is so well done.
John H. Watson is portrayed as a highly intelligent gentleman. This also is such an excellent character improvement, one wishes that instantly all references to him would automatically update to this. It is absolutely clear why Holmes chose this man above others as a partner. Watson’s contributions come from his experience as a doctor, a military man, an author, and as the man Sherlock Holmes has depended upon through many cases. The way this relationship is shown is especially satisfying for those of us who see Watson as much more than just a less intelligent foil for Holmes and a literary device for an author.
The mystery impeccably unfolds and everyone is involved in it. Ms. Schear paints her scenes three dimensionally, layer upon layer. Holmes and Watson enter the Shoppe of an antiquities merchant under alias. The way they step instantly into character, communicate with each other only by looks, and play their parts to the hilt is alone worth the reading of this spectacular book. Geri Schear is as smart as her intelligent characters. She weaves them into a colourful multidimensional tapestry filled with gentle humor of one who knows these two gentlemen thoroughly.
One wishes one could visit with her characters, share dinner with them, and become friends. Ms. Schear proves that Sherlock Holmes’ feelings for a certain woman do not affect his astute gifts in any negative way. What happens is he is opened to the other half of the world. No longer are the motives of women so inscrutable to him.
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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