A Sherlock Holmes Pastiche Novel by Gretchen Altabef
Review by Joni Lambert
Dec 22, 2025
As a lifelong fan of Sherlock Holmes, I always found myself wondering about many of the “minor” characters who helped shape the great detective’s world. As such, I found myself delighted with author Gretchen Altabef’s novel, “The Keys of Death”, which incorporated the story of the life of Mrs. Hudson, Holmes and Watson’s long-suffering landlady. While I’m sure that Doyle had his reasons for limiting specific information about the dear lady, this story included a fun dive into her life.
The book provides an interesting take on how Holmes and Mrs. Hudson met and his move to what would become the historic Baker Street address. In true Holmesian fashion, they bond during a mystery that centers around Mrs. Hudson herself.
A theme in the mystery involving the battle against antisemitism felt an appropriate storyline for today’s world, as this battle continues to this day.
Throughout the dangers faced by Holmes, Watson, and Mrs. Hudson in “The Keys of Death”, readers see a bond forged among the trio centered on mutual respect and genuine caring. Enthusiasts of the original stories have likely noted Mrs. Hudson as a “motherly” figure who helped humanize Holmes. Altabef also demonstrated a less common, but equally viable observation that Holmes and Watson may have filled a void in Mrs. Hudson’s life, making 221 B Baker Street more than rented rooms, but a home.
Learn more about “The Keys of Death.”
Joni Lambert is a writer of Sherlock Holmes books, including “Sherlock Holmes and the London Majestic”, part of her Holmes and Victoria Watson series, and the children’s Christmas book, “Sherlock Holmes and the Little Drummer Boy”. Lambert also authors a series of children’s books about her rescue dog, Smiley the Great Pyrenees.
Gretchen Altabef is an award-winning author of sensational new Sherlock Holmes mysteries written from a woman’s perspective. 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 series continues with FIVE MILES OF COUNTRY. Holmes is called in by Thomas Edison to solve a murder in his unique film studio. While Mrs Irene Adler-Holmes triumphs on Broadway despite the antics of a theater ghost. THE KEYS OF DEATH is a genesis story of 221B Baker Street and its inhabitants, as told by Mrs Hudson. Sherlock Holmes FAR & WIDE mystifies with nine stories and one play, including the award-winning “Sir Arthur And The Time Machine”.
Features of Interest 