A pastiche of Sherlock Holmes mysteries, this anthology actually includes stories from a few different genres.
The detectives many adventures are read by school children, academics and enthusiasts to this day.
You would be hard pressed to find anyone who has a bad word to say about Sherlock Holmes.
Even people who dont read mysteries have read his adventures.
Doyle was a fan of psychics and psychic phenomena in general.
This sounds like a man who would have been invested in scientific inquiry and a search for the truth.
Unfortunately his truth appears to have included fairies, trance writing and other assorted bullshit.
Doyle loved a good spiritualist.
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Funny thing, that.
Its safe to say that the contributors forEncounters of Sherlock Holmeshold Doyles work in high esteem.
This is particularly true of George Mann, the editor who compiled this piece.
Mann is no slouch; he didnt pick unknown authors for his ode to Holmes.
On the whole, the shorts are well written, well plotted and have excellent character development.
Note to self: start carrying a brick in your purse.
You get straightforward mystery, pathos, Steampunk and supernatural elements.
Even Frankenstein makes an appearance.
It left me wishing for more.
Stupid short stories, why cant you all be as fulfilling as novels?!
Blending monsters into familiar classical tales is all the rage these days.
If Abraham Lincoln can fight zombies, why cant Holmes and Watson take on a Post Modern Prometheus?
You know, it isnt easy for contemporary authors to write in the Victorian style and still remain engaging.
Few people can write in such a dated style while remaining relevant to modern tastes.
Dont get me wrong, the anthology has its faults.
The schizophrenic swings between genres are not going to be to everyones liking.
Personally, I had more of an issue with the occasional use of heavy handed social messaging.
Dear writers, there are ways to convey your agenda seamlessly in the context of your story.
Trust me, the latter is no bueno.
Thankfully these thematic problems are few and far between.
Reminded me of Doyles involvement with Roger Casement; unfortunately weighed down by social message.
A concise mystery that I predict will leave someone, somewhere, wanting a paper mache coffin.
That someone might be moi.
One of the few stories not told from Watsons perspective.
My personal favorite (but I am a sucker for a plucky heroine).
Frankenstein, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde!
More horror than mystery.
A baffling but adorableMurder She Wrotetype mystery with paranormal undertones.
A salty bit of Steampunk; Mann should have started the anthology with this piece.
Science fiction, as the title implies, plus a cameo by H.G.
Standard mystery with some Steampunkish flavor to it.
One of the few mysteries not narrated by Watson (who comes off a bit dickish).
Raffles and his unfortunately named partner in crime, Bunny.
Where there is a new Holmes anthology, there is often a Raffles cameo and this is no exception.
Absolutely hysterical and beautifully written; Mrs. Hudson handles her business!
Wrapping up with a man who knows his classic Holmes (and who gives me prose envy).
