| Title | : | The Further Adventures of Sherlock HolmesThe Counterfeit Detective |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 1783299258 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781783299256 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 272 |
| Publication | : | First published October 18, 2016 |
The Further Adventures of Sherlock HolmesThe Counterfeit Detective Reviews
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I loved every second of The Counterfeit Detective (The Further Adventures of Sherlock Holmes) by Stuart Douglas. The whole scene where Holmes and Watson talk to Mrs. van Raalte, the landlady of his imposter, is comedy gold. When Holmes has no choice but to come up with an alias on the spot when she catches them trying to break in (because they assume no one is at home and Holmes has to think fast and tells her they were just admiring the quality of an antique doorknob), he manages John Murray for Watson and in a moment of panic Mr. Lestrade for himself. Watson, obviously, has a hard time keeping it together when he hears that and doesn't plan on letting Holmes forget it. Later, he asks Holmes "I have one question, however. Will that remain your name of choice for the entirety of our time in the Americas, or should I expect to find strangers addressing you as Athelney Jones or Tobias Gregson in the near future?" Both of them have a good chuckle after that.
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4 STARS
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Starts strong. Loses steam and plods along toward the end.
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a good read
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The idea of Sherlock Holmes in New York City seems to be a popular one among those who write Holmes pastiches. As well as a number of novels and short stories (indeed, there's at least one volume dedicated to Holmes in America), there's also the 1970s TV movie starring none other than 007 actor Roger Moore as Holmes. Yet few, if any, have managed to come up with quite as original a take on the idea as Stuart Douglas in his recent pastiche The Counterfeit Detective, a recent entry in Titan Books' range The Further Adventures Of Sherlock Holmes.
Douglas' premise is simple enough. As the title might imply, Holmes faces none other than an imposter claiming to be him running lose in the city that never sleeps. With Watson at his side, Holmes travels to New York City in 1899 and sets out trying to find his doppelganger. What looks to be a straightforward case turns out to be anything but as what seems to be a simple case of unmasking someone instead takes in New York high society, the immigrant community, blackmail, and of course murder. Like any good mystery and thriller writer, Douglas takes in a series of apparently unconnected elements and weaves them together into a compelling narrative that never quite does what one expects it to do.
A narrative that also feels like vintage Holmes. Set in 1899, the novel takes us from Holmes recovering in Baker Street from a series of assignment for his brother to the varying highs and lows of the Big Apple, all of which are described by Watson in fine detail. The standard by which I judge Holmes pastiches these days is if I can hear some of the great Holmes and Watson teams of screen and audio saying the words on the page and I have to say that this novel passed that test admirably. Watson gives the reader enough detail to makes Holmes' logic make sense and gives enough sketches of other characters to bring them to life. That's especially true of the many characters we encounter in New York City from Inspector Bullock to Mrs van Raalte, the Mrs Hudson to the imposter Holmes. All of which helps to make the novel (which runs about 250 pages) into even more of a page turner.
Despite a plethora of tales featuring Sherlock Holmes in New York, The Counterfeit Detective manages to raise its head above the pack. From a compelling narrative taking in the width and breadth of turn of the century New York to an authentic reading Holmes and Watson, Stuart Douglas creates a first rate Holmes pastiche that takes character and reader alike outside their usual comfort zone. The result makes for fine reading to say the least and something that many Holmes fans will likely enjoy immensely. -
While the dialogue and detail was well-written, certainly in the vein of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and the story was suspenseful, the plot element I waited the entire story for... didn't happen.
The prospect of a false Sherlock Holmes gallivanting around intrigued me very much. Compared to the potential I felt a plot like that would bring, I felt this story suffered.
Not a bad story, just not the breakout I felt it could have been. 3 out of 5 stars. -
A highly enjoyable and easy to read book.
The premise is simple: Holmes learns that there is a detective in New York City who states he is Sherlock Holmes and is helping people. Incensed that his name is being used by a charlatan, Holmes with Watson journey to the Big Apple and find themselves involved with a series of crimes more horrendous than name appropriation.
I loved everything about this story, which begins with a two chapter mystery on the voyage to the states. The settings are wonderful, the characters delightful and deadly, and the mystery twisting in every chapter.
The solution is wonderful and completely plausible in the world of Sherlock Holmes. Doyle would be proud of this puzzle. -
Holmes is in a blue funk - his elder brother, the elusive Mycroft, has him running about the lower reaches of London fact finding among the usual criminals and lowlifes.
Watson is officially concerned about his friend, not least the lurking presence of the 7% solution and the hypodermic needle in the desk drawer.
Thankfully, fate, or its instrument, arrive in the form of a letter from America. The anonymous writer, who claims to be a friend, tells Holmes that an interloper is not only taking the name of the great detective in vain, but is claiming to be the real thing in New York and causing mayhem as a result.
Holmes butterfly mind when an interesting case presents itself, rapidly packs up, and with Watson in tow, crosses the Atlantic to meet the so called doppleganger. En route, he solves a mystery and saves a man from the noose - just to keep his hand in - and the duo arrive safe and sound in NYC. With a letter of introduction (note to the Modern World - can we bring these back please?!), they arrive at a NYC Police Station to meet with a friend of Lestrade's who emigrated. This police officer is happy to help - but is hampered because this fake Holmes hasn't committed any crimes. Holmes understands, but isn't going to let that stop him. He tracks down the fake Holmes' lodgings and landlady, two recent clients and appears to have met a dead end when the landlady turns up dead in a 5 Points drinking den. From then on, the plot thickens, with leads pertaining to a man on the run, blackmail, Holmes under arrest and Watson in a dangerous denouement.
An enjoyable, quite quick read. Quite faithful to the writing and with a homage to the original stories. A library book, so being returned this weekend. -
Sherlock and Watson cross the ocean to track down a NYC detective going by the name of Sherlock Holmes. But when he gets there, no one will talk to him, and the case leads to murder. Like it so often does.
A good mystery--inventive and entertaining, if not wholly even. (I found my attention wandering in the middle just a bit, but it pulled it together toward the end. Or I did, maybe.) Good enough that I was glad to pick it up in its turn, which is usually how I judge whether a book is successful. Part of that, I'm sure, is that it can be easier and more satisfying to read stories about familiar characters in familiar settings, like Sherlock or Star Trek or probably any long-running series, as long as the authors do a pretty good job of recreating those characters, and IMO that is the case here.
If you read several books at a time, a little from each book each day--that's the way I approach reading--I believe that the order you pick them up will tell you how you're enjoying them even more than deep reflection will. This one was in the middle of my stack, but always nearer the top. (It sparked pretty good joy, is what I'm trying to explain.)
:)
Anyway, I'm digging this Sherlock series written by multiple authors, and they continue to be good enough to lead me on to the next. So I'd recommend the book as well as the series ("The further adventures of...") to other Sherlock fans. -
Two Sherlock Holmeses?
The year is 1899. Holmes has more or less been working for Mycroft since his return from “The Great Hiatus.” Then a mysterious letter arrives at 221B. The writer mentions that Holmes had taken a case for his uncle and then proceeds to shock Holmes and Watson with his next words.
It seems that there is at present in New York City a man calling himself Sherlock Holmes! The man is calling himself a consulting detective and has been involved in a series of more or less high profile cases!
However, some of the results have been a bit questionable. Holmes is angry enough that someone has the gall to pretend to be him! To sully Holmes’ name with less than stellar work is something Holmes simply cannot bear!
Holmes and Watson, therefore, embark on a voyage to New York. Holmes plans to hunt down his doppelganger and put an end to this once and for all. Along with faithful Watson, Holmes will have the aid of Inspector Simeon Bullock of New York’s finest.
The trail leads into very dangerous areas of the city. More than once Holmes and Watson are in fear for their lives. A collection of murders, threats, and other crimes seem to follow the faker like seagulls behind a barge.
Who is this intrepid imposter?
I give the book four stars…
Quoth the Raven… -
A Sherlock Holmes pastiche that breaks the mold, sort of. Holmes gets word that someone in New York is impersonating him, so of course he must leave at once to see what this is about. The duo travel in style on the RMS Oceanic. While on board, Holmes saves the life and reputation of a crewman, a detail that will be important later.
While in New York, the reader is subjected, or treated, to Watson's comparisons of New York and London, depending on if you enjoy such things. I liked it. Most of his observations were favorable. However, I wish there had been a comparison of the White Chapel District and Five Points, but I believe the 'clean up' of Five Points was underway about this time. I found it interesting that the two were always being served tea instead of coffee, but that's just a minor detail.
Holmes discovers his impersonator is not some newbie detective using his name to garner a reputation, but a blackmailer. The chase is on all over the various parts of New York, from Gilded Age mansions to the roughest slums, all the while there is something more sinister going on behind it all, a hidden reason for Holmes to be in New York instead of London.
A good read, a little different from the usual Holmes faire, but enjoyable. -
Unexpected depth
Not the most exciting plot or villains, but great narration from Watson. Rather than the simple observer of the original books or the dunce of many movies, here, Watson’s motivations and concerns for Holmes are explained in a compelling way and what was in the original books naïveté comes across as Watson gently manipulating (although that may be too strong a word) the great detective. Watson is no mastermind (while the movies are often critiqued for making him comic relief, the seed of not the flower of this is in the originals) and Holmes still often surprises and befuddles him, but this the best, most real feeling narration from Watson of any of the books (original or pastiche). -
This book showed up in my LFL and I decided to check it out since I enjoy Sherlock Holmes stories. While this book, and the whole series by different authors, is obviously written in this century, it evokes the original books as it is written through the observations of John Watson. While in London, Sherlock learns of an imposter Sherlock working in New York City and decides to investigate. What follows is an entertaining train of clues, thoughts, murders, diversions, and surprises. It kept me guessing the whole time and in the end, I was very satisfied.
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Another solid Sherlock story from Mr Douglas. Stronger story than his first. Captures Conan Doyle’s voice well.
Though maybe a bit slow in places. Douglas’s Watson has a slight tendency to waffle, taking some much needed pacing out of the narrative. And perhaps his Sherlock is more belittling of his good friend than usual. There were times I wanted Watson just to deck him.
But overall a good read and admirable pastiche. -
Another enjoyable entry in Further Adventures of Sherlock Holmes series. Holmes & Watson go to America to investigate counterfeit Holmes. Fun read!(Own)
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A good story with an unusual twist. As ever, an excellent Sherlock novel. Nice inclusion of RMS Oceanic in the storyline.
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Actual rating: 3.5 stars
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A really clever take on Sherlock Holmes with an engaging story!
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I felt that the writing is true to Conan Doyle's style but slightly updated. It was typical turns in plot and conclusions. Enjoyable.
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I love these Further Adventures of Sherlock Holmes books!
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Over long lacking any real drive
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Audience: Readers who will enjoy a good old fashioned continuation of Sherlock Holmes' classic series. Those looking for a devious tale set outside of Sherlock Holmes' comfort zone.
Summed up in a few words: Safe. Solid. Enjoyable.
First Impressions: I had a great time reading my first book in the Further Adventures series. An intriguing plot idea, good old fashioned Sherlock Holmes and a new setting for one of his mysteries. This book does not break the mould, it doesn't reinvent Sherlock. The Counterfeit Detective is a continuation of his escapades that respects the lore and freshens the series up with a new setting.
Book Synopsis: A False Sherlock. An anonymous letter brings strange news to Baker Street; there is an impostor Sherlock Holmes at work in New York City, solving cases and taking society by storm.
The real Sherlock Holmes wastes no time in crossing the Atlantic to confront the charlatan. But he and Watson find more than they bargained for: the counterfeit Sherlock Holmes is missing, his land lady has been horribly murdered, and his clients are refusing to reveal their secrets...
BOOK REVIEW
I got pretty excited about the idea of an impostor Sherlock Holmes reeking havoc in New York City and for the most part that is what I got in The Counterfeit Detective. Sherlock Holmes is being worked to the bone by his older brother Mycroft and he is in need of a holiday. Sherlock receives a letter from an acquaintance from a past case informing him that a man is impersonating Sherlock Holmes in NYC and solving cases/helping those who need it. So Sherlock and Watson drop everything and head on a voyage to America to see this man in person.
When Sherlock and Watson arrive, the impostor is nowhere to be seen, no one is willing to discuss him and only a handful of people have ever seen him. Picking apart every element of this man's existence starts to cause problems and eventually deaths, so Sherlock Holmes and Watson are on the clock to figure out this elaborate scheme and find out who the man is and what his plan entails. I was impressed with this piece and I definitely recommend it to all Sherlock fans. The storyline in The Counterfeit Detective is inspired and Stuart Douglas does a great job with the character. I especially enjoyed the little warm up case with a murder aboard the Oceanic, with the duo testing their skills in a tightly contained environment.
Told from the perspective of Watson, following all the leads and conclusions that Sherlock has is both exciting and dizzying. The pacing is just right with the book being just long enough. If Stuart Douglas had tried to go into more depth I don't think it would of worked, but the book doesn't take itself too seriously as this is sort of a holiday for Sherlock and it certainly feels that way.
Compared to other fiction that concerns the great detective coming out this year, this book is rather tame, that is not a bad thing, I would rather this book be a solid, enjoyable and brief read then SD trying to break any new ground. Sherlock fans will enjoy this read, it is a perfect warm up for the new series starting on television soon.
There are a mix-match of themes here from secrecy and murder to gentlemanly competition. The tone is mainly centred around intrigued and competition though it does flicker to darker shades of tone in the book at times, there are a fair few murders in this book. The key characters in the book have not changed much in terms of Sherlock and Watson. There are some new characters in the book that we may see in the future like Inspector Bullock, an overworked NYC officer who becomes increasingly involved with the impostor case as things start to take a turn for the worst.
Late 18th century New York City has both its similarities and differences to London which are outlined in the book at several times, I do feel that the setting had an effect on Sherlock, throwing him off his game slightly. The element I most enjoyed about this book is the solidarity. Everything was well written, enjoyable and when I put the book down I thought it was thoroughly enjoyable. The element I was most disappointed with I cannot really discuss here as it is a monumental spoiler :( but lets just say I didn't get everything I wanted from this book.
Overall this is a entertaining, true to Sherlock reading experience that will please fans and hopefully keep enticing new fans to join in on one of the longest running popular book series ever created. A few disappointments surpassed by a truck load of positive and enjoyable moments, I will be recommending this book to plenty of people.
