A very engaging and enjoyable collection that uses a very smart idea. The collection has three original Sherlock Holmes stories written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle these stories have sequels provided by other writers. A Scandal in Bohemia. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (Writer). The Adventure of the Solicitor’s Wife. Naching T. Kassa (Writer). Irene Adler comes to Sherlock Holmes for help with solving the murder of her husband. A very engaging story unfolds including a lovely nod to another, non-Sherlock Holmes story by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The Sheriff of Dunsinane. Derrick Belanger (Writer). A very nicely oblique take on the original story, the context is clever and unexpected, the cast is engaging. Irene Adler demonstrates why she is truly “the woman”. The Red-Headed League. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (Writer). The Pawnbroker’s Apprentice and The Priceless Painting. Roger Riccard (Writer) Using the unfortunate Mr Jabez Wilson and a well known member of the Baker Street Irregulars to create the opening knot of this very enjoyable story, Richard Riccard develops an engaging and nicely surprising story that packs a lot of story into a short space without ever being crowded or rushed. The Adventure of the Magician’s Blind. Ronald Rowe, Eric Blake (Writers). Following a very engaging opening a smart story unfolds that brings together several characters from the original stories. They are brought into the story with skill and the correct level of menace. The Revenge of the Red-Headed League. Cara Fox. (Writer). Thoroughly unexpected and well set up, this displays Sherlock Holmes talents very nicely. The plot is clever and the reverberations from the original story are placed with skill. Tableau of Death. Brenda Seabrooke (Writer). A very sharp story that gives a serious depth to a very dangerous man and lands a conclusion that is dark and very satisfying. The Reformation of the Red-Headed League. Paul Hiscock (Writer). A superb reconfiguration of the original story that sets up the reader perfectly and delivers a excellent conclusion. A Case if Identity. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (Writer). The Adventure of a Flight of Angels. Robert Perret (Writer). This is my favourite story in the collection. Teasing and charming, revenge is delivered with such care and attention to detail that I fell completely into the story and just enjoyed every detail. Reading the original stories is always a pleasure, the sequels increase that pleasure, they stand firmly in their own right and as reflections on the originals. A pleasure to read.
