By James Lovegrove

Titan, out now

A selection of short stories featuring Holmes… and many others.

Any book whose contents include a story apparently written on a drunken dare is likely to be fun, and James Lovegrove’s collection of his Holmes tales – including a number written specifically for the anthology, so you’re not just reading his greatest hits – shows him (and Holmes) on fine form. Some of them are tales that would fit in the canon alongside Conan Doyle, others are a bit more… outré.

One of the delights of the book is not knowing what sort of tale is coming next, and I don’t propose to spoil that pleasure for the reader. There are stories set throughout the great detective’s life, providing fresh perspective on some of the original tales, as well as moments for Lovegrove to show his firm grip of the relationship between Holmes and Watson. Unlike so many others, he doesn’t fall into the trap of the Basil Rathbone/Nigel Bruce rendition – his Watson has a keen brain, even if there are times where inevitably he’s a few steps behind his friend.

Verdict: A very enjoyable anthology of Holmes tales. 8/10

Paul Simpson

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