Sherlock Holmes and the Hapsburg Tiara (Otto Penzler Books) - Hardcover

Vanneman, Alan

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 078671297X ISBN 13: 9780786712977

Publisher: Carroll & Graf, 2003

Synopsis

In a crafty new novel featuring the world’s greatest literary detective, Alan Vanneman extends the boundaries of the Sherlock Holmes canon with a knotty investigation that takes the celebrated sleuth and his cohort, Dr. Watson, far from the cozy Victorian comforts of 221B Baker Street. The mystery begins familiarly enough, in London, in the middle of the night. Holmes and Watson are summoned to a crime scene that, not so familiarly, seems to vanish before their eyes, as they find themselves with neither evidence nor a client. They do not want for opposition, however; not for long, not with the governments of three great empires arrayed against them. As Holmes strives to unmask his most cunning, ruthless, and elusive foe, he is transported into a world of high finance rife with intrigue and crime. With a cast of characters that includes the enchanting lady of fortune Countess D’Espinau and historical greats like Winston Churchill and Cecil Rhodes as well as a poorest-of-the-poor beggar girl whom Watson adopts, Holmes follows a trail that leads ultimately and unpredictably to the fabled and fabulous lost Hapsburg tiara.

About this title

About the Author:

Alan Vanneman is the author of Sherlock Holmes and the Giant Rat of Sumatra as well as numerous short stories. He writes online for the Bright Lights Film Journal and lives in Washington, DC.

From AudioFile:

Who knew Dr. Watson had a foot fetish? Author Alan Vanneman combines traditional and new elements of the Sherlock Holmes legend, adding historical characters such as Winston Churchill to the mix. Narrator Simon Vance adopts the dry, literary tones of a classic Holmes radio drama, imparting wry humor detectable only to listeners paying close attention to the plot. Vance's narrative technique, best described as "excess within control," is most evident in scenes of Dr. Watson's torrid affair with a conniving countess. The explicit language sounds almost incongruous with his proper tone. Every character receives enough differentiation to remain identifiable without compromising the subtlety of Vance's delivery. And Winston Churchill sounds just like a recording of the man himself. R.P.L. © AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine

About this edition

• Publisher: Carroll & Graf
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 078671297X
• ISBN 13: 9780786712977
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 320