Sherlock Holmes and the Hapsburg Tiara - Softcover

Vanneman, Alan

Softcover

ISBN 10: 078671509X ISBN 13: 9780786715091

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing, 2005

Synopsis

A fabulous diamond, a vanishing duke, and a murdered servant boy launch an original and ingeniously constructed Holmesian adventure

In a crafty new novel featuring the world's greatest literary detective, Alan Vanneman extends the boundaries of the Sherlock Holmes canon with an investigation that takes the celebrated sleuth and his cohort Dr. Watson far from the cozy Victorian comforts of 221B Baker Street. Indeed, enjoying the luxuries of the Orient Express, they travel the breadth of fin de siècle Europe to exotic Constantinople, though not strictly in pursuit of pleasure. For death, too, is traveling first class.
The mystery begins familiarly enough in London, in the middle of the night. Holmes and Watson are summoned to a crime scene that seems to vanish before their eyes, as they find themselves with neither evidence nor a client. They do not want for opposition, however, not with the governments of three great empires arrayed against them.
As Holmes strives to unmask his most 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 Countess D'Espinau and Winston Churchill, as well as a 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, D.C.

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

Edition details

• Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 078671509X
• ISBN 13: 9780786715091
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 324