One of the most famous partnerships in literature yields, over time, to a peculiar romantic triangle. Sherlock Holmes. Dr. John Watson. And the good doctor's second wife, whom Doyle never named. In L.A. Fields's novel, Mrs. Watson is a clever woman who realizes, through examining all the prior cases her husband shared with the world's greatest consulting detective, that the two men shared more than adventures: they were lovers, as well. In 1919, after the pair has retired, Mrs. Watson invites Holmes to her home to meet him face to face. Thus begins a recounting of a peculiar affair between extraordinary men. "You are such a unique person," Holmes says poisonously. "What a shame that history will most likely never remember your name." The question Mrs. Watson faces: Did Holmes simply take advantage of her husband's loyalty and love, or did the detective return those feelings? And what to do now that the pair are no longer living together at Baker Street and Watson has other claims on his affections? A finalist for the Lambda Literary Award, My Dear Watson offers readers a romance that requires as much reasoning to puzzle out as it does passion. Mrs. Watson proves a worthy opponent-in intellect, in guile, in conviction-for the great detective.
''Fields uncovers the one mystery involving Sherlock Holmes that has, until now, remained unsolved: the true nature of his relationship with Watson. In this well-written tale, Watson's wife methodically pieces together the details of the bond between the two men. She is a wise and observant chronicler. She sees more and knows more about the two companions and doesn't hide either her feelings or her honest interpretation of events. From Holmes earliest days before Watson to their meeting and Holmes seduction of the smitten doctor, their tale is told through a clever structure and using the very cases that Watson himself chronicled. Fields writes with a sensibility that Holmes devotees will appreciate and reveals the hidden meanings behind materials with which every fan is familiar. For those simply wishing for another perspective on the classic Holmes cases, this tale will satisfy and even enlighten. For anyone wanting to know more about the heretofore elusive nature of Watson's relationship with Holmes, there will be no disappointment.'' --Joseph R. G. DeMarco, editor of A Study in Lavender: Queering Sherlock Holmes and the Marco Fontana mysteries
''Fascinating book - I am still myself a bit in love with Holmes (I'm sure you're shocked!), and this is a profound and complicated take on the relationship of Holmes and Watson, as told by Watson's second wife, herself no insignificant mind. Fascinating, moving, and solidly grounded in Canon, this very different vision will stay with you a long time.'' --Melissa Scott, Lambda Literary Award-winning author
