Quotes
“With
respect for the canon, deep knowledge of Victorian and Edwardian Great Britain,
and the writing chops to replicate the Watsonian style, Thomas is the all-time
best at Sherlockian pastiche.” Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine
“Thomas’
fourth pastiche collection conveys the tone and spirit of Conan Doyle’s
original tales with nary a false note…This volume reinforces Thomas’ place in
the front rank of Doyle imitators.” Publisher Weekly
“For those
who hunger after Holmes…this new collection may fit the bill. Thomas has put
together five novellas starring Holmes and Watson…Thomas effectively
incorporates the history of the time, the plots twist nicely, and respect is
paid to telling minutiae.” Booklist
“In this
new collection of five Sherlockian short stories, the master sleuth is once
again at the height of his powers with the aid of his constant companion, Dr.
Watson, and, on occasion, Inspector Lestrade…Because Thomas has authored
Sherlock Holmes anthologies (The
Execution of Sherlock Holmes) and nonfiction books about Victorian-era
crime (The Victorian Underworld), it’s
hardly surprising that the atmosphere runs true in these stories, which could
be mistaken for unpublished Arthur Conan Doyle tales. Recommended for Sherlock
Holmes fans and readers who enjoy Victorian mysteries.” Library Journal
“Prolific
Thomas, who’s made a cottage industry of ‘newly discovered’ Holmes cases,
presents five tales starring the iconic sleuth…Thomas stretches the frames for
Holmes’ cases to historical niches previously unexplored. Though not a great
stylist, he’s a meticulous plotter, and the enticing puzzles seem just as long
as they need to be.” Kirkus Reviews
“The
cottage publishing market for books extending Arthur Conan Doyle’s Holmes and
Watson characters continues with Thomas’ King’s
Evil. This series of five novellas offers a concentrated mixture of
mystery, history, detailed descriptions, and atmosphere reminiscent of Doyle’s
original tales. Narrated by John Telfer, the audio production is basic, with
little distinction among characters—the narrator is more of a reader of the
text than a performer here. Though it probably won’t satisfy Holmesian purists,
Thomas’ work, along with those from other post-Doyle Holmes authors such as
Daniel D. Victor and Edward B. Hanna, may interest people who love the
characters. Readers fond of Laurie King and other such writers also might like
Thomas’ take on these iconic figures.” Library Journal (audio review)
