Contemporary Novels and Anthologies for Sherlock Holmes Fans

Sherlock Holmes is certainly among the most beloved and enduring characters in the whole of literature. Luckily for Holmes fans, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was as prolific as inspired. But the fact is, there are only so many Sherlock Holmes stories and novels, and even though they are quite enjoyable several times around-the Holmes canon is a finite object. Or is it?

Rejoice: the legacy of mystery and deduction continues. There are hordes of new, contemporary, high quality stories and novels to choose from; the Sherlock Holmes pastiche is a thriving genre. Even readers unfamiliar with the original Conan Doyle volumes will find these to be appealing and may even be inspired to go back to the source. There are so many to choose from though, that it can be difficult to know where to begin; below, in no particular order, are my choices for the best of the contemporary Holmes adventures. All selections are readily available off-the-shelf at larger bookstore chains such as Barnes and Noble, and all are available as new and used copies at online venues such as Amazon.com, some for just a few cents plus shipping.

Sherlock Holmes and the Red Demon
Larry Millett

Sherlock Holmes and the Red Demon is the first in a series of transatlantic tales from Larry Millett. Here, Watson and Holmes are summoned to America (Minnesota) by wealthy railroad tycoon James J. Hill to investigate a series of threats against the railroad by a mysterious, arsonisticly inclined letter-writer calling himself The Red Demon. The novel is pleasantly and purposefully light and pulpy, and quite a suspenseful page-turner. It is not written in the style of Conan Doyle, but retains a convincing and highly readable Watson narrative, albeit modern. Also recommended are all Millett's other offerings, such as Sherlock Holmes and the Rune Stone Mystery, and Sherlock Holmes and the Ice Palace Murders. In these two, a most intriguing recurrent character, Shadwell Rafferty is introduced. Rafferty and Holmes develop somewhat of an inevitable friendly sleuthing rivalry, and the tension created is adds a pleasant layer to the narrative. In time, I believe we may be seeing stand-alone Rafferty adventures from Millett-at least I hope so.

The Mammoth Book of New Sherlock Holmes Adventures
Mike Ashley (ed.)

This anthology seems to have something for everyone; any Sherlock Holmes pastiche fan will be pleased. The 25 selections are divided up by era: The early years, the 1880's, the 1890's, and the final years. Writers include Michael Moorcock, Barrie Roberts, and Peter Tremayne. Highly recommended as one of the best all-around samplings of the Holmes pastiche.

The Final Solution: A Story of Detection
Michael Chabon

This novella is somewhat of a love letter to Holmes. At 89, hermited, bee-keeping Holmes--'the old man' (Chabon never names him directly) reluctantly, but in full capacity takes on what would certainly have to be his last case. Chabon's insightful language of nuance-both literary and emotional make this short piece a delight to read and savor.

The Last Sherlock Holmes Story
Michael Dibdin

Perhaps the most controversial of all the mainstream Holmes pastiches, this well-written novel by crime writer Dibdin, has the fabulous potential to outrage and infuriate Sherlock Holmes fans. Could there be a better reason to read it? Holmes investigates the ongoing Whitechapel Murders-the Jack the Ripper case, and there are surprises and twists along the way that will absolutely knock Watson's socks off. There is a pleasant and welcome subtheme of psychology at play here, and the story feels altogether more like a thriller than a mystery. A warning: for those who hold Holmes as a literary sacred cow, skip this. For those willing to take fictional speculation into an alternate universe, find it immediately.

Shadows Over Baker Street: New Tales of Terror!
Michael Reaves and John Pelan (eds.)

The cover blurb for this anthology is perfect: Sherlock Holmes enters the nightmare world of H.P. Lovecraft. So, here we have a Holmes pastiche anthology with a theme-the tales are a little darker, a bit more angst-driven, and--dare I say it? A bit more hip. Of course, with writers such as Poppy Z. Brite and Neil Gaiman, it didn't have a chance of being anything else. The 20 selections place Holmes in a Lovecraftian, unfamiliar world of irrationality and instability-and it works. The anthology is highly recommended for both fans of Sherlock Holmes and H.P. Lovecraft, and anyone that enjoys psychological mysteries and thrillers.