Not groundbreaking or unique but still a thrilling little puzzle with historically beloved characters.
Summary:
Dr. Watson is called to the home of an old friend who has gotten involved with spiritism. James Crain, heir to the estate of Crain Manor, throws a party in the hopes of convincing his guests, including the newly widowed doctor, that the dead are closer than they think. But more ghosts make an appearance than expected, and when a family curse is invoked, another corpse is added to the mystery. Only one man can solve this ghost story, the legendary Sherlock Holmes.
Verdict: 8/10
I'm always skeptical of mystery spin-offs (see my earlier review of Sophie Hannah's imitation of Agatha Christie). I admittedly may be less critical of Mark Latham as I haven't read the original Arthur Conan Doyle Sherlock Holmes, but I thought this stayed true to the famous sleuth and his faithful companion. I felt like I was watching a Steven Moffat Sherlock episode and got more caught up in making up my own theories than analyzing the accuracy of the language.
At first, the book seemed like a typical ghost story. While the spiritualist plot was a bit like Scooby Doo with spooks popping up in hidden passages, Latham managed to present a tantalizing puzzle. The examination of Victorian spiritism and medicine were fascinating. Other plot points such as Langton's debt or African witchdoctors were a bit drawn out for my taste. But the main draw was there and was paced well.
I found the plot enjoyable overall (if a bit predictable at times). It's not necessarily profound, but I had fun. If murder can be called light entertainment, this would be a good example.
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