Sherlock Holmes ~ The Way of All Flesh
Sherlock Holmes ~ The Way of All Flesh is a novella written by Daniel Ward. It is a Sherlock Holmes pastiche.
Synopsis
Sherlock Holmes is called in to investigate when the body of an Italian diplomat is discovered in the River Thames, his torso horrifically mutilated. Fearing the political repercussions - the diplomat being in London to initiate talks regarding a secret naval treaty between The Two nations - the Government entrust Holmes with the delicate task of uncovering the truth behind the brutal [...]. Events take a shocking turn, however, when a young solicitor is found slain in the East End, his body similarly mutilated...
Reviews
Sherlock Holmes Society of London
Sherlock Holmes: The Way of All Flesh by Daniel Ward (Classic Mysteries) is a commendably EXCITING thriller. In 1886, the [...] and mutilation of an Italian diplomat suggests political skulduggery, but when a young solicitor dies a similarly horrible death Holmes suspects something much darker. What he and Watson uncover, at great danger to the doctor, is more reminiscent of Dennis Wheatley than of Conan Doyle, but it is all very well handled. The style is acceptable, and the narrative carries the reader giddily forward. The person behind the outrages proves to be one of the less likely candidates for the Whitechapel [...] of 1888, and I’m glad that Mr Ward doesn’t follow that path. The book is also available in large print in the Linford Mystery Series.
~ After a clumsy first sentence the author settles into a satisfyingly familiar Baker Street, complete with the sights, sounds, and smells fans of the Canon demand from a good pastiche. The plot holds the interest, while Mr Ward obviously has an expert knowledge not just of all things Sherlockian, but also Victorian London. I was particularly impressed with his knowledge of the Thames, vital to the story in this particular case. If I had one complaint, it would be that the dialogue sometimes sounds a little modern, but the faithfully-created atmosphere more than makes up for this. Form, pace, and style are true to the original and in this particular adventure things take a nasty turn for Watson, our trusty narrator. The end is unexpected as well as gripping.
~ In Daniel Ward's Way of All Flesh, I was struck by how faithful this book was to Doyle's style of writing. The story too, with its supernatural bent and period mood, recalled The Valley of Fear to me. I read it in one sitting and found it very enjoyable.
~ Daniel Ward tells a straight no-frills tale very much in the spirit of the Sherlockian canon; Holmes doesn't wind up getting married, Watson doesn't turn out to be the real Holmes, et cetera, et cetera. And there are no attempts to link Holmes to fabulous ripped-from-the-headlines figures like Dracula or Jack the Ripper. Solid stuff. A singular tale.