#BookReview The Undiscovered Archives of Sherlock Holmes by John Lawrence.

Watson and Holmes set out on a series of adventures that pulls them into the throes of conspiracy and murder.

A London solicitor in 2018 reveals some secret archives that Dr Watson has entrusted to them over a century earlier. Tales dated 1925 are finally brought to light, revealing some secrets that many wanted to keep hidden.

Tensions are at their peak with the IRA targeting Londoners, the Treaty of Versailles near its breaking point, and Holmes is called in on a case by a controversial and influential man – Winston Churchill. Trying to mend the country after the brutality of the Great War, Holmes’ expertise is once again in need.

Their first case takes them to the tumultuous and brutal country, filled with hate and desperate to gain power once again – Germany.

Holmes and Watson then embark on numerous adventures that bring them to the infamous surgeon Frederick Treves whom rescued and treated the ‘Elephant Man’, and surgeon to the king; a young woman fallen on a horse track; a mysterious prince; a kidnapping and the IRA; an assassination of a President; and a conspiracy that could de-stabilize a nation.

My Review

Well, the title says it all. This book covers multiple cases that Sherlock investigates in his unique way.

Travelling forward to 2018, the story begins with the undiscovered archives of cases never talked about, narrated by Dr Watson.

Holmes and Watson reunite after being abroad for years. In their mid-70s, Holmes is still his astute self. Always appearing as if he is holding something back, knowing something that no one else is privy to.

One of my favourite aspects to all these Sherlock Holmes’ novels is the plentiful amount of history that occurred around the time of Holmes. Creating a realistic portrayal of the times, and the amount of violence and dissension that brewed. All in the midst of this is Holmes and Watson doing what they do best – solving unusual cases.

“The rising menace of the Russian Bolshevik threatened even greater instability for Eastern Europe, and perhaps for England as well. Mounting disruptions in India and Egypt, instigated by the calls for independence by the nationalist agitator Gandhi, jeopardized the future of the Empire itself.”

The Undiscovered Archives of Sherlock Holmes

Holmes faces a diplomatic incident when Winston Churchill wants them to investigate the growing power of a certain group of socialists in Germany – the Nazis. Holmes and Watson may face one of their most dangerous cases yet.

As always, the dubious nature of those around them sets Holmes at his best.

“My motto, as you know, Watson, is to ‘assume nothing’.

Holmes

We then get taken on another adventure in 1927, the case of the consulting physician. Each case sets Holmes and Watson on perilous adventure to unmask traitors, spies, killers, and everything in between. Adventures holding diplomatic significance that were never told due to the grave circumstances they were brought in to investigate.

Throughout the story, Holmes and Watson are brought in to assist Dr Treves, and deal with scrupulous doctors. A murder in a hotel room leads Holmes and Watson to the consequences of an historical atrocity. We continue from adventure to adventure, from a supposed suicidal woman on a horse track that points Watson and Holmes to the suffragists, and their brutal fight for equality. To the various suspicious deaths of multiple American presidents, drawing Sherlock and Watson into a range of scandals in which had to be kept secret due to the gravity of its situation.

Although no one can exactly portray Holmes like Sir Arthur Doyle, this author does a pretty good job of implementing the unique mannerisms of Holmes and Watson, and bringing in some influential historical characters.

It may appear slow at times, with a lot of dialogue going in to set-up the scene, instead of getting to the nitty gritty; however, there is pay-off. Clues are scattered throughout, and when the big reveal happens, you get that “ahhh”, moment.

Sherlock Holmes is perhaps the perfect example of reading a person’s body language and little intricacies to uncover the truth, and this book is no exception with detailing Holmes’ reasoning, and the thought process behind the greatest detective. Age does not slow these two down!

For those that enjoy historical mysteries, and Sherlock Holmes novels will enjoy this read.