Bibliography: Robertson, Michael. (2009). The Baker Street Letters. New York: Minotaur Books. ISBN: 9780312538125
Plot Summary: London solicitor Reggie Heath loves his new law offices, and loves the great lease he got on them even more. But there is a catch–the offices are located at 221b Baker Street and part of the deal is that they must respond to any and all letters sent to Sherlock Holmes. A great job for Nigel, Reggie’s brother, who is trying to get back on his feet. But when someone is found murdered in Nigel’s office and Nigel has taken a letter and flown across the Atlantic to try and help it’s sender, Reggie must go after him to try and keep him out of further trouble.
Critical Analysis: This is one of the best most original ideas for a mystery series I’ve seen in a long time. Even people who haven’t read the original Holmes stories are familiar with the details. And yes Virginia, people do write letters to fictional characters. But what makes the story are the the brothers and their relationship. Throw in Laura, a beautiful beguiling actress who has been involved with them both and refuses to be left out of the action, and you’ve got some very funny scenes juxtaposed with some suspenseful action, from chasing 20 year old leads from an 8 year old’s letter, to lunch in a homeless shelter, falling off a dam, and confrontation in a subway tunnel.
I found the resolution of the mystery a bit abrupt, but that might be my fault, as it turns out the situation was very complex with many players involved. It leaves me hoping that the next installment will be even stronger, and encouraging all librarians and booksellers to use this book as a reason for another Holmes display. Not that you need an excuse to display Laurie King, Carole Nelson Douglas and the others who have added to Holmes’ universe and stories.
Review Excerpts: “Robertson’s engaging debut, the first in a projected series, offers one of the more original premises involving the Sherlock Holmes character….Readers will want to spend more time with the appealing Heath and company, but the conceit of having future mysteries to solve based on letters to Baker Street may be hard to sustain.”–Publisher’s Weekly
“Great characters, a complex plot, and the wonderful feeling that people still believe in Sherlock Holmes round out this debut treat.”–Library Journal
“Robertson’s sure-footed debut is lively and inventive.”–Kirkus Reviews
“This is a very entertaining novel, lighthearted but with a solid story, and mystery fans, whether they’re Sherlock Holmes addicts or not, will thoroughly enjoy it. The book is billed as the first entry in a new series, and, judging by this installment, it should be a popular series indeed.”–Booklist
Reviewed from public library copy. Amazon Affiliate: If you click from here to Amazon and buy something, I receive a percentage of the purchase price.
