Sherlock Holmes and the Hapsburg Tiara

Sherlock Holmes and the Hapsburg Tiara by Alan Vanneman. New York: Carroll & Graf Publishers, 2004. ISBN: 0-7867-1297-X

Now THIS is what a new Sherlock Holmes novel should be like! Good, gripping story line and plot, lots of suspense, and several rides on the opulent Orient Express. What more could anyone want? The only thing which seems strange compared to Conan Doyle's traditional Holmes tales is the full novel-length, rather than the short story format we're used to. This causes the tale to expand out over a period of several years, with Holmes and Watson forced to wait patiently for their eventual triumph.

Human interest is added by Watson's adoption of one of the Baker Street Irregulars, the only female waif among that motley crew. “Jennie” grows up to be quite a handful, while obviously much loved by both Watson and Holmes, who nevertheless make valiant if somewhat ineffective attempts to discipline her irrepressible exuberance for life.

Strongly recommended for all Sherlock Holmes fans.