Sherlock Holmes: The Hidden Years

by Michael Kurland

Book Overview

An anthology of original stories follows the period between 1891 and 1894 during which Sherlock Holmes was presumed dead after a struggle with nemesis James Moriarty and experienced a series of adventures, in a collection that includes contributions by such writers as Peter Beagle, Rhys Bowen, and Bill Pronzini.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312315139
• ISBN13: 9780312315139
• Release Date: November 2004
• Publisher: Minotaur Books
• Length: 388 Pages
• Weight: 1.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 5.8" x 8.6"

Customer Reviews

A different world

Depicting one (possible) history of the Master Detective, Sherlock Holmes, readers with be treated to more adventures throughout Europe after his supposed death in battle with Professor Moriarity. Acting as both a spy and detective, I found this rendition enjoyable. Other reading that I would suggest to Sherlockian fans would be Doyle's brother-in-law's work : E.W. Hornung's, The Crime Doctor. In this collection of fantastic stories, you will be treated to the adventures of the Dr. John Dollar, the physician/detective who many have compared as Raffles (Hornung's more famous creation) counter-point. Pick up both novels - you will be glad you did!

Many different takes

A nice assortment of stories based on Holmes' "missing years". I prefer this anothology to Michael Kurland's Moriarty novels since Holmes takes center stage in all but Richard Lupoff's story, which is from a previous anthology. Kurland's take on what really happened at Reichenbach is interesting, and explains several vague references in his novels. The first nine stories are quite good, taking Holmes all over the world. The only thing that keeps me from giving this a five stars is Michael Collins' tale - Doyle's Holmes never made political statements and authors shouldn't use him to promote their beliefs.

Excellent Holmes collection

Michael Kurland must be the reincarnation of Dr. John Watson with his powerful exciting Sherlock Holmes chronicles with the Moriarty twist. This time around he edits a terrific anthology from a who's who including many contributors who have written Baker St. stories. This time Mr. Kurland has his thirty-five writers (including himself) concentrate on the lost years, 1891 - 1894 when Holmes was thought dead having fallen over the edge of Reichenbach Falls while fighting with Moriarty. Each tale is terrific so that more than just the Baker Street Irregulars will appreciate this compilation. Surprisingly some of the stories have Holmes in a back seat as others take the lead or explain away what really occurred at the Falls. Mr. Kurland, whose Moriarty tales are some of the best around, insures top quality that will have fans of the great detective taking the plunge. Harriet Klausner