Book Reviews and More: Sherlock Holmes The Assassination Of Alan Pinkerton - Richard Paolinelli

Saturday, 28 October 2023

Sherlock Holmes The Assassination Of Alan Pinkerton - Richard Paolinelli - Sherlock Holmes Pastiches Book 6

Sherlock Holmes: The Assassination Of Alan Pinkerton

Sherlock Holmes Pastiches Book 6

Richard Paolinelli

Tuscany Bay Books

ASIN B0CJ654M14

I have now read seven stories in this collection. This is one of 6 featuring Holmes, and I freely admit I cannot help but pitcher Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman and Holmes and Watson. This is the most recent volume to release in this series. All of the stories in series have been excellent. My introduction to Richard’s works was a piece in the anthology Cracked. I have picked up several anthologies he has contributed to, but have only got around to reading 2 of them. Right now I am bouncing around this series. I have also read 2 novels, Galen’s Way, and Galen’s Blade and eagerly await the two forthcoming offerings in that series. I have also picked up several of his other novels after reading the first few stories in this series. After the few stories by Paolinelli I have read I am now trying to read one a week until I have read his whole back catalogue. So several of his stories and novels are towards the top of my ‘to be read pile’. Richard is not only an author but the driving force behind Tuscany Bay Books, I have read many volumes from the Bay by a number of authors and all have been well worth the read. This was one of several new short stories that dropped in the collection Dreams Of The Storyteller. There are now 20 volumes in that collection, the first 2 date from 2014, 1 from 2022, and the rest have dropped in 2023. After reading the first story I went back and grabbed the whole collection. And picked up this one as soon as it released. Much like I did with Declan Finn last year with reading a story a week until I have read all he has published.

This is another excellent story from the Paolinelli ‘s pen. I said in a previous review that I have been aware of Richard and his works for a few years now. It is my loss that I did not dig into his works earlier. I strongly urge you don’t make my mistake, pick some up and give them a read! The description of this story is:

“History records that the famous Alan Pinkerton - founder of both the Pinkerton Detective Agency and the United States Secret Service - died from a head injury suffered from a fall in Chicago.

But a mysterious visitor to 221B Baker Street in London has a story to tell Holmes and Watson.

A story that calls into question the cause of Pinkerton’s demise. Months later, and thousands of miles away, can Holmes deduce the truth about Pinkerton’s death?”

Prior to reading the other Sherlock offering from Paolinelli it had been a long time since I have read a Sherlock Holmes story. This one was another smashing good story. It is masterfully written story. It fits in perfectly with the other stories I have read in both official and unofficial Holmes canon. Paolinelli breathes new life into the characters and yet he remains true to their original creation. A man shows up at their door asking for an investigation of a murder, and reveals it is he himself who has been killed. Soon Holmes disappears for a few days and gets the ball rolling. But can he solve this case of two men murdered continents apart?

This is an excellent short story. It draws the reader in quickly, it keeps your attention, and leaves you wanting more. Fortunately Paolinelli has written 5 other Holmes stories. The characters are wonderfully written. I look forward to the other stories in this series and many of Richard’s other series.

This story can be considered book 6 of 6 in the Sherlock Holmes stories or as book 20 in the Dreams Of The Storyteller Series. If you have not read anything by Paolinelli don’t make my mistake. Pick some up and give them a read now. There is a lot to choose from and I am sure you will be entertained.

At the time of reading this I have read 368 books so far this year, and consider this one of the best. This story would be great for fans of the original Holmes stories, or the recent BBC Series. It would be great for fans of mysteries. And adventure stories. And To be honest for anyone who just loves a great short story!

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2023 Catholic Reading Plan!

For reviews of all books from Tuscany Bay click here.

Books by Richard Paolinelli:

Maelstrom

When the Gods Fell

The Calling

The Last Lonely Trail

A Zombie Christmas Carol

The Woman Returns

…

Infinity Series:

Escaping Infinity