Book Reviews and More: Sherlock Holmes The Woman Returns - Richard Paolinelli

Monday, 2 October 2023

Sherlock Holmes The Woman Returns - Richard Paolinelli - Sherlock Holmes Pastiches Book 2

Sherlock Sherlock Holmes: The Woman Returns

Sherlock Holmes Pastiches Book 2

Richard Paolinelli

Tuscany Bay Books

ASIN B0CDR96VK8

I have now read four stories in this series. This is one of 5 featuring Holmes, and I freely admit I cannot help but pitcher Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman and Holmes and Watson. So far each story is very different, and they have all 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, that I have not got around to reading yet. I have also read 1 novel, Galen’s Way, and picked up several of his other novels after reading it. 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 19 volumes in that collection, the first 2 date from 2014, 1 from 2022, and the rest have dropped in July/August 2023. After reading the first story I went back and grabbed the whole collection. Much like I did with Declan Finn last year with reading a story a week until I have read all he has published.

At the time of reading this I have read 337 books so far this year. 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. Don’t make my mistake, pick some up and give them a read! The description of this story is:

“For a brief period of time the world thought Sherlock Holmes had perished in his battle with Professor Moriarty at Reichenbach Falls.

While Holmes was away from London, he travelled the world. Shortly before his return he took up residence in the south of France. To his surprise Irene Adler showed up on his doorstep.

She is looking for revenge. The man who murdered her husband has escaped justice and she wants Holmes to help her in her quest.”

It has been a long time since I have read a Sherlock Holmes story. And did this one ever hit. This is a masterfully written story. It fits in perfectly with the other stories I have read years ago. Paolinelli has breathed new life into the characters and yet remained true to their original creation. Adler shows up asking for Holmes' help, and even promises to his condition. And they are immediately off on the chase.

This is a great short story. It draws you in quickly, it keeps your attention, and leaves you wanting more. Fortunately Paolinelli has written 4 other Holmes stories. The characters are masterfully written. I look forward to the other stories in this series and many of Richard’s other series.

This story can be considered book 2 of 5 in the Sherlock Holmes stories or as book 16 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.

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