Book Reviews and More: Sherlock Holmes Pastiches Series An Overview

Sherlock Holmes Pastiches Series An Overview

When I started reading these books there were part of the Dreams of the Storyteller Series there were 18 volumes in the collection. Then it expanded to 20, and then it compressed to 14, as these six of the stories have been split off into a different collection called Sherlock Holmes Pastiches. After reading the 6 stories in this series I wanted to highlight them as a series. So here are the volumes in the Sherlock Holmes Pastiches in publication order.

The Woman Returns

Sherlock Holmes Pastiches Book 1

Richard Paolinelli

Tuscany Bay Books

ASIN B0CDR96VK8

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 5 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 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!

A Lesson In Mercy

Sherlock Holmes Pastiches Book 2

Richard Paolinelli

Tuscany Bay Books

ASIN B0CDSQ4RWN

It was fascinating to read this tale of a young Churchill being rescued by Holmes and Watson. Both of whom provide invaluable service and lessons to the young man, that help to shape him into the leader he became.

This story was originally published in the anthology: Beyond Watson, from Belanger Books. If the other stories in that collection are as good as this, it will be one well worth tracking down, but back to this story. This is an excellent story and one I am very thankful I gave it a read!

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 excellent offering. It is very well written story. Paolinelli’s stories fit in perfectly with the other stories I have read in both of official and unofficial Holmes canon. Paolinelli breathes new life into the characters and yet he remains true to their original creation.

The Misplaced Mystery Writer

Sherlock Holmes Pastiches Book 3

Richard Paolinelli

Tuscany Bay Books

ASIN B0CDSRHZD1

It was fascinating to read this tale of a young Holmes and Watson interacting with the author and scientist H.G. Wells. The story has a very intriguing principal. Wells approaches Holmes because he has misplaced another author in both time and space. The question is can Holmes and Watson help find and put the man back when and when he belongs. It also raises questions about if the timeline the story ends in was the original or if the time hopping has altered things. A masterful short story in the time travel genre.

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 for fans of the works of H.G. Wells. And to be honest for anyone who just loves a great short story!

Nevermore or, The Mystery Of The Albino Raven

Sherlock Holmes Pastiches Book 4

Richard Paolinelli

Tuscany Bay Books

ASIN B0CDRB8GG6

This story was originally published in the anthology: Sherlock Holmes Adventures in the Realms of Edgar Allan Poe, from Belanger Books. If the other stories in that collection are as good as this, it will be one well worth tracking down. But Back to this story. This is an excellent story and one I am very thankful I have read!

The Substitute Thief

Sherlock Holmes Pastiches Book 5

Richard Paolinelli

Tuscany Bay Books

ASIN B0CDRB5R99

The case detailed in this work took place 2 years earlier in Darlington and focused around Lady Lymington and the Library she created as her father’s request when he passed. The case opens with:

“t had not been Lestrade, or some strange newcomer, that had set Holmes on the trail to Darlington that foggy London night. Rather, it came in the form of a letter.

“It seems, Doctor,” he said, holding it up after reading it, “that our assistance is required on a somewhat delicate matter in Darlington,” he said.

“Darlington?” I exclaimed. “What could possibly be of such a delicate nature up there?”

“A rare manuscript has been stolen,” Holmes replied. “The theft hasn’t yet become public knowledge. Lady Lymington – ” He waved the note. “ – hopes that it can be recovered before news of the theft does get out. Her husband, Lord Lymington, has contacts that are useful to Her Majesty’s government.”

And the chase is afoot. This is an odd case involving a local football rivalry. A substitute baller, a substituted book, and a whole town talking about the past match and the rematch. And very few being informed about the missing object.

The Assassination Of Alan Pinkerton

Sherlock Holmes Pastiches Book 6

Richard Paolinelli

Tuscany Bay Books

ASIN B0CJ654M14

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.

The Woman Returns

The Art of Sherlock Holmes #25

Richard Paolinelli

Christina Major (Artist)

MX Publishing

ASIN B0C4TC8DWN

Prior to picking this up, I had already read a different edition of this story, published as part of Sherlock Holmes Pastiches by Paolinelli. This story was originally published in The Art of Sherlock Holmes USA Edition, where each story was paired with an artist. And the works and prints sold off of the artwork.

When I read the other edition of this story it had been a long time since I have read a Sherlock Holmes story. I started that it really 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 shoes up asking for Holmes help, and even promises to his condition. And they are immediately off on the chase.

I absolutely love the cover of this edition. The feel of the story from the art by Major is intense and visceral. I found myself on several occasions returning to the cover and just staring at it, into her eyes, deciphering the words. Just feeling the work. And the painting works perfectly with Paolinelli’s story.

Note: These books were read as part of a series of reviews: 2023 Catholic Reading Plan, with the exception of the final one it was part of a series of reviews: 2024 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

Exploring Infinity