Book Reviews,  Detective and Mystery

Book Review: Sherlock Holmes and the Rosetta Stone Mystery

Sherlock Holmes and the Rosetta Stone Mystery (The Early Casebook of Sherlock Holmes 1)Sherlock Holmes and the Rosetta Stone Mystery by Linda Stratmann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Author Linda Stratmann places Sherlock Holmes in 1876, during his days as a student at St. Bartholomew’s College in London, well before he met Dr. Watson or lived at 221B Baker Street. Fellow student Mr. Stamford is Holme’s partner and our narrator for this adventure.

The game is afoot when one of the world’s most priceless treasures, the Rosetta Stone, is stolen and held for ransom. It seems impossible that something as heavy and cumbersome as the huge stone could be whisked away so easily, but there’s no denying that it’s gone. Where could it be and how was it taken?

Sherlock Holmes meticulously pursues his own logic trails, while the police work the case in their own bumbling manner. In spite of this, the interactions between Inspector Lestrade and Holmes are interesting and refreshing. I was amused by this exchange between them. ‘I wish we had you on the police force Mr Holmes. Have you ever thought of joining?’ ‘Never’ said Holmes.

The Rosetta Stone’s disappearance is explored in the exquisitely detailed manner that readers should expect of a Sherlock Holmes story. I’d wondered if this style would hold up for a full length novel, rather than the original short stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. I’m happy to report that for me, it held up wonderfully. Being freed from short story constraints allows us the time and space to be right there alongside Sherlock for every found clue, a few wild goose chases, and each exciting discovery, no matter how miniscule. There’s even time for a picnic.

If, like me, you love the detail work involved in solving a mystery, you should enjoy this outing. The narrative style is the sort of elegant Victorian style I love, and the details held true – nothing felt anachronistic. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.

My thanks to author Linda Stratmann and Sapere Books for allowing me to read a digital advance review copy of this book. This review is my honest and unbiased opinion.

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Lori Alden Holuta lives between the cornfields of Mid-Michigan, where she grows vegetables and herbs when she’s not writing, editing, or playing games with a cat named Chives.

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