pickA case that develops over time that should keep the reader interested throughout. With an abundance of characters there are several that become suspects in another of the railway detective series. While I was a bit dubious how the evidence gathered or surmised was sufficient to convict the perpetrator, it was a worthwhile, descriptive read.
so-soToo many coincidences and too much involvement from a sheepdog gave silly undertones to what could have been an intriguing investigation. While the story was interesting, the anamosity between some characters and arguments between others lessened my enjoyment of this novel. Most of the Railway detective books that I have read so far have been a pleasurable, comfort and believable read. Let's hope this series doesn't continue on the down-line.
so-soA little more gruesome than some of the other Railway Detective series, I found the story just as entertaining although disappointing. A measure of predictability in the slow investigation and with some ludicrous decisions made by the the two, previously intelligent and calculating fugitives which could lead to their capture, it was not on a par with earlier novels.
pickWell, it took me the best part of the year to finish this 824-page monster, but here it is, completed!
Not much, really, that I can say about Holmes and Watson that hasn't been said. They're firm favourites, and I finish this reading feeling somewhat sad to have done so.
This particular 2-volume collection is annotated for the mid-20th century USA reader, explaining some of the eccentricities of Victorian/Edwardian English culture, but mainly ⬇️
“I am an omnivorous reader with a strangely retentive memory for trifles.”
- The Adventure of the Lion's Mane
pickWhile there were no train crashes in this novel someone did get killed by one. Apart from the journeys taken by the Detective and his Sergeant the crimes to be investigated in this story took place away from the railway. The investigation itself made an interesting read and with an abundance of prime suspects it was quite difficult to ascertain who was responsible until the very end. Another good case for Edward Marston's Railway detective.
I have Book Ennui ?
Sherlock Holmes is my refuge in this time of existential crisis, however, "The Adventure of the Dancing Men" begins: "Holmes had been seated for some hours in silence..." ?
Perhaps a 7% solution? ? (Joking)
Writing this has raised my spirits somewhat ?
pickThis is a LOT of short stories—every single one featuring Lew Archer—and there are fun extras like a biographical sketch of Archer pulled together from the various books and some fragments of scenes that didn‘t (necessarily) end up as complete books. Recommended for the Archer completist.
"Am dining at Goldini's Restaurant, Gloucester Road, Kensington. Please come at once and join me there. Bring with you a jemmy, a dark lantern, a chisel, and a revolver. - S.H."
- The Adventure of the Bruce-Partington Plans
I love Holmes's telegrams to Watson ? So peremptory and dryly humorous: an invitation to dinner becoming an invitation to burglary! I can imagine the sparkle in Holmes's eye and his wry smile as he dictated the message ?
