Sherlock Holmes’ popularity is a rare occurrence. Very few series remain as beloved as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s treasure trove of short stories and novels and even fewer have been adapted into such a diversity of media. From the classic Basil Rathbone’s portrayal between 1939 and 1946 to a series of children’s novels centered around a mouse that lives under 221B Baker Street to Benedict Cumberbatch’s character set in modern times, Sherlock Holmes is a property that has transcended into something much more than Doyle could ever have dreamed.
Sherlock Holmes and the Beast of the Stapletons is another addition to this massive collection of Sherlock Holmes stories. Set five years after the infamous The Hound of the Baskervilles, Sir Henry Baskerville is once again tormented by some unknown assailant when his wife is found dead on the moors, her blood completely drained. Both he and his three-year-old son’s life is in danger; it is up to Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson to solve the mystery.
James Lovegrove has crafted a true page-turner. Whether or not you are a die-hard fan of Sherlock Holmes, this story will suck you in almost immediately. The novel reads as a classic Sherlock Holmes tale yet has a subtle modern flare to it. The mystery is intriguing and will keep some guessing until the very end yet also provides plenty of room for readers to put the pieces together themselves.
There is quite a bit of ingenuity in The Beast of the Stapletons that allows the story to feel like a classic Sherlock Holmes but also provide enough differences to keep reader’s on their toes. Certain tropes found in canon are adjusted just enough to give a fresh look at the characters but also doesn’t stray too far from the path to the point where it feels alien to avid readers.
Of course, this is by no means a perfect novel. Many will most likely find the final reveal to be a bit contrived. While there is certainly set-up for it, the fact that this part of the Sherlock canon is involved in this story at all feels extremely forced. Nonetheless, the rest of the novel makes up for the lackluster reveal.
If you’re a fan of Sherlock Holmes, The Beast of the Stapletons is definitely a novel you’ll want to pick up. It’s a fast read in the best way, has an adequate mystery, and is a great addition to the lore of a beloved fictional character.
Sherlock Holmes and the Beast of the Stapletons will be available on November 10th. You can pre-order your copy online!
