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David McK (3233 KP) rated The Return of Sherlock Holmes in Books
Feb 25, 2024
Sherlock Holmes DIDN'T die at The Reichenbach Falls.
That's despite his creator (Arthur Conan Doyle) getting fed up with writing about him, and (supposedly) killing him off at that location during The Adventure of the Final Problem - a Sherlock Holmes Short Story.
You do have to wonder, however, just how dedicated to that decision he was as he left himself an 'out' ("Holmes body was never found"), finally succumbing to public demand - and a boat load of money - to resurrect the character roughly 10 years after he had been killed off (with the earlier-set The Hound of the Baskervilles being released in the interim period).
This, then, is another collection of short stories, with the collection I read including:
"The Adventure of the Empty House"
"The Adventure of the Norwood Builder"
"The Adventure of the Dancing Men"
"The Adventure of the Solitary Cyclist"
"The Adventure of the Priory School"
"The Adventure of Black Peter"
"The Adventure of Charles Augustus Milverton"
"The Adventure of the Six Napoleons"
"The Adventure of the Three Students"
"The Adventure of the Golden Pince-Nez"
"The Adventure of the Missing Three-Quarter"
"The Adventure of the Abbey Grange"
"The Adventure of the Second Stain"
As before, thoroughly enjoyable all!
That's despite his creator (Arthur Conan Doyle) getting fed up with writing about him, and (supposedly) killing him off at that location during The Adventure of the Final Problem - a Sherlock Holmes Short Story.
You do have to wonder, however, just how dedicated to that decision he was as he left himself an 'out' ("Holmes body was never found"), finally succumbing to public demand - and a boat load of money - to resurrect the character roughly 10 years after he had been killed off (with the earlier-set The Hound of the Baskervilles being released in the interim period).
This, then, is another collection of short stories, with the collection I read including:
"The Adventure of the Empty House"
"The Adventure of the Norwood Builder"
"The Adventure of the Dancing Men"
"The Adventure of the Solitary Cyclist"
"The Adventure of the Priory School"
"The Adventure of Black Peter"
"The Adventure of Charles Augustus Milverton"
"The Adventure of the Six Napoleons"
"The Adventure of the Three Students"
"The Adventure of the Golden Pince-Nez"
"The Adventure of the Missing Three-Quarter"
"The Adventure of the Abbey Grange"
"The Adventure of the Second Stain"
As before, thoroughly enjoyable all!
Connie (244 KP) rated Elementary in TV
Jan 2, 2019
If House were a detective we might get this much snark.
I personally love Elementary. I get that it is improbable, that there is no way someone can finish mysteries like these with this much interesting discovery. I feel confident that the police forces and detectives are not as slow as Sherlock makes them seem.
And yet, I love the snark. I love the inprobablity of this show, of tiny disparate elements coming together as Sherlock’s eccentric mind flips them about. I love watching Joan find ways to communicate with him. I can’t wait to see what comes next!
And yet, I love the snark. I love the inprobablity of this show, of tiny disparate elements coming together as Sherlock’s eccentric mind flips them about. I love watching Joan find ways to communicate with him. I can’t wait to see what comes next!
David McK (3233 KP) rated Elementary - Season 2 in TV
Jan 27, 2023
Season 2 of the New-York set modern-day reimagining of Sherlock Holmes (and Dr Watson), with more of the same types of murder mysteries as in the first series.
Obviously.
That's the entire point!
Here, however, Joan is no longer Sherlock's sober companion but is now his protege, working alongside him to solve the cases they encounter whilst consulting with the NYPD.
For myself, the best episodes - I felt - where those with the always entertaining Sean Pertwee, although I wasn't so enamoured of those with Mycroft Holmes (Rhys Ifans) and the Dr Watson romance going on!
Obviously.
That's the entire point!
Here, however, Joan is no longer Sherlock's sober companion but is now his protege, working alongside him to solve the cases they encounter whilst consulting with the NYPD.
For myself, the best episodes - I felt - where those with the always entertaining Sean Pertwee, although I wasn't so enamoured of those with Mycroft Holmes (Rhys Ifans) and the Dr Watson romance going on!
Kyera (8 KP) rated A Study in Charlotte (Charlotte Holmes, #1) in Books
Jan 31, 2018
If you’re a fan of re-tellings then you will love A Study in Charlotte, a contemporary novel that follows the lives of a new generation of Sherlock and Holmes. Jamie Watson’s life is turned upside down when he is sent to a boarding school in Connecticut that just so happens to be close to his father’s house. The same man that got remarried and Jamie hasn’t spoken to in years. Despite his protests Jamie finds himself at this new school and longing for London. The one bright spot? Charlotte Holmes, whose accent makes him feel like home and won’t give him the time of day. As the only Holmes around his age, Jamie has been dreaming about Charlotte since he learned her name. He wonders what she looks like and imagines blonde hair, creating fantastic stories in his head of their crime solving adventure and friendship reminiscent of the original Sherlock and Holmes. His dreams aren’t exactly grounded in reality and it turns out that she has dark hair, but he’s not fazed. He manages to become friendly, if not friends with Holmes.
Charlotte and Jamie are wonderful, contemporary versions of their counterparts with familiar attributes while still being their own unique characters. Charlotte has a problem with narcotics, plays the violin and can usually be found with her beakers and test tubes (hopefully not blowing anything up). Jamie wants to be a writer, is a decent rugby player (despite what his scholarship might lead you to believe) and is braver than he thinks. Their best-friendship is appealing and realistic, despite Charlotte’s unique outlook on how to treat other human beings. You fall in love with the characters, whether you relate to Charlotte, Jamie, a little of both, or maybe one of the other supporting characters – you’ll find yourself enjoying this novel.
Each character even has a well thought out backstory that we learn more about throughout the course of the novel. What events and mistakes lead to Charlotte being sent to a boarding school in Connecticut when she should be in England? If a Moriarty and narcotics are involved, then you know it’s going to be intense – especially when the famous crime family isn’t particularly forgiving. Jamie’s story is less thrilling but no less important to his character. Not everyone is as they appear, some have secrets, some don’t always make the best choices, but it all drives the story forward. The book is full of poison, explosions, spying, chases and other staples of great mysteries.
The book has a lot of nods to classic Sherlock and Watson adventures and sometimes outright mentions them. As a huge Sherlock fan, from the classic novels of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to the modern BBC creation – this book was perfection. I loved how it felt like a new story featuring some of my favourite characters and it kept you guessing until the end. The action and plot were well paced, allowing the story to unfold like a mystery should. Don’t worry, Moriarty’s were included in the writing of this story.
Highly recommended to young adult/teen fans of mystery, contemporary, or the classic Sherlock Holmes novels. I fell in love with this series and can’t wait to see where it goes from here.
Charlotte and Jamie are wonderful, contemporary versions of their counterparts with familiar attributes while still being their own unique characters. Charlotte has a problem with narcotics, plays the violin and can usually be found with her beakers and test tubes (hopefully not blowing anything up). Jamie wants to be a writer, is a decent rugby player (despite what his scholarship might lead you to believe) and is braver than he thinks. Their best-friendship is appealing and realistic, despite Charlotte’s unique outlook on how to treat other human beings. You fall in love with the characters, whether you relate to Charlotte, Jamie, a little of both, or maybe one of the other supporting characters – you’ll find yourself enjoying this novel.
Each character even has a well thought out backstory that we learn more about throughout the course of the novel. What events and mistakes lead to Charlotte being sent to a boarding school in Connecticut when she should be in England? If a Moriarty and narcotics are involved, then you know it’s going to be intense – especially when the famous crime family isn’t particularly forgiving. Jamie’s story is less thrilling but no less important to his character. Not everyone is as they appear, some have secrets, some don’t always make the best choices, but it all drives the story forward. The book is full of poison, explosions, spying, chases and other staples of great mysteries.
The book has a lot of nods to classic Sherlock and Watson adventures and sometimes outright mentions them. As a huge Sherlock fan, from the classic novels of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to the modern BBC creation – this book was perfection. I loved how it felt like a new story featuring some of my favourite characters and it kept you guessing until the end. The action and plot were well paced, allowing the story to unfold like a mystery should. Don’t worry, Moriarty’s were included in the writing of this story.
Highly recommended to young adult/teen fans of mystery, contemporary, or the classic Sherlock Holmes novels. I fell in love with this series and can’t wait to see where it goes from here.
The Unintentional Wish (42 KP) rated Six of Crows in Books
Dec 25, 2019
New Verisom of Sherlock Holmes
Where do I start? Before I read Six Of Crow there was a trilogy before it. And I read it before Six Of Crow came out so when I got my hands on it. I already knew about the world the setting took place. And I recommend anyone to read the trilogy FIRST has there are people, and inside jokes you will miss if you don't but nothing major or important.
But Six Of Crow it self. Was a fanominal book, it was new and different, and there was twist in it I didn't see coming. Six Of Crow left a mark on me where I put it in my Jewel Collection. Kaz is an choas Sherlock Holmes, he dosen't help if there isn't anything in it for him. His gang all have different personalities and back stories. They each add a new element to the story, you get to know them like friends. I don't think there is a si gle thing Leigh could have done to make this story any better. I couldn't put the book down, I wanted to know what would happen. Also there are some good lessons you could learn for it.
I highly highly recommend this book to anyone willing to expand their taste in genre.
But Six Of Crow it self. Was a fanominal book, it was new and different, and there was twist in it I didn't see coming. Six Of Crow left a mark on me where I put it in my Jewel Collection. Kaz is an choas Sherlock Holmes, he dosen't help if there isn't anything in it for him. His gang all have different personalities and back stories. They each add a new element to the story, you get to know them like friends. I don't think there is a si gle thing Leigh could have done to make this story any better. I couldn't put the book down, I wanted to know what would happen. Also there are some good lessons you could learn for it.
I highly highly recommend this book to anyone willing to expand their taste in genre.
Lee KM Pallatina (951 KP) rated the Xbox 360 version of The Testament of Sherlock Holmes in Video Games
Feb 3, 2020
Pretty good
Contains spoilers, click to show
Purchased on impulse, the testament of Sherlock Holmes is a clean puzzle based game with plenty of Victorian era style detective work that can become very confusing but is also quite a fun game.
The story follows holmes and Watson as they try to solve multiple murders & features classic Sherlock Holmes character Moriarty.
The game features some near perfect voice overs in very well built london areas.
During the game you are able to combine items in you inventory in order to progress, although knowing what and when can become mind numbing.
The control's are simple but character movement can be a tad bit glitchy (I just opened the closed inventory, it works)
The hint option is something I personally consider as broken...having to tap the left trigger when available and having to be facing the objective is annoying.
I love puzzles in games but in this case there isn't much to enjoy as there's no indication of what to do to complete it (not all are difficult)
There are times where you are able to play as watson which oddly seems better?
There's no auto save but it is a pre gen game.
The game has a nice mix of light and dark tones and to tend to put your brain to work.
The story follows holmes and Watson as they try to solve multiple murders & features classic Sherlock Holmes character Moriarty.
The game features some near perfect voice overs in very well built london areas.
During the game you are able to combine items in you inventory in order to progress, although knowing what and when can become mind numbing.
The control's are simple but character movement can be a tad bit glitchy (I just opened the closed inventory, it works)
The hint option is something I personally consider as broken...having to tap the left trigger when available and having to be facing the objective is annoying.
I love puzzles in games but in this case there isn't much to enjoy as there's no indication of what to do to complete it (not all are difficult)
There are times where you are able to play as watson which oddly seems better?
There's no auto save but it is a pre gen game.
The game has a nice mix of light and dark tones and to tend to put your brain to work.
Sarah (7798 KP) rated King Arthur: Legend Of The Sword (2017) in Movies
Jul 25, 2017
David Beckham's cameo (1 more)
Everything else
Absolutely awful
I think this is possibly the worse film of 2017 so far. Guy Ritchie's usual style just does not work in this setting. Strange, as it worked very well in the Sherlock Holmes films, but it just doesn't work here. The CGI is awful, the casting is terrible (the mage and David Beckham's cameo to name just a couple) and the story itself is just nonsense. The only thing that does work in this film is Charlie Hunnam, who is likeable and charismatic, surprising considering what he's got to work with script and story wise.
David McK (3233 KP) rated The Hound of the Baskervilles in Books
Jun 16, 2019
Perhaps the most famous of Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes mysteries, in which the super-sleuth investigates the supposed Baskerville family curse of the hell-hound on the moors.
What else can I say? Originally serialised by Arthur Conan Doyle, there's been many attempts to adopt this for TV, film or stage over the years, right through from the classic Basil Rathbone 1939 classic (and which many - myself included - still envisage Holmes as) to the more modern BBC Benedict Cumberbatch TV series, one of which has an episode largely based on this story.
Mysterious deaths, ghostly hell-hounds, escaped convicts and the marshy moors all play a part in this ...
What else can I say? Originally serialised by Arthur Conan Doyle, there's been many attempts to adopt this for TV, film or stage over the years, right through from the classic Basil Rathbone 1939 classic (and which many - myself included - still envisage Holmes as) to the more modern BBC Benedict Cumberbatch TV series, one of which has an episode largely based on this story.
Mysterious deaths, ghostly hell-hounds, escaped convicts and the marshy moors all play a part in this ...
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2091 KP) rated The Future Door in Books
Mar 9, 2018
The second in a kid's mystery series that combines steampunk and Sherlock Holmes. Griffin and his uncle have raced home to see what has happened to his parents only to almost be killed as soon as they've arrived. Why? The answer lies back in London and may lead to the end of the world as we know it. I was enjoy this book despite some over writing until I hit the climax which was a cheap way to end things. Not a bad book, but a disappointing finish.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/06/book-review-future-door-by-jason.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/06/book-review-future-door-by-jason.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2091 KP) rated World's Greatest Sleuth! in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Cowboys Old Red and Big Red are summoned to the World's Fair in Chicago to compete in a competition to discover who is the best detective in the world now that Sherlock Holmes has vanished. But the stakes are raised when someone involved in the competition turns up dead the second morning. Can Old Red figure out why the murder took place? I always enjoy spending time around these brothers in the 1890's, and this book was no exception. The story is strong as are the characters. Another fun read.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/06/book-review-worlds-greatest-sleuth-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/06/book-review-worlds-greatest-sleuth-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.