THE RIVALS OF SHERLOCK HOLMES

by Hugh--Ed. Greene ‧ RELEASE DATE: Nov. 4, 1970

The heyday of the detective short story, according to British editor Greene, was roughly 1891--1914 when Holmes Fiddled and Watson glowed with admiration, and this is an interesting round-up of sleuths whose addresses, like 211B Baker Street, call up the London of their day. Among the most engaging are the elegant Pringle who delights in disguises both facial and occupational (Clifford Ashdown); the more forthright and scientific Thorndyke (E. Austin Freeman); the cheerily thieving Dorrington (Arthur Morrison); and the bluestocking Lady Molly (Baroness Orczy). There are murders (the authors favoring poison and curious circumstances) and stolen goods' recoveries along with a midnight horror tale featuring a ghost horse. The narratives vary in pace from port-and-cigars confidences to the tension of well-bred pursuit; there's not much fussing with deeper motivation. Since none of the stories really depend on the timeless sport of inventive and manipulative logic (Freeman comes closest to Doyle), they are apt to seem dated-an aspect that the street map puts to nostalgic good purpose.

Pub Date: Nov. 4, 1970

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Pantheon

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 1970

Categories: FICTION