Sherlock Holmes and the Telegram from Hell by Nicholas Meyer ~ a Review

by MK French

In this historical mystery, Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson cross the Atlantic Ocean in pursuit of a mysterious coded telegram. 

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August 2024; Mysterious Press; 978-1613165331
audio, ebook, print (288 pages); mystery

The novel is presented as entries from Watson's diary, with the famous duo encountering real historical figures as well as the notorious Zimmermann Telegram. Historically, it nearly incited a war between Mexico and the United States. Holmes and Watson are older now but still roped into one more case to help England in World War I against the German army. 

Holmes will still do whatever it takes to flesh out his personae, even cracking a rib for verisimilitude. This continues as he and Watson meet various people in America as they try to spy for England and defend themselves against assassination attempts. I enjoyed the cameos from history, and the photos included in the book show us who they meet as the story progresses. The spy game is a long and slow one, taking months for clues to emerge. I'm not used to seeing Holmes play the role of a spy, but he still has ample opportunity to show off his observations and deduction skills. He figures out the telegram without cracking the code, simply due to his skills. The sad thing is that both he and Watson are older men, with the health issues and infirmities that come with age. This volume mentions it and plays off that, so they aren't able to fight off villains hand-to-hand anymore. This mystery is more intrigue and history.

Buy Sherlock Holmes and the Telegram from Hell at Amazon

Born and raised in New York City, M.K. French started writing stories when very young, dreaming of different worlds and places to visit. She always had an interest in folklore, fairy tales, and the macabre, which has definitely influenced her work. She currently lives in the Midwest with her husband, three young children, and a golden retriever.

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