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A Sherlock Holmes Alphabet of Cases #1
A Sherlock Holmes Alphabet of Cases: Volume 1
Roger Riccard, one of the most respected Sherlock Holmes authors, has again taken pen in hand to bring forth the first five adventures in a new series of short stories for your entertainment.The Adventure of the Apothecary’s Prescription � Dr. Watson receives a shipment of medicine with a cryptic note, that only Sherlock Holmes can unlock.Buffalo Bill and the Red Shirt Menace � The American showman has arrived in London to perform for Queen Victoria, but strange mishaps plague his troupe, especially his Indian performers.The Curious Case of Charlotte Musgrave � The daughter of Reginald Musgrave has a strange companion and death seems to follow her. Are they accidents, or is there a killer loose?The Designing Woman � A new century calls for new fashions and new attitudes. However, some think the world isn’t ready for what one designer has in mind.The Case of The Poached Eggplant � Holmes has been hired to prevent the theft of the famous Eggplant Necklace, yet it still disappears in a room full of London society. Sit back and enjoy reading this first volume ofA Sherlock Holmes Alphabet of Cases, and watch out for Volume 2 (F to J) which contains The Fool and His Money, The Gunsmith of Sherwood, The Mysterious Horseman, The Italian Gourmet and The Judgement of Dr. Watson.Praise for Roger "Roger Riccard is an extremely good pastiche writer. Personally, I think the best since the late Val Andrews passed over Reichenbach." - Joel Senter, publisher of the Sherlockian E-Times
- GenresMystery
176 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 28, 2018
308 people are currently reading
146 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
April 8, 2023
Entertaining mysteries listening 🎶🔰
Another five will written British 🏰 mysteries family and friends relationships adventure thriller short stories by Roger Riccard vol 1. Each story is different with interesting well developed characters lots of action, misdirection and violence leading to the unexpected conclusions. I would recommend this series and author to 👍 fans and readers of Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson mysteries novels 👍🔰. Enjoy the adventure of reading 👓 or listening 🎶 to Alexa read books 📚. 2023 😀👒☺�
Another five will written British 🏰 mysteries family and friends relationships adventure thriller short stories by Roger Riccard vol 1. Each story is different with interesting well developed characters lots of action, misdirection and violence leading to the unexpected conclusions. I would recommend this series and author to 👍 fans and readers of Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson mysteries novels 👍🔰. Enjoy the adventure of reading 👓 or listening 🎶 to Alexa read books 📚. 2023 😀👒☺�
March 17, 2023
this was okay. i love the cover art of this collection, so it has that going for it. the premise (a story for each letter of the alphabet) is reminiscent of that Sue Grafton series...good enough that i'll probably read the next few books in this series, anyway
April 20, 2023
RA
I won't say as good as the original stories, but why do any pastiches have to be? The Victorian flavour might have been slightly overbaked, but not enough to spoil the flavour. The term "world's first consulting detective" was certainly done to death. It's worth bearing in mind Conan Doyle was bored writing the bulk of the Sherlock canon, whereas Riccard clearly relished writing these tales. The stories themselves are faithful to the Holmesian method, and also to his bouts of sympathy and not letting the full force of the law exact its ruthless toll. Quite ingenious plots, although I did work most of them out. But perhaps that's because I'm a seasoned fan of "the world's first consulting detective."
I won't say as good as the original stories, but why do any pastiches have to be? The Victorian flavour might have been slightly overbaked, but not enough to spoil the flavour. The term "world's first consulting detective" was certainly done to death. It's worth bearing in mind Conan Doyle was bored writing the bulk of the Sherlock canon, whereas Riccard clearly relished writing these tales. The stories themselves are faithful to the Holmesian method, and also to his bouts of sympathy and not letting the full force of the law exact its ruthless toll. Quite ingenious plots, although I did work most of them out. But perhaps that's because I'm a seasoned fan of "the world's first consulting detective."
June 10, 2024
1. The Adventure of the Apothecary's Prescription - Hector Burbafe wife and son have been kidnapped, utterly why.
2. Buffalo Bill and the Red Shirt Menace - Holmes and Watson investigate incidents at the Colonel 'Buffalo Bill' Cody show.
3. The Curious Case of Charlotte Musgrave - Who killed the footman employed to protect 16 year old Charlotte and what of her pooka.
4. The Designing Woman - fashion designer and widow Lady Florence Fairchild's salon has experienced an arson attack and the photographs of her new collection destroyed.
5. The Case of the Poached Eggplant - Holmes is employed by Lloyd's of London to protect the amethyst carcanet known as the Eggplant necklace.
Entertaining short stories
2. Buffalo Bill and the Red Shirt Menace - Holmes and Watson investigate incidents at the Colonel 'Buffalo Bill' Cody show.
3. The Curious Case of Charlotte Musgrave - Who killed the footman employed to protect 16 year old Charlotte and what of her pooka.
4. The Designing Woman - fashion designer and widow Lady Florence Fairchild's salon has experienced an arson attack and the photographs of her new collection destroyed.
5. The Case of the Poached Eggplant - Holmes is employed by Lloyd's of London to protect the amethyst carcanet known as the Eggplant necklace.
Entertaining short stories
January 31, 2024
A solid five-case collection of short stories. They run a wide range of interesting events, such as the case where Sherlock and Watson investigate Bill Hickock's Wild West show. A couple of times Sherlock is not at his best, in fact this author seems more interested in the side characters such as Watson, his wife Mary, Mrs Hudson, etc than Holmes himself. Holmes is not a tour de force of amazing deduction and people tend to take his insights in stride like they're used to it happening.
That said, these are well done, with period sensibility and language, and care for the characters.
That said, these are well done, with period sensibility and language, and care for the characters.
August 18, 2023
These short stories were a fun read. Riccard does a good job carrying on the Homes tradition.
If I had one critique, and this isn't a really flaw with the writing, more of a 'me' thing, but he adds more details than necessary to the way people's appearances and by that I mean going into detail about their clothes. I remember reading old-fashioned romance novels as a teenager (Victoria Holt) and she used to go into excruciating details about what everyone was wearing. I'm fine with 'she was wearing a blue dress in keeping with the latest fashion'. That's enough for me.
If I had one critique, and this isn't a really flaw with the writing, more of a 'me' thing, but he adds more details than necessary to the way people's appearances and by that I mean going into detail about their clothes. I remember reading old-fashioned romance novels as a teenager (Victoria Holt) and she used to go into excruciating details about what everyone was wearing. I'm fine with 'she was wearing a blue dress in keeping with the latest fashion'. That's enough for me.
July 8, 2019
Enjoyed this book immensely
Mr. Richard did not disappoint me. I have read both of his Sherlock Holmes novels and enjoyed them. I know that short stories are a different matter though, as text length is limited, so I wasn't sure what to expect. The five stories here are excellent. Character development is just enough to keep your interest without getting bogged down in unnecessary detail. The stories kept me guessing right to the end. I definitely recommend this book.
Mr. Richard did not disappoint me. I have read both of his Sherlock Holmes novels and enjoyed them. I know that short stories are a different matter though, as text length is limited, so I wasn't sure what to expect. The five stories here are excellent. Character development is just enough to keep your interest without getting bogged down in unnecessary detail. The stories kept me guessing right to the end. I definitely recommend this book.
January 26, 2019
I found these short stories to be entertaining and delightful.
I found these short stories to be both entertaining and delightful. They are written on a consistent level with Conan Doyle's originals. A fitting tribute to Holmes and Watson's adventures in Victorian England and a worthy addition to the original novels .
I found these short stories to be both entertaining and delightful. They are written on a consistent level with Conan Doyle's originals. A fitting tribute to Holmes and Watson's adventures in Victorian England and a worthy addition to the original novels .
March 10, 2019
Outstanding addition to the Holmes canon!
I have been searching for years for an author who can recreate Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's writing and I have finally found it. I loved this collection of short stories and am so excited to read the next installment!!!!!! If you have read all the original stories about Holmes and are wishing for more, this book is a great place to start.
I have been searching for years for an author who can recreate Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's writing and I have finally found it. I loved this collection of short stories and am so excited to read the next installment!!!!!! If you have read all the original stories about Holmes and are wishing for more, this book is a great place to start.
April 28, 2019
Great reads
It was like reading Doyle’s original stories. I devoured them hoping they’d never stop. Each story was complete and drew me in til the solution was revealed. Got to find more...
It was like reading Doyle’s original stories. I devoured them hoping they’d never stop. Each story was complete and drew me in til the solution was revealed. Got to find more...
January 11, 2021
A good case of Holmes
While this was well written and period correct, it lacked a certain feel as a story reported by Dr. John Watson in a continuing record of the great detectives cases. An entertaining read.
While this was well written and period correct, it lacked a certain feel as a story reported by Dr. John Watson in a continuing record of the great detectives cases. An entertaining read.
November 8, 2021
Very satisfying stories.
These were my first Riccard stories, and I genuinely enjoyed all of them. I already purchased the other Alphabet volumes, so I'm looking forward to many more of his entertaining tales. Highly recommended.
These were my first Riccard stories, and I genuinely enjoyed all of them. I already purchased the other Alphabet volumes, so I'm looking forward to many more of his entertaining tales. Highly recommended.
February 1, 2022
Okay
Not the finest of the Holmes� pastiches. The stories are average and none rise to excellence. Holmes does not come off as particularly engaging or brilliant . The usual vivid imagery of Victorian London is distinctly lacking. A pleasant read but little more.
Not the finest of the Holmes� pastiches. The stories are average and none rise to excellence. Holmes does not come off as particularly engaging or brilliant . The usual vivid imagery of Victorian London is distinctly lacking. A pleasant read but little more.
January 9, 2023
Dr. Watson and Holmes at their best.
I loved the atmosphere that Richard has created in these short stories. Both Holmes and Watson come across as living breathing men of the1800's. The plot lines of these stories are also marvelous. Very well done.
I loved the atmosphere that Richard has created in these short stories. Both Holmes and Watson come across as living breathing men of the1800's. The plot lines of these stories are also marvelous. Very well done.
February 17, 2019
Realistic
I really enjoy this author 's successful attend to add to the tales of Watson and Holmes. Very entertaining and true to the period. I like the warmer tone to women.
I really enjoy this author 's successful attend to add to the tales of Watson and Holmes. Very entertaining and true to the period. I like the warmer tone to women.
February 27, 2019
Great short stories!
This was a great series of short stories. Very interesting and entertaining. The author is great at conveying the sentiment of Sherlock Holmes.
This was a great series of short stories. Very interesting and entertaining. The author is great at conveying the sentiment of Sherlock Holmes.
March 8, 2019
Gentler but still brilliant Holmes
The marriage of Watson to Mary has given Holmes more appreciation of intelligent women. I like this new side of him.
The marriage of Watson to Mary has given Holmes more appreciation of intelligent women. I like this new side of him.
April 8, 2019
Short stories
Good collection of short stories ... all have good plots and plenty of mystery for our heroes to unravel with action and adventure to boot ...
Good collection of short stories ... all have good plots and plenty of mystery for our heroes to unravel with action and adventure to boot ...
June 3, 2019
A very fair effort to master ACD
Decent stories, not too obvious solutions but be careful of the Agatha Christie style of keeping clues or facts back
Decent stories, not too obvious solutions but be careful of the Agatha Christie style of keeping clues or facts back
June 22, 2019
Book of short stories, which are well done, riff off the canon while being unique, and interesting - except the last which was a hard sell.
July 22, 2019
Reasonable
Not a bad set of Sherlock Holmes mysteries, if a bit predictable. Not quite reaching the heights achieved by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, however it is entertaining enough.
Not a bad set of Sherlock Holmes mysteries, if a bit predictable. Not quite reaching the heights achieved by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, however it is entertaining enough.
Want to read
December 24, 2019Endeavour Media Holmes Advent Calendar
June 11, 2021
I am a fan of detective thrillers and who better than Sherlock. These stories bring back memories of original works of Sir Doyle. Good time pass.
November 25, 2021
a fun collection of short stories
This first volume has 5 short stories that are not connected they stand on their own. They are fun quick reads. I enjoyed reading these stories
This first volume has 5 short stories that are not connected they stand on their own. They are fun quick reads. I enjoyed reading these stories
April 24, 2025
A nice collection of "fan fiction" stories with Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson.
November 26, 2022
A believable bunch of tales that almost seem to be written by Doyle. Exciting and fun to read.
June 29, 2024
Well written and very atmospheric, but too much "the world's best detective" phrases thrown in, which is slightly off-putting.
Cases are interesting, but I still prefer Agatha Christie.
Cases are interesting, but I still prefer Agatha Christie.
December 30, 2023
TL;DR: A great collection of short stories with each ones being different enough for the whole book to still feel fresh after the last one. Looking forward to volume 2.
1. (A) The Adventure of the Apothecary's Prescription 4/5
A good opener which sets the tone for the rest of the book. Sherlock is not content with sitting in a chair merely thinking about the case, there's lots of action to be had.
2. (B) Buffalo Bill and the Red Shirt Menace 5/5
Great setting, many interesting characters and we even get to "watch" the famous Buffalo Bill show besides the murder mystery.
3. (C) The Curious Case of Charlotte Musgrave 5/5
We meet the Musgraves again and take a look at an old fairy legend and the connection it has to a recent murder. My favourite story of the bunch and I honestly wanted this to be fleshed out for a full-length novel.
4. (D) The Designing Woman 3/5
The Suffragette Movement plays a big role in this, the reason I didn't like it as much as the others was because I thought the cuplrit was somewhat predictable and the Victorian fashion industry wasn't that interesting to me.
5. (E) The Case of the Poached Eggplant 5/5
A wealthy American wants to bestow a treasured necklace to his beloved and Sherlock & friends are hired to make sure all goes according to plan.
★★★★� Stars
Overall a fine collection with every page oozing Victorian flavour, clearly written by a fan of the originals without missing the important ingredients that make the Sherlock stories beloved.
Final verdict 4,4 rounded up to 5 Stars!
1. (A) The Adventure of the Apothecary's Prescription 4/5
A good opener which sets the tone for the rest of the book. Sherlock is not content with sitting in a chair merely thinking about the case, there's lots of action to be had.
2. (B) Buffalo Bill and the Red Shirt Menace 5/5
Great setting, many interesting characters and we even get to "watch" the famous Buffalo Bill show besides the murder mystery.
3. (C) The Curious Case of Charlotte Musgrave 5/5
We meet the Musgraves again and take a look at an old fairy legend and the connection it has to a recent murder. My favourite story of the bunch and I honestly wanted this to be fleshed out for a full-length novel.
4. (D) The Designing Woman 3/5
The Suffragette Movement plays a big role in this, the reason I didn't like it as much as the others was because I thought the cuplrit was somewhat predictable and the Victorian fashion industry wasn't that interesting to me.
5. (E) The Case of the Poached Eggplant 5/5
A wealthy American wants to bestow a treasured necklace to his beloved and Sherlock & friends are hired to make sure all goes according to plan.
★★★★� Stars
Overall a fine collection with every page oozing Victorian flavour, clearly written by a fan of the originals without missing the important ingredients that make the Sherlock stories beloved.
Final verdict 4,4 rounded up to 5 Stars!
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