How about Holmes and Watson as two African-American women? This is what is considered “High Concept.” Claire O’Dell presents a near-future United States that’s involved in a Second Civil War (the NRA and White Supremacy Groups are launching massive attacks). Janet Watson, a surgeon, loses her left arm in the Battle of Alton, Illinois. Watson’s given a crappy prosthetic arm and mustered out of the Army. She travels to Washington, D.C. to lobby the Veteran’s Administration for a high-tech arm that would allow her to return to the profession she loves. But, of course, the Veteran’s Administration gives Watson evasions and delays.
Watson is running out of money so she explores the possibility of a roommate. Watson meets Sara Holmes who is “difficult.” Despite the friction, Holmes and Watson move into a swanky apartment and Watson tries to adapt to civilian life. But, when a patient Watson is treating dies unexpectedly, both Watson and Holmes start investigating and discover a disturbing pattern of deaths.
Claire O’Dell’s gender-bender, race-changing, and quirky Sherlock Holmes pastiche “modifies” A. Conan Doyle’s characters in other ways. Janet Watson, with possible PTSD and drug issues, is emotional. Sara Holmes doesn’t play the violin, she prefers the piano. And this Holmes is more James Bond than the traditional Sherlock Holmes. But, if you’re looking for something different and innovative, I recommend A Study in Honor. GRADE: B+
Somehow I prefer the original Sherlock Holmes stories – and some of the old films …
Totally OT:
Looking for “Holmes” I found this story of “The first US serial killer” – couldn’t believe it at first!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H._H._Holmes
Is he really that famous in the USA?
Wolf: yes, among some of us anyway. Anthony Boucher (which was itself a pseudonym) used H. H. Holmes as one of his pseudonyms. And Holmes certainly got wider attention with the very successful publication of Erik Larson’s THE DEVIL IN THE WHITE CITY.
Jeff, you and Jackie will be heading to BOUCHERCON soon!
Wolf, the U.S. seems to have a bunch of serial killers right now: Nashville, Tucson, etc. Summer in America seems to trigger violence.
George, surely the cover shows Watson with a prosthetic right arm?
Jeff, you’re very observant! Yes, that’s Watson on the cover with the blue arm. I’m assuming that’s Sara Holmes standing next to here looking aloof.
Janet has lost her left arm, so the cover isn’t accurate about that detail. (But I think the artist made a good choice with the composition.)
Claire, I was wondering about that arm on the cover (which I love!). I hope you’re working on a sequel!
George, I am working on the sequel right now. It’s going through final edits and will be out next July. (And I love the cover to pieces.)
Claire, that’s great news! I’m looking forward to reading your sequel and reviewing it on this blog next Summer. And I can’t wait to see the new cover!
We’ll be leaving for St. Petersburg two weeks from today, September 5. Tomorrow we’re driving down to D.C. for the weekend. The weather seems a lot better than it has been – it won’t be 90 until Monday, the day we come home! We’ll be meeting Jeff & Ann Smith for late lunch/early dinner on Saturday.
Is Diane still in Boston? How is the new apartment?
Jeff, Diane returned home from Boston on Monday. Diane, Patrick, and Katie painted all the walls and ceilings in Katie’s new condo! I may post some photos, but I’m trying to get the “Before” photos from the real estate web site so you can see the difference in the “After” photos. Say, “Hi!” to Jeff and Ann Smith for us.
I don’t know. This drift too far from the source for me. Why not just invent your own characters, your own plots. I guess I don’t get it unless you thinking this will get more sales,
Patti, I’m sure the marketing aspects of faux-Sherlock Holmes books enter into it. But, it’s also fun to see creative variations of the A. Conan Doyle template.
Claire O’Dell’s gender-bender, race-changing, and quirky Sherlock Holmes pastiche “modifies” A. Conan Doyle’s characters” Why? Why???
No! No, no, no no!
Rick, I think Claire O’Dell and Aliette de Bodard wanted to play in A. Conan Doyle’s sandbox. I found both of their faux-Holmes/Watson creations entertaining.
IT IS JUST WRONG. I wouldn’t go near this idiocy for any price.
Gag me with a spoon! No! No! And NOOOOOO!
Bob, you and Rick should open your minds to New Experiences.
I’m with Patti and Rick on this. You couldn’t pay me to read this stuff.
Michael, A STUDY IN HONOR has garnered some good reviews. I liked this dystopian mashup.