George Mann has written a couple of Sherlock Holmes pastiches (Sherlock Holmes: The Will of the Dead Titan Books, 2013 and Sherlock Holmes: The Spirit Box Titan Books, 2014) but I chose The Affinity Bridge, Mann’s steampunk mashup. Dr. Maurice Newbury, a Sherlock Holmes clone with skills in the occult sciences, together with his feisty assistant Veronica Hobbs, investigate two apparently unrelated events: a series of horrific murders in London and the crash of an airship where 50 passengers die.
Since The Affinity Bridge is a steampunk novel, automatons factor into the plot as well as weird technology that is keeping Queen Victoria alive. Mann provides some effective battle scenes and enough mysteries unresolved to fuel a sequel. If you’re looking for a different spin on the Sherlock Holmes template, you’ll find some fun reading The Affinity Bridge. GRADE: B
NEWBURY & HOBBS INVESTIGATION SERIES:
The Affinity Bridge (ISBN 978-1905005888) (Snowbooks, 2008)
“The Hambleton Affair” (Newbury and Hobbes short story) – appeared in the hardcover edition of The Affinity Bridge, free PDF available for download.[11] Included in The Casebook of Newbury & Hobbes.
“The Shattered Teacup” (Snowbooks, 2010) (free PDF eBook/Audiobook download)[12]* Included in The Casebook of Newbury & Hobbes.
The Osiris Ritual (ISBN 978-1906727048) (Snowbooks, 2009)
“What Lies Beneath” (short story), free PDF available for download[13] Included in The Casebook of Newbury & Hobbes.
The Immorality Engine (ISBN 978-1906727185) (Snowbooks, 2011)
The Executioner’s Heart (ISBN 978-1781160053) (Titan Books, 2013)
The Revenant Express (ISBN 9780765334091) (Titan Books, 2019)
The Casebook of Newbury & Hobbes Collection (ISBN 978-1781167427) (Titan Books, 2013)
I’ve read some Newbury & Hobbes, and enjoyed them. Not Holmes, certainly, but a similar feeling, with the steampunk element. Good choice.
Rick, I’m hoping to read the rest of the Newbury & Hobbes series in the months ahead. Look for some more reviews during future Sherlock Holmes Weeks!
Hello, George! I have heard of George Mann though I confess never having read his books. For that matter, I don’t think I have even read a Sherlock Holmes pastiche.
Prashant, welcome back! We’ve missed you! As far as Sherlock Holmes pastiches go, there are literally hundreds of them. You can check out the Sherlock Holmes Week selections I’ve posted on this blog over the years for possible reading material for you.
Thanks, George. I will do that. I’m trying to find my way back to blogging. The last couple of years have been hectic owing to work and commute, though I have been working from home since March and might do so until next March.
Prashant, my son and my daughter are both working from home for the foreseeable future. That seems to be the New Normal. Glad you’ve returned to blogging!
Interesting. Every “steampunk” book I’ve read seems to have an airship like this. My frame of reference is always the Hindenburg.
Jeff, I’m guessing “steampunk” and dirigibles go together. Right now, Trump’s Presidential Campaign looks like the Hindenburg.
And there have been quite a few non-explosive blimps over the last century.
Todd, the Goodyear Blimp has a sterling safety record.
“Or so the Germans would have you believe.” (See documentary BLACK SUNDAY, in which Palestinian woman character in novel is replaced oddly in film version by German actress of sorts playing German character.)