Bill Crider wrote glowingly about David Grann’s previous book, The Lost City of Z, so I figured I’d take a chance on The Devil and Sherlock Holmes: Tales of Murder, Madness, and Obsessoin. And I’m glad I did. Grann is a talented writer and has a keen eye for the weird and usual. This book is a collection of his non-fiction articles, mostly published in The New Yorker. The title article, “Mysterious Circumstances: The Strange Death of a Sherlock Holmes Fanatic,” deals with the possible murder of Richard Lancelyn Green, a Holmes expert. “Trial By Fire” explores the case of Cameron Todd Willingham who may have been innocent of the crime he was executed for. Grann tells the stories of prison gangs, a death-squad real estate agent, and a legendary stick-up man. For sports fans, Grann reports on Rickey Henderson’s obsessive quest to get back to the big leagues. If you want to read some high quality reporting, The Devil and Sherlock Holmes gets my recommendation. GRADE: A
Intriguing concept for a book.
The concept and execution of the book is first-rate, David. David Grann is certainly a writer to watch.
I remember reading his work in THE NEW YORKER. Lots of fun.
You may have already read some of the articles in this book, Patti. The majority of Grann’s articles were first published in THE NEW YORKER. Very high-quality writing!
Just what I don’t need – another book!
Will try and find time to check this one out, George.
THE DEVIL AND SHERLOCK HOLMES is well worth seeking out, Jeff. Quirky subjects and wonderful writing!