Monday, March 28, 2016

Two Mysteries

Sherlock Holmes and the Tangled Skein by David Stuart Davies is another Sherlock pastiche.  Some of these are great; some not so much.  This one falls somewhere in between. 

 I simply couldn't resist the Dracula element.  Holmes vs Dracula drew me in, and Davies does a decent job with it.

 A quick and enjoyable read, but not my favorite in the realm of Holmes and Watson.  

 NetGalley/Endeavor Press

 Mystery/Supernatural.  2007; 2016.  Print length:  192 pages.

Prime Evil by Maynard Sims is the second in a series featuring DCI Jack Callum and set in the 1950's, although I haven't read the first one.  Jack Callum is a likable protagonist, a devoted husband and father, and an honest and dedicated policeman.

 Perhaps most interesting (aside from the murder mystery) is the insight into the 1950's: the advent of television, the treatment of women (who stepped up during the war years and who are once again relegated to subordinate roles), the changes in families and in traditions.  In a world that cannot imagine being without modern technology, cell phones, internet, and global television opportunities, the post-war years would be difficult to imagine.

 Jack Callum resists some of the changes and approves others.  

 Maynard Sims is the name adopted by Len Maynard and Mick Sims.  They met when they were eleven and later established a writing career together.  The two men cover a wide variety of genres:  crime fiction, thrillers, supernatural crime (Department 18 series), supernatural novels, and erotic romance (under a pseudonym)!  The Department 18 series might be good for the RIP Challenge.

 NetGalley/Joffrey Books

 Crime/Police Procedural.  March 2016.  Print length:  232 pages.
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8 comments:

  1. KailanaMarch 28, 2016 12:31 PM

    So many Sherlock Holmes sequels, retellings, etc on the market right now!

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    1. jenclairMarch 29, 2016 6:48 AM

      Funny how the Holmes/Watson duo has inspired so many writers to use their characters in print and film. :)

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  2. Lark March 28, 2016 3:23 PM

    Okay, I was going to skip over the Sherlock Holmes book until you mentioned Dracula. Now I'm curious! :)

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    1. jenclairMarch 29, 2016 6:49 AM

      Van Helsing even makes a brief appearance. Too brief--could have used more V.H.

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  3. IlianaMarch 28, 2016 8:19 PM

    That is so cool about the two friends growing up to become collaborating writers. And, they sure cover a wide variety of genres don't they?! I'm not very much into re-tellings but like Lark mentioned, with Dracula thrown in how can you resist. I'll have to remember this one for the RIP challenge.

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    1. jenclairMarch 29, 2016 7:15 AM

      :) It might make a good, quick read for RIP.

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  4. MelodyMarch 29, 2016 3:57 AM

    Holmes and Dracula! Now that's something new to me. :-)

    Prime Evil sounds like an intense read. And I'm awed that both authors met when they were young and even established a writing career together!

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    1. jenclairMarch 29, 2016 7:18 AM

      Holmes gets around, doesn't he? And "Maynard Sims" has certainly covered his/their bases!

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