I took a page from Jeff’ Meyerson’s book and read a collection of Edward D. Hoch’s short stories. I’ve read individual ones before, but twelve stories about one subject is better than the individual ones. As a Sherlock Holmes fan, I admire Hoch’s voice with The Sherlock Holmes Stories of Edward D. Hoch. According to the editor, this was the last collection Hoch compiled before he died.
There are twelve stories, stretching from the 1890s in Victorian England to 1912. Of course, Dr. Watson narrates most of them, but Holmes tells “The Adventure of the Dying Ship” about his voyage and rescue on the RMS Titanic. Holmes, along with author Jacques Futrelle, solve a murder, but, naturally the killer is not brought to justice.
I know I missed some true-life characters. Part of my enjoyment came from recognizing characters in the stories, and looking up the names. I felt good when I recognized lesser known ones, as well as the more famous ones. As I said, I know I missed some just from lack of knowledge.
Those stories with famous characters were my favorites. In “The Christmas Client”, it’s Mrs. Hudson who recognizes the Reverend Charles Dodgson as Lewis Carroll. Erskine Childers, author and Irish rebel, appears in “The Christmas Conspiracy”, although he’s not Holmes’ client. Watson does not appreciate Professor Stephen Leacock’s humorous story about Holmes in “A Scandal in Montreal”. Holmes himself tells Jacques Futrelle, author of “The Problem of Cell 13” and “The Thinking Man” stories that he’s a fan in “The Adventure of the Dying Ship”. There are eight other stories, but, as I said, these are my favorites because I recognize people.
I enjoy the atmosphere in Hoch’s stories. He has the voice just right. However, he makes Sherlock Holmes a little more human, a little more likable. I’ve read all of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes stories. Hoch captures all the little details, even if only mentioned in passing, of those earlier stories. Of course, I’ll read more collections. As a Holmes fan, though, the pastiches in The Sherlock Holmes Stories of Edward D. Hoch was a perfect place to start.
The Sherlock Holmes Stories of Edward D. Hoch by Edward D. Hoch. Mysteriouspress.com/Open Book, 2013.
FTC Full Disclosure – I picked up a free copy through Kindle Unlimited with no promise of a review.
I’ve read all the Sherlock Holmes stories, too, Lesa, although it has been a long time. Some of the Holmes adaptations I’ve read since then have been great, and these really sound worth trying!
They are, Kim. Hoch does an excellent job with the voice. It’s just right. And, of course, Jeff recommends his stories.
By far, Edward D Hoch is my favorite mystery short story writer. I’ve read a few of his Sherlock Holmes stories in other anthologies, but have never come across this collection. Thanks for giving it a spotlight.
You’re welcome, MM. I enjoyed this one. If you’re already a fan of Hoch’s stories, I suspect you will, too.
Oh, good, Lesa. I’m glad you enjoyed this one. My favorite of Hoch’s series characters is Dr. Sam Hawthorne, but generally speaking you can’t go wrong with any if his. I will admit that the new collection I’m reading now is not a favorite, but I’m glad to have it.
I did, Jeff, and I’m starting a Simon Ark collection. It looks like something different.
Went and grabbed it at KindleUnlimited.
That KindleUnlimited deal is a wonderful thing. I had thought it was stupid, but we, especially Scott, who is again home all week as there is no work and will be home all next week too we already know, are getting a lot out of it. Have no idea how we will pay for it when the free trial runs out as things are so not good and I am definitely not built for OnlyFans, but it is a very cool deal.
Unlike the damn weather. I hate summer.
(Old man flips off flaming sun god and slams front door shut)
I get a lot out of KindleUnlimited, too, Kevin. It seems I can scoop up some free books there when it’s the best access to them.
I don’t blame you one bit for flipping off the flaming sun god. Whoever is in charge of humidity is the one I’m not happy with.