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trin's review
2.0
One of those “Sherlock Holmes meets [Famous Historical Figure:]!” books—in this case, “Sherlock Holmes meets Harry Houdini!” This was quite fun, although, as is the case with a lot of mysteries for me, more fun in the setup than in the conclusion. Also, Stashower’s Watson was a bit too much of a bumbler for my tastes. Not [a:Laurie R. King|6760|Laurie R. King|http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1188384899p2/6760.jpg] bad or anything, but I think after Jude Law’s impeccable Watson from the new movie, I am feeling a tad spoiled.
organchordsandlightning's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
A really, really fun romp! You can tell the author has a passion for Houdini in particular, but even the Holmes and Watson dynamic is done spectacularly. There's plenty of action and adventure, and the incorporation of Houdini's tricks into the mystery itself is a lot of fun.
nicolemhill's review against another edition
3.0
The Further Adventures series can be silly, yes, but in a highly pleasant way. The books are well-done and enjoyable for a few reasons, not least of which is that Watson gets to be sassier and feistier than in some of the canon fodder. (Though the tone is pretty stout in its faithfulness to blessed fusty old ACD.)
Here, the adventure is with Houdini in tow. The game is afoot and a feat.
Here, the adventure is with Houdini in tow. The game is afoot and a feat.
tjalexandernyc's review against another edition
A fun, goofy pastiche. I typically judge a Holmes book on how good the Watson is according to my personal tastes, and I'd rate this one better than average. If you know much about Doyle's real life friendship/breakup with Houdini that will add a layer of irony to the story that makes it that much more enjoyable.
ekevka's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror and Blood
Moderate: Classism, Confinement, Antisemitism, and Fatphobia
gayscenographer's review against another edition
3.0
Surprisingly good!! Definitely one of the better Holmes pastiches I’ve read!
victoria92's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
bev_reads_mysteries's review against another edition
3.0
The Adventure of the Ectoplasmic Man by Daniel Stashower is a Sherlock Holmes pastiche that relates an adventure that brings together the world's greatest consulting detective and Harry Houdini, the world's greatest escape artist. Houdini is accused of stealing important letters that could cause trouble for the Prince of Wales. The letters were kept in room sealed tighter than the vaults of the Bank of England. Houdini was present ta the house where the letters were kept. Lestrade decides that since only a Houdini could have gotten in and out of such a room, that the escape artist must be the thief. It's up to Sherlock Holmes to prove Lestrade wrong--by discovering the real villain, someone who could do what even Houdini says is impossible.
This is a decent read, but it's not serious Holmes. Holmes is larger than his usual larger-than-life self and Watson is a bigger dolt than usual (not quite on a Nigel Bruce as Watson level, but still). That said, the adventure is fun, there's lot's of action, there's a mysterious Countess, Holmes goes in disguise, Watson gets to save his life, and Lestrade gets proven wrong, again (of course). And who knew that Holmes could fly a plane? Three stars.
This was first posted on my blog My Reader's Block. Pleaser request permission before reposting. Thanks.
This is a decent read, but it's not serious Holmes. Holmes is larger than his usual larger-than-life self and Watson is a bigger dolt than usual (not quite on a Nigel Bruce as Watson level, but still). That said, the adventure is fun, there's lot's of action, there's a mysterious Countess, Holmes goes in disguise, Watson gets to save his life, and Lestrade gets proven wrong, again (of course). And who knew that Holmes could fly a plane? Three stars.
This was first posted on my blog My Reader's Block. Pleaser request permission before reposting. Thanks.
caidyn's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars
I thought it deserved the bump up. It hit the things that I look for most in something that deviates from the canon stories: Good pacing, characters rightfully done, interesting case, and written in Doyle's style.
The only one I feel I can protest on, is characterization. Lestrade was off throughout the story. I felt he was more like DI Greg Lestrade off the show "Sherlock". But, other than that, Holmes and Watson were done well. I don't really know much about Houdini or anyone else, but I felt that they stayed the same throughout the story and they reacted appropriately to how they typically acted.
First person style, Watson telling the story. The story was perfectly done. It wasn't too long, so it was like the originals, and the ending was abrupt, again like the originals. Not to mention that I would never have guessed the ending, though I could see the clues now that I reflect on it.
All in all, the case was interesting and held my attention throughout my read.
I thought it deserved the bump up. It hit the things that I look for most in something that deviates from the canon stories: Good pacing, characters rightfully done, interesting case, and written in Doyle's style.
The only one I feel I can protest on, is characterization. Lestrade was off throughout the story. I felt he was more like DI Greg Lestrade off the show "Sherlock". But, other than that, Holmes and Watson were done well. I don't really know much about Houdini or anyone else, but I felt that they stayed the same throughout the story and they reacted appropriately to how they typically acted.
First person style, Watson telling the story. The story was perfectly done. It wasn't too long, so it was like the originals, and the ending was abrupt, again like the originals. Not to mention that I would never have guessed the ending, though I could see the clues now that I reflect on it.
All in all, the case was interesting and held my attention throughout my read.
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