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annieb123's review against another edition
4.0
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
The Rivals of Sherlock Holmes is a well curated collection of 16 classic detective stories from the late 19th through the early 20th centuries. Released 18th Dec 2019 by Dover, it's 352 pages and available in paperback format.
These are classics and many will already be familiar to connoisseurs of detective fiction. The anthology contains stories by Baroness Orczy, R. Austin Freeman, G. K. Chesterton, Maurice Leblanc and 12 others, all strong writers; there's not a stinker in the bunch. One aspect of this collection which I liked a lot was that usually the selected stories are linked more tightly geographically; American, British, Antipodean, or what have you. These stories are selected from all regions and backgrounds, including a new-to-me Uncle Abner story by Melvin Post.
This would make a superlative rainy day read, or a good source of further reading for fans of the genre who might not be familiar with all the Victorian detective authors. It's great that these stories are being preserved and presented to new generations of fans.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
The Rivals of Sherlock Holmes is a well curated collection of 16 classic detective stories from the late 19th through the early 20th centuries. Released 18th Dec 2019 by Dover, it's 352 pages and available in paperback format.
These are classics and many will already be familiar to connoisseurs of detective fiction. The anthology contains stories by Baroness Orczy, R. Austin Freeman, G. K. Chesterton, Maurice Leblanc and 12 others, all strong writers; there's not a stinker in the bunch. One aspect of this collection which I liked a lot was that usually the selected stories are linked more tightly geographically; American, British, Antipodean, or what have you. These stories are selected from all regions and backgrounds, including a new-to-me Uncle Abner story by Melvin Post.
This would make a superlative rainy day read, or a good source of further reading for fans of the genre who might not be familiar with all the Victorian detective authors. It's great that these stories are being preserved and presented to new generations of fans.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
carolsnotebook's review against another edition
4.0
The Rivals of Sherlock Holmes is a collection of 16 classic detective stories from the late 19th through the early 20th centuries. The detectives are not so much rivals of Holmes as contemporaries. The collection is centered around when the stories were written, but they come from a variety of regions. I’ve read a few of the authors before and a couple of the stories, but several were to me. There were even a couple of female detectives, unusual for the era.
As with most anthologies, I enjoyed some of the stories more than others. The book starts off with “The Great Ruby Robbery” by Grant Allen which was clever and funny, a good combination and a good way to open. “Cinderella’s Slipper” by Hugh C. Weir and his Miss Madelyn Mack also stood out for me. I met Max Carrados in “The Coin of Dionysius” by Ernest Braman. He’s a blind detective, which is unique. Another, this one from America, that I found interesting was “The Angel of the Lord” by Melville Davisson Post. It’s one of the first historical mysteries written, taking place in West Virginia just before the Civil War. Uncle Abner, the main character is a tough, Bible-believing, common-sense backwoodsman. Most of them focus more on the plot and clues than on the characters, which fits with the short page count for each story.
My least favorite of the bunch was “The Divination of the Zagury Capsules” by Headon Hill. Mark Poignand, the detective, keeps an Indian man and his cobras in a backroom. This man, Kala Persad, tells Poignand who the culprit is and then it’s up to Poignand to find the clues. Strange and clearly racist.
Overall, I enjoyed the collection, which is not surprising. The mysteries are tidy and most of the characters are interesting or quirky or both. I found a few new authors to read too, which is one of the main reasons I love mystery anthologies, whether they be vintage or modern.
As with most anthologies, I enjoyed some of the stories more than others. The book starts off with “The Great Ruby Robbery” by Grant Allen which was clever and funny, a good combination and a good way to open. “Cinderella’s Slipper” by Hugh C. Weir and his Miss Madelyn Mack also stood out for me. I met Max Carrados in “The Coin of Dionysius” by Ernest Braman. He’s a blind detective, which is unique. Another, this one from America, that I found interesting was “The Angel of the Lord” by Melville Davisson Post. It’s one of the first historical mysteries written, taking place in West Virginia just before the Civil War. Uncle Abner, the main character is a tough, Bible-believing, common-sense backwoodsman. Most of them focus more on the plot and clues than on the characters, which fits with the short page count for each story.
My least favorite of the bunch was “The Divination of the Zagury Capsules” by Headon Hill. Mark Poignand, the detective, keeps an Indian man and his cobras in a backroom. This man, Kala Persad, tells Poignand who the culprit is and then it’s up to Poignand to find the clues. Strange and clearly racist.
Overall, I enjoyed the collection, which is not surprising. The mysteries are tidy and most of the characters are interesting or quirky or both. I found a few new authors to read too, which is one of the main reasons I love mystery anthologies, whether they be vintage or modern.
annarella's review against another edition
4.0
A fascinating and engrossing book that made me discover some less known mystery writer of the Victorian age.
I loved the stories and I want to read more by some of the featured writers.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
I loved the stories and I want to read more by some of the featured writers.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
vesper1931's review against another edition
4.0
A collection (sixteen) of Victorian short story mysteries which were written in response to the exploits of Sherlock Holmes. The stories are not just set in England (though mainly) but Europe and the States. They are good introduction to these authors.
Overall I found them to be interesting and well written.
A NetGalley Book
Overall I found them to be interesting and well written.
A NetGalley Book
annarella's review against another edition
4.0
A fascinating and engrossing book that made me discover some less known mystery writer of the Victorian age.
I loved the stories and I want to read more by some of the featured writers.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
I loved the stories and I want to read more by some of the featured writers.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
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