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Darlene A Cypser
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The Consulting Detective Trilogy Part I: University Paperback – May 20, 2012

by Darlene A Cypser (Author)
Mysterious deaths, a blackmail ring, a ship named "Gloria Scott" and the mysteries of his own mind face Sherlock Holmes while he studies at the University of Cambridge. It was some time before Sherlock Holmes recovered from the events of late 1871. Physically, it took many months; mentally, it took many years. He was bound by both a promise to the living and a commitment to honour the dead, and being so bound he set the full force of his will to rebuilding the shattered pieces of his life. Yet some times will alone is not enough. Part I of The Consulting Detective Trilogy follows 18 year old Sherlock Holmes from the end of The Crack in the Lens through his university career. It tells the story of his mental and emotional journey to his decision to become a detective as well his early cases and training.
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Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Foolscap & Quill (May 20, 2012)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 330 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 193814306X
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1938143069
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 15.5 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.75 x 9 inches

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Darlene A Cypser
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Darlene A Cypser

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Darlene is an attorney, author, and historian. She has been an avid follower of Sherlock Holmes for over 40 years.

She was Chief Surgeon of Dr. Watson's Neglected Patients, the Colorado scion of the Baker Street Irregulars, from 2012 to 2024. She is also a member of the Hudson Valley Sciontists and The Hounds of the Internet.

Her first Sherlock Holmes novel was The Crack in the Lens which is followed by The Consulting Detective Trilogy. She has also working on a book of Sherlock Holmes short stories: The Baker Street Journal (the official publication of the Baker Street Irregulars) published two articles that she wrote about Arthur Conan Doyles' stories in the 1980s, and published her piece called Adventures in Copyright in 2014.

She is licensed to practice law in Colorado. She has a Master of Arts degree in U.S. History concentrating on the 19th century. She taught Colorado History and History of the American West at the Community College of Denver from 2019 to 2021.

Darlene has written number of papers and articles which were published in magazines and professional legal and scientific journals on international space law, liability for induced seismicity, landlord and tenant law, intellectual property law, tax law and motion picture production and distribution. Darlene's first fiction published was a ghost story published in October 1992 by the Boulder Daily Camera. She is also working on some non-fiction historical books.

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Customer reviews

3.9 out of 5 stars
25 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book's pacing compelling and relatable. They describe it as an enjoyable read with a clear purpose for each scene. The story is described as good and in tune with Sherlock Holmes traditions.

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PacingReadability
4 customers mention "Pacing"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's pacing engaging. They describe the world as vivid and compelling. The story is relatable, with every scene having an ultimate purpose. Readers appreciate the series' authenticity and enjoy the descriptions of Sherlock as a young man.

"...University presents no such problems. Every scene has an ultimate purpose, and nothing is wasted...." Read more

"...However, this one did well. I loved the descriptions of Sherlock as a young man, and felt like the story of his life at university fit right in..." Read more

"This series has got me hooked...." Read more

"It's very much in tune with all things Sherlock Holmes...." Read more

4 customers mention "Readability"4 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book. They find it enjoyable and addictive, saying they look forward to the next installment. The writing is well-crafted.

"...University, the first of the sequel trilogy, is absolutely wonderful...." Read more

"...Thoroughly enjoyable and addictive. Can't wait for the next volume." Read more

"...A must read and I can't wait for the following 2!!" Read more

"...Extremely well written. I look forward to the final installment of the trilogy" Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Leah G
    5.0 out of 5 stars I didn't want it to end.....
    Reviewed in the United States on July 14, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    Darlene Cypser begins this first volume of her Consulting Detective Trilogy right where she left off with its prequel, The Crack in the Lens. At the conclusion of that book, Sherlock Holmes, still not recovered from the illness which almost took his life, struggles downstairs to his father's study in an effort to salvage his opportunity to attend university. This scene is repeated, after which we follow Sherlock in his efforts to regain his mental and physical health in time to start his studies with the new term. However, his lungs are not Sherlock's greatest problem. The events of November and December still haunt him, and it takes only his mother's careless disclosure, a glimpse of the moor or a fencing bout into the shade of the outbuildings to throw him back into what his loyal manservant, Jonathan, calls an "attack" (and what we would call PTSD). Fearful of his father's reaction should he find his son mentally compromised, Sherlock forces his way through these episodes until, by the time he leaves for Cambridge University's Sidney Sussex College, he believes he has them conquered. Sherlock begins his college career uneventfully enough, settling with Jonathan into what seem to be very nice quarters, playing "the game" by observing his fellow students in chapel, and studying the mathematics his father has prescribed. He's not overly thrilled with the subject, finding all of the memorization boring, but he wants out of Yorkshire, and becoming the engineer his father wishes seems as good a way as any. He doesn't really mesh with the other young men at his college, and his reaction to their innocent questions about his illness puts them off even further. Still, things seem to be going well for him until, one day in November, he leaves the lecture hall and walks into a snowstorm.

    There are some struggles that are never really over. Whether they have their roots in events, our own peculiar demons, or some unholy combination of the two, we are destined to fight and refight these battles throughout our lives. The ghosts of 1871 revisit Sherlock with a vengeance, taking him on a terrifying, dangerous journey through his unresolved guilt and grief, his only hope of recovery lying in the meager treatments available at the time. He doesn't fight alone. Mycroft, the alienist Dr. George Mackenzie, university staff such as Senior Tutor Rev. John Clowe, Victor Trevor and his prescient father; and, most of all, Jonathan Beckwith, provide him with invaluable support. Still, in the end, it is Sherlock Holmes himself who discovers the one antidote which will keep his mind from "tearing itself to pieces."

    Perhaps in no small measure to Dr. Watson's own efforts, we often come to see Sherlock Holmes as someone not quite human. In his efforts to chronicle the detective's exploits and (let's be honest) sell stories, Holmes' admiring Boswell sacrifices a bit of his flatmate's humanity in the telling. Ms. Cypser's Holmes, however, is extremely relatable. Unlike other writers who take on the project of exploring Sherlock Holmes' unrecorded youth, she doesn't bring in unusual characters or spectacular adventures. Sherlock's dilemmas are, instead, familiar to all of us. He wonders how to reconcile his skills and interests with the courses and careers available to him. He has difficulty making friends and runs afoul of a student known for his ability to destroy reputations with a few well-placed rumors. He tangles with authority, both academic and familial, building the confidence he needs to make that final, necessary break. In the second half of the book, he begins to try his hand at detective work, but his "cases" are such as one might expect to find in a university setting. Most importantly, however, he grapples with the puzzle of his own mind. None of this is spelled out for the reader. Instead, Ms. Cypser skillfully and subtly takes the events of Sherlock's university career and, just as she did in The Crack in the Lens, leaves it for the reader to deduce how they helped to create the detective of Baker Street.

    Like its predecessor, University stands up well to re-reading. As a matter of fact, the reading upon which I am basing this review is my fourth-since April. University is impressively well-researched and documented; several characters are based on actual people, and there is an essay on sources in the back of the book. When it comes time for Holmes to spend time with Victor Trevor and his father at Donnithorpe-a crucial event which Watson records as "The Gloria Scott"-canon and book are expertly combined. Holmes' world is vividly drawn and compelling; once you enter, you won't want to leave.What I loved most about University, however, was the suspense. Although I enjoyed The Crack in the Lens immensely, there were times when I wondered why a particular scene was included and, for me, this slowed down the story. University presents no such problems. Every scene has an ultimate purpose, and nothing is wasted. I was pulled in from the first, and had no desire to resurface. During one particularly suspenseful chapter (there are several), I found myself beginning to worry about Sherlock-then realized with a start that *spoiler alert* the very existence of the canon meant that he would be able to fight his way through. My advice? Forget chores, ignore the laundry, order takeout for dinner and just settle in for the ride. You'll miss it when it's over.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Kate Workman
    5.0 out of 5 stars Sorry, Andrew Lane, But These Are Better!
    Reviewed in the United States on June 11, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    There is another series of Young Adult Sherlock Holmes books being released by Andrew Lane. Death Cloud and Rebel Fire, so far. I have them, but haven't completed them. What I have read, however, shows me that MsCypser's books are on a completely different, in my opinion higher, level.

    University, the first of the sequel trilogy, is absolutely wonderful. It begins right where The Crack in the Lens leaves off, and follows through Holmes's college time. Through the novel, we see the changes that take place in Holmes's character, bringing him from a young man, violently affected by the events in the previous novel, to a capable, passionate adult who will soon fully transform into the detective we all admire so much.

    Honestly, once again, I can't praise this book enough, but I don't want to write too much and spoil key plot points, either for this one or the one before it. All I can say is, go read it. This one, and its predecessor are must-have's for any Holmes collector.
    9 people found this helpful
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  • MJ Heins
    1.0 out of 5 stars so laborious
    Reviewed in the United States on June 11, 2022
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    The arc of the storyline lacked forward momentum. I plodded through the whole book. The book was not at all compelling.
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  • Kennedi
    5.0 out of 5 stars Well-Done Pastiche!
    Reviewed in the United States on February 3, 2017
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    This story exceeded my expectations!! Usually, I don't expect much for Holmes' pastiches, as I usually find that the authors cannot quite catch the tone of the original series. However, this one did well. I loved the descriptions of Sherlock as a young man, and felt like the story of his life at university fit right in with the storyline. The only critique I have is with the punctuation and spacing at the beginning of the book; however, it seems to resolve itself as the writing goes on. Really though, that is only minor. The story itself was very good - I am really glad I found it. Worth all of the good reviews, and I cannot wait to read the next one!
    One person found this helpful
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  • The Blue Carbuncle
    5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful read. Can't wait for the next one.
    Reviewed in the United States on December 26, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    This series has got me hooked. I generally don't care for Holmes stories that try to add "facts" to Holmes life as portrayed in the canon that suddenly come to light later during his career. But this continuation of "The Crack In The Lens" is developing the character of young Sherlock in ways that are totally believeable and in keeping with the character of Holmes as we came to know him under the writings of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Thoroughly enjoyable and addictive. Can't wait for the next volume.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Kat
    5.0 out of 5 stars This is amazing!
    Reviewed in the United States on February 27, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    It's very much in tune with all things Sherlock Holmes. The author has just the right voice - and you can easily imagine that all that she describes in this could have truly created the enigma that is Sherlock. A must read and I can't wait for the following 2!!
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Loves to Read
    5.0 out of 5 stars Must have the next two in trilogy!!!!
    Reviewed in the United States on June 10, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    I have read the Canon many times. Cypser is flawless in her understanding of the period and Doyle. I hope after she does the early Holmes she does the "retired" Holmes. Please erase from my mind some of the horrors I've read along those lines.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • No BS guy
    5.0 out of 5 stars Top Notch
    Reviewed in the United States on November 5, 2012
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    This story continues Holmes development as a man and as a detective through his college years. Extremely well written. I look forward to the final installment of the trilogy
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Mark Chisholm
    1.0 out of 5 stars Dire
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 16, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    There is no other way of saying this but no doubt at all I've been cheated. I bought this book because of the two glowing reviews and the fact that price wise it reflected the critiques. I now have to wonder who on Earth could give reviews as full of praise as they are.

    In all fairness the book is competently written - but that's about it. Story? What story. I manfully ploughed a furrow through this book all the time wondering when something was going to happen that vaguely reminded me of the great detective himself. I confess that I fell at the half way mark having failed to find anything that could possibly pique the interest of anyone familiar with the original Cannon. Maybe I should have marched onward to the end. Maybe just after the halfway mark a ray of light would burst through and we would stumble onto something that resembled a story and a plot.

    Certainly up to the half way point all we get is a boring ramble through cod psychology vainly attempting to tell us how Sherlock became a cocaine addict because of a trauma in his late teens. God, it's crap. In effect we just have a bad version of a book justifying counselling.

    If you have any love of the great fictional detective at all, then please save yourself five quid. If you want to inflict this much pain on yourself just go find a ball pein hammer and give your thumbs a good whack. Then take the five quid down the pub and by a couple of pints to salve the hurt.
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