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Sherlock Holmes and the Three Poisoned Pawns
Sherlock Holmes and the Three Poisoned Pawns includes three separate Sherlock Holmes adventures, each ingenious and entertaining in their own right.
At some stage during each of the short stories someone or something, which at first appears trivial, reveals itself to be far more significant - like a pawn which is said to be ‘poisoned’ in the game of chess.
The first, entitled The Mystery of Hamlet , by Emmanuel E. Garcia is set in 1938. Holmes is considerably older but his appetite for deciphering mysteries remains as strong as ever. He applies his science of deduction to literature and the possibility of a new interpretation of Shakespeare’s classic, Hamlet.
The second story, Roger Jayne’s The Belgravian Letter , settles in the more familiar surroundings of London and concerns the death of Sir Arthur Wilcox, a high-ranking civil servant. Sir Arthur was set to depart for Athens on an important diplomatic mission; however the discovery of his dead body next to his open safe sparks fears regarding the safety of the Government. Nonetheless, Sherlock Holmes has other ideas.
Finally, Eddie Maguire provides an extraordinary account in The Highcliffe Invitation . Holmes and Watson are invited to Dorset for the weekend unaware that the Kaiser wishes to meet them. Soon some of the Kaiser's personal possessions go missing and what starts as a theft culminates in a potential assassination plot.
Sherlock Holmes and the Three Poisoned Pawns is a gripping collection of British murder mysteries.
At some stage during each of the short stories someone or something, which at first appears trivial, reveals itself to be far more significant - like a pawn which is said to be ‘poisoned’ in the game of chess.
The first, entitled The Mystery of Hamlet , by Emmanuel E. Garcia is set in 1938. Holmes is considerably older but his appetite for deciphering mysteries remains as strong as ever. He applies his science of deduction to literature and the possibility of a new interpretation of Shakespeare’s classic, Hamlet.
The second story, Roger Jayne’s The Belgravian Letter , settles in the more familiar surroundings of London and concerns the death of Sir Arthur Wilcox, a high-ranking civil servant. Sir Arthur was set to depart for Athens on an important diplomatic mission; however the discovery of his dead body next to his open safe sparks fears regarding the safety of the Government. Nonetheless, Sherlock Holmes has other ideas.
Finally, Eddie Maguire provides an extraordinary account in The Highcliffe Invitation . Holmes and Watson are invited to Dorset for the weekend unaware that the Kaiser wishes to meet them. Soon some of the Kaiser's personal possessions go missing and what starts as a theft culminates in a potential assassination plot.
Sherlock Holmes and the Three Poisoned Pawns is a gripping collection of British murder mysteries.
- GenresMystery
169 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2008
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September 16, 2019Although the rubric at the top of this page says the author is Emanuel Garcia, this book is an omnibus of three short stories by three enthusiastic readers of the Sherlock Holmes stories. Roger Jaynes and Eddie Maguire should have equal billing.
It is a book I had been looking for. While Arthur Conan Doyle's public may have expressed considerable annoyance when he stopped writing Sherlock Holmes stories, many of the fans of the stories have been more than willing to see the tradition continue. I had also heard that most of these stories needed rather rapid burial before they contaminated the air. Some were homoerotic in character so before the Internet so occupied a secret corner of the publishing world.
This book is part of a series by Breese Books. In the back papers they list thirty three other volumes in their catalogue. So based on this book, are these stories a beacon of hope to the Sherlockian who has read everything Conan Doyle wrote. In a word, no!
However, it is possible that other volumes in the series may be of better quality.
Emanuel Garcia has written not a detective story but a clever work of Shakespearean scholarship, not great scholarship, but scholarship presented not as an essay or periodical column but as a short story where Holmes - fascinated by Shakespeare - proceeds to expound on his views to Watson.
The argument against Shakespeare being the author of the plays has been propounded in many articles. Garcia has found a new way to present what are well known arguments. I would like Garcia to have done the same to explain why he thinks Edward de Vere 17th Earl of Oxford is the author of Shakespeare's plays. The good earl died in 1604 and at least twelve of Shakespeare's plays were written after 1604.
Never mind. Garcia then advances through Holmes an interpretation of Hamlet which casts Horatio as the villain of the piece, working with Young Fortinbras to overthrow the Danish kingdom. I seem to recollect that this is not a recent contention, but is not of much weight.
Roger Jaynes' story is much closer to the traditional Sherlock Holmes story, a locked room mystery mixed with political intrigue, high society scandal and blackmail. Unfortunately it seems like I've read it all before.
Eddie Maguire has Holmes and Watson meet with Kaiser Wilheim the Second in the period before World War One. The Kaiser we are told is a great fan but manipulative and given to great rages. He sets up a problem for Homes which he and the reader solve rather quickly. Again disappointing as this is not a detective story.
Breese Books seems to be a publishing company for Baker Street Studios. It is not a mainstream publisher as can be seen by the book design and the proofreading. While misspellings such as "the window pain" can be amusing, the blank pages and the lines where words drop off the rather small margins, do not give the reader much confidence in the publisher.
Finally, the title "The three poisoned pawns". Well there are three stories. They are not very important, but where does the poison come in? Sir Arthur Wilcox is shot with a pistol. An unidentified assassin attempts to shoot the Kaiser with an air rifle (Shades of Colonel Moran). The title could come under the Consumer Guarantees Act as being highly misleading.
Eager Sherlock Holmes fans will probably enjoy Roger Jaynes' story, but I wish I had rather re read the Conan Doyle originals.
It is a book I had been looking for. While Arthur Conan Doyle's public may have expressed considerable annoyance when he stopped writing Sherlock Holmes stories, many of the fans of the stories have been more than willing to see the tradition continue. I had also heard that most of these stories needed rather rapid burial before they contaminated the air. Some were homoerotic in character so before the Internet so occupied a secret corner of the publishing world.
This book is part of a series by Breese Books. In the back papers they list thirty three other volumes in their catalogue. So based on this book, are these stories a beacon of hope to the Sherlockian who has read everything Conan Doyle wrote. In a word, no!
However, it is possible that other volumes in the series may be of better quality.
Emanuel Garcia has written not a detective story but a clever work of Shakespearean scholarship, not great scholarship, but scholarship presented not as an essay or periodical column but as a short story where Holmes - fascinated by Shakespeare - proceeds to expound on his views to Watson.
The argument against Shakespeare being the author of the plays has been propounded in many articles. Garcia has found a new way to present what are well known arguments. I would like Garcia to have done the same to explain why he thinks Edward de Vere 17th Earl of Oxford is the author of Shakespeare's plays. The good earl died in 1604 and at least twelve of Shakespeare's plays were written after 1604.
Never mind. Garcia then advances through Holmes an interpretation of Hamlet which casts Horatio as the villain of the piece, working with Young Fortinbras to overthrow the Danish kingdom. I seem to recollect that this is not a recent contention, but is not of much weight.
Roger Jaynes' story is much closer to the traditional Sherlock Holmes story, a locked room mystery mixed with political intrigue, high society scandal and blackmail. Unfortunately it seems like I've read it all before.
Eddie Maguire has Holmes and Watson meet with Kaiser Wilheim the Second in the period before World War One. The Kaiser we are told is a great fan but manipulative and given to great rages. He sets up a problem for Homes which he and the reader solve rather quickly. Again disappointing as this is not a detective story.
Breese Books seems to be a publishing company for Baker Street Studios. It is not a mainstream publisher as can be seen by the book design and the proofreading. While misspellings such as "the window pain" can be amusing, the blank pages and the lines where words drop off the rather small margins, do not give the reader much confidence in the publisher.
Finally, the title "The three poisoned pawns". Well there are three stories. They are not very important, but where does the poison come in? Sir Arthur Wilcox is shot with a pistol. An unidentified assassin attempts to shoot the Kaiser with an air rifle (Shades of Colonel Moran). The title could come under the Consumer Guarantees Act as being highly misleading.
Eager Sherlock Holmes fans will probably enjoy Roger Jaynes' story, but I wish I had rather re read the Conan Doyle originals.
August 12, 2017
Not much here...
Sherlock Holmes pastiches are a separate genre of writing: some are good, some aren't. This trio of stories contains one that depicts Holmes apparently in his dotage (in 1939!) as he "solves" the "hidden mystery in Hamlet" and argues that the minor figure Horatio is the most malevolent villain ever, exceeding even Professor Moriarty in evil. The second one is humdrum, and the third--which includes Kaiser Wilhelm II--and is completely inexplicable. It seems to be a way to get Holmes to predict World War One. The title of the book is beyond understanding. If all Holmes pastiches were of the caliber of Nicholas Meyer's "7 Percent" solution this would be a better world; if they were all as mediocre as this trio we'd avoid reading anything other than the originals. If Conan Doyle could read these he'd spin in his grave.
Sherlock Holmes pastiches are a separate genre of writing: some are good, some aren't. This trio of stories contains one that depicts Holmes apparently in his dotage (in 1939!) as he "solves" the "hidden mystery in Hamlet" and argues that the minor figure Horatio is the most malevolent villain ever, exceeding even Professor Moriarty in evil. The second one is humdrum, and the third--which includes Kaiser Wilhelm II--and is completely inexplicable. It seems to be a way to get Holmes to predict World War One. The title of the book is beyond understanding. If all Holmes pastiches were of the caliber of Nicholas Meyer's "7 Percent" solution this would be a better world; if they were all as mediocre as this trio we'd avoid reading anything other than the originals. If Conan Doyle could read these he'd spin in his grave.
March 29, 2017
Kindle Unlimited One of several Sherlock Holmes stories by an assorted group of authors, wanted to go through them all. Liked it, just didn't love it, sort of the right style and all but....
April 2, 2021
1. Sherlock Holmes and the Mystery of Hamlet
Who is the real villain in the story.
2. Sherlock Holmes and the Belgravian Letter
1895 Sir Arthur Wilcox, government official has been shot and robbed. Lestrade invites Holmes and Watson to the crime scene.
3. Sherlock Holmes and the Highcliffe Invitation
Holmes and Watson are guests at a weekend house party. Also there is Kaiser Wilhelm.
Three enjoyable stories
Who is the real villain in the story.
2. Sherlock Holmes and the Belgravian Letter
1895 Sir Arthur Wilcox, government official has been shot and robbed. Lestrade invites Holmes and Watson to the crime scene.
3. Sherlock Holmes and the Highcliffe Invitation
Holmes and Watson are guests at a weekend house party. Also there is Kaiser Wilhelm.
Three enjoyable stories
February 13, 2017
Three good short stories featuring some top-notch detective work by Sherlock Holmes...
October 27, 2023
Three short pastiche stories by three authors to read in a morning.
S H & the Mystery of Hamlet by E E Garcia 1938. If you like the idea of an autopsy of Shakespeare's Hamlet, and the case of did Shakespeare exist ?, then it's a fair read. The best part for me was the very last short chapter, no spoilers just a bit of fun to make you smile. SH & the Belgravian Letter by Roger Jaynes 1895. A bit of fluff, a mixture of politics, blackmail and an actress. SH & the Highcliffe Invitation by E Maguire 1907. Another bit of fluff with air guns, politics and pompous buffoonery.
S H & the Mystery of Hamlet by E E Garcia 1938. If you like the idea of an autopsy of Shakespeare's Hamlet, and the case of did Shakespeare exist ?, then it's a fair read. The best part for me was the very last short chapter, no spoilers just a bit of fun to make you smile. SH & the Belgravian Letter by Roger Jaynes 1895. A bit of fluff, a mixture of politics, blackmail and an actress. SH & the Highcliffe Invitation by E Maguire 1907. Another bit of fluff with air guns, politics and pompous buffoonery.
February 5, 2016
"Sherlock Holmes and the Three Poisoned Pawns" is in reality three short stories. (Sometimes, I read too quickly when getting a Holmes book for my Kindle.) I have nothing against short stories; I was just expecting a novel. However, the stories were not bad, nor were they great! Quickly, here are the "three pawns" for you to consider.
The first story, The Mystery of Hamlet , by Emmanuel E. Garcia, was perhaps the weakest of the group. Rather than being "The Game is Afoot" Holmesian mystery, it was more of a cerebral one-sided discussion touching on the premise of who was the real villain in Hamlet. Paradoxically, the Hamlet antagonist idea was the most interesting aspect in an otherwise disappointing "poisoned" story. The intellectual discussion droned on and on; now I know what my students must have felt like. Thus, I disliked first story; interesting Hamlet premise, but it didn't seem in keeping with the character nor plots one expects. I would probably give it a two of five stars. Roger Jayne’s "The Belgravian Letter," was the second story in the book. The setting is far more comfortable for the Sherlockian reader in the more familiar surroundings of London and concerns the mysterious death of Sir Arthur Wilcox, a high-ranking civil servant. Who could have done it? Were important state documents stolen What starts strong becomes predictable, and I guessed the end early on. Still, it was a solid three of five stars. The final short story is by Eddie Maguire, "The Highcliffe Invitation." It provides an extraordinary account in which Holmes and Watson are invited to countryside in Dorset for the weekend. They are unaware that the Kaiser wishes to meet them. This one is the best of the group and kept me guessing more. This one is right on the bubble between a three or a four star rating!
Each story is a comfortable reading length of 60 or 70 pages. The third story is stronger on character and plot than the other two, especially the first. Certainly, the book is a little disappointing; however, if I had it to do over again, I would still get the book. Regardless, if you enjoy Holmes, you may want to give this one a try yourself. Then, you can then judge them for yourself!
The first story, The Mystery of Hamlet , by Emmanuel E. Garcia, was perhaps the weakest of the group. Rather than being "The Game is Afoot" Holmesian mystery, it was more of a cerebral one-sided discussion touching on the premise of who was the real villain in Hamlet. Paradoxically, the Hamlet antagonist idea was the most interesting aspect in an otherwise disappointing "poisoned" story. The intellectual discussion droned on and on; now I know what my students must have felt like. Thus, I disliked first story; interesting Hamlet premise, but it didn't seem in keeping with the character nor plots one expects. I would probably give it a two of five stars. Roger Jayne’s "The Belgravian Letter," was the second story in the book. The setting is far more comfortable for the Sherlockian reader in the more familiar surroundings of London and concerns the mysterious death of Sir Arthur Wilcox, a high-ranking civil servant. Who could have done it? Were important state documents stolen What starts strong becomes predictable, and I guessed the end early on. Still, it was a solid three of five stars. The final short story is by Eddie Maguire, "The Highcliffe Invitation." It provides an extraordinary account in which Holmes and Watson are invited to countryside in Dorset for the weekend. They are unaware that the Kaiser wishes to meet them. This one is the best of the group and kept me guessing more. This one is right on the bubble between a three or a four star rating!
Each story is a comfortable reading length of 60 or 70 pages. The third story is stronger on character and plot than the other two, especially the first. Certainly, the book is a little disappointing; however, if I had it to do over again, I would still get the book. Regardless, if you enjoy Holmes, you may want to give this one a try yourself. Then, you can then judge them for yourself!
March 10, 2016
What does the title have to do with the book?
Sherlock Holmes and the Three Poisoned Pawns by Emanuel E. Garcia, Roger Jaynes and Eddie Maguire
My thanks to Georgina Cutler of Endeavor Press for my review Kindle™ copy of this book!
This volume consists of three short novelettes.
“Sherlock Holmes and the Mystery of Hamlet” by Emanuel E. Garcia
Holmes has retired to the Sussex Downs to keep bees. Watson has come for a visit. He finds Holmes playing violin while Mrs. Grant—who takes care of Holmes’ house and is the local Vicar’s wife—plays piano. Holmes seems glad to see Watson, because he has made a discovery that he wants Watson to prepare for writing.
The question of whether Shakespeare actually wrote the plays attributed to The Bard is much debated. Holmes thinks he has discovered a secret lying within Hamlet. According to Holmes, something is truly rotten in Denmark.
This one was to be honest, boring. That is until the final scene and one sees why Holmes spends so much time on this deduction concerning Hamlet.
I give this story three stars…
“Sherlock Holmes and the Belgravian Letter” by Roger Jaynes
It is August of the year 1895. Sir Arthur Wilcox has been found shot dead in his home at Cadogan Place, and the matter could be politically important. Holmes will solve the case, but this time he may have crossed boundaries best left uncrossed…
The story builds nicely. The final reveal is rather neat, but a little expected.
I give this story three stars…
“Sherlock Holmes and the Highcliffe Invitation” by Eddie Maguire
Holmes and Watson are invited by the Colonel, Honourable Sir Edward Stuart-Wortley to his home for the weekend to meet an esteemed guest. As it turns out, this guest is His Majesty, Kaiser Wilhelm.
The Kaiser is trying to find out if Holmes is as good as Watson’s stories claim. And apparently, some people in British society might wish harm to the Kaiser…
The introduction of Von Bork at the end was a nice touch.
I give this story three stars…
As a volume this book is somewhat weak. Three stars is the maximum I feel comfortable in giving it.
Quoth the Raven…
Sherlock Holmes and the Three Poisoned Pawns by Emanuel E. Garcia, Roger Jaynes and Eddie Maguire
My thanks to Georgina Cutler of Endeavor Press for my review Kindle™ copy of this book!
This volume consists of three short novelettes.
“Sherlock Holmes and the Mystery of Hamlet” by Emanuel E. Garcia
Holmes has retired to the Sussex Downs to keep bees. Watson has come for a visit. He finds Holmes playing violin while Mrs. Grant—who takes care of Holmes’ house and is the local Vicar’s wife—plays piano. Holmes seems glad to see Watson, because he has made a discovery that he wants Watson to prepare for writing.
The question of whether Shakespeare actually wrote the plays attributed to The Bard is much debated. Holmes thinks he has discovered a secret lying within Hamlet. According to Holmes, something is truly rotten in Denmark.
This one was to be honest, boring. That is until the final scene and one sees why Holmes spends so much time on this deduction concerning Hamlet.
I give this story three stars…
“Sherlock Holmes and the Belgravian Letter” by Roger Jaynes
It is August of the year 1895. Sir Arthur Wilcox has been found shot dead in his home at Cadogan Place, and the matter could be politically important. Holmes will solve the case, but this time he may have crossed boundaries best left uncrossed…
The story builds nicely. The final reveal is rather neat, but a little expected.
I give this story three stars…
“Sherlock Holmes and the Highcliffe Invitation” by Eddie Maguire
Holmes and Watson are invited by the Colonel, Honourable Sir Edward Stuart-Wortley to his home for the weekend to meet an esteemed guest. As it turns out, this guest is His Majesty, Kaiser Wilhelm.
The Kaiser is trying to find out if Holmes is as good as Watson’s stories claim. And apparently, some people in British society might wish harm to the Kaiser…
The introduction of Von Bork at the end was a nice touch.
I give this story three stars…
As a volume this book is somewhat weak. Three stars is the maximum I feel comfortable in giving it.
Quoth the Raven…
February 29, 2016
Ok ...know your hamlet!
Loved one of the stories..the others were interesting but not as exciting and some of the other Holmes books..,and as I say some Shakespeare knowledge wouldn't go a miss.
Loved one of the stories..the others were interesting but not as exciting and some of the other Holmes books..,and as I say some Shakespeare knowledge wouldn't go a miss.
January 25, 2016
Disappointing. Not faithful to the characters.
Disappointing. Not faithful to the characters. The third story was the closest. The first was just an opportunity for discredited speculation on who wrote Shakespeare's play.
Disappointing. Not faithful to the characters. The third story was the closest. The first was just an opportunity for discredited speculation on who wrote Shakespeare's play.
February 1, 2016
Overall a good read
I disliked first story quite a bit, it didn't seem in keeping with the character. The other two authors have more closely captured the personality of the detective with problems more akin to those ACD wrote.
I disliked first story quite a bit, it didn't seem in keeping with the character. The other two authors have more closely captured the personality of the detective with problems more akin to those ACD wrote.
June 15, 2016
Captivating
This book contains three separate mysteries to be solved by the famous detective Sherlock Holmes. Things are never as clear as they seem.
This book contains three separate mysteries to be solved by the famous detective Sherlock Holmes. Things are never as clear as they seem.
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