More Holmes for the Holiday

Rating:
Summary: Great holiday tales
Review: After enjoying "Holmes for the Holidays", I was glad that the editors were putting out a second volume of Christmas stories involving Holmes and Watson. Some of the writings in this book were better than those in the first version, and some weren't that great. One of my favorites was "The Adventure of the Second Violet"--I thought it was very clever!

Rating:
Summary: A very enjoyable collection of stories . . . .
Review: This book has a lot of good fun in it. We not only are able to revisit Holmes and Watson, but many of the stories take us into the interesting world of 19th century intellectuals and literati.

For one example, Bill Crider's story "The Adventure of the Christmas Bear" brings Oscar Wilde to life. At first glance, one would imagine no pair more opposite than the dour Holmes and the madcap Oscar Wilde. And yet, they strike some very interesting sparks in the story.

Charles Darwin comes to life in "The Adventure of the Naturalist's Stock Pin." Jon Breen creates a story where Darwin himself comes calling at 221B Baker Street using the pseudonym "Mr. Beagle." His wiles are of no use, of course, for Holmes quickly confronts him with his real identity. The story is most entertaining, and again, is a treat for those of us who enjoy bringing of a past milieu to life.

Bob Cratchit of Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" is the heart of yet another story -- as a supposedly "real" personage! Some of these literary pastiches have to be applauded for their audacity and inventiveness. And of course, can the writer bring the story home-- can the sometimes outre premise be woven into a Christmas tale?

I believe these stories succeed moreso than they fail. Considering that many of the stories are by authors I've never heard of, I was pleasantly surprised that the quality of the writing is really quite good. The editors deserve a pat on the back. A few of the writers are pretty well known -- I'm familiar with Anne Perry and Tanith Lee, for two.

Is this book, "More Holmes for the Holidays," of equal quality with its predecessor, entitled "Holmes for the Holidays?" I am presently reading my way through the latter. It appears there is no fall-off in quality. Good editors are good editors. They did a capable job with the first, and sustained their good judgment with the second.

These stories are great fun at Christmastime. It's surprising how differently the authors "imagine" that Holmes responded to Christmas. Often in a dour and sour manner -- "humbug" -- but in some of the stories, he has a bright Christmas spirit.

The only Arthur Conan Doyle story involving Holmes and Christmas is "The Blue Carbuncle." That was a fine tale! It's a shame that Doyle did not do more Christmas tales involving the Baker Street duo, and this book helps remedy that deficiency.