(reviewed by JD Jung)
#CommissionsEarned
“I had my holiday. I had enjoyed three years without a single thread binding me to this or that place, any one responsibility save for my own to myself and the fishing of what I had begun with Professor Moriarty. A task which ought to have ended neatly and without any loose ends…But to close the entry on Moriarty was to bury my own acknowledgement that I had been cavalier with my own life and with Watson’s.”
The newspapers had reported that Sherlock Holmes was dead, but actually he had run away to Europe. When he resurfaced in London three years later, he was still remembered by the public, and of course, Scotland Yard. Most importantly, Dr. Watson forgave him, and they continued their friendship and professional relationship as before.
Upon his return, a wealthy widow sought Holmes’ services as she was being blackmailed over a brief affair she had. The gentleman in question, Simmons, was a friend of her late husband. The strange part was that so far, no money had been demanded by the extortionist. Even stranger, was that Simmons soon came to Holmes requesting help in solving the mysterious cause of death of some members of his organization (or cult), Theosophist Order of Odic Forces. Simmons believed that magic was involved in their deaths, and the culprit seemed to exert mental control over his victims.
This story engages the reader at every step as we try to figure out how these two cases are related, as well as the cause of the deaths, and the reason for the blackmail. However, what fascinated me the most was the exploration into the psyche of Sherlock Homes. He questions his own motives and ethics, as well as his inability to feel or love. Most of all, he ponders if there can even be life for him after Moriarty.
I especially appreciate author M.K. Wiseman’s literary style which keeps close to that of the original series.
In fact, I believe that fans of the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle series are sure to enjoy Sherlock Holmes & the Silver Cord.
