While shelf reading one afternoon, I came across The Whitechapel Murdersby Edward B. Hanna. It sounded interesting, so I pulled it out and almost returned it immediately. It purported to be a “Sherlock Holmes Novel.” Now, I am a purist by nature and don’t tend to enjoy books written in the style of a famous author or using that author’s famous detectives. I had the same reaction to the novelization of Agatha Christie’s plays by Osbourne. However, I did read the inside cover to see what it might be about and was intrigued enough to give it a try.

The book is set in modern day where a set of papers are turned over when a business has been sold. These papers were those of a Dr. John H. Watson and seemed to include the case notes of Sherlock Holmes’ attempt to solve the gruesome murders in Whitechapel. So far, so plausible, so I checked it out and began to read. I will say that I do disagree with some of the reviewers’ glowing accolades of Mr. Hanna. While I felt he did spin a good Holmes-style tale, he wasn’t as seamless as some gave him credit for.

For instance, those who are familiar Doyle’s work, the cases are written in 1st person and we actually are told of the cases by Dr. Watson. Hanna strays from this and writes from a 3rd person perspective. It was a bit jarring at first, but overcomable. His characterization of the two main characters — Holmes and Watson — were not as I had always read them, perhaps owing to the fact that we are always looking at Holmes through Watson’s eyes when reading Doyle.

All in all, my opinion while mixed are mainly favorable. It was enjoyable read full of excitement and Holmesian logic. It does leave you guessing until the end, wondering if Holmes will crack the case that has baffled sleuths over the centuries. You will find this on my Staff Picks.

Enjoy!