Warlock Holmes : A Study in Brimstone

 

By G.S. Denning

Based on Sherlock Holmes stories, this collection contains six stories, starting with when Dr. Watson first joins Holmes in his adventures. Watson is ex-military who is still recovering from wounds received in combat. And Holmes is a strange, mystical fellow with connections to demons and other arcane beings. Watson is actually the more observant of the two but Holmes is peculiar and unpredictable.

Like the originals, these stories feature people coming to Holmes for help or people encountered who need help. Holmes also has the help of two of Britain's finest, Detective Inspector Torg Grogsson, an ogre and Inspector Vladislav Lestrade, a vampire. Also there is a  version of the Baker Street Regulars except these are the Baker Street Irregulars, a pack of rats led by a shapeshifting ratboy.

The six stories:

• A Study in Brimstone
• The Adventure of the Resident Sacrifice
• The Case of the Cardboard... Case
• The Adventure of the Yellow Bastard
• The Adventure of the _eckled  _and
• Charles Augustus Milverton: Soulbinder

Holmes in these stories in similar to the original in that they are both enigmas. Original Holmes for his intellect and uncanny powers of observation. And this Holmes for his uncanny and secret powers that he uses for his own benefit and to bring each case to a satisfactory conclusion.

I enjoyed the humor encountered in the stories. As far as whether the stories are takes on the original Sherlock Holmes stories, I don't know as I have never really read the Holmes stories. I did recognize one story that's a take on the original, "The Adventure of the Speckled Band". But only that one.

Here is a review by Kirkus Reviews.