Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Poisoned Lilly
Lillian was young, talented and beautiful. The public loved her, and the critics predicted a glittering future as one of Victorian England’s most important actresses. But someone wanted her dead. It was aswell for Lillian that she had a friend to confide in – a friend who was married to Dr. John H. Watson … The investigation stretches Dr. Watson and Sherlock Holmes to the limit of their powers. Their hunt for the poisoner takes them to the Lyceum Theatre, to St. Bartholomew’s Hospital, to Scotland Yard and out into rural Hertfordshire. So many suspects – and so many possible motives! Can Sherlock Holmes solve The Case of the Poisoned Lilly?
Reviews
In the acknowledgements of his first Sherlock Holmes novel, Roger Riccard has bowed to Edward Hardwicke’s characterization of Dr. John H. Watson, in the Granada television productions, for the masterpiece that it was. He has gone on to successfully capture that Watson and Holmes on paper. Their interaction and dialogue are well performed and their actions and reactions are judiciously suited to the characters that we have come to know and enjoy.
In addition he has given Mary Watson a strong role as the doctor’s wife, allowing her to perform as a supporting partner in their investigation while maintaining Victorian female decorum.
The plot and subplots are successfully woven and are always pulling the reader forward. The historical accuracy and geography are there for Victorian purists. Also some of the cannon’s unanswered questions are given a hint of speculation without forcing them as fact.
All in all a good first effort, let’s hope there are more to come from this author.
