A Study in Crimson: Sherlock Holmes: 1942

(Paperback, New in Paperback)

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LONDON, 1942.

A killer going by the name of 'Crimson Jack' is stalking the wartime streets of London, murdering women on the exact dates of the infamous Jack the Ripper killings of 1888. Has the Ripper somehow returned from the grave Is the self-styled Crimson Jack a descendant of the original Jack or merely a madman obsessed with those notorious killings

In desperation Scotland Yard turn to Sherlock Holmes, the worlds greatest detective. Surely he is the one man who can sift fact from legend and track down Crimson Jack before he completes his tally of death. As Holmes and the faithful Watson tread the blacked out streets of London, death waits just around the corner.

Inspired by the classic film series from Universal Pictures starring Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce, which updated Sherlock Holmes to the 1940s, this is a brand new adventure from the acclaimed author ofThe Thirty-One Kings,Castle Macnaband theArtie Conan Doyle Mysteries.

'In Aickmans fiction, peculiarity is intertwined with a drab twentieth-century realism that is very English and sometimes dryly funny. Think Philip Larkin, or Barbara Pym, gone eldritch.' Anwen Crawford, The New Yorker

'His name should be placed among the greats Flannery OConnor, Irwin Shaw, Raymond Carver . . . You will never forget the first Aickman story you read, nor be satisfied when youve read them all.' John Darnielle, author of Wolf in White Van

Reviews

'In two previous books, the author resurrected John Buchans World War I-era character Richard Hannay to good effect and with strong period flavor. A Study in Crimson achieves a similar mix of action-adventure, detective savvy and Holmesian surprise'

* Wall Street Journal *

'Besides providing the duo with a worthy challenge, Harris makes his Watson an intelligent and competent sidekick. Both the strong characterization and plot bode well for a sequel'

* Publishers Weekly US (STARRED) *

'Despite the death of Arthur Conan Doyle, readers still cannot get enough of his most famous creation, Sherlock Holmes. Robert J. Harris is adding to the new Holmes canon with his brilliant tribute'

* Books From Scotland *

'Unmitigated pleasure is Harris's stock in trade. In A STUDY IN CRIMSON he revives Basil Rathbone's wartime Sherlock Holmes with great affection and peerless skill. A must-read for Homes aficionados and consumers of literary homage in general'

-- Anthony O'Neill, author of 'Dr Jekyll and Mr Seek' and 'The Devil Upstairs'

'Robert J Harris captures the character of Holmes and Watson wonderfully well in this intriguing mystery'

* Irish Independent *

'A riveting readwritten in an engrossing and engaging manner, this book is a unique development of the Holmes novel and worthy of your time'

* Journal of the Legal Society of Scotland *

'The book is very well written, well-paced, and extremely entertaining. I look forward to reading more in the same vein'

* The Sherlock Holmes Journal *

'A thoroughly enjoyable homage to Sherlock Holmes, and very good it is too'

* Undiscovered Scotland *

'If you like the books, the films or any of the Sherlock Holmes related material thats out there, youre going to love this. Perfect reading when you want to fall into something thats new but familiar as well. I absolutely loved it'

-- Ali Braidwood * Camglen Radio's Scots Whay Hae! *

'Its a solid detective thriller that moves at a good pace. The Second World War, and the suggestions of a society on the brink of change, make an intriguing backdrop'

-- Alastair Mabbott * The Herald *

'Harris' take on the iconic characters is outstanding'

-- Bruce Tierney * BookPage (US) *

'A new Sherlock Holmes mystery and its something to celebrate. The mystery motivates Holmes, energises Watson, and leaves Lestrade hanging on their coattails. A captivating start to a new series'

-- Liz Robinson * LoveReading *

'With all the expected quirkiness of the main characters and the charm of the original author, Robert J. Harris A Study in Crimson will be an easy and enjoyable read for fans of Holmes and Watson'

* The Book Review Station *

Author Bio

Robert J. Harris was born in Dundee and studied at the University of St. Andrews where he graduated with a first class honours degree in Latin. He is the designer of the bestselling fantasy board game Talisman and has written numerous books, including the popular World Goes Lokiseries, the Artie Conan Doyle Mysteries, as well as the bestsellingThe Thirty-One Kings andCastle Macnab. He lives in St. Andrews with his wife, Debbie.