The Return of the Pharaoh

From the Reminiscences of John H. Watson, M.D.

By: Nicholas Meyer

Narrated by: David Robb, Nicholas Meyer

Length: 8 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's summary

This program is read by Downton Abbey actor David Robb, and includes footnotes read by the author.

In Nicholas Meyer's The Return of the Pharaoh, Sherlock Holmes returns in an adventure that takes him to Egypt in search of a missing nobleman, a previously undiscovered pharaoh's tomb, and a conspiracy that threatens his very life.

With his international best seller, The Seven Per Cent Solution, Nicholas Meyer brought to light a previously unpublished case of Sherlock Holmes that reinvigorated the world's interest in the first consulting detective. Now, many years later, Meyer is given exclusive access to Dr. Watson's unpublished journal, wherein he details a previously unknown case.

In 1910, Dr. John Watson travels to Egypt with his wife, Juliet. Her tuberculosis has returned, and her doctor recommends a stay at a sanitarium in a dry climate. But while his wife undergoes treatment, Dr. Watson bumps into an old friend - Sherlock Holmes, in disguise and on a case. An English duke with a penchant for Egyptology has disappeared, leading to enquiries from his wife and the Home Office.

Holmes has discovered that the missing duke has indeed vanished from his lavish rooms in Cairo and that he was on the trail of a previous undiscovered and unopened tomb. And that he's only the latest Egyptologist to die or disappear under odd circumstances. With the help of Howard Carter, Holmes and Watson are on the trail of something much bigger, more important, and more sinister than an errant lord.

A Macmillan Audio production from Minotaur Books

©2021 Nicholas Meyer (P)2021 Macmillan Audio

KR61

I loved it all: Egyptian setting, plot, a believable Holmes and Watson, and especially KR61.

Well developed story

This is a different take on Sherlock and Dr.Watson, but still true to their characters. Egyptian research is evident, and I loved the train scene danger. I will probably listen to another book by this author. The narration was also easy to hear.

Adding this to the list of my Sherlockiana faves

Deeply satisfying. I am a diehard Sherlockian and read lots of the variations on the canon. Some are entertaining, some abominable, and only a few are among the novels that will stay with me for a long time. For me, this one reached the level of some of Laurie R. King's bests. I also enjoyed the previous books in the series, but this one was particularly great. My only beef was with the voice the narrator gave to Holmes: overly mild and soft, rather than sharp and supercilious, as it is supposed to be and is supported by the dialogue.

Holmes in Egypt

Another Nicholas Meyer triumphal extension of Holmesian adventures. This time in Egypt the great detective and his erstwhile companion along with Howard Carter face Egyptian nationalists, delve into archeology, Egypt mania and murder. It is an enjoyable journey,

Holmes on the Nile....

Story teller extraordinaire Nicholas Meyer take a bow....I loved this book....stylish, witty, clever and wonderfully written...it did what best books can do - takes you on a fascinating journey...David Robb's performance as Homes is a standout....What fun!

Wonderfully enjoyable--hated to see the story end!

I really savored this novel. Every scene has the atmosphere, even the locutions and historical feel of an authentic Holmes story. David Robb brings the story to life wonderfully. I enjoyed the references to other Holmes stories and to historical figures. The pace and suspense build thrillingly. It made me think of myself long ago as an excited fifth-grader who picked up "The Red-Headed League" and became a loyal fan of Arthur Conan Doyle and his characters. Then, I wondered how Holmes would sort out the strange doings of the red-headed men hired to copy articles--but I somehow sensed he would. Yesterday, in the last chapter of Nicholas Meyer's novel, I couldn't imagine how Holmes would lead the characters to safety out of their impossible, deadly plight--but I still trusted him to do so. It's a wonderful book that can awaken the eager fifth-grader inside and still be appreciated and enjoyed by the grown adult. (Maybe Audible could get David Robb to record the first three Nicholas Meyer novels so that all five stories would have the same accomplished voice performing them?)

Refreshing treatment of Sherlock Holmes

I liked the way the American author handled the characters and story, with a more straightforward American slant.

Top-Notch Book!

Nicholas Meyer is literary and filmmaking royalty. This latest pastiche by Mr. Meyer is not only his best, it is one of the best of all Holmes pastiches. Taking place in Egypt, in the early years of King Edward, the book is an Egyptologist's dream. The book also reveals a side of Watson that apparently his second wife knows, but he never could admit to. I highly recommend this excellent book.

So good

I loved this long interesting tale from both the Sherlock Holmes enthusiast side and the Egyptology Side!!! More more more please!!!!
Doc Shannon

Too many distractions

The mystery in this story is okay, and the setting really well rendered and interesting. Unfortunately, the plot line with Watson's wife and their whole relationship dragged and felt unnecessary. A tendency to present things through a modern lens (such as heavily likening Tuberculosis to COVID-19) or with a modern way of thinking (Mrs. Watson feels she has "subjugated her personality" for her husband) also distracted from the enjoyment of the story.