Death on a Pale Horse

Sherlock Holmes on Her Majesty's Secret Service

By: Donald Thomas

Narrated by: John Telfer

Length: 11 hrs and 37 mins

Publisher's summary

In a momentous period of British history, Donald Thomas' latest Sherlock Holmes adventure pits the great detective and his faithful biographer, Dr. John Watson, against an international conspiracy led by a disgraced English officer.

Colonel Hunter Moran bears upon him the "Mark of the Beast"; his satanic ingenuity leaves a spectacular trail of devastation. It runs from the annihilation of a British armored column by Zulu tribesmen - armed only with shields and spears - to a life-and-death struggle on the sinking passenger steamer Comtesse de Flandre.

The heir to the French empire lies dead in the African dust. Europe is brought to the brink of war by forged dispatches, designed to enrich gun-runners and assassins. The gold fields and diamond mines of South Africa become the playground of organized crime. Only the detective genius of Holmes can prove a match for the unfolding criminality of Moran and his associates. With Watson and Mycroft at his side, Sherlock Holmes again demonstrates that although the powers of the state and the underworld may try to overpower him, they will never out-think his splendid analytical mind at the height of its powers.

©2013 Donald Thomas (P)2013 AudioGO

Critic reviews

"Master pasticher Thomas demonstrates that his gifts at creating new Holmes short stories...extend to the harder task of sustaining character, atmosphere, and plot over a full-length novel, something that Conan Doyle himself struggled with.... As with the best emulations of the originals, Thomas maintains both the proper tone and spirit, while presenting new facets of both the doctor and the detective that ring true." ( Publishers Weekly)

Needs to be fixed but great

I really like listening this story but it keeps stopping at 39:49 on chapter 8 with almost 10 minutes left.

A Real Sherlock Holmes Mystery

A long time a go I read a collection of Sherlock Holmes mysteries in a big hard cover book that I borrowed from the library of my Great Aunt. I am sure that it was a first edition but where it is now I have no idea. I remember being riveted with the action and confounded by the mystery and amazed at Sherlock's observations.

I was no less riveted, confounded and amazed by this book. I can highly recommend it and plan to read more modern interpretations of Sherlock Holmes mysteries. They appeal to my gothic nature without the need of zombies and the like.

Another great book narrated by John Telfer

This is another great book written by Donald Thomas. John Telfer did an amazing job narrating. A definite must listen for any fan of Sherlock Homes.

Captivating Sttle and Story Line !

I seldomly read fiction books ; However, I stumbled upon one of the Author's books of Holmes short stories, that were very well done, so I decided to read one of the new full lenght novels. After completing the reading of this book, I knew that I had made a good decision. After starting the book, I found it nearly impossible to stop listening and go off to other things. This book allows Dr. Watson to have a role in the story, other than being Holmes story teller , companion, and water carrier. Holmes comes across in a more human role, while maintaining his feeling of superiority and demonstrating the arrogance he has always possessed. I am going to purchase the Other holmes books written by this author as an addition for my library.

All Loose Ends Tied Too Neatly

First rate Holmesian novel...or should I say Watsonian? Good concept linking Col. Moran to some unexplained nefarious events but carried a bit too far I think. I began thinking that the Moriarty-Moran gang was responsible for everything from the premature death of Prince Albert to the assassination of President Garfield. A pretty good listen though,

Excellent Story

What did you love best about Death on a Pale Horse?

I have been a long time fan of Sherlock Holmes. I found the story to be well written with very few things that wouldn't fit within one written by Doyle. The story leads in a completely new direction; which was refreshing after reading the standard ripper explanations. The narration was great as well.
I will mostly likely listen to this story a few times. That in its'self should let you know what i think of it.

What about John Telfer’s performance did you like?

I thought the performance was excellent.

Donald Thomas writes excellent Holmes stories.

Very good story featuring an old foe. Lots of information about Watson's war years. Great revenge tale.

Great Listen

Story and narrator were fantastic. Very much enjoyed this series of books. Hope there are more to follow.