Sherlock Holmes and Hitler's Messenger of Death

By: Petr Macek

Narrated by: Kevin E Green

Length: 5 hrs and 12 mins

Publisher's summary

Spring 1937. While German Chancellor Adolf Hitler ceaselessly talks of peace, his actions seem deliberately calculated to make the Western allies lose patience. The schizophrenic geopolitical atmosphere even can be felt as far away as Fulworth, England, the home of the retired Sherlock Holmes, where the Steiners, a German migrant couple, have recently found a refuge and have assumed care of the detective's household after the passing of Mrs Hudson.

Spying and detective work are far from the thoughts of beekeeping enthusiast Holmes, but the suicide of his protEgE - a local youth whose natural talent the detective developed and encouraged for ten years - is a heavy blow. The death without apparent motive has now pulled Holmes back into the world, which has changed dramatically. Steam power has given way to electricity, carriages have been replaced by automobiles, and the skies are dotted with giant airships. The only thing that has remained constant is evil, in the shape of an enemy with whom Holmes first tangled more than forty years ago...

©2017 Petr Macek (P)2021 MX Publishing

A Good Listen

This is one of the better Sherlock Holmes books that I have read/listened to. I am not talking about Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, no one can surpass him and his writing. But I enjoyed this offering and the history the author employed in this story. Also Kevin E. Green did a fine job of narrating. I received this audiobook code for free in a promo, and I am voluntarily writing this. Thank you to the author, narrator or publisher who provided me this listen.

Fan Fiction For Sherlock Holmes

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle created a character named Sherlock Holmes that featured in several of his stories. Petr Macek has taken Sherlock Holmes and aged him by many years and then involved him in a new mystery. I enjoyed this tale that involved Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson and intermixed some of the more memorable phrases attributed to Sherlock Holmes by his original creator. Kevin E Green's narration is great creating a new voice for old characters. I was given a free copy of the audiobook and I have voluntarily left this review.

Prime Holmes in his Twilight years

"Sherlock Holmes and Hitler's Messenger of Death" is an absolute triumph of historical fiction, brought to life in an audiobook format that elevates the experience to a whole new level. Petr Macek's masterful storytelling, combined with Kevin E Green's exceptional narration, takes listeners on a thrilling journey through a tumultuous period in history with our beloved detective, Sherlock Holmes, at the helm.

Set in the spring of 1937, this gripping tale opens with an audacious attempt on Queen Victoria's life, a scene that will undoubtedly keep you on the edge of your seat from the very beginning. The ensemble of characters, including Holmes, Watson, political secretary Fredrick Fawcett, and private secretary Sir Henry Ponsonby, is brought to life by Kevin E Green's captivating voice, making you feel as though you're right there in the room with them.

Holmes and Watson, now in their eighties, remain as sharp as ever, and their longevity is attributed to the mysterious potions they were administered by an enigmatic Oriental Doctor – a tantalizing aspect of the story that keeps you engaged and curious throughout.

The heart of the narrative revolves around Holmes' former protégé, Richard Green, whose sudden suicide sparks a chain of events that pull our aging heroes back into the world of espionage and intrigue. As they delve into the motives behind Green's actions, the story takes an unexpected turn when it's revealed that he worked for a secret government agency and was involved in the theft of weaponized Anthrax.

What truly sets this audiobook apart is the impeccable narration by Kevin E Green. His skillful delivery of diverse characters' voices, combined with his ability to convey the tension, suspense, and emotion of each scene, makes for an incredibly immersive experience. Green's narration brings Holmes' deductive genius to life, making you feel like you're sitting across from the great detective, trying to solve the case alongside him.

As we follow Holmes and Watson on their perilous journey to uncover the truth behind Green's actions and thwart Nazi agents, the story unfolds with a series of heart-pounding encounters, from burning houses to high-speed train chases and thrilling car pursuits. The relentless pursuit of justice by these elderly gentlemen is a testament to their enduring spirit and unyielding determination.

It's worth noting that while the idea of elderly men engaging in action-packed sequences may seem unlikely, it's not beyond the realm of possibility. A Real-life example wold be my grandfather, who ran miles every day and split and chopped wood, serves as a reminder that age doesn't necessarily define one's capabilities. Moreover, the sparing use of physical confrontations pays homage to Arthur Conan Doyle's original stories, where Holmes relied on his intellect rather than brawn to solve cases. Fisticuffs do not occur in every chapter of the book, which is a shame, because that I something I'd love to listen to.

In contrast to other adaptations that portray an ailing Holmes, this audiobook stays true to the essence of the character created by Doyle. Holmes remains as brilliant and indomitable as ever, providing a refreshing departure from the portrayal of a dementia-stricken detective, as seen in the Ian McKellen film "Mr. Holmes."

As a fun fact for enthusiasts of the Sherlock Holmes universe, this audiobook seamlessly integrates the character of Mycroft Holmes and Inspector Lestrade's legacies into the narrative, paying homage to the rich lore established by Arthur Conan Doyle. It's a delightful nod to the classic stories that fans will undoubtedly appreciate.

In conclusion, "Sherlock Holmes and Hitler's Messenger of Death" is an audiobook that deserves the highest praise. Petr Macek's riveting storytelling and Kevin E Green's stellar narration make it an unforgettable experience. This audiobook successfully resurrects our beloved detective in a new era, reminding us why Sherlock Holmes continues to be an enduring literary icon. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer to the world of Holmes, this audiobook is an absolute must-listen that will keep you entertained and enthralled until the very end.

Great Story

Loved this book. The story is fast paced and full of action. The narration is top notch. I really hope there will be more to come in this series!

weak

I would like to know what happened to holmes. The storyline is weak, not believable.

Really Enjoyed

I really enjoyed this audiobook. The story was great and the narrator was excellent!

Very exciting story

Sherlock Holmes and Hitler’s Messenger of Death by Petr Macek is a story that spans many decades. It starts with the attempted assassination of Queen Victoria and ends with Nazi spies on the Hindenburg. Holmes is brought out of retirement in 1937 by the suicide of his protege, a boy from his town who Holmes mentored and encouraged for 10 years. It’s an action packed story with twists and turns. The story is enjoyable and engaging. I encourage readers to suspend belief that these 80 year old men are performing daring feats or that they can do so because, according to Watson, they drank a miraculous anti-aging potion. It’s a good story and good fun. The narration by Kevin E. Green is wonderful. Her performs each character’s voices expertly with appropriate accents and inflections etc. Does the book end with a cliffhanger? I received a free audiobook code for my honest review.

4.5 stars

Narrated by Kevin E. Green

Summary:
Sherlock Holmes geriatric version. Literally. The author has placed our intrepid detective and his faithful sidekick, Watson, well into their golden years.

Additional Comments:
- Written in classic Sherlock Holmes style with a few concessions for the venerable detective’s advanced years.
- If you like Sherlock Holmes, this could go either way. You could think “hey, it’s close enough. Cool.” Or you could think “this is a pale shadow of the classic story. No. Just no.” I guess I’m more a casual fan of the detective because I fall in the former camp.
- The death of a young man propels Watson and Holmes on a spy caper reminiscent of their old adventures but with a few less fistfights on their part.
- Performance: Very fitting. Has the classic feel to it.

Conclusion:
Like the bajillion Jane Austen knockoffs, this is a story homage that manages to tell a good tale.

*I got a free code for the book. I have freely chosen to review the book.

My own fault - I should have known better

I knew that trying to insert 80-something year old Holmes and Watson into a late 1930's Nazi Germany was stretching the bounds of believability and to maintain the spirit of the original stories was a big ask. Really, these two octogenarians end up doing some pretty unbelievable action/adventure stuff that I'm sure their bodies wouldn't be capable of. Yes, it is a bit too action/adventure for my liking and just not believable. I hate to leave a bad review but if inserting Holmes and Watson into every historic moment through to and beyond WWII is your thing, then go for it - you'll probably enjoy this story. The narration is good.