An Inscrutable Masquerade', 'The Conundrum of Coach 13', 'The Trinity Vicarage Larceny', and 'The 10.59 Assassin'. Inspired by Arthur Conan Doyle’s original Sherlock Holmes stories, John Taylor has written four more mysteries featuring the world’s greatest detective. Read by acclaimed actor Benedict Cumberbatch, these new adventures share all the suspense of the original tales.
In a drawer in his bureau, Dr Watson keeps a locked cedar wood chest - a ‘box of secrets’. It contains an archive of notes referring to some of Holmes’ cases that, for one reason or another, never saw the light of day. Now, for the first time, Watson has decided to reveal the truth to the world... In these four thrilling stories, Holmes experiments with the science of ballistics, locates some missing gold bullion, investigates the theft of a large amount of money and solves the baffling mystery of the Stovey murder.
©2010 John Taylor (P)2010 AudioGO Ltd
"Brilliant reader, strangely stupid stories"
Although Benedict Cumberbatch is the best reader of Sherlock Holmes yet in the long roster of fine readers, the material here is very poor. The puzzles behind the stories are transparent and — sorry — elementary.
"Cumberbatch is a great Sherlock Holmes"
Benedict Cumberbatch's excellent reading, John Taylor's great continuation of the Holmes series -- it sounded very much like Conan Doyle.
Yes -- very involving, and good suspense.
His delineation of the various characters is extraordinary -- you can always tell who is talking. He also does a great Holmes -- even if he wasn't already playing Holmes on television I would say that. His voice is perfect for audio books.
Yes, and I did.
I know that Cumberbatch's career is taking off into films, etc., but I hope he does more audio books! It would be great if he would do a version of the original Holmes canon.
"Very Good Stories - Brilliant Narration"
This collection of stories is well within the vein of ACD's writings. I must point out clearly that it was a sheer delight to listen to Benedict Cumberbatch's narration. Cumberbatch is the latest and among the best actors to portray Holmes in the current modern-day series 'Sherlock'. His knowledge of the character, his subtleties and tonal inflection come through brilliantly.
The stories are well though out, entertaining and fun. Watson takes on a more three-dimensional role rather than dumb tag-along as many stories relegate him.
I look forward to more from John Taylor and especially Benedict Cumberbatch.
When I drive, I read... uhm listen. I like SciFi, Fantasy, some Detective and Espionage novels and Religion. Now and then I will also listen to something else.
"One out of four"
Only one of the four stories wasn't predictable. While the narration is good, I've figured out the plots of three of the stories was, before being drawn into it.
If you're a dedicated Sherlock Holmes fan, this might be for you, if not, pass it by.
"An Entertaining Listen"
I am a big fan of the Sherlock Holmes books as well as the recent BBC series and the old black and white series starring Ronald Howard. I saw this and thought it would be fun to listen to. The stories hold very true to the original styling of the books, however I will agree with another reviewer in saying that some of the stories were very predictable. It was very funny hearing Benedict Cumberbatch (who is very British) trying to do an American accent. He did OK with it, but it was funny having the "American" say the word schedule in the English pronunciation, as a opposed to the American way of saying it. It was worth getting the book with the free trial, but I would not pay the whole twelve dollars or so that they are charging for it.
"Decent version of Holmes, great narration"
I would definitely listen to this again, in the same way that I re-read Holmes stories now and again. The plots are more simplistic than Doyle's, but nicely done. Benedict Cumberbatch has the perfect voice for a story of this sort, and doesn't overdo the characters - his American accent is quite good.
I would recommend it to mystery fans, although not in lieu of the original works
The second story had several distinct characters, all of whom were voiced and written well.
"A pleasure for the fans"
I have enjoyed the book. Mostly, I have to admit, because Benedict Cumberbatch has one of those voices, which can turn a phone book into an exciting story.
The stories themselves are nothing special, but still a pleasurable way to spend an afternoon.
"Interesting stories, great narrator."
Having recently re-read Sir Arthur Cona Doyle's novels and watched the BBC's adaption of Sherlock Holmes, this seemed like a great way to continue enjoying Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. The four stories are diverting enough, but it is Benedict Cumberbatch's performance that makes the audiobook. His American accent isn't great, but I personally can live with that. Each story is only 30 minutes long, which is a good length. I was disappointed when the fourth story finished.
"Great Story, Great Narrator"
Benedict Cumberbatch is amazing in this! All the characters are believable and he actually does a pretty good American accent. Overall, I'm really happy with this audiobook, I wish it was longer!
Sherlock of course! This is a different version of than what he plays on television, but seems closer to traditional Sherlock Holmes. Even though Watson has more of a speaking part, Cumberbatch still gives Sherlock quite a bit of range in the lines he does have.
Pretty much all of Chapter 2 "The Conundrum of Coach 13" was my favorite.
It wasn't that kind of book, but it was fun trying to figure out the mystery before Sherlock does.
Great book, would recommend.
"Great Short Holmes mystries."
Good Read
Yes. By moving through events without revieling the end.
Dr. Watson
In fact I listened to the entire book in one sitting.
Hope there are more like this to come.