A Proof Reader’s Adventures of Sherlock Holmes

By: Nick Dunn-Meynell

Narrated by: Jack Auty

Not your typical Sherlock Holmes adventures…

Nick Dunn-Meynell’s new collection, A Proof Reader’s Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, contains 12 sequels - of sorts - to each of the original stories in The Adventure of Sherlock Holmes, which first appeared in The Strand from 1891 to 1892. Within this book, you’ll find a series of conversations between Holmes and Watson, each immediately taking place at the conclusion of one of the adventures.

These aren’t typical Sherlockian pastiches - the listener won’t find new investigations in the traditional manner. Rather, these stories take the inconsistencies and contradictions to be found in those original 12 canonical adventures and pull them apart, twist them, double back on them, and construct them into something that’s sly and new and thoroughly thought-provoking.

These efforts are dense with material and are filled with Easter Eggs for the perceptive Sherlockian. The author’s subtle sense of humor and affection for Holmes and Watson peeks through at every turn, and there are references in each of the individual stories that refer to the others within this collection, giving hints of a bigger narrative at play. Listening to these cannot and should not be hurried. They must be pondered.

And in addition to the Sherlockian aspects, Mr. Dunn-Meynell has managed to weave references to works of art from London’s National Gallery into each story, pointing out their own hidden or ignored aspects, symbols, and meanings.

There’s much to enjoy and ponder about these stories. Some will catch you by surprise and make you laugh out loud, while others will leave you painfully aware of contradictions and mistakes that have been previously ignored in the canon.

These aren’t typical Holmes adventures, but they are worth the time to savor and explore.

©2021 Nick Dunn-Meynell (P)2022 MX Publishing

Fascinating and fun

The Proof Reader’s Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Nick Dunn-Meynell provides his answers the behind the scenes questions and a bigger context regarding the ACD stories. I enjoyed the book and I listened to it over several days because it is filled to the brim with history and Holmes stories. It answered some of my questions about the original stories and was fun to speculate on the answers. The narration by Jack Auty was excellent.

I have mixed feelings about this one

Okay, I had been going back and forth about this audiobook. On one hand, it's quite obvious the amount of work and love that has been put into it. On the other hand, it looks like its only purpose is to debunk all our beloved stories from Doyle.

I also have a problem with its length. I think it would have been better to have it split into, at least, two books instead of one that long. Particularly when it's not an easy listen. It's full of references not only to the original stories but also to Shakespeare's plays, historical events, philosophy.

So... did I like it? In parts, but not always. Mostly, because a lot of the time Holmes did not sound like Holmes. But also because much of the dissection of the cases felt forced and only there to make the author (and the reader) feel cleaver.

Nevertheless, it is an interesting take on the stories, either if you agree with it, or if you don't.

The narration by Jack Auty was very, very good.

Overload

The data and the arguments Sherlock Holmes has with Doctor Watson are questions with answers, that have gone flying through my head with no delay, while ready the stories. I'm glad to see someone else has answered my momentary questions.Loved it.

Wow is all I can say

The author goes out of his way to explain that he is a huge Sherlock fan and that the book pokes fun at the detective and Dr. Watson.

Not only is the book all over the place, but it is mean spirited. Making fun of every one and every thing. He thinks he is witty, but he is a snob.

I gave the book a chance and listened til the halfway point and I had enough. I love these characters and for someone proclaiming his love and devotion to said characters, he has a strange way of showing it.

To the Author,

You are a snob. If you find it so much fun tearing down the characters the we love, be honest about it and name your book. “Making Fun of Sherlock Holmes and the fans who love him” for you are not only making fun of the people we love, but you are making fun of his devoted fans. One last thing. YOU SUCK