Sherlock Holmes: The Tales of Darkness

By: Paul D Gilbert

Narrated by: Simon de Deney

Length: 6 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

Although Sherlock Holmes had always refused to accept the potential influences of the supernatural upon the many cases with which he had been presented, there had certainly been a few which had sowed a seed of doubt within the mind of his friend and colleague, Dr. Watson. Obviously, "The Hound of the Baskervilles" and "The Sussex Vampire" are prime examples of these, but they are not the only ones!

The apparition of a lady dressed in white and long thought dead, a deadly and shadowy form that wreaks terror on the heath, and a figure from the past who has accrued the power to commune with the dead! Here is collection of cases, some new, together with a few old favorites which sorely test Holmes' long-held beliefs to their very limits!

©2023 Paul Gilbert (P)2023 MX Publishing

Holmesian Horror

In the realm of classic detective fiction, there exists a name that shines brighter than all others, a name synonymous with unparalleled intellect and uncanny deductive prowess—Sherlock Holmes. However, what happens when the world's greatest detective confronts the shadowy specters of the supernatural? "Sherlock Holmes: The Tales of Darkness," penned by the talented Paul D. Gilbert and masterfully narrated by Simon de Deney, unveils a riveting collection of tales that not only test the limits of Holmes' beliefs but also immerse listeners in a world where the boundaries between the rational and the supernatural blur. This audiobook is a thrilling exploration of the darker facets of Holmes' world, and it's nothing short of a literary masterpiece.

The premise of "The Tales of Darkness" immediately piques one's interest. While Sherlock Holmes has steadfastly maintained his skepticism towards the supernatural throughout his illustrious career, there have been cases that left even his trusted friend and chronicler, Dr. John Watson, questioning the boundaries of the rational. Gilbert ingeniously draws from Arthur Conan Doyle's canonical works, weaving a tapestry of mysteries that challenge Holmes' long-held convictions.

The audiobook delves into a diverse range of enigmas, both new and revisited classics, and invites us to accompany Holmes and Watson on their relentless pursuit of truth in the face of the unexplained. From the eerie apparition of a lady dressed in white who had long been presumed dead to a menacing, shadowy presence terrorizing the moors, and a figure from the past with the power to commune with the deceased, these tales leave no stone unturned in their exploration of the supernatural.

One of the most commendable aspects of "The Tales of Darkness" is how Paul D. Gilbert seamlessly incorporates elements from Arthur Conan Doyle's original canon. This masterful pastiche pays homage to the source material while crafting new and inventive mysteries that stand on their own. Fans of the original stories will appreciate the attention to detail and the way Gilbert continues storylines and resurrects familiar characters, creating a seamless narrative continuity that is both satisfying and respectful of the Holmes legacy.

In the audiobook, Simon de Deney's narration is nothing short of exceptional. His voice brings the characters to life, and he captures the essence of Watson's narrative voice perfectly. As for Holmes, de Deney portrays him as the insufferable, sharp-witted genius that we know and love. Holmes' dark moods and acerbic behavior are vividly depicted, immersing listeners in the complexities of his character.

The stories themselves are captivating, each with its own unique blend of intrigue, suspense, and a hint of the macabre. While all the tales are worth their weight in gold, a few stood out as personal favorites. "The Adventure of the Shadow on the Heath" unfolds with an atmosphere thick with tension and foreboding, while "The Adventure of the Risen Corpse" expertly balances horror with the razor-sharp logic of Holmes' mind. It's here that the audiobook truly shines, delivering a spine-tingling experience that is reminiscent of the Holmes vs. Cthulhu books that gained popularity not too long ago.

As a devoted aficionado of horror fiction, "The Adventure of the Risen Corpse" emerged as a standout for me. The delicate equilibrium between horror elements and Holmes' trademark reasoning creates a story that is not only engaging but genuinely chilling. It evokes memories of the Holmes vs. Cthulhu series, drawing the listener into a world where the supernatural and the rational collide in the most exhilarating fashion.

"Sherlock Holmes: The Tales of Darkness" is a triumph of storytelling, a compelling addition to the Holmesian legacy, and an absolute must-listen for fans of both classic detective fiction and the supernatural genre. Paul D. Gilbert's intricate narratives and Simon de Deney's impeccable narration combine to create an immersive experience that will leave listeners on the edge of their seats. This audiobook captures the essence of Holmes and Watson while pushing the boundaries of their world into thrilling and uncharted territory. "The Tales of Darkness" is a resounding success, and it rekindles the fascination and admiration we hold for the incomparable detective and his unyielding pursuit of the truth, no matter how dark or mysterious the path may become. Don't miss the opportunity to embark on this mesmerizing journey into the heart of darkness with Sherlock Holmes.

Average

Competent but unremarkable. I don’t think there’s anything to really criticize in this collection but nothing outstanding either. They were fine.