Sherlock Holmes and the Affair of the Contentious Contralto

By: Fiona-Jane Brown

Narrated by: Steve White

It is 1910, and a widowed Dr. Watson moves back to Baker Street to discover that age has done nothing to dim his old friend's thirst for mystery and deduction.

One morning, Watson returns from a client to find Holmes in a bright mood - the reason? Holmes and Watson have been invited to the farewell concert of celebrated former prima donna of the Warsaw Opera - Irene Adler. The woman requests their presence!

What happens when Holmes meets his one female equal 20 years after their first curious meeting, which Watson described in A Scandal in Bohemia?

©2014 Fiona Jane Brown (P)2017 MX Publishing

Excellent story

Although (or maybe because) it made me incredibly sad, this was an excellent novella. It answers some questions and poses others. The narration by Steve White is wonderful.

The Woman

It is 1910, Edward VII is King, and social change is ruffling feathers. Sherlock Holmes and the Affair of the Contentious Contralto speaks to the issue of male dominance as a mother explains to her daughter the risk of marrying a man who might raise a hand to her while under the influence. The daughter refuses to believe her fiancé is anything but a gentleman, arguing that only lower‑class trash are so afflicted. The mother in question is none other than the Woman, Irene Adler, and her daughter is Sophie Estella Norton, a noted concert pianist.

Irene Norton—née Adler—is the titular contralto who has invited Holmes and Watson to her farewell performance at the Leicester Square Theatre in London. The good doctor is somewhat flummoxed at Holmes’ seeming giddiness at the prospect of seeing his old nemesis.

The stage is set for a convoluted series of incidents that Sherlock Holmes must unravel despite his rather emotional connection to Irene Adler.

I was struck by the inclusion of a short treatise on domestic violence in the first chapter. Unfortunately, this is something with which women still must contend a century later. Much of what follows wears the gloss of love tainted by violence, as a young woman asserts her devotion to a man who has not yet harmed her but has already shown a troubling proclivity. No doubt some will listen to this story with a feminist ear.

As I listen to more and more audiobook offerings from MX Publishing, I am finding more to appreciate in Steve White’s narration. I liked his vocal portrayal of Holmes, and I am coming around to his Watson. You do need to turn the volume up just a tad to catch all of his words.

Sherlock Holmes and the Affair of the Contentious Contralto is a clever tale that will evoke memories of several of Watson’s offerings in Arthur Conan Doyle’s canon. It is set just far enough beyond Victoria’s reign to allow everything to work.

This is part of my ongoing stroll through Sherlock Holmes pastiches — this time in audiobook form, perfect for a month when my eyes need a bit of rest due to cataract surgery.

The Woman

Interesting story, years later about “The Woman”. I did not see the twist coming at the end. Performance of the story was good.

A very nice short story

This is a nice and short story that managed to entertain me even when I saw the twist coming from the beginning.

Nevertheless, this is an enjoyable read, with a great narration by Steve Wright and a neat and well-done mystery.

The End of an Era

Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson are out for an evening of entertainment, when Irene Norton suddenly collapses on stage, then the revels are then forthcoming.