The Keys of Death

By: Gretchen Altabef

Narrated by: J.T. McDaniel

The Keys of Death is Baker Street bedrock. In Gretchen Altabef’s 1880 novel, Sherlock Holmes, Doctor Watson, and Mrs. Hudson begin something great in the world.

Out of the fog, three young souls unite in their common desire for justice. A genesis story about friendship with the power to change the world. Here, finally, Mrs. Hudson’s part in it can be told.

Our cast includes Paris’s gentleman thief, Arsene Lupin, West African pirate, Félix Calabar, London’s spectacular beauty, Lily Langtry, the Imperial Theatre Orchestra, the Irregular’s, and even the Prince of Wales has a part to play in Holmes’ solution to the murder mystery. Altabef’s exploration into women’s history brings to light the immensely creative approach to freedom crafted by the ladies of the Anglo-Jewish Community.

The Keys of Death rocks the heart of Holmes’ world. With a vengeful villain to match him. The world’s first consulting detective practice is born through one man’s unshakable belief in his gifts, his courage, and especially his friends. Through every challenge, Sherlock Holmes upholds his vision of a merciful justice for our world.

©2021 Gretchen Altabef (P)2023 MX Publishing

Very enjoyable story

As a lifelong fan of Sherlock Holmes, I always found myself wondering about many of the “minor” characters who helped shape the great detective’s world. As such, I found myself delighted with author Gretchen Altabef’s novel, “The Keys of Death”, which incorporated the story of the life of Mrs. Hudson, Holmes and Watson’s long-suffering landlady. While I’m sure that Doyle had his reasons for limiting specific information about the dear lady, this story included a fun dive into her life.

The book provides an interesting take on how Holmes and Mrs. Hudson met and his move to what would become the historic Baker Street address. In true Holmesian fashion, they bond during a mystery that centers around Mrs. Hudson herself.

A theme in the mystery involving the battle against antisemitism felt an appropriate storyline for today’s world, as this battle continues to this day.

Throughout the dangers faced by Holmes, Watson, and Mrs. Hudson in “The Keys of Death”, readers see a bond forged among the trio centered on mutual respect and genuine caring. Enthusiasts of the original stories have likely noted Mrs. Hudson as a “motherly” figure who helped humanize Holmes. Altabef also demonstrated a less common, but equally viable observation that Holmes and Watson may have filled a void in Mrs. Hudson’s life, making 221 B Baker Street more than rented rooms, but a home.