The Last Sherlock Holmes Story

By: Michael Dibdin

Narrated by: Robert Glenister

Length: 6 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher's summary

In the late seventies an extraordinary document came to light which for fifty years had been held on deposit by the bankers of the deceased John Herbert Watson MD - better known to devotees of Conan Doyle as Dr Watson.

A continuous narrative in the doctor’s own hand, the story opens in the East End of London in 1888. Three women have been savagely murdered by Jack the Ripper. To calm the public outcry, Scotland Yard approaches London’s most eminent detective, Sherlock Holmes, and asks him to investigate the mystery.

The adventures of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous detective and his faithful companion Dr Watson are given a new and thrilling treatment by Michael Dibdin.

©1978 Michael Dibdin (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

You'll Either Love it or Hate it

I won't give away the twist. All I will say is that it goes to a place pretty unexpected, maybe too unexpected for me.

Keeps you guessing, even after its finished!

Any additional comments?

The book is well written in a very Holmes-ish style that lovers of the genre will enjoy.

However, the absolute best thing about this story is that at the conclusion you are left with a decision. Do you accept the analysis and conclusion that is offered or will you consider and seek an alternative? If you read closely the reality of the twist isn't as obvious as people seem to think it is. The real question presented at the beginning and end of the novel is whether you accept Dr. Watson's version of events. Dr. Watson doesn't have all the facts and ultimately makes a decision based on what he knows, given the same information will you come to the same conclusion he did?

Its a wonderful addition to the Sherlock Holmes genre that really explores the Holmes/Watson Relationship in deeper and greater ways! I heartily recommend.

hated the ending

I think this was a very good book until the ending. I don't want to give anything away so I'll just say it was a horrible way to wrap up the story

Excellent Story

So well researched! Pulls everything together from ACD’s canon including when he tried to kill off Sherlock Holmes- with a twist!

OK

The story was good at the start. When they did the twist, I did not like it.

The Master of Mystery - Masterfully Written

Which character – as performed by Robert Glenister – was your favorite?

Dr. Watson had all the emotion, depth of understanding, humility and other pillars of character that one would want in a main character. Sherlock Holmes was also well drawn out in my mind.

Any additional comments?

While I had guessed the premise of the book early on, the ending was not something I would have guessed. I enjoyed the character development and left the book with a good feeling of accomplishment (as if I also had went on the journey with the characters). Read it!

The title is true

It is hard to give commentary on this book without also revealing spoilers. To the author's credit he opens with a warning that the story will change forever our (the reader's) perspective on Sherlock Holmes. As a Holmes purist it is a hard listen because it strays so far off the path of what we expect a Holmes story to be. Too many times the writer strains credulity that the climax is anticlimactic. I do acknowledge Mr. Didbin's creativity and Mr. Glenister's narrative skill. However, I can't recommend this book for I wish I had never listened to it. That may be brutal but it is my truth.

A travesty to Holmes’ Memory

Very well written, excellently read. However, the story turns Holmes into a monster, a lunatic. If you love Holmes and Watson, you’ll probably not love this book.

Lame story, hobbled execution

What would have made The Last Sherlock Holmes Story better?

not writing it

Would you ever listen to anything by Michael Dibdin again?

sure

How did the narrator detract from the book?

The narrator was OK, just the story was really stupid.

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

Not really.

Any additional comments?

I figured how the "mystery" would resolve from the first chapter. It was also just pointlessly gruesome.

I really hated this

it was a well-to-do story but there are certain icons you just shouldn't mess with & Sherlick is one of them. the sherlock vs. Jack the Ripper has been done. this adds nothing to that and detracts a great deal from the Canon. my advice, dont read it. you we don't be able to get evil images out of your mind and the great Sherlockian treasure will be tarnished.
really.
if u love Sherlock, DON'T read thisbook!