THE CASE OF THE DISAPPEARING BEAUNE

A holiday-themed Sherlock Holmes mystery story, told in the classic style.

On Christmas morning in 1902, Dr. John Watson visits his old friend the consulting detective at 221B Baker St. to ask him to join him and his wife for Christmas dinner. Upon unwrapping a gift from Holmes—a bottle of Beaune, an elegant pinot noir—Watson discovers that the bottle’s contents have been emptied and replaced with a mysterious dark sand; the container’s also been stoppered with a handkerchief belonging to none other than the new king of England. Suspecting this to be the work of a new foe, Holmes immediately sets out to enlist the help of his brother, Mycroft, and Inspector Lestrade while keeping Watson in tow. They’re all determined to unravel the mystery—and keep the royal family from harm. Matthews published One Must Tell the Bees, another Sherlock Holmes novel, just last year. This one is written in the manner of Arthur Conan Doyle’s original tales and reads as a loving tribute, showcasing a mastery of characters and setting that indicates reverent study; for instance, narrator Watson, upon entering Holmes’ room, nostalgically describes its scent as “a unique mixture of noxious chemical vapours, the sooty fragrance of a coal fire in the grate, and the sulphurous aroma of gunpowder, with a foul hint of stale tobacco smoke.” The prose beautifully evokes Edwardian London at Christmastime, and the author makes sure that several familiar supporting characters, such as Kitty Winter and Shinwell Johnson, are present. The pacing is swift but even, with a twist at the end that’s sure to please genre fans. Most importantly, the author depicts the two main players authentically, showcasing Holmes’ quirks and Watson’s steadfast loyalty. This work isn’t treading any new ground, but fans of Doyle’s work will delight in its familiarity.

A treat for Holmes enthusiasts looking for a brisk and satisfying holiday read.