Sherlock in Love

by Sena Jeter Naslund

I’ve enjoyed two of Sena Jeter Naslund’s novels: Ahab’s Wife and Abundance. When I saw Sherlock in Love on the library’s shelf, I was excited. This novel was written before the other two novels I had read, and I had no knowledge of its existence.

In Sherlock in Love, Naslund presents us with a previously unpublished Sherlock Holmes mystery. Her narrator is Watson, and she assumes his identity convincingly.

A violinist named Victor, a mad king, and magic tricks all figure into the story. But that’s not all, as the title will tell you. Sherlock Holmes falls in love. Watson, of course, handles all of this with aplomb.

I like how the author assumes the persona of Dr. Watson, but this case is sooo wacky. A more subtle case for the duo may have made for a more impressive novel. Still, I liked it.

2/3/10