Martin Davies (4)

This is a work of fiction, but closely informed by what we know of the life of the naturalist Joseph Banks. The narrative flicks between the present day, as our author and his new friend Katya try to discover the whereabouts of one of Banks' own lost discoveries, and the life and times of Banks. Specifically, the novel imagines a love story between him and the shadowy figure of his known-about but unknown mistress and love of his life. I found it an absorbing and believable detective story (until the final unsatisfactory pages),as far as modern times go, and an absorbing and believable narrative as far as the 18th century story goes. Definitely worth reading.… (altro)

En el Londres Victoriano, la señora Hudson, una mujer entrada en años, astuta y eficaz, busca casa donde ella misma y su joven ayudante Flottie puedan encontrar cobijo y trabajo. El azar las llevará hasta Baker Street, donde dos solterones un tanto excéntricos buscan a alguien discreto que se haga cargo de su nuevo hogar. Muy pronto el sentido común, la inteligencia y la sagacidad de ambas las convertirán en la mano derecha de Holmes y Watson, hasta el punto de que ellas mismas resolverán el caso que se traen entre manos, un misterio procedente de Sumatra y relacionado con unos negocios muy turbios que acaban con la muerte de un hombre.… (altro)

This version of the Sherlock Holmes stories casts housekeeper Mrs. Hudson in a much more prominent role than stories in the canon. It is told by Flotsam, a poor young orphan girl, who is brought in as Mrs. Hudson's apprentice both in housekeeping and detective work.

The case begins when a man comes to Baker Street to try to hire Holmes. He tells a complex tale including a curse laid on him in Sumatra which has followed him home. He is in great fear and begs Holmes' help.

Mrs. Hudson has some doubts about the man's story and begins her own investigation among her wide variety of acquaintances in London who range from a solicitor to a boy sells vegetables in the market. While Holmes is using his brain and deductive skills, Mrs. Hudson is finding out what is really going on (and giving Holmes hints to guide him to a proper solution.)

Throughout the story are hints that Mrs. Hudson has had a long career solving problems and collecting a lot of favors. She even has a long history with a man named Fogarty who is the reason Flotsam found herself on the street, fleeing villains, before she met Mrs. Hudson. Fogarty has quite a role in this mystery which moves it from curses in Sumatra to murders in London.

I really liked the setting and the historical detail. I enjoyed this new take which gives Mrs. Hudson an enhanced role and an apprentice. It was a fun story.… (altro)