Sherlock Holmes and the Man from Hell
| Industry | Publishing |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
| Products | Books |
| Website | titanbooks |
Sherlock Holmes and the Man from Hell is a 1997 Sherlock Holmes pastiche novel authored by Barrie Roberts. The character Lord Backwater, who plays a significant role, originally appeared in Arthur Conan Doyle's short story "The Noble Bachelor."
Plot
Lord Backwater, known for his philanthropic efforts, is discovered dead on his property. While law enforcement initially believes poachers are responsible for his demise, Holmes dismisses this explanation. His inquiry reveals Backwater's hidden history involving imprisonment in a penal settlement on Van Diemen's Land.
Reissue
In 2010, Titan Books republished the novel within its Further Adventures collection, which showcases distinguished Holmes pastiches.
Reception
Critics responded positively to the book. Publishers Weekly commended Roberts for skillfully merging Holmes’s intellectual and adventurous qualities. Roger Johnson from the Sherlock Holmes Society of London praised Roberts’ meticulous research and authentic replication of Watson’s storytelling voice. Following the reissue, Lenny Picker of Publishers Weekly referred to the work as a "classic pastiche."